This free and very fun class will teach you how to create a bound journal that lies flat with fold-out pages using inexpensive materials and, even better- paper that is free!
Here's a look at the type of journal we'll be making:
This particular example is very slim in thickness. You will be able to make your journal as thick or thin as you like. The number of folios (paper folded in half to form pages are called folios) and the number of signatures (folios either singly or stacked together along the crease, form a signature) to suit your needs and preferences. The book will lie flat for easy use regardless of thickness.
This project combines several techniques from my fourth book, Creative Wildfire. Examples of the book and the flaps can be see on pages 6, 30, 46, and 47. The page painting technique can be found beginning on page 32, and the binding technique can be found beginning on page 20.
I want to stress that YOU DO NOT NEED THE BOOK to take class, get the most out of the class, understand the class, enjoy the class. I have all the techniques videotaped for you. If you do have the book, you may find making notes in the book margins helpful for future reference.
First, let me show you the Free Paper we'll be using:
Yes, these fold-out paint brochures, free for you to take at the hardware store, will serve as the paper for our pages!
Begin here with the introductory video:
Here's a supply list for the class:
Supplies For Making the Journal:
- 5 or more tri-fold or quad-fold paint brochures from the hardware store
- leather or cord laces
- waxed linen thread, or waxed dental floss
- a large eyed needle (like an embroidery needle)
- ruler
- scissors
- gesso
- a bookbinding awl, ceramic needle tool, T-pin or even a push pin (for making the sewing holes)
Supplies For Painting the Pages:
(the pages are painted before the journal is bound, but you can choose not to paint your surfaces with this technique.)
- heavy body acrylic paint (the kind that comes in tubes)
- lots of newspapers
- a spray bottle of water
- a bucket of water
- an apron
- several old plastic gift/credit/reward cards
- paper towels
Step 1: Painting The Pages
Typically I paint my pages BEFORE I bind them into a journal. To see my hands-down, all-time-favorite techniques for applying paint to a paper surface, go here. You will find FOUR videos stepping out my favorite painting techniques.
Consider this to be the first step: Are you painting your pages ahead of time, or no? A huge advantage of doing this is eliminating the "blank page syndrome" that afflicts many of us. Faced with a blank white page, we are reluctant to make any marks for fear of "ruining" the page.
Book binding tools:
The type of stitch used in this blank journal is the seed pearl stitch.
There are several videos in this series. The first video is on the types of laces or cords that can be used.
The stitch used is called the seed pearl stitch.
You can access a set of videos demonstrating this stitch here.
This is all you need to create the above style of journal!! If you make one, let me know- I'd love to see photos!
