Try It Thursday: Mini Journal

Hello everyone!! Today, I would like to share with you how to make your very own mini paper journal. I am in a Crafty Valentine's Day swap and decided to make something special and new for her. So, after some thinking, I designed this idea of a small crafty journal that could fit in her handbag for her to write down ideas when they happen during her day. ☺

Supplies Needed:

1 sheet of 12 x 12 Card-stock - any color (I chose Brown)
6 sheets of 12 x 12 coordinating Scrapbook paper (you could mix it up and not coordinate - free creativity)
scissors
ruler
paper cutter (if you have one or prefer to use one)
hot glue gun
decorative tape, ribbons, or other fun flare

First, you measure your card-stock and cut a rectangle 5in high by 7in long. Then you are going to cut out two strips 4 3/4 in high by 6 3/4 in long from each scrap book piece of paper. You should have 12 total to make you inside journal papers.

Now comes the folding of your pages. You are going to fold 6 papers with print outside and 6 with the print inside. Then you put the print inside into the print outside make individual books. If you have a bone folder you can crisp up your fold edges with it. You should end up with 6 individual 'books'.

Then you stack them up, even them up and head to your sewing machine. I was able to sew my 'books' together with my sewing machine. I hand turned my wheel and did one stitch at a time and used a brand new sharp machine sewing needle. It took a touch of time and patience. So go slow if you use your machine. You can also hand sew the books together with a book binding needle and embroidery thread.

Now you need to warm up your hot glue gun. And put a bead of hot glue along the inner edges of the 'book' pages and place the card-stock around the inner pages. Making your book.

Add your final touches to the front. I added a saying and a few layers of different scrapbook paper scraps. Then topped it off with a ribbon bow and animal sticker tape. I am pretty happy with how it came together! And am very excited to send off to my Valentine's Day Swap!! I know she will be able to put it to good use!!

I do hope you give this tutorial a try!! I'd love to hear how it went, just comment below!

♥Kelly