Hi friends! Today I have a bookmaking project for you!
I enjoyed this project so much and I think you will too! These can be made with any paper you like, I used the gelli prints I made the other day. Watch the video to see how it’s done!
Video!
Supplies:
Kraft Paper
Washi Tape
Ribbon (for bookmark)
Glue (choose a thick slow dry glue like YES! paste or Aleenes Thick and Tacky)
Elastic cord (look for it with jewelry supplies or cut a long rubber band.)
Hole punch and eyelet
button
acrylic paint
waxed paper
palette knife and flat paintbrush
Thin cardboard (cereal or cracker box)
paper (I used the Gelli Prints on cardstock I made in this tutorial)
Feel free to substitute items to suit your taste!
Directions:
1. Cut paper to the book size. I used standard cardstock cut in quarters.
2. Attach pages to each other one at a time with washi tape. Trim tape ends hanging past the pages.
3. Cut the cardboard box to make a cover.
4. Protect your work are with wax paper and place the cover with the outside facing up. Spread on a layer of paste or slow dry glue, then crumple up a sheet of craft paper and press it into the glue.
5. Paint the kraft paper with acrylic paint and let dry.
6. Trim the paper flush with the cover.
7. Trim the edges of the cover with washi tape.
8. Punch a hole and add an eyelet 1″ from the edge on the center of the front cover.
9. Cut a piece of elastic cord a little longer than you need to wrap around the book. Thread both ends in the hole and then through a button (so the cord does not pull through) and secure with a knot.
10. Add glue to the spine and place in a ribbon bookmark. Press the paper signature into the wet glue then secure the first and last page to the cover with washi tape.
I hope you enjoyed this easy bookmaking and tutorial. These make wonderful gifts for your family, friends or yourself! Thanks to Papermart for sponsoring this post and til next time happy crafting!
The Frugal Crafter Blog 
Lindsay love the journal. I think I will have to make some. Don’t know if I should or not but it is for a good cause, my son is getting his head shaved on the 1st of August to help cure childhood cancer and if anyone in the frugal community would like to donate here. Is the link. I know it would be greatly appreciated.https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/801550/2015
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I might try to make one.
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Love the simplicity of this journal Lindsay. I have just finished a book for my daughter for her birthday and did a similar cover and rounded corners too but I’m impressed with the idea of the washi tape. Do you find it has enough stickiness to hold the pages together long term?
Both of your books look really great, what a great gift they would be.
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The papermart stuff does, it is very supple and sticky because it is the translucent waxy paper kind. The dollar store kind that is more opaque and less sticky might come off BUT there is a lot of tape in the book, either way I think you would be fine because there is constant pressure on the tape/spine of the book.
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My question too! I thought washi would come loose. LOVE the book!
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Cute! Looks like a easy project…Do you have a video or can you make one using Peerless Watercolor(paper sheets)??. HUGS! Thank you!!
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great idea, it would work but I only have the peerless swatch a viewer made me:(
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These look cute.
Deb
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I really love all your projects andool forward to seeing new videos you add. You tely keep me inspired. Thanks!
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Oved the journals and hope to make one. Thanks for keeping me inspired
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wow
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What a great idea!! Specially liked that you recycled, or up cycled a cereal box. It is sturdy cardboard and I hate to waste it. I am not going to take up Gelli plating, but, I found a bunch of stencils that have not seen the light of day in years and I think I will make a book with those.
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Fantastic note book Lindsey. Love the washi tape binding I have a bunch. This project would be great to make with kids!
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GREAT bookbinding idea! WAY easier than doing a spine with holes and sewing in the pages. Yup, I’ve bought those books, even took a class, but too much effort. This is is so much nicer!!! Thanks Lindsay.
BTW – have another stencil request… have you done sun printing with stencils and silk?
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I do not buy silk, I think it is cruel the way it is harvested. Maybe I will try with another fabric:)
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Sorry! Wasn’t thinking. A friend was downsizing and moving, and gave me several silk hoops. Can’t throw them out, so was looking for something fun to do with them. Trying it with another fabric would be great. Thanks.
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How about stretching vintage embroidered hankies on them and hanging them up?
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I tried this, my problem was I was using my lapdesk for it… Really need more room, instead of the vegan leather look, I wrapped mine in some burlap that I had around. Didn’t take long at all. I might have to invest in more washi tape… Or try a sewn binding on the next one I make. Gah! I may become a scrapbooker! Nuuuuuu! /end mock terror!
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Fun and simple! Thank you!
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Loved the idea, but I took the easy way out and purchased 3 composition books at the Dollar store. I used the kraft paper technique and painted the dry “leatherette” cover with leftover acrylic paint (I bet it is 15 years old!) I drew and painted a magnolia blossom on the cover of the first one and am awaiting inspiration for the other two! Thanks for the fun tutorials….I love using stuff from my craft closet.
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nothing worg with the easy way, esp. if you are using up your stash!
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love your books. I was wondering should I make one of these using watercolor paper? I wanted a watercolor book when I go out. Thanks
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What a great idea to create an art journal! Thanks Lindsay!
Missing Ask-a-crafter!!!!
And on that note…I have question regarding paper-trimmers…which trimmers are the best…the Guillotine ones or the sliding ones or the score+trim ones…and also which company trimmers are the best…
Thanks in advance 😀
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I recommend the guillotine style that schoolteachers use, they self sharpen and last forever. I have a $25 xacto one that is 15+ years old and used daily.
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That is such a great book and so easy to make too. I made an accordion one and it was so much fun to do. I’ll have to try this one now.
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This is genius!!!
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Love this!!! Maybe use scotch tape and washi on top? Getting out Gelli plate today!
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Oh I just love this tool! You could make some awesome looking art journals with this for sure and even personalize them to give as gifts. Please enter me in the giveaway. You always find the best stuff! 😊
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Hi Lindsay! I have been using this delightful method of yours to bind greeting cards together that my mother-in-law has been collecting up in random piles for years. She would forget they were there and forget to enjoy them. The first two “books” were such a hit that she read them cover to cover. Soon she’ll have 3 more to read. Thanks for the great idea!
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