An easy step-by-step tutorial on how to make a unique and personalize journal.
Journaling is a great way to collect memorabilia, records your thoughts and feelings, document art ideas, and so on. It is also a way to help you rediscover yourself. And in a few months or years, it’s nice to revisit and evaluate yourself how you’ve improved since you write that journal.
There are ready-made journals you can purchase but it is also great to make it from scratch. Making it will give you the option to create a size that you want and even choose the colour scheme and design.
You can search different DIY journal tutorials online, from super easy to advance. In this tutorial I’ll show you a straightforward step-by-step guide on how to make a journal.
DIY Journal
**NOTE: This is an updated blog post with a video that I recently uploaded on our YouTube channel. Thus, the journal that appeared in the video is different from the picture below.
You’ll need:
Awl
Thread
Xacto Knife / Cutter
Pencil
Metal Ruler
Cutting Mat
Thread
Needle
Cardstock for cover I used my watercolour art painted in a 140lb Strathmore Watercolor Paper. While in the video, I used vellum print from MultiCraft.
Paper. It depends on your purpose. If you are planning to only write and draw using a pen or pencil in your journal, then a regular bond paper is fine. But if you are planning to do an art journal, I suggest using a cardstock, watercolour paper or a paper suitable for mixed media art.
2. Cut papers, the same size as the cover. I used 5 pieces of paper, which makes 10 leaves of paper inside my mini jotter.
3. Fold the paper inserts in half. Check the photo for the direction of folding the paper.
4. Using a pencil, mark where you will poke a hole for the thread to bind the papers. I scored a half-inch distance.
5. Clip the papers and cover together, making sure that edges are aligned.
6. Slowly poke a hole using the awl in both sides (paper down to cover, then turn it around and poke holes from the cover to inside).
7. Do a basic stitch, running thread from the first hole to the last hole, then going back to the beginning and tie the string. (the picture above shows a black waxed thread, but I realized the thread is too big for needle’s eye, so I ended up using an embroidery thread).
8. Fold the paper individually. Use a Xacto knife and metal ruler to cut and align the paper inserts and the cover.
9. Put some binder clip around it and put you mini jotter under heavy objects to flatten it.
One option is to use a stapler to bind the center. But if you prefer stitching, like what I have shown here, you can lightly wax the thread with beeswax. It can provide lubrication and make the sewing easier.
That’s it! It’s super easy and a very practical way to start journaling. Don’t forget to pin if you like this post.
Also, you can check my blog post about my favourite tools to start journaling. And you can find my journal entries on my Instagram and journal video playlist on my YouTube Channel.
