This post is rather fitting as I’ve just started a creative writing course with Tammy Strobel @ Rowdy Kittens. She recommends that we use a journal throughout the course to help with the writing process.
My process for this was roughly like so: I saw Tammy’s post on Facebook, and how she loves new journals. Then I thought how nice would it be if it was a custom design. This led me to Etsy to explore handmade journals. One of the sellers mentioned coptic stitch as a binding method, so I looked it up. I found this great tutorial and thought “I could totally do that!”
So, I set about making a practice journal, just to get the hang of the binding. I must say I’m pretty happy with the result, considering the materials were things I had around the house, that I had saved for crafting. This journal cost me zero pennies to make, and I’m very pleased with it. The design on the front is a sketch of this wallpaper. I used my trusty Crayola colouring pencils to colour it in!
This journal is now home to new blog ideas. I will definitely be making more, as the coptic stitch binding is very satisfying and nice to look at, too. I'll admit this isn't entirely made from to-be-waste, but it has turned an otherwise drab notebook, and old card dividers into something special!
What do you think?
Linda, this is just lovely and I am so pleased you are in the writing group. Louise
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your journal. It's so beautiful. I'm going to give this a try. Thanks for the inspiration. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Louise, thank you! Aww, I'm pleased that you're in it too! Looking forward to connecting over our writing! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Tammy! Awesome, let me know how it goes! One thing I didn't include in the photos, but is listed in the tutorial, is cardboard for the covers (which I then covered in lighter card). There are endless possibilities for these :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra, and thanks for stopping by! :)
ReplyDeleteHi there Linda,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to thank you for visiting my DesignBreak and... to tell you that I love your DIY!
Sending your way a sunny smile,
Einat
Very creative! A nice personal touch for your journal.
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic. So clever and so pretty. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you Einat! and thanks for stopping by! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Linda, thank you! I'm looking forward to making more of these, it was really fun! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteHello, and thanks for popping in! glad to connect with you in the writing group. Thanks for the kind words, I really enjoyed making it and will be making more at some point.
ReplyDeleteGlad my tutorial could help you out - you did a fabulous job - yay!
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda! it's a great tutorial. Have just finished binding another journal! Love the technique. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDelete