I am almost finished using all the pages in the art journal that my friend made me. I have really enjoyed the size of this journal – each page is approximately 6 x 8 inches.
There is something magical about a handmade journal. So I have decided to try to make my own journal and show you how – as you might want to make one too! 🙂
I have been promising Margaret at Yuba Gold, (I love her nature paintings with such rich, vibrant colors!) that I would show her how to make one so here goes!
I started by gathering a few supplies:
I think a bone folder is really handy to have but it isn’t necessary. I usually like to tear my papers but you may want to use scissors. A ruler is necessary so you measure accurately.
You will next need to decide on the paper you want to use in your journal. I decided to use 140-lb COLD and HOT press watercolor paper for variety.
I started with a large sheet of watercolor paper – 22 x 30 inches. I don’t like to waste paper so I chose to make my journal pages a little smaller in size than the one my friend made me. Here is how I folded and cut (tear) my large piece of watercolor paper:
First, I folded my paper in half and tore (or cut) the paper so I have two halves that are 22 x 15 inches:
I continued to evenly fold and tear my paper so that I am left with a folded size as below:
After I had three folded papers, I could make what is called a “signature” in the book world. (See photo below). I covered my signature with tissue paper (so the papers stayed clean) and stacked several heavy books on them:
Since I don’t have a paper press, weighted books are the cheap alternative! It helps to weight the signatures so they are relaxed before you punch holes in them.
I decided to make a total of six signatures like my current journal:
I will do some research and discuss some ideas for making a journal cover in 2 weeks on September 15th.
I hope you found this information helpful on how to start making your own journal.
Happy September! 🙂
Jill's Art Journal 