I occasionally visit my local library to write and check out the free classes they offer on different crafts. I was intrigued by the “Handmade Journal” class they advertised, so I signed up and attended last week. I was very excited to learn how to actually make a journal to use as a diary, sketch book, or small scrapbook. The class had 12 students, both young adults (ages 12 and up) and adults (mostly parents).
I was a little apprehensive at first because I am not very crafty, but I enjoy crafts and making things. The instructors had all the supplies ready and explained everything step by step. This particular handmade journal was “sewing-over-tape”. When I heard sewing was involved, I got a little nervous. The only thing I can sew is a button (I did not acquire my mother’s talent for sewing, she was a great seamstress). However, I surprised myself and did not do too bad after all. The finished size of the handmade journal was 4 ¼” x 5 ½”, you can see the finished product in the pictures above.
This class gave me the idea to make handmade books/journals as gifts for my family and friends and use my poems, pictures, quotes or stories to fill the pages. I feel I would be sharing a part of me with the special people in my life. There are many other handmade books and journals you can make besides the one I did, so I am looking forward to making others on my own. It was very rewarding for me to make this journal because in addition to creating words, I now know how to create the book to put them in. Who says that being a writer only limits you to write?
-Bookcraft by Heather Weston
-Non-Adhesive Binding, Vol. I: Books Without Paste or Glue, by Keith A. Smith
-Expressive Handmade Books, by Alisa Golden
-Cover To Cover: Creative Techniques For Making Beautiful Books, journals, and albums, by Shereen LaPlantz
-Bookbinding: A Manual Of Techniques, by Pamela Richmond
“Sewing onto tapes” method
(***This is similar to the book/journal I made***)
http://www.csparks.com/Bookbinding/index.xhtml
The Crafts Connection: Instructions for making a one signature hand bound book
http://www.papergoods.com/bookmaking.shtml
How to make a simple hardcover book
http://www.mothteeth.com/bookmaking
How to make a “zine” (a small, folded book)
http://www.instructables.com/id/how-to-make-a-zine/?ALLSTEPS
Bind It Fast – Make blank books, sketch books or repair paperback books with this technique
http://www.sff.net/people/Brook.West/bind/bindit.html
What writing related things have you made?
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10 comments:
How cool! I love that you made your own journal. It will always be special because of the care you took in making it. Just think how your kids will treasure this journal when you pass it down to them someday. Beautiful memories of years and years of creativity for everyone to enjoy!
That looks very beautiful, Ana. I always thought this would be a very difficult thing to make by yourself. So are very crafty.
Hiya Ana
The journal looks fantastic and it seems like you really enjoyed yourself.
I like to keep a personal journal as something which I hope to be able to keep and perhaps pass on and love the idea of taking personal thoughts and words further, in a personally made journal.
Great stuff.
@septembermom and lori
Thank you. I think we can do just about anything we set our minds to do and have fun at the same time.
@Chung Nguyen-Le
Thank you for visiting my blog.
I did have a lot of fun making this journal. I was like "wow" I actually made this! I think anything you make yourself is special because it has that much more meaning to the people you might give it to.
I love this idea! Very pretty. What I do to personalize my journals is buy a blank sketchbook (spiral or sewn) and then collage the cover to express a particular theme. I also go right through the book and make mini-collages of word/picture combinations in advance so I always have something to write about. I can't wait to see what you make next!
@Valerie
I love these ideas! I had not thought about doing it this way too. Thank you for sharing. I guess the possibilities are endless.
I honestly have no interest in making one myself, but I still thank you for posting this as this is something my wife will like to look at. And hey, maybe if she decides to take this up, I'll get some neat writing journals! :-D
nice!
thanks, Ana!
You made me laugh because whenever I want to attend a craft class the first question I ask is, "Is there any sewing involved?" You did a beautiful job on this. I'm jealous. :)
"What writing related things have you made?" I actually used to decorate, doodle on, mark all over and journal in my Franklin planner. I figured if I was using it as a calendar, it might as well double as a journal.
@Eric
That is an idea, let your wife do the work....LOL I guess she will know what gift to get you from now on... :)
@Randi
I never thought of doing that when I had a Day-timer planner. I think any way you can be creative is great. I am sure you can do a great journal too. Let me know if you do or do a blog post if you create one.
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