warmhotchocolate

DIY: Handmade Journal

I took a bookbinding class yesterday at my local Paper Source store and picked up a few new techniques for making journals, one of which is super easy so I thought I’d share.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• A stack of notebook, plain or graph paper cut to the size of your journal
• A piece of cardboard cut to the size of your journal
• A piece of decorative paper for the cover
• PVA glue
• A rubber band
• A couple of large clips for securing your paper

Step 1: Create Your Stack

Organize the notebook (or in my case graph) paper and cardboard backing into a nice, even stack. Place a rubber band around it.

Step 2: Glue It

Holding the paper so that it stays in an even stack, bend the stack slightly so that the (spine) edge fans out a tiny bit. Apply the glue to this end. Secure your stack with two clips and let it dry.

Step 3: Add the Cover

Cut your decorative paper to cover the full front of your stack, the spine and about 1 inch of the back (cardboard side). Once the stack is dry, take your decorative paper and fold it over the stack to make folds in the paper. This will provide a guide for where to place the glue. Remove the paper from the stack and place glue only on the part that will cover the back and spine. Carefully place this on your stack and use a bone folder to smooth it out.

Step 4: Decorate It (Optional)

You can also decorate the cover. I chose a cupcake cut-out for mine.