How-to-make: Journals for every occasion

When you see an article or a picture of something you just luv – What do you do? You know what I do? I tear them out and paste them into my “Things that make me say – AHH!” journal.  I tear out décor ideas, color combinations, travel pics, home interiors, house exteriors, plants and flowers that catch my eye, items I want to buy someday… and I make notes alongside each picture, ensuring I always remember why I placed that tear sheet in my book in the first place! These are the things that make me say—Ahh!

Another great idea is a Gratitude or Memories Journal…where you jot down all that you are grateful for and maybe dedicate those thoughts to someone special.  Or you can make a holiday, recipe, gift idea, or sports, travel, quote, friendship, fashion, trend idea, school notes, color, paint chips, baking, prayer, special moments, birthday, green/energy ideas, renewed & repurposing possibilities journal. How about a road-trip journal...where you went & your favorite vacation spots, or a party journal...with meal planning ideas, actual menus, decorations, what was prepared and for what occasion, or how-to instructions and picture books, personal poetry and special thoughts, goals, and more goals! Why not make a garden journal - as gardening is SO IN nowadays...what you planted, when, what grew and what didn't and why it worked or didn't work, etc.- Whew...I think you get my drift! Right? Yeah!! I KNEW IT!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1.  One composition book… Buy it from the 99 cent store and save money, especially if you’re just going to paste magazine pictures and stuff in it. However, if you’re actually journaling and writing in your book, you may want to purchase a real composition book from a store where the lines on the pages are printed clearly…hahahaha! But, I luv the 99 cent store and have found really cool deals there!

2.  An ironed Fat Quarter from Joann’s or an 1/8 of a yard of your favorite fabric

3.  3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive (that’s super-duper Industrial strength – LOL!)

4.  Double-sided scotch tape (any size)

5.  Hot glue gun

6.  Once you know what theme or purpose your journal will have…Search for a handful of corresponding or descriptive words & decorative images to cut out from magazines or greeting cards.

7.  Gather anything you can use to embellish your cover…i.e., yummy paper scraps, pretty ribbon, old greeting cards, printouts from your computer, dried flowers and/or leaves, buttons…etc.  

Let’s get started:

Customize a slideshow

Tips:

* First iron your fabric

* Don’t forget to allow at least an inch all the way around before you cut. Darn it, I’ll just give you the measurement! Cut a rectangle approximately 17.5”x12.5” if you’re using the standard B/W composition books we all used in school… once upon a time. LOL!! 

* Read the directions on the back of the can before spraying and do this with caution because the sticky stuff can get all over the place. Make sure there is no wind in your direction or it will blow the adhesive back at you. L

 
Yeah! Your journal is almost ready! Now wrap it up or start using it!! 
Happy Journaling!!

    Cost to make: <$2.50 (includes the composition book and FAT Quarter on sale from Joann’s) Additional costs you may incur might be for the adhesive spray and the double-sided scotch tape, if you didn’t already have them at home plus any embellishments. However, the latter could simply be from recycled gift-wrap paper, old greeting cards, or old magazine tear sheets. Always –ALWAYS, look around your home for new ways to make-do with old items!!

Handmade ensures memories that last a lifetime!