Travel Journal
Hi, everyone, Rebecca (reboscraps) here to share with you a simple journal idea that I’ve been using this year. I am going on a 2-week trip to London, England next month, and I am getting really excited! I wanted to create a small “journal” I could take with me to just jot down little notes during my trip. I don’t plan to write long entries, just notes here and there.
I chose a size of 3″ x 5″, partly because it’s compact to tuck in my suitcase, and partly because I have literally HUNDREDS of 3″x5″ index cards left over from grad school a few years ago. Cards already cut to size make for quicker assembly.
Ready to find out more? Here’s what I used to put together this project:
- 3″ x 5″ index cards (available at any office supply store)
- standard single hole-punch
- two 3″ x 5″ pieces of chipboard, plus optional scrap piece
- large ring (from the office supply store)
- Mod-Podge (as I said aloud while creating today, “You know it’s a good day when the Mod-Podge is out!”)
- Stampin’ Up! Stampin’ Write Markers in “Espresso” and “Midnight Muse”
Also, of course I had to use some fun digi goodies from The Digichick! Since this is all about my upcoming trip, I used:
My process for projects like this is pretty simple. In photoshop, I open a canvas in my finished size, in this case 3″ x 5″. I created a front cover design by mixing and matching papers and alphas:
Then, I created four different journal page styles. I used the fun date tabs from the kit (you can see them in the preview above as “Day 1″, etc.) for my pages, and repeated page designs throughout the project. This means, for example, that Days 2, 6, and 10 are the same design with different dates. I also set up some 3″ x 5″ rectangles of papers from the kit, which I’ll use on the inside and back covers.
Once I have everything designed, I export each journal page to a JPG file. Then, I set up multiple JPGs on a letter-size (8.5″ x 11″) sheet, so it’s easy to print. Here’s what my print file looked like:
You’ll notice that I’ve split my cover into two different pieces for printing. When I assemble this, I’ll glue the “London” piece on to a second piece of chip board and then glue that on the cover, which adds some extra dimension.
From here it’s easy! Cut the journal pieces apart. For the covers, I used markers to color the edges of the chipboard. This isn’t necessary if you like the unfinished chip board, but I prefer it colored. Glue the cover designs on to the chip board with Mod-Podge, and layer any extra pieces if you like.
Punch a hole in the corner of the cover piece, then use that as a guide for the remaining pieces so everything lines up neatly. Punch holes in some extra 3″ x 5″ cards to make extra pages for the journal.
Then the finishing touch – lots and lots of ribbon! This is a fun way to use up ribbon scraps. I used pieces that were about 4-6 inches long. Just tie them on the ring – I love to add LOTS of ribbon – and it adds a fun touch to the finished project!
Happy crafting! I’ll be back on the blog in April, after my big trip!
Other Articles by ReboScraps:
- One Little Word Banner - May 22nd, 2013
- Paper Roses Ornament - January 23rd, 2013
- Candle Wrappers - December 13th, 2012
- Holiday Place Cards and Napkin Rings - November 16th, 2012
- More Sweet Treats! - October 23rd, 2012
