Memories are even more special when you write them in a journal you made yourself. It is also a precious gift to others for their journey through life. Learn how to make your own memorable journal.
Instructions for Memorable Journal
Last week we covered the distressing process is detail, but let’s do a quick recap. Crush White Corn was sponged with Tim Holtz’s inks and then embossed with Craftwell Cabbage Rose. An ink pad was run over the top and colored pencils were used to outline and highlight the colors. Wax paper was then ironed on to spread the color pencils and work them into the paper. The full sheet is used for the cover.
Plike is a coated paper with a rich color and a heartiness that allows it to be used for something that is constantly used and reused. Add 2 sheets of Blue to the inside of the distressed White Corn so the cover will be resilient. Score 2 sheets the same: at 3.25-inch and 5.5-inch from that, leaving 2.25-inch, for a total of 11-inch. At the 5.5-inch score line ( the middle ) score 1/8-inch on each side a couple of times so it will be flexible at the bend. Do the same on the distressed White Corn, at 5.5-inch, Refer to the photos. Add ScoreTape and overlap the papers at the center so where it is bent it has 3 pieces of paper, all scored 5 times and flexed. Seal the flaps and add brads, covering the tips with glitter tape.
The cover for the journal itself is Curious Skin Indigo with a decorative die cut used on the front, one of the Triple Gemini Dies from Sue Wilson. Stardream Metallics Bluebell, is used for the inside of the Indigo. Curious Skin is matte finish, ultra smooth and a wonderful match for the Plike Blue. Stardream Metallics is a metallic pearlescent finish that glows. The writing pages are Translucent Vellum in Platinum, a soft blush. CT Vellum is unsurpassed in its clarity and laser printed. It is recyclable, biodegradable, acid free, lignin and chlorine free, so your memories are preserved for a very long time. Before folding, the removable journal is 9.5-inch x 7-inch, with the Indigo being .5-inch less, the easier to slip into the binder flap. There are 11 pages of Vellum; cut them to 6.75-inch tall x 9.5-inch wide, then fold in the middle and trim by hand. There are 11 holes punched in the middle of the fold using 2-inch T Pins to make the holes and left in place to keep the paper from slipping. As you pull out the pins one at a time, push 1/8-inch ribbon through the hole. Place a long piece down the outside of the spine and push the ribbon through from the inside. Any needle with a big hole would work, that was done with a tiny embossing tool and a pin tool to pull it. Push a loop through, thread the long piece of ribbon through it, pulling it, but not too tight. It is the same stitch your sewing machine does, with the long ribbon being the bobbin. At the end, make a bow and glue it.
Add a folded strip on the back; tape and glue some ribbon inside to hold the journal shut. Decorate it with your favorite cut outs, toss in a bookmark and gift it, or make your own memories into a keepsake. Add a bookmark and enjoy.
Materials for Memorable Journal
- Crush
- White Corn
- Curious Skin (If Curious Skin is not available please check out our “Shop Color” Tab.)
- Indigo
- Plike
- Blue
- Stardream Metallic
- Bluebell
- Translucent Vellum
- Platinum
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