Gather some different papers together... size doesn't matter
Give them a wash of white (both sides). Don't be too neat! Do it willy nilly.
Add some splotches of colour.
Add some interest to the pages. Don't go crazy embellishing at this point... just add a touch of this and a dash of that. Doodling on them while watching tv is great because it helps to take the focus away from making them 'pretty'.
Cut (I prefer to tear with a ruler) your pages into small, similar sized pieces and put them in stacks of about 4 or 5. These ones measure about 4" x 2.5"
Fold the pages together and create a good crease.
Punch holes in your pages... I do this by eye because I'm crap at measuring and it will end up wonky anyway. I use a teeny Martha Stewart hole punch but you could use an awl or a nail.
To make a thicker book I put two or three folded stacks together, using a punched page as a template for the other stacks.
Cut your cover material slightly larger than your folded page size. If you are using leather or something rather thick for a cover, use your pages as a guide to punch holes that align with your pages. If you are using fabric you can skip the holes since you can just stitch right through.
Now, using a needle and thread, sew the cover to the book using the holes that you punched. Experiment with different ways to string them all together.
At this point I trim the edges of my covers so that everything looks almost straight. Like I said, I'm a terror when it comes to measuring and working so small, it really shows when you're off... which I always am
Depending on your material... beware of fraying (unless you like that sort of thing.)
Now embellish to your hearts content!
The journals made for this tute will be hidden around my town for strangers to find
***Please remember the spirit in which this is shared. Make as many journals as you like for yourself, for swapping, trading, gifts and especially hiding for strangers to find. But please, please don't sell them without adding your own special flair. These should be a springboard of inspiriation, not copy cat central.***
