Paper Covered Journal Books

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• 2 pieces of cardboard cut to the size of the book you want to make
• 15-40 pieces of paper cut to the size of the book that you want to make
• 1 Piece of decorative thick paper for cover 2 1/4" size of the book you want to make
• Embroidery thread for accent color
• Embroidery needle
• Mod Podge
• X-Acto® knife
• Metal straight edge ruler
• Sharp felting needle
• 2 clamps
• 3-hole punch

DIRECTIONS:

1. Find a clean flat surface to work.
2. Cover the cardboard with Mod Podge using the flat brush to apply the glue.
3. Wrap each piece of cardboard with the paper, making sure to line up any patterns to the edges of the cardboard. Using the edge of brush, apply glue to the edges of the cardboard and apply glue to the flap of the remaining paper. Fold edges wrapping the piece of cardboard. Try not to smear the glue onto the exposed cardboard. Using your X-Acto knife and metal straight edge, cut a clean straight edge and remove any extra paper. Let them dry.
4. On a piece of paper with pencil and straight edge rule create the design you want your embroidery binding to be. There are simple patterns on the internet available for free. Make sure you also create with that pattern where you will be punching the holes for the content pages.
5. Stack your content paper and punch the holes through the entire pile of content paper. You might have to punch the holes in smaller groups of paper, but make sure they line up when all stacked together.
6. Lay your paper binding design pattern right on top of the front cover paper covered cover and backing paper covered board. Using the felting needle punch through the holes that you have designed on the covers.
7. Once you have created all of the holes, stack the front paper covered cardboard, then paper content, then back paper covered cardboard and clamp together.
8. Using your embroidery needle and embroidery thread create your binding design. Tie off your knots on the inside fold of the pages near the end of the journal. Cut off ends of thread and tuck into the seam.

JOANN HACKS:

• If you choose to have your design wrap the top and bottoms of the books on the sides, make sure you cut a groove on the inside of the front cover right in front of where the embroidery design stops BEFORE you start to bind the book together or you won't be able to open the journal book once it is completed. It needs to hinge open before you create your book to have the design wrap the top and bottom of the book.