Mini Journals
Today’s project was really fun to do. When I told my daughter we were making these as party favors to give to her friends, she couldn’t wait to help me make them. They make for great gifts, as well as just making a few to toss into your purse to jot down notes. So let’s gather our supplies and get started.
Supplies:
- Fairytale Dreams by Mari Koegelenberg
- Trimmer
- Scissors
- Brads
- Adhesive
- Paper Piercer and Hammer
To make the journals I created a 6″ x 4.5″ template as well as a 1″ x 4.5″ strip to go along the edge. I made a matching strip to use as my band around the journal too. To make the pages for the inside of the journal, I used a sheet of copy paper. You will fold the sheet in half 3 times. This will create 8 “boxes” – cut along the folded lines. Each of my journals has 12 sheets so I used a sheet and a half of paper per journal.
Once you have the sheets ready, it’s time to put the journal together. Cut out the template and the strip. Fold the strip in half lengthwise. The 6″ x 4.5″ template in folded in half will make the book. Insert the sheets inside the journal and add the strip to the outside. Now to secure it all, you will need a piercing tool. *Note: If you are a sewing guru, you can just run a stitch along the edge and it will be secure.
I pierced my paper in three different places. I’m not certain of the measurements as I was using my board to help me get even spacing. Once your journal is pierced, insert your brads and secure the back.
This is what your completed journal should look like. The next thing I did was make a paper flower to go around the outside. For this, I made a 4″ circle in Photoshop. I wasn’t worried about cutting out my circle perfectly. In fact, I had my nine year old daughter cut the circles out for me.
You will then cut your circle creating spokes. Be sure to cut your spokes wide enough for a brad to fit through.
Next, flip your circle over and bring all the spokes to the center. You will now take your paper piercer again and pierce all the way through the flower, making sure to get all the spokes.
Insert your brad through the flower and secure it.
To fininsh the journal, I took the second strip and cut it in half lengthwise to create a band to go around the journal and then I adhered the flower to the band to be in front of the journal.
Other Articles by Christy:
- Flip Flop Card - June 13th, 2012
- Tootsie Treat Box - May 7th, 2012
- Pretty Spring Mobile - April 16th, 2012
- Easy as 1, 2, 3! - February 22nd, 2012
- Hybrid Home Decor - January 18th, 2012
