A Beginner's Guide to making Journals - part 1 - recycled book covers

[@johannageisel5390]

Yesterday I found two books from the late 1800s with nice covers and boring content, and they were sold for an apple and an egg. I wanted to buy them for using the covers for journal making. So I took them to the counter and the books shop owner told me she was so sad she had to sell those book so cheap, but she couldn't keep them in the shop anylonger because people wouldn't buy them. I payed her twice the announced price (still suuuuper cheap) and took them home and now I don't have the heart to cut them up. I guess I gonna scan the cover and have a copy shop print it out in best quality and leave the books intact and put them in my book shelf for decoration. ^ ^ Correction: I looked at them again and the prettier one isn't even that boring. It's a fairytale by Wilhelm Hauff! Hauff is a well-known author of the romantic period and writes really nice fairytales. The other one, however, are letters of Bismarck. Meh.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Sounds like a score and a new, pretty to sit on the bookshelf! =)

[@HejitsAmie]

I want to see a photo of these!!

[@maryklassen9322]

could you not thin the book out by taking out a few sections and then just using it as your journal? I don't have the heart to cut out the whole book either.

[@gerdaleroux1594]

Wish they were mine to treasure,, some books are just irreplaceable ❤. The older they are the happier I am. In South Africa I cannot get hold of very old books from Europe and elsewhere and that makes me sad.

[@PDoonan]

Some vintage books are worth quite a bit. 1 have one from the 1880s that is valued at $300. You just never know.

[@TSD0416]

Dearest Nik, I have no idea how I found your channel but I'm so glad I did. I just subscribed and I will binge watch all your videos in the next few days. I love old books and always wanted to make my own. I think my prayers got answered when I clicked on this video.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

its great to have you, Tiggy!

[@333Judy333]

I'm always in awe of the massive talents of mixed media book creators; then I'm astonished at the ham-handed cutting of paper and fabric. LOL! I quilt, and I can hardly watch some folks cut paper and fabric. Thank you for sharing ALL of your talents with us!

[@marycozzensauldridge6634]

when I want to reinforce the binding without ruining the pretty end papers [maps are my favorite] I take some USED fabric softener sheets and apply them with mod podge to all areas needing help, and apply another coat on top of the dryer sheet. it will dry clear [I use matte] and you can see all of the details and even read words through it. I also mend old pages this way.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

what a creative idea, thank you for sharing!

[@marycozzensauldridge6634]

I have a lot of old children's books I am fixing up for my grandsons, and boys need pages to be pretty strong, so I have my stash of used fabric softener sheets put to good use. ;-)

[@shirleylum2198]

Another good way of recycling those darn things.

[@evarene07]

marycozzens Auldridge that's a great idea with the dryer sheets;...thanks

[@michellehightower4691]

Has anyone tried clear contact paper? Thanks for sharing-beautiful work!

[@PoGirlShines]

I am reading more comments where the folks think like me about destroying a book but as a self publisher myself, you would be surprised at what happens to many books now. I have been trying to get the strength to destroy a few myself for altering. Unless the book has some kind of actual value, it's just a material object that is very expendable especially if recycling.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

hello PoGirl! I have just as much respect for books as anyone else, hence my profession! And while there are some books are of a rare and sacred variety, a 7th edition, 1984 reprint found at a thrift store for 25 cents is not. All kinds of items are repurposed everyday, I'm not sure what makes a book that was destined for the trash heap more important than anything else. Thank you for your insightful comment =)

[@peggywilliams8229]

I used to work in a store that sold books. When the book supplier came they would RIP their cover off and throw the books away then return cover somewhere for credit.🤢 Then they would have us dump car oil on them so no one could get them from the dumster

[@evarene07]

PoGirl yes, however I recycle old books by using the internal pages as well... as a multi media artist, I think it’s so much easier to use just repurpose the pages into your signatures without tearing out and throwing away the books “body”. But I guess it’s a matter of how you look at things...

[@sandrajohnson9926]

Yeah, good for you. Even old Readers Digest books that no one will read again are possibilities. I am looking for hard cover books at second hand shops. I finally found 2 with nice covers. I love watching the process. Soon, I hope, I will start my own.

[@sandrajohnson9926]

@@peggywilliams8229 --That's awful.

[@donnacheney1749]

Natasa from Treasure Books calls it “rescuing the books that were bound for the bin anyway!” I think it’s a perfect way to reuse, reduce and recycle.

[@GreySeashell-j3m]

@@n-as1012 I don't know about you but it's pretty common for books to be thrown away or incinerated. We can't keep all of them forever, books overflow too.

[@PDoonan]

Love Treasure Books. She had quite a story and is hilarious

[@robintheyooper8943]

I just found ya. I am very, very appreciative that you did this video as, this is how I do this, and simply showed us, without 40 minutes of talking, and 10 minutes of actually doing the project. Thank you!!

[@nancydurkee4993]

Oh my gosh! You were my serendipitous find for the day. I am not a great crafter, but I like all things related to books, from reading them, to making them, to collecting them and writing in them. When I look for how to videos, it is a gift to find one that entertains as well as teaches me something. You are that indeed. I chuckled through your DNA history. Mine sounds almost identical right down to the being disappointed that the so called Cherokee Indian woman supposedly in our family tree did not even show a trace in my DNA. I am so Anglo, I should dream in cockney speech. Loved this journal making find, and your dialogue along the way.

[@GinasCorvette]

Your video's by far have been the best I've watched for great tutorials on book binding, journal's etc. I've been dabbling in leather book covers and you have helped me so much. Thank you Gina barber vintage~boho creation's

[@boznobel]

Thank you for this wonderful guide! I discovered a solution for avoiding cutting too deeply and cutting the cover. I bought some Jumbo Craft Sticks and slid a couple down between the signature block and the cover so if my craft knife does accidentally go a bit too deep, it will hit the Craft Stick and not the cover.

[@annhaber4556]

Brilliant! A staightforward technique tutorial and I enjoyed your chat too. Looking forward to the next one. Tfs.

[@amelialeigh2025]

I’m a quilter and I’M in awe of you and your work!! Thanks for the instruction, so good and clear.

[@sharonrazmzan8097]

Never get tired of your videos. My grandfather was from Scotland. It is by far one of my favorite places to visit.

[@lindahill3]

Every time I wanted to alter a book I found a million reasons why I could not do it---then I discovered old textbooks---boring ancient textbooks on algebra or science etc--you get the point! Now I feel no guilt because these were not loved by anyone except the people who had to research it for production!!! So use old text books for altering ladies and save them from the landfills!!!

[@eugeniaamado8713]

Nick, I'm so grateful for this tip. I've always used it as a chip board for what went pretty well into the money. You're the biggest for me. I hope my google translator wrote it right and you get the hell out of what I mean so gladly attended one of your courses if I could only better English. but can only with German and Spanish. Thank you

[@anneh3392]

I inherited a whole box of boxes and am starting on my Junk Journal Journey. I love your videos! So clear and specific about what to worry about and what to let go. Thank you! I'll be binge watching your channel this month!!

[@lisahodgson2133]

Awe thx Nik. I hope you continue to show more of the process involved in creating our own journals. So over whelmed by it all that I'm afraid to try lol. Happy days ahead .

[@sallysmith2937]

Excellent tutorial! Hope you are continuing your journal journey with joy!!

[@freidagepner2370]

I absolutely love watching your tutorials. You are a very good teacher! I also love listening to your "rabbit trails". It gives you a humanness to your teachings. I have a book cover ready to be used so mow I need to go to the fabric store😊!

[@candacelatourelle5622]

To those concerned about "destroying" the book: I volunteer at our local thrift store. I am in charge of the books. There are MANY books we have had for several months (if I don't need the space I will leave them sit). There are so many books that we cannot GIVE away, they end up in the trash!! I have tried even delivering them to anyone willing to take them! Please visit our store and I will carry a box to your car, no cost!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I suppose the trolls must pick something to troll about =) Thank you, Candace 😊

[@sign543]

Nik the Booksmith Mentioning that it bothered me to see a book destroyed is not “troll” behavior. It would be if someone hurls hate or demeaned her. I just have a hard time watching a good book get destroyed. That book was made with care, it had those nice maps on the interior, it’s a treasure that some author put his or her heart into. That’s all. I know books get tossed away....so it’s not like I hated on what she’s doing. But...there is that small part of me that cringes when I see it done. No hate. Not trolling behavior. Just giving my thoughts.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I hear you and I throw no shade on those who don't like to upcycle mass-produced items doomed for the dump. Its okay! I was not referring to sincerely upset folks. Everyone is totally allowed their own opinion and I believe whole-heartedly in that. However, there were comments of hate, some I had to delete because of profanity and/or threatening physical harm if I continued to "destroy" books. That, my friend, is a troll. I have been on the internet for a long time, so those kinds of comments just do not bother me in the least, but it does bother some of my subscribers. This particular book that I upcycled into a journal went to a very, dear friend of mine with stage 4 terminal cancer who is trying to do her best to extend her young life a few years. The inside pages sit on my bookshelf and I continue to use them in other projects, so I hope that helps those sincerely disturbed to feel a little better. =) But, to me, an unwanted, mass-produced book at a thrift store is no more sacred than anything else that could be upcycled into a usable item that will bring joy to a person and not take up space in the landfill.

[@WickedWebWoman22]

I admit I didn't see deconstructing a perfectly good book, BUT if this perfectly good book is of no use to anyone and just sits in a thrift store or wherever collecting dust, then is it Really? I'd much rather see it being revamped into a usable piece, no matter what the project may be. I cannot believe that someone made threats of violence and death to you for this!! Has the Whole dang world gone MADD😠 I just had someone I know post on Fb about our local Goodwill throwing away Hundreds of books the other day! His point was that these books could be donated to Veterans homes or retirement homes, even some residents of nursing homes still read and would be overjoyed to have a good book or 5, lol. Even rehab facilities where folks are healing from drastic injuries may enjoy a good read. I'm speaking in respect of those he spoke of only at the moment, but it may be an idea for Anyone finding themselves overwhelmed with a surplus of books. I'm not fussing about this project by any means, I'd like to attempt to make one and I already have an idea for the pages afterwards. Great project and sorry that you were exposed to the idiocy of the world. Some people's cheese has really slid off their crackers, I tell ya. Take care y'all and Happy Crafting! 🙄🤘⚜

[@cindyca87]

Where is the thrift store?

[@sharona8737]

OMG, Scotland is my passion. You just tore my heart out using that book. lol Aside from that, thanks for the video!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Sharon, I promise to use the pages in other projects ;)

[@bettykeith8580]

Wow lol found your video 3 years later and am loving it . I’ve always wanted ways to use unwanted or unloved books . Before my house burnt I had saved 2 dumpsters of books and some was books I loved

[@lollabells6121]

I absolutely LOVE THIS! I have a confession, I read many of the comments, It´s something I do on EVERYTHING I feel it gives me a better understanding of what I am watching, buying, making (you get the point). I am not surprised at people’s reactions to ripping up a book, this would have been IMPOSSIBLE for me to do before. At one point I swore I would NEVER buy a ¨tablet¨ or e reader, I HATED THEM! I loved books, I read so much I would be reading 5 books at one time (NO JOKE!), then I was in a really bad accident, I suffered a brain injury and was diagnosed first with Fibromyalgia, then Lupus then MS, unfortunately my reading levels went from a grad level down to about a second grade level. The next 2 years were spent in rehab and relearning everything I had lost, I never got back to where I was. Now reading an actual book is hard for me, I find I read the same pages over and over. When I was in the hospital my physical therapist recommended audible books, and IT CHANGED MY LIFE! I miss curling up with an actual book, but the audible books at least allow me to escape back to that land I LOVED! There are so many books I just could not part with, books from my childhood, books I felt were apart of ME, many of these books helped me through life, they were my best friends, my family, some were so precious there was n way I could part with them.. My physical therapist again recommended using some of them in my art, and journals - I do a lot of art and photography it has helped me tremendously in my healing process. So that is exactly what I have done, by doing this it has allowed me to still be able to have my books apart of my everyday life. Which has also been apart of my healing process. I saved EVERY BOOK I OWNED, so many I have given away to others to enjoy, and I know others have gotten as much enjoyment out of them as I have. The books I have held near and dear to my heart I have used in my art, my journals, even in my photography and they stay with still. I know that there is a new generation who will probably never understand the love of books the way some us do, I also think it’s important to understand that where this type of craft is coming from - I believe WE ALL have a deep appreciation for books, to be able to use something we love and not see it go down in the trash is so important because one day there may not even be books on the shelf. There is NO BETTER satisfaction than curling up with a book, the smell, the feel - wherever your favorite place may be. These are the memories we must hold dear. I know every time I open my journals or look at my art, this is what I think about, and I smile, remembering the comfort that only a great book could bring me.

[@MaureenAstrid]

Thanks Nik and I must say even for 'non beginners' it's great to watch and you do still get tips from this

[@joannedonovan9489]

Hi there! I watch a lot of Gayle A's channel, & she always talks about you! This is my first time watching one of your videos (although I am well acquainted with your Etsy store)! Thank you for your compliment about quilters ... I've been one since 2013 & love it!! I am, however, pretty new to journal making! I made an "Ephemera Journal" out of a cereal box, cardstock signatures, & tissue paper for the pockets. And I bound them in with waxed string. Cool!! NOW I just quilted (in 1" straight stitch rows) some Sunflower with Chickadees fabric (I found a yard at Walmart)! I recently fabritaced it to a Sketch Book cover, but I left the pages in it. I'm going to add lace to the edges to "protect" them. It'll be for the papers & ephemera that I've got!! I love this craft!!

[@JudithBrummett]

Ireland is on my bucket list. The day my grand daughter was born I started saving my change. She is 6 now and I have a kitty litter bucket full plus half of a 3 ft tall bank. When she is 10 we will cash in the change and go as far as we can on it for vacation. HOPING! for Ireland. And cant wait to cash in all the change with her.

[@henrikeafrakalous8065]

Hallo Nik, I spent two weeks in bed with Covid and your videos saved my mental health (literally). I love books and papers since ever and I wouldn’t think about book binding as hobby until I’ve seen what are you able to make from “scrap” 😊. I ordered some tools (from bed yet) and yesterday I handed over my first junk journal to my best friend (two days hard work tho 😅). He was completely thrilled! Thank you! 🖤

[@NiktheBooksmith]

You made my day, Henrike! Hope you are getting some strength back, glad I could be along for the ride. =)

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Quilter here! Lol. I've cut sooooo much fabric. For journals I tend to use the old books that the pages are already falling out of because, I am a librarian and find it difficult to gut a book in good shape. ;-) And there are PLENTY of books that fit the "falling apart" category. Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing.

[@123uschie]

Great use of old books! I love your work!Thanks for sharing❤️

[@l.n.]

Oh awesome, Nik! I'm totally looking forward to this series. I make Cinch bound notebooks and thread bind my own TN inserts, but have not tried a gutted book journal and am eager to give it a go!

[@ChicagoDreamer5]

You're really good at talking while you work. That's a gorgeous piece of fabric!!

[@carolrigby186]

Thanks so much for sharing your techniques with us. I love handmade books/journals and I have dabbled a little in making small books and have just made my own art journal trying out the coptic stitch for the first time. Your videos have totally inspired me to delve more into the art of bookmarking. I live in the U.K. and my ancestors come from Scotland and Cornwall. Both are my favourite places to visit. In fact I am going for a short holiday to Scotland in a couple of months. I can't wait! Looking forward to your next video.❤

[@thisissoeasy]

That's a brilliant idea! - I've got a huge, very old, leather-bound bible, which is too nice to throw away, so I was thinking of hollowing it out to make a book-safe but now I think I cut off the leather cover and make an interesting journal... Thanks for the guide.

[@jeannecorsby-hale1009]

Went to Scotland last year,go while your young!!! (I'm 65) ha! Left my heart there. Going back if it's the last thing I do. TFS

[@shirleymccullough2515]

Great fun and so happy you are showing how using a book can work so well to become a journal . I have a used book journal I made to follow and do your special pages on so this is really great, thanks Nik . I’m waiting for the results from my DNA sample and it will be British Eli’s also. Like you I would love to travel there someday .

[@bevcote2357]

I'm in awe of your book making skills. Thank you for sharing your beautiful craft with us. Blessings.

[@babesmixedmedia]

Thank you for starting a beginners series. I cannot wait to play along. Off to good will I go to get me a fab book to start this. I can't wait to make a homemade jouranl...witha cover! I tend to skip that part of the process.

[@alicedowntherabbithole4]

I live in north east England, on the border of Northumberland (lived in Spain for 20 years - Spanish husband). We are close to the Scottish border. Would be more than happy to show you this part of the world!! Love your videos! xxx

[@NiktheBooksmith]

oh that would rock! I bet its gorgeous there! thank you, Denise =)

[@CathyPack]

Thank you for this! I know there are videos on here for making journal but finding simple directions has been a struggle for me. This is awesome!

[@DRW_GAMES1]

Nik. Love your journals and videos. Quilter for 50 years, but love journals now.

[@jeanettamcduffie2488]

First time watching you and I’m happy to see such an easy way of preparing the book. Most of all your cleanliness of your workspace. I’m not OCD at all but so many people have such a messy table and it makes me not want to watch so yay to you!

[@orch712]

Thank you Nik for doing this series. Looking forward to the next part. I live in Ireland so while you disappointed your not American I am glad to know you are one of US!!!!!!!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I am honored to be among such noble company! 🤗💕

[@Amy-lp5lm]

A tip from a seamstress -- get a seam ripper to cut the webbing. Put the ball side INSIDE (near the backing) and rip away without fear of cutting too deep with your craft knife. And you're rotary cutter isn't your friend because you probably need a new blade. Thanks for this video! I'm learning a ton from you.

[@CHCHNZ461]

Love the fabric lining, makes it unique. Maybe your bucket list wishes come true.

[@Flolapirate]

Ooooh probably the best news of the day : new tutorials by Nik the Booksmith!!! Thank you for sharing, I can't wait for the next episodes!

[@rneustel388]

Thank you so much for making this tutorial available! It is priceless!!

[@tambranicolekendall9288]

Scotland is number one on my bucket list too. Scots, English, Welsh and Irish with a smidge of French and Aussie. Anyway, I love your channel and your wonderful personality!

[@suecox2308]

I can't wait to make my first journal. This was very very helpful. I gutted a book, but I wasn't sure how to reinforce the spine (or even if I should) and this gave me the confidence to do it.

[@Debraisea]

Hi Nik. Being a newbie to journal making, was thrilled to see this video come up. Looking forward to the rest of the series. TFS :)

[@angelamelville67]

I'm a new subscriber from the UK, look forward to seeing you here 🤗❤🇬🇧

[@mariamann4323]

Wonderful! Looking forward to the rest of the tutorials. You’re very generous with your time!

[@dawnkarasaki6172]

I am new to this world of book making and you made it look as if I could really do this. Looking forward to watching the rest of this series❤️

[@HelenMAnderson]

So pleased to be able to help you tick one thing off your bucket list! Funny that your hand was hovering over Dumfries on the map!! It was meant to be. Roll on May 2020 🤗

[@marmaz57]

I return to this video - and truly appreciate it. Thank you!

[@angelinaspaperandapothecar7177]

Love this tutorial and your sense of humor, just like mine. . Yes! The British Isle, i am Italian,but The British Isles have always been my dream place. Then off to Italy.

[@MsValove4]

I can't wait to try my hand at making my first junk journals. Tfs!!

[@queenofmischief82]

I'm a new subscriber and I'm binge watching already 🙂 I recycle old (non-valuable) books all the time. Think of it like this... we give books a new life instead of just throwing them out. I'm a major bookworm but I don't have a problem reusing them for a journal. I also keep the pages and use those in my creative process.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hello and welcome! I agree. Some books are of a rare and sacred variety. But a 7th edition, 1984 reprint found at a thrift store for 25 cents is not. All kinds of items are repurposed everyday, I'm not sure what makes a book that was destined for the trash heap more important than anything else. But, I suppose the trolls must pick something to troll about =)

[@badsworthcats]

I just found you as I was very interested in this because I bought some hardback books especially to do this from the second hand book store. Very interesting and helpful.... I am from Gods own country which is Northumberland on the border of Scotland..I am Scottish but I love where I live..

[@arkansasfamily6088]

Amazing creativity AND an incredible sense of humor? What more could a subscriber ask for?! 😋 Excited about these videos!

[@Tonya4773]

I loved the mapping on the inside covers. I would have left them.

[@ibkristykat]

i used to be the type to scream in horror from torn up books. but when you get books that are mass produced, i almost am like "they are a dime a dozen". if the cheap books at Dollar Tree can suffice, i'd do that. I do have some random 'old' (i'm talking from the 70s) about some subjects i don't cry about saving, and i have now make 1 book into a junk journal. i think i'm over it now. i'm even one for those delicate old antiques that are falling apart anyway. i think i'd now like to see the cover used this way, and the tearing/falling apart papers used in art where you can cover it in stuff that will preserve it, and then you can see it for a long long time. rather than it turning to dust before your eyes and having to be touched with gloves.... or not at all :( so i've grown that way since becoming a crafter lol. :)

[@NiktheBooksmith]

amen! All kinds of things are repurposed everyday....I'm not sure why some think a 25 cent thrift store find (NOT rare) is more important or sacred than anything else. *shrugs* Thank you for your insightful viewpoint =)

[@brrjohnson8131]

Nik the Booksmith, I honestly think a lot of the flack you got on this subject was misdirected from the thumbnail photo. The stack of vintage looking old books in the thumbnail alludes to them being the video topic. Ppl just assume that's what you're recycling.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

brr johnson I see your point! Swapped out a video freeze frame shot for the thumb. Thanks for your insightful comment =)

[@brrjohnson8131]

Nik the Booksmith, funny, I even feel better (shrug) Amazing how different that feels. .. Smart choice, btw ;]

[@joncampos5551]

ibkristykat I can just imagine putting my time and energy into writing a book, only to have it end up at Dollar Tree. Most people who shop there probably can’t read past a third grade level.

[@kimbontrager9456]

Thank you for sharing your skills with us Nik!!!!

[@clemonscrafts]

OMG I just followed your tutorial to a TEE and IT WORKED! The only thing is I used muslin for the fabric and probably shouldn't have because of the frays, but I just FabriTac'd it alllll over! LOL! I am so excited to finish the rest! I'll be posting my little attempt on my channel tomorrow! I will be sure to credit you and thank you thank you thank you!!!!

[@bonieugene5]

Hi nik I hear your wish to come to Scotland I live in Edinburgh Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. We would love a visit from you any time. Plenty of old history and books to collect. Now I have my family in Canada 🇨🇦 and have been there four a visit. I loved it. My next wish is to travel America. The grass is greener and all that . I am envious at all the craft stores you have. So if I come to America I no I will be returning with nothing other than craft supplies in my suitcase. Thank you for the inspiration and gorgeous books that you make. You are second to none at what you do. Thank you Caroline Boni (using my hubbys you tube oops)

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Caroline, so nice to meet you! The grass IS greener in Scotland! =) We are spoiled as to choice of shopping here, that is for sure. But, your country has us beat on history and that is my passion! Thank you for such a sweet comment!

[@carolchidlow4798]

"Quilters cut fabric perfect every time" Boy, have we got you fooled. 😆 We try, we try but perfect? Rarely happens. Love this video, just starting out and I have books gutted and fabric cut for the cover. Just watching to see where I go from here. Thanks for all your help and inspiration.

[@marthawest799]

Hey👋🏻Nik! You do that just like on 📺😁💗🥰 just kidding, luuuv ya thank you so much for sharing ❣️ No joke I love watching you🌹

[@sallysmith2937]

...... and your “stage presence “ personality is extremely enjoyable.💜🦋🌸🌹🐞😊

[@아무개-k1e]

Hi there. Watched your tutorial and decided to make my own journal, but wondered where you get those beautiful papers for it. Like the floral papers glued on the inside of the book cover. Thank you! 😎

[@maybeme9580]

I found an old journal of mine that has the most beautiful cover (I remember freaking out when I saw it in a very cheap asian market, it was a big find, it has a red faux letter cover with vine patterns and spine squares just like an old book and the pages have golden edges) but it was halfway filled and when I cut the half out it kinda fell apart except for the cover so now I'm looking at ways to refill it with pages. Thanks so much for the video!

[@JamieLOVEUMOREJOURNALS]

So much fun. Thanks for sharing. I know everyone always has a new or different way to do things and it's always fun to see

[@karenr190]

Thanks for taking the mystery out of deconstructing books and turning them into journals. I'm looking forward to the next installment. Masking tape can dry out eventually; are there other alternatives for reinforcing the spine? I saw the comment about using drywall tape, but I'd like to know what else can be used. Thanks.

[@jeanthobaben]

Thanks NIk. I love this. I'm having trouble explaining "junk journals" to friends. This will help.

[@georgiewalker1069]

I’m brand new at journaling. So this was a great video for me. Thank you from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@ButtersDClown]

I recommend a credit card type aparatus for smoothing out a material glued onto another (in this case the fabric on the book cover)

[@Peace2yaa]

I was given a box of books that came from an old school library, so they still had the pockets that hold the cards that you would sign when you checked a book out. These are so great too use in your journal! I use the paper thats under the outside of the book under the title cover, under the plastic, the first couple of pages and the last couple that are blank or almost blank, bc the paper that was used is just a tad thicker than the paper we use today. I try my best to use all that can from the books, bc I feel bad for taking it apart. I LOVE books and I love to read and I couldn't imagine it if they stopped making them!! I have a Kindle, but nothing beats holding a book! Anyhow, I read a couple of the comments and didn't see anyone mention anything about using any other part of the book but the outside, so thought I would ask if anyone else uses more of the book? I don't even get rid of the entire book, so I can use more of the pages if I want. Anyone else use more than the outside? Thanks for this videos Nik! Your channel was the one I chose when I started making these journals and I have loved everyone of them! Happy Holidays everyone and I wish you all a Happy and Blessed New Year! ~Peace

[@N3k0N3k0N3k0]

Good tutorial...thank you! You've encouraged me to try fabric for the inside cover, although I don't even have a fabric cutter to be "not friends" with! I already know that fabric and sewing are not friends of mine, unfortunately. Also, I love the book you chose and probably would have left the map of Scotland uncovered. I am of Scottish ancestry and have on my list of journals to make a Scottish one. Any chance you would sell some of the interior pages you removed from this book on your Etsy store?

[@vibooks4163]

I absolutely LOVED the dialogue!

[@onabee85]

Thanks for sharing!!!! NOW I know! Came at the perfect time!!! I really wish you'd do a tutorial on how to apply the paper though. I know you explained how to do it but I really wish you would just show us. That's how I learn. What type of paper do you use? the poundage of paper ?can you possibly use different glue other than Mod Podge such as fabric tack with the paper? all those things I have questions on. you'd be the perfect teacher.

[@brittanylewis5565]

I took a one-day class on bookmaking in college. We used a combination of methyl cellulose glue and craft glue like Sobo. Sorry I can't remember the ratios, but it was more about the thickness of it and making sure it was tacky. Mod podge seems to be less expensive, but I'm really not sure what the difference is. Methyl cellulose and mod podge are both non yellowing, acid free, archival. I think methyl cellulose may be for more delicate papers. Also, I use old credit cards, discount cards, library cards to smooth out my glue and another for smoothing my fly sheets. If it's delicate paper, I put a piece of scrap paper over the fly sheet first so I don't leave impressions when smoothing it out. Great tutorial! I have used similar methods to repair a Bible for a friend. When my kids tear up books, I save the covers for this reason.

[@winniethepoodle]

Love your channel Nik. As a side note, I did my DNA ancestry also. My paternal grandmother told my mother that her side had Native American. My dad and my sister both have olive complexions and even though Im blonde and fair like my moms side, I expected some Native Indian to show up. NOPE. Im about 70% Scandinavien and the rest is Welsh and Scottish. You and I have more than book making interests in common!

[@thistlerosejournals2675]

Hi Nik! This video was so helpful! And I’ll go with you to Scotland! My daughter has lived there for 12 years in Glasgow and Chester, England. It is like a fairyland with green rolling hills and castles everywhere you look. I travel over several times a year to visit her so come along'

[@NiktheBooksmith]

sounds heavenly, Judy!

[@darlenebaza7592]

Nic, I love your site. You are so skilled and entertaining.

[@amitexo]

Nik if you ever land in Ireland, i would be very pleased to show you around Dublin(The book of Kells specially), the Cliffs of Moher, the shores of Kilkenny etc A trip to the charity shops is a must to get plenty of vintage ephemeras & old books :)

[@torageirs6473]

Love this, I think I think I wrote on here somewhere before but its always good to revisit something when you are thinking about making a JJ.

[@anngarland405]

I am absolutely in love with this journal video. I am totally going to do one of those DNA tests now too. I was on the fence about trying one. Not anymore. :-D

[@cassandratyler5188]

I'm not very new but having things to refresh on is very helpful! Thank you!

[@renewalof48]

I am liking this. I have so many old books.

[@marthaacuna9555]

Hi there! KZbin suggested this video, I clicked on it, I mean why not. So came I for the knowledge and stayed and subscribe for you storytelling on your life. Found them both interesting and your way to teach you have a great gift. So I'm now inspired to try this project I love your teaching method. I'm also not a good math knowledgeable, and still I wanted to subscribe an try and find my hidden craft skills. Greetings from South Texas USA. A Pleasure subscribing to your channel 🖐 .

[@jengriffiths7460]

I’ve just come across this video which is excellent and has helped me with a journal I want to make. What I don’t get is some of the ridiculous comments about hurting etc books. Are you all crazy or what! What sheltered lives you must live. I love reading but books are just paper. What the heck.... How about nice comments on the work shown in this video.

[@joycecarter4597]

This is great, I'm so glad you're showing how to do this! I'm working on doing one of these types of jourmals now! Thanks so much, I'll be waiting for your next video and watching this whole series! 😊 💕

[@tattoolane1]

Hi Nik - just a word of warning - Scotland has virtually no summer - and what passes for summer sees the countryside swarming with biting midges - so do pack a really strong midge repellant - and do watch out for wild haggis roaming the hills - they bite too xxxxxxxxx hope you manage to get over here to the UK - you'll love it!! Hugs, Helen xxxx

[@NiktheBooksmith]

hello Helen! yes, I have heard that. Those oppressive buggies >.< Hugs right back to you!

[@HelenMAnderson]

Helen Spedding-Lowe apart from 2018! Summer has been glorious here this year!

[@ellabella2603]

Thanks! Love all these different ways to make journals. I haven't done the DNA thing, but we had my dad do it. We are definitely European melting pot, with British isle thrown it. But his ancestors also came over in the early 1700's at least. That's as far as my cousin traced back. That said, my mom's mother came from England as a child. Not sure about her dad. It is fun to know though.

[@mbruno3266]

Love this video. Thanks for creating and sharing it.

[@Erintube360]

Thank you for the very clear and entertaining tutorial! You will love visiting your DNA Homelands...start saving your pennies. We were given a Honeymoon gift of a trip to England and Scottland and it was amazing! I have old history there, too, but no DNA map. Don't hate me bacause I have a Great Grandmother that was a Native American...it used to be an embarrassment to the family when my Grandpa was a boy. Ah, how times change... unless they don't.

[@islandercirce2]

First time watching your videos and I expect I'll be watching many more. This bit cracked me up though - “This is a super easy way to do it” followed by sounds off camera of masking tape sticking to itself. I have that book, though quite a bit older I suspect. I've only braved ripping apart old Reader's Digests and some outdated encyclopedias so far, but haven't really done anything with them yet so your videos will come in useful for what to do next.

[@1957robinson]

I so enjoyed watching your video and you made it very easy to understand. I also loved the cloth backing. I gotta try this. Thank you

[@c.ll.8226]

Everyone starts at a beginning . I will just follow along .... baby steps. Thanks, Cheri

[@kich6172]

Oh, yay! You create the best instructional videos.

[@lorineltner6193]

enjoyed watching your part one. i have decided to try to make a journal and i will be following you for sure. cant wait to learn from you.

[@libbychibe2840]

Thanks, Nik! Looking forward to the next video!