Creating a handmade love book is a beautiful way to express love—whether as a Valentine’s Day gift for someone special or as a self-love affirmation for yourself.
In this tutorial, I’ll guide you step by step through the process of transforming an A3 sheet of paper into a heartfelt zine journal, using collage, paint, mark-making, and fabric embellishments.
This project is layered with meaning and texture, featuring hidden pockets with handmade tags, stitched fabric scraps, and expressive love quotes. The cover design includes a handcrafted golden heart for a finishing touch.
Follow along and create your own love book—a keepsake filled with creativity and devotion.
MATERIALS YOU NEED
- A3 sketchbook paper
- Collage materials (magazine pages, book pages, music sheets, vintage papers, etc.)
- Acrylic paints
- Watercolors
- White gesso
- Heart-shaped stencil or cutout
- Mark-making tools (pens, pencils, brushes, palette knife, etc.)
- Fabric scraps and vintage ephemera
- Glue and sewing supplies (needle and thread)
- Tags for journaling pockets (I used pink tags from this tutorial – watch it here)
- Cardboard, POP (Plaster of Paris) bandage, and gold paint (for the cover heart)
- Charms (for embellishment)
If you enjoy experimenting with mixed media techniques like me, I have a collection of creative projects for you! From abstract mark making to textured collages and art journaling, explore a variety of tutorials that will spark your creativity.
Step-by-step: Abstract Mark-Making to Tags
Step 1: Start with Collage
Begin with an A3 sketchbook paper as your base. Use collage materials like old book pages, music sheets, patterned paper, and vintage scraps to build the foundation of your journal. Arrange the pieces intuitively and glue them down securely. The collage will add depth and texture to your artwork.
Step 2: Add a Layer of Acrylic Paint
Once the collage is dry, apply acrylic paint over it. Use a palette knife or brush to spread the paint loosely, allowing some of the collage elements to peek through. You can use soft, romantic shades or bold contrasts—whatever speaks to your vision of love.
Step 3: Enhance with Watercolor
After the acrylic layer dries, apply watercolors to add fluidity and richness. Let the colors blend organically into the textured surface. Watercolors seep into the creases of the paper and reveal the layers beneath, adding depth and dimension.
Step 4: Add More Collage Elements
Revisit your collage by adding more paper elements, layering them strategically where extra interest is needed. This step creates variations in texture and focal points.
Use pens, pencils, brushes, or other mark-making tools to create abstract lines, doodles, and expressive details. This step adds a personal touch and enhances the organic feel of your journal.
Step 5: Stencil with White Gesso
Introduce white gesso through a stencil to create interesting patterns and contrast. Use a heart stencil or any meaningful design to reinforce the Valentine’s theme. The gesso will brighten up areas and unify the layers.
Step 6 - Negative Stenciling with a Heart Cutout
For a unique effect, do some negative stenciling: place a heart-shaped cutout on the surface and paint around it, leaving a heart-shaped void in the design. This creates contrast and a layered visual effect.
Step 7 - Fold the Paper into a Zine Journal
Once your master sheet is complete and dry, fold it into a four-page zine journal. You can follow a simple zine-folding method:
- Fold the A3 sheet in half lengthwise.
- Fold it in half widthwise, then in half again, creating eight equal sections.
- Make a single cut along the center fold and refold it into a booklet shape.
- Glue the edges to create four top-loading pockets.
These pockets are perfect for inserting handwritten messages, making this journal even more meaningful!
Step 8 - Embellish the Pages
Now, personalize your pages with fabric scraps, vintage paper bits, and decorative clusters. You can stitch fabric pieces for added texture or glue them directly onto the pages.
Step 9 - Add Focal Words and Quotes
Each page will have a love-themed quote or phrase as its focal point. Print or handwrite words like:
- “Asks for nothing, for it is already whole.”
- “Love does not come and go, it simply is.”
- “You are love itself.”
Attach these words onto clusters of fabric, paper, and embellishments to make them stand out.
Step 10 - Insert the Handmade Pink Tags
Scribble with pastels – Introduce soft pastels, colored pencils for extra pops of color.
Step 11 - Create the Cover with a Golden Heart
For the cover, craft a raised golden heart using:
- A cardboard cutout
- A POP bandage wrap for texture
- Gold paint for an elegant touch
- A charm for embellishment
This dimensional heart adds a special finishing touch to your love book, making it feel precious and symbolic.
Your DIY love book is now complete! This project is a perfect Valentine’s Day gift, a meaningful keepsake, or an affirmation of self-love. The combination of collage, paint, texture, and heartfelt words makes it a one-of-a-kind journal that carries deep personal meaning.
✨ Want to see the entire process in action? Watch my step-by-step tutorial here: YouTube Video Link
✨ Check out my previous tutorial on how to make the pink tags here: Pink Tag Tutorial
Give this love book to someone special or keep it as a reminder of your own love and wholeness.
Happy creating!
Video:
Want to see the entire process in action? Watch my step-by-step tutorial here:
