Journal Tutorial

Materials/Supplies needed:

- Paper Pad- ordinary paper pad will do; they have gridlines for easy writing
- Some scrap papers- Stash you have been hoarding
- O-Wire- mine is 3/4 inch in size
- Bind-It-All - If you don’t have it, you can sew your pages or use some bind rings
- Elastic band - this is for the closure
- Sturdy cardstock or cardboard

Step-by-step instructions:
1) Gather your materials. I intend to make this a simpler journalling notebook so my pages comprise most of paper pad. I get some leftover papers and try to arrange them in between the paper pad. By the sizes of your scrap papers, decide the size of the pages of your notebook. Mine is 5x7 inches.

2) Cut your pages into desired size. I recommend using random/smaller pieces of your scrap to add texture on your pages.

3) Decide on how to arrange your pages. I decided to use my BIA to punch holes through the pages.

4) Bind your pages together. If you want your notebook to look more random, add some pieces from your leftover stash. Here are some ideas on what you can add;
a. Small cards - journalling cards, speech bubbles and the likes
b. Random bits - like alphabet flash cards or playing cards
c. ATCs
d. Envelopes
e. Tags
f. Transparencies/Overlays

5) Once you’ve decided on the arrangement of your pages, bind your pages together. For this, I use a 3/4 inch Zutter O-wire.
6) Embellish your cover and pages.
Some tips on how to embellish your notebook:
a. If you want to journal with it, add some white pages or maybe some quotes. You may want to use embellishments that are not so bulky.
b. Grab those smaller pieces from your scraps and accent each of your pages.
c. Use some old rub-ons to jazz up your pages
d. Decorate cover by painting or masking
e. Use some vintage items you have. In one of my notebooks done in the past, I used an old page of dictionary, cut the reflection word definition and add it to my front page
f. Be creative, use something you find unique. I used a hemp twine to add interest on my notebook
g. Small flowers and buttons are always fabulous.
h. Use some brads
i. Stamp your pages

7) Here’s a way of making a closure for the journal. Punch holes on the back cover. Decide how you want to position your eyelets. These holes are used to hold your elastic band in place. I punched it in the center, just by eye balling it. If you can see I punched three holes. I made a mistake. lol! So be careful and think first.
8) After punching the holes, insert the band and the eyelet. Ensure that before you set the eyelet, the band will be locked and set with the eyelet. Do check the length of your band, ensure it’s not too tight as you don't want it to distort your journal. Give enough allowance as your journal might become bulky in future.

9) After setting the eyelets and band, check if it is firmly attached and try to close the notebook with the band. For a cleaner look, cut a piece of card stock or pattern paper to hide the eyelet and the ends of the band. This will also help to keep the band firmly stay in place.

And here’s the finished product!!

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