journal – Try It – Like It

DIY Small Journal

A simple stitched binding and a matching dangle add the perfect handmade touch to this little journal.

This small journal was inspired by the beautiful texture and character of the handmade paper used for the cover, allowing the natural fibers, subtle imperfections, and organic feel to guide the overall design. I chose to fill it with blank paper but you could add a variety of different papers if you desire.

The binding is a simple sewing stitch, keeping the construction easy and flexible. I also like to add a small decorative detail to the front of my journals to clearly indicate the front from the back. For this one, I also added a dangle that coordinates with the color of the handmade paper, giving it a subtle finishing touch while tying the whole piece together.

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other #REF! #REF!

Dollar Tree
Shop at:
O

Glassboard
Shop at:
AZ | O

Glue Bottles
Shop at:
AZ

Pearl Cotton
Shop at:
AZ

Sewing Clips
Shop at:
AZ | O

Zig Adhesive
Shop at:
AZ

Journaling Cards

I hope you find these year end journaling card useful to document your memories.

This week’s free printable is a set of journaling cards designed to help you document memories from the past year. Use all of the cards or just a few—each one can be written on both the front and back. Add them to your journal, tuck them into a special envelope, or simply use them as a quiet way to reflect on your memories.

Grab the free PDF file: [journaling cards.pdf]

If you are looking for a great crafting-weight paper for printables, I have been using HP Project Paper. It is heavier than copier paper but not quite as heavy as cardstock. It is a great medium weight for layering, folding, and more!

My go-to printer brand for years has been HP. I also use their ink supply service where I pay a monthly fee and they send me ink cartridges as needed. It comes out to be a lot less money this way and I don’t have to keep track because they do all the tracking for me. The HP Envy Inspire is a great-priced machine that will produce beautiful prints.

Bookmaking

Tab bookbinding with a collaged cover.

with Collaged Cover

A few years ago I attended a bookbinding retreat at Penland. To this day, I still rely on the techniques I learned. This sweet little journal has a tab binding. The nice thing about a tab binding is that you can make the book as many pages as desired. I began making the cover papers using book pages and collaged them together.

You might be surprised to learn that I used children’s tempera and liquid watercolor. Applying the paints in a similar fashion to working on a Gelli plate. After the first layer of paint, different paint was applied with a stencil. Finally, stamped images were added.

After the paint dried, I cut the pages into different sizes. They were then used to collage onto chipboard for the covers. The entire process from painting pages to bookbinding is better viewed in the video tutorial.