Basics for making a Junk Journal cover for beginners - Part 1

If you're looking for Part 2, follow this link:
• How to make a Junk Jou...
Material needed:
* Cardboard OR Cardstock OR recycled cereal box
* Glue: Mod podge AND Fabric Tac glue
* Thin sheet of paper OR Print paper OR gift wrapping paper OR Magazine paper OR Newspaper for the base
* Muslin OR Cotton paper OR other patterned fabric
* Printed cardstock of your choice to decorate the outside and inside of your cover.
Cardboard dimensions:
-- Two pieces 5" by 7"1/2
-- One 1 piece: the spine 1"1/2 by 7"1/2
Hello all, this is Gemma with Handy colors.
Today I'll walk you through the whole process of making this vintage junk Journal. it might seem a bit intimidating but you'll see it's pretty simple.
You only have to follow the steps and of course add your own touch.
In this part one of our project, I'll give you the basics for making the cover of any kind of Journal you would like to create.
To start, you will need three pieces of cardboard, you can choose a recycled cereal box or some cardstock but I usually prefer to have a kind of sturdy, hard cover.
Here, my both large pieces measure 5” by 7”1/2. the spine or the narrow piece in the middle measures 1” 1/2 by 7”½. I’ll put all dimensions in the description box.
You will glue these three pieces in the middle of a large sheet of thin paper that I will call our base.
Make sure to leave no less than 1”1/2 between the edges of your cardboard pieces and the base. in my case my base is made of thin scribble sheets. You can choose simple print paper, tissue paper for gift wrapping, magazine paper, newspaper, it doesn't matter. Our goal here is to assemble the three cardboard pieces to form our journal cover.
You notice that I left some space ⅛” between the large cardboard pieces and the middle one, the spine.
Once glued using mod podge, cut a triangle out of our paper Base by leaving ⅛” between the four cardboard corners and the edge of your cut.
Next, you will glue the sides of your base to the cardboard pieces
And voila you have a journal cover.
Next, cut a large piece of muslin or cotton fabric by leaving no less than 1”½ of extra fabric on each side. Glue, using mod podge, your cover to the Muslin fabric. Here, I chose to glue the side showing the cardboard but you can choose to glue any side to the fabric, everything will be covered afterwards. But, I prefer this way of doing things.
Same process here, cut the fabric corners by leaving again 1/8” between the corner and the fabric cut. And glue the sides of your fabric to the cover.
Finally, cut a piece of fabric measuring 3” by 7”½ and glue it on the spine. Here, I have a larger piece but you'll see that I managed to get the right size afterwards.
Here, I added some fabric tac glue on the edges to make sure nothing comes apart.
Once all is well glued and dry, I Inked the edges of my cover with black ink to give it a vintage touch. You can use brown ink or any other color, it's your Journal so do what inspires you the most.
Now, you can leave the cover as it is if you used a patterned fabric or maybe you like to have a monochromatic cover. as I said it's totally up to you.
In my case, I cut two pieces of gold embossed floral cardstock to decorate my cover. each piece measures 4”7/8 by 7”⅜. I inked the edges with black ink as well for a vintage touch. Use the same color of ink you used for your main cover.
I used mod podge to glue my pieces and added a line of fabric tac glue on the edges of my pieces to be safe and avoid any surprises!
I did the same with the inside of my cover but now I got three pieces of cardstock two pieces measuring 4” 7/8 by 7”3/8 and one piece, the middle one, measuring 1”3/8 by 7” ⅜.
Okay, those numbers gave me a headache! To make it simple, what I do is I always leave an 1/16” on each side so I can see a tiny portion of my fabric :)
See, we made it to the end and we have a journal cover.
I hope that you found this video easy-to-follow, remember if you make mistakes it's alright. You will get better with time and practice.
Well, this is the end of the first part of our junk Journal project.
part two will proceed with the sewing, adding charm and the final touches to our journal.
Thank you for watching to the end. don't forget to like, subscribe and leave your questions, comments and suggestions for future videos.
I'll see you next time in part 2.
Bye
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/ handycolorsshop
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Etsy shop: HandyColorStationery
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[@plauditecives]

Very helpful! I am someone who really needs detailed instructions so this suits me perfectly. Thank you.

[@MsCherrydollface]

I wish I could "love" this instead of "like", it was really good!

[@handyColorstationery]

Oh! Thank you so much! Happy you loved it 💕 Your words go straight to the heart ☺😉

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

Finally I have found a junk journaling video whose voice-over instructions or music weren't overly loud and echo-y. Too many people I've watched so far talk too loudly or have their music track volume jacked up. Or the acoustics in their room of choice were too resonant (not enough soundproofing). It genuinely made things grating to my ears, so finding this low-key treasure was truly awesome! Also, thank you for leaving instructions in the description. It made this feel more like a recipe I could follow or tweak as desired. 😁😁🙏🙏

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you Katherine for the lovely words. I'm glad you finally found what makes you happy (in terms of videos 😉😂❤ ) And yes, I always add instructions in the description to make sure people watching get to follow at their ease. Besides, it's much better to listen, read and watch when it comes to learning sthg new. Enjoy your creation process! ❤😊

[@millyc5038]

😍😍😍

[@lindathacker6209]

You made it look so easy. Thank you.

[@handyColorstationery]

Happy you enjoyed it! 😊 Btw, if I can do it, you can do it 😉 Good luck 💐

[@PerfectlyImperfectJunkJournals]

This was a great video and I look forward to applying your technique. Thanks for sharing.

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you 😊 ❤ You are more than Welcome 😊 Happy you enjoyed!

[@lilybrotzler2195]

Best video yet, I can’t wait to try it!

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you :) Yes, do it... It's really easy. :)

[@susiwakeman4271]

Absolutely fabulous, loved it, thank you so much x much love from the UK xx

[@handyColorstationery]

Awww! Thank you Susi. It warms my heart! I'm happy you enjoyed it 🌸😘❤

[@bettymolina8354]

Oh my goodness I love the way you explain and show everything step by step ..thank u

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you 😊❤️❤️

[@judyandersen3842]

I just came across your video...thank you so much for sharing! I will be following you! I am planning on making a journal for my Granddaughter. She is getting married in April 2022! Excited to get started!

[@handyColorstationery]

🎊 CONGRATULATIONS 🎊for your grand daughter 💐💐💐💐💐 ☺

[@graceeckstrom4039]

This is fantastic thank you! I can't wait for part 2 😁

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you :) I just added part 2. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oabbgotjbd-kaKM

[@luciebythesea]

Such a helpful tutorial, thank you so much for making this video!

[@handyColorstationery]

Lucie, Really happy you enjoyed the video ☺😉 Keep challenging yourself with new handmade projects, go with your inspiration and most importantly HAVE FUN! 👍🎉🎊💐😂😉

[@shannonmartin3650]

Love it!

[@justsmurfy]

I love how simple you made this. Perfect. Thank you.

[@handyColorstationery]

You are more than welcome 🤗

[@shondra6]

Wow what a great technique. TFS 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank youuuuu :)

[@marilynh5556]

This is a great tutorial - very helpful and easy to follow. Thank you so much for making this.

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you so much ☺💐 Really happy you liked the tutorial 👍💐 Keep up the good work and always go with your inspiration ☺

[@thecraftingpinay]

Thank you for sharing your technique! This is definitely helpful for people like me who have just started with making junk journals!

[@handyColorstationery]

You're welcome Marie. Glad you got value from the video. Enjoy making your journals! 😊

[@eileenthomas9983]

Thank you for your video - it was a miracle as I’ve been struggling to find the exact video demonstration which you have made. It’s fabulous!🌷

[@handyColorstationery]

It's all my pleasure 💖😊 Happy you enjoyed the video. Feel free to ask questions 👍😊

[@kaleibeamer4797]

Beautiful job! Thank you for the tutorial! :)

[@mkaysartfuljourney1239]

I love making journals. Thank you for sharing your fabric covering. Haven't tried that for the whole journal. Wonderful ! I usually alter books and re bind with fabric on the binding only. A fabric covered book will be my challenge for the year. ❤️💯🙏🏻✨I'm inspired by you!! ❤️💯🎨

[@handyColorstationery]

Waw! So sweet of you to say that! 😊 You'll see, making your own cover brings you another feeling of accomplishement 👍👍💐🌸😊

[@tracey6768]

Beautiful...great instructions

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you Tracey. I'm happy you enjoyed the video. 😊

[@paddywood89]

Fabulous and easy, thankyou!!!!!

[@handyColorstationery]

😊😊 So happy you enjoyed it ❤

[@rachelcoloradomy3kidz778]

Well done! Lol those numbers hurt my head too! 🤣 Thanks for sharing this tutorial 💕 I'm headed to part 2! Good luck with your channel

[@handyColorstationery]

😂 Happy you enjoyed the video! Thank you 😉

[@user-zh2tb5xj6n]

Good work,clear teaching,thank you

[@handyColorstationery]

You are welcome 🤗 Happy you enjoyed it ☺️

[@jenniferlintz8067]

Very Helpful! Thank you!

[@handyColorstationery]

It's my pleasure! Happy you enjoyed it 😊

[@StamperWendy]

Thanks! I just gathered up 6 bags of crafting supplies to make a Junk Journal so this was invaluable information. =)

[@handyColorstationery]

Wonderful! Enjoy then! 💐👍😊

[@kathleenprescott6227]

You make it so basic and simple

[@handyColorstationery]

It comes with practice 😅

[@niratitahsemesta]

wow amazing😍

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you so much! Haha! Happy you enjoyed 😊💐😉

[@mariad4183]

Fantastic walkthrough! tyfs honey!😃

[@handyColorstationery]

Happy you like it 😊 You are more than welcome ❤

[@ronjasolvalravn9740]

From your video l learn to do it ... You made it so easy to understand ... Thank you ❤️

[@handyColorstationery]

Glad you like it Ronja 😊

[@coreviaflynn594]

This is a great tutorial

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank youuu 😊❤️❤️❤️ Enjoy 😊

[@stephanielentzmorrison9811]

Your hands are adept. You must have made many

[@handyColorstationery]

Indeed 😊 Mastering an art comes with practice. Happy to liked it 💐😊

[@lifeonmars3147]

Ik you've probably heard this before and it's not really related, but your voice is so pretty and calming

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you so much ❤ This is so flattering. They did tell me: I am actually a coach and trainer so I do mindfulness and relaxation sessions😊😉🌼

[@lifeonmars3147]

@@handyColorstationery I'm not surprised! And you're welcome :)

[@deannaschnaidt958]

I cant hear this video. It sounds like you're whispering...

[@handyColorstationery]

I'm sorry you can't hear. The sound gets better after but you can always read the script in the description box. I put all details in there. Hope it helps. Feel free to ask any questions.

[@karenskloset898]

It looks like a great tutorial but my volume is all the way up and I can barely make out what you're saying

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you for wanting to watch the video. The whole script is in the description. You can follow all the instructions is there 😊

[@Karin-]

I really enjoyed this. I don't have fabric, so was thinking it could still work using paper. I would like to ask where you get your "brads" ? from that you used on the side of your journal and what their proper name is? Many thanks

[@handyColorstationery]

Happy you like it 😊 Yes, you can always use paper. Recycle some newspapers, magazines, old books' pages, you can even do a collage and then cover the whole with a modpodge layer. Or even recycle some old clothes.. Play with texture. You'll see, it'll turn beautiful! In another videos, I used construction paper as a cover ☺ The brads I got them from a craft/art store, michales maybe or you can get them online from Amazon. Good luck. ❤💐

[@Karin-]

Thanks so much for your kind and very helpful response, I will certainly be trying those ideas. Much appreciated 😊

[@StacyRainwater]

Hello! I know you made this a while ago but I hope you still see this comment. I'm just curious how tall and wide should the signatures be? I actually put a cute little Journal together but my papers were way too tall and I wondered if you had any dimensions I could use?

[@handyColorstationery]

Hello Stacy. I usually choose to make my signature 1/4 smaller than my cover. Good luck 😊🌹

[@jabjab6156]

I just found your video. Thank you for sharing. It's a different technique. The big problem is that I could hardly hear you speaking.

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you JoAnn and you are welcome. 😊 You can always look at the script in the description box, it's all in there 😊

[@kimreyes8519]

hiii, where can I find beautiful cardstock like you yours? 🥺

[@handyColorstationery]

Hello Kim ☺💐, thank you for stopping by my channel. If you are located in US, you can find a bunch of printed cardstock with beautiful designs in any craft store like Michael's, Hobby Lobby , Joann etc. I bought the cardstock I used a couple of years ago from Michaels (craftsmart cardstock, the name of the paper pad is classic chic) I don't know if they still sell the same one. Now, if you're looking for the exact/similar design I can send you some. You can find my social and shop link in my "about" section. Just send me a message. For junk journals, you can always use all kind of cardstock, you can even design and make yours. Buy some white cardstock and play with some paint. Believe me, you'll love creating your own style. For inspiration, watch some of my videos where I create some journal covers. Best of luck. Feel free to ask any other questions ☺

[@bluechicbysadia7451]

This is cool,🤩but how can we attach paper?

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you ☺You sew paper to you cover. Here part 2 of the project where I sew paper signatures and finish the project. Enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJfGqKppjslsfJY

[@lindaclausen5477]

Is there a part 2?

[@handyColorstationery]

Yes. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJfGqKppjslsfJY :)

[@bostoncharm1]

what kind of Mod Podge were you using?

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you Lisa for stopping by my channel and watching my video. 😊 The mod podge I use is the "plaid mod podge matte". You can find it at any craft store or target or Wal-Mart. Hope it helps. Enjoy 💐😊 Here is the link: www.target.com/p/mod-podge-8oz-craft-glue-matte/-/A-17089118?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012806747&CPNG=PLA_Seasonal%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Seasonal&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=9011556&targetid=aud-468500407640:pla-779910869424&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1248099&ds_rl=1247068&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4EuO55sVSrphahMwgaibiAwxc-4rXZVSPIOZQAt_Sz_mY6q5cSJupUgaAsPUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds I

[@bostoncharm1]

@@handyColorstationery thank you and Im glad its that one because I have it!

[@gretchenlhommedieu6352]

Very very good tutorial; however, the voice was much softer than the music which was too disconcerting.

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you for taking the time to stop by my channel and watching my video. I was learning at that time how to edit the voice/music thing ..haha! 😉

[@HISIAM888RUHIS888]

Loved your Demonstration!! (& with the Products you used)!! However.. I had my volume All the Way Up & Could barely hear your words!! (It was so faint).. I was straining to hear!! I will watch this again.. but it would be Really Great if you could “redo the video”.. keep the music down (or maybe No Music).. as it’s Really not necessary..as it interferes with your instructions)..& maybe Speak a bit louder! That would be Great!! Thank You Again!! 🙌🙌💓💓🥰📖💓💓

[@handyColorstationery]

Happy you enjoyed the video 😊 I made this video a couple of year ago! For the instructions, no need to listen. You have them all written in details in the description in case you missed sthg. Hope that helps. 😊

[@HISIAM888RUHIS888]

@@handyColorstationery Thank You!!🙌🙌💓💓😍

[@Papiercutz]

I couldn't hear what you were saying at all. It appears it was a good video , though.

[@handyColorstationery]

Thank you 😊 ❤️ All the script is in the description box. You can follow step by step 😊

[@wandasinclair3748]

Sorry but can not hear u

[@handyColorstationery]

Hi Wanda, Thank you for stopping by my channel. Sorry for the inconvenience! You can find all the steps in the description box. Hope that helps :)

[@tcfmarch17]

Can barly hear your voice?

[@handyColorstationery]

Sorry for teh inconvenience! You can find all the steps to follow in the description box. Hope that helps :)