Making a New Journal

I purchased this book at Dollarama some time ago for $3.00. It’s part of an urban fantasy series for ages 10-13 year olds but none of that really mattered to me because I planned to deconstruct it, alter the cover with fabric and turn it into a junk journal. It’s a nice small size, 7 ½ inches by 5 inches with a 1 inch spine. I wish now that I had purchased more of them at the time, but hindsight is always 20/20, isn’t it?

First task was to remove the text block, then cut out any images I might want to use and harvest words or phrases I can utilize for later projects. Next, I had to choose the fabric I wanted to use from my stash. I cut a piece the size I needed and ironed on the thin interfacing to the back to give it strength and also prevent the glue I would use to from seeping through.

Then, the tedious task of gluing it onto the book cover, starting with the spine, began. I used 3-in-1 glue which is good on multiple materials. Slowly I moved from the spine, across the front and back smoothing out any bumps with the bone folder for a smooth even finish. I had to wait for it to dry before mitering the corners and folding the fabric to the inside of the book and gluing it down. Once again I used the bone folder to smooth it down evenly.

Book corners were added for decoration and also to protect the corners from wear and tear. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Now to choose the papers I want to use and get them ready to sew into the inner spine that will be glued into the book cover. Stay tuned for my progress.