Make Your Own Sweet Mini Journal

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Hello Friends, today I want to share with you how to make your own sweet mini journal! They are easy to make, fun and very pretty! You could make one for your sketches or one for your photos, notes or for inspiration, whatever you like! And you can cover it in your favourite fabric! Sorry I haven't posted it earlier but to cut a long story short, my laptop is not working so everything took 100 times longer! Anyway, if you would like to learn how to make your own delightful mini journal from scratch follow these steps.The materials will need are:

• 20 Pieces of plain Paper {A4}
• Sharp Cutting Scissors
• Large clip holder
• Thick cardboard {e.g. Similar to that found on the back of sketch pads}
• Strong Glue like UHU {all purpose adhesive clear glue}
• Sewing Machine
• Fabric & Decorations
• Paint Brush
• A pencil

1. With the large clip, hold together the 20 pieces of plain paper and measure out the width to 15cm. Draw a line (as shown above) and neatly cut out following the drawn line. 2. Fold all the cut paper together in half, NOT individually. Then use one of the sheets to measure out 3 shapes onto the thick card. Two rectangles measuring (h)16.5cm x (w)12cm, for the back and front of the journal and then another measuring (w)1cm x (h) 16.5cm for the binding. 3. With sharp scissors cut the thick cardboard shapes out. 4. Sew together the 20 folded sheets of paper following the crease line down the middle and secure the ends. Put to one side.5.Pick your cover fabric and decorations. 6.Cut your fabric approx 2-3cms bigger around all 4 sides than your cardboard pieces when laid out correctly (as shown in above picture). 7. Brush the strong adhesive glue onto the back of the cardboard shapes and then stick onto the back of your fabric. Glue on one rectangle first then your binding leaving a 4mm gap between each rectangle. Then glue on the second rectangle. 8.Use a thin side of a ruler to press down so the fabric sticks to the cardboard and gets rid of any bumps.9.Add extra glue if fabric has not held. 10.Cut away the corners of the fabric to make flaps. Also cut flaps of fabric for the top and bottom part of the binding, but do not cut the fabric away. 11. As shown above glue down the flaps neatly in the inside of the journal using a ruler to press down any trapped air bubbles so the finished look is tidy. 12.Cut a piece of elastic measuring 15cm. Glue the ends down on the inside of the back of the journal. One end at the top and one end at the bottom as shown above.13. Brush on a good amount of glue to the cardboard binding and stick the binding of your paper booklet in the middle of it.14. Glue the inside front and back of the journal and press down the first page and the last page of the paper booklet onto the cardboard. Make sure the paper at the end of the journal is glued over the ends of the elastic. 15.Press down the glued paper with the side of a ruler. If the binding of the paper booklet starts to break as it is fragile simply glue down and it will stay in place.16. Decorate the front of your cute journal with decorations and hold it together with the elastic.Enjoy. Sketch, write notes, stick in inspirational magazine cut outs or make your own handmade journal just for your favourite 2012 photos. It's up to you. I love this journal and I think it's so cool that you can make your own with a bit of time and determination. You can make them all different sizes and give them such unique looks! I can't wait to fill mine with fun things! Much Love, Becky ox