This was a fun project!  I started out with the stripes of color, and then added in the flowers.  I wasn't sure about the flowers, and thought I "ruined" the cover, but after I added in the leaves and stems, it all really came together.  You might not be able to see, but the ivory and light green are pearl gouache and it gives the cover a really cool effect!  I used gouache for the cover and I think I might make this my "Gouache Journal" and use it to experiment with my huge selection of gouache paints!