DIY disc bound art journal

[@joellemcgowen8080]

If you're in the United States or Canada Michael's has all of these supplies also!

[@eileenbergen7087]

I was so happy to see this, Vicky, because I started a planner art journal this year using my old Franklin Planner loose leaf binder. I thought it wasn't "proper" but a good way for me to start a daily art journal. You pointed out the advantages of a loose leaf system. Flexibility, try different papers and techniques. Toss out any you don't like. I feel like you've given me permission and that this approach is okay ;-)

[@phoebewilliams3522]

Have you done a flip through of your disc bound journal? I would love to see that. You are very talented. I love your work.

[@JewelrybyJeanette]

What a fantastic idea! I have that binding system and punch, and I'm going to make myself an art journal this week! Thank you so much, Vicky!

[@dianabarnard4787]

I saw these on Joggles and thought immediately to make my own. I already had the Happy Planner punch and stacks of watercolor paper pads. I loved them and made extras to give to my fellow classmates in a watercolor class. I’m working in a 6”x6” now, so it’s my favorite size.

[@zoekane4012]

Hi Vicky. I LOVE your how-to videos. You’re a natural teacher and so artistic. Although I enjoy your card videos, I hope you will continue making your art journal page videos as they are so helpful. My favorite videos are the ones where Ginger makes an appearance. Thank you for all you do!

[@grumpysincebirth]

Thank you for this information I managed to get the punch at the reduced price and nearly peed myself when it turned up the next day. I now have a wide journal which is like two pages together and I intend to make a small one out of postcards for when I am feeling intimidated by larger pages. Thanks again for this and your other videos. :)

[@Jillybian]

Been doing this for 2 years. I especially love it for using 9"x12" mixed media and/or watercolor paper pads without cutting the pages down. I also love having both horizontal and vertical books.

[@LoriUren]

Thanks for sharing! I purchased the punch and the happy planner over a year ago and discovered I'm not a planner person. So this gives me use for my punch.

[@lauretka5]

I happen to have the same punch. If you want to line custom-sized paper easier I stick foam tape on top of washi tape. It creates a barrier for the paper and I don't need to fuss with alining it every time.

[@rnee1000]

Great idea!!! If I were to make a disc bound journal it would be 6x6 or 8x8. I love square journals and canvases!

[@TamburH]

You have inspired me to create my own journal using my happy planner discs. I think I will start with a 6x6

[@AafkeVultink]

@vicky this is genius! I want that for making my own wc journal.

[@Erikantroy]

When you started using the disc bound Joggles journal, I had thoughts about how to make my own, so this video was right on time. I've got a Zutter binder and am thinking about using that instead. The size I'm thinking about is 6x8 inches. The only disadvantage is that I have to wait until my pages are done to bind them together, but I like working on each page outside the binder. Thanks for all of your art journal inspiration!

[@vickyp]

Yes! The zutter is another great way to bind finished pages! I have one from years ago somewhere too!

[@anneroberts7312]

I like this system for creating pages individually and then adding to the journal, especially for certain processes. You have given me so many good ideas!

[@scrapgirl14671]

What a great use for these planner discs! I am sure the Happy Planner folks are going to be thanking you 😂😊. Also, just as an FYI Marthat Stewart makes a disc bound system here in the US at least that is available through Staples (an office supply store) so that is another option here in the States. Thanks Vicky for always sharing your wonderful ideas with us.

[@JulieBarneson]

I use this system with my gel prints & I really like it. My favorite thing about using the discs is how easy it is to add or remove paper, plus how much paper it can hold. I never thought to make an art journal with it (I love the large Dylusions journal) but now that I've seen your square one, I think I'll just have to copy you!

[@lisak-inkplaylove9353]

I created one of these right after I saw your first ring-bound journal video because I have the Happy Planner punch. I used Canson watercolor paper and happy planner rings for mine. I love it! Totally customizable!

[@lisak-inkplaylove9353]

I used the larger Happy Planner rings (in pink!) for a 6x6 journal.

[@1tinac]

I really like that size you just created. But I really like the hole /slot punch. Thanks for sharing.

[@elizabethjoubert5647]

This is such amazing idea! Love that you can make your personalized journals ... Would probably make a set of size. Your work is just incredible... Thank you 😊

[@TheInkinGardenSpot]

love this idea. think i'm going to try to do this. i like square journals too, so i think i will do an 8x8

[@suebouch4074]

Hi, Vicky... I'm so glad you're endorsing the flexibility of using a disc bound art journal system... The first size I made back in 2012 when my love for art was rekindled and I started accumulating various mediums and paper surfaces was a top-bound 6"x9" Steno pad for two reasons. 1st) I was familiar and comfortable with that size and 2nd) most of the paper pads I bought came 9"x12" so I simply cut them in half. I'm currently using a 6x6 for RachO113's weekly challenge group. Your recent 6x6 art journal videos inspired me to use the disc-bound pages instead of a traditional journal. Thanks for all you do to encourage and inspire. Have a great day! :-)

[@vickyp]

Awesome!!! 6x9 is a great size! I might make one of those too :)

[@teresadoyle1396]

What a great idea for anyone who does a lot of art journaling. It would be more economical to make your own, for sure.

[@bridgettwonder5386]

Thank you for showing this. I found out about it by looking at bullet journals. I was curious about the system and investigated. I bought the Staple’s Arc punch and grid paper. I have punched 10 X 10 watercolor paper and have been making journal pages but need to buy the discs to put it together. I love doing journal pages this way. Now I can put together only what I want in my book and leave out the ones that I don’t feel as good about. Making a journal is a process of trying out new techniques and learning how to do them better. I feel more free to try new techniques without the thought that I will have to “look” at my learning as a part of a journal.

[@CouzCat]

I love these systems. I have one from a decade or so ago from Levenger who make a very strong all metal punch that is longer than this one. The journals you can make are so versatile, somewhere between a bound notebook & a 3 ring binder.

[@craftybeautydiva1]

Ty so much for sharing this! I have a spiral sketch pad that I love but wanted to combine it with watercolor paper. I have the punch already. I'm going to make this right now.

[@alanjones1168]

Thanks Vicky for the great ideas. I will also check into Staples to see if they have anything like that as suggested in some of the comments.

[@baboo7192]

I love when you do product reviews! The little hearts are adorable❤️

[@DianaHernandez-kn1ne]

Love your journal pages, they are all so pretty. I would love to try this , but I am a little weary. We'll see. tfs

[@babablutube8222]

Ma che simpatici! Adoro! E tu sei bravissima.

[@dotferrero]

I bought the 8x10 disc bound journal from joggles Bought the same punch from Hobby Lobby ($29.95) with 40% off coupon. Michael's sells same punch I watch Barb from joggles as well as your videos. Both of you are great teachers. Thanks

[@lisaley-revell2049]

Some times a big blank sheet of paper is very intimidating. I really like that you can custom size your journals.

[@lennettajerkins7072]

I have never tried art journaling, had wanted to try. However, I have been ver intimidated by the book (fear of messing up I guess). I really like the idea of the disk bound journal for OCD people like me. So... I just purchased the supplies to make my own. Thanks for sharing!

[@nicky_stevenson]

I like the ring bound system and have several bits that I must get round to using! Mine are the ‘Arc’ ones from Staples. Also, I spray painted some of my black discs gold, which made them look better.

[@wmwilkinson1]

Good idea I also think reusing a ring bound would be great!

[@vickyp]

ring bounded ones are great too!!! Same advantages really!

[@susyr1517]

Great idea! I’m going to try to make my own journal books. Thanks for sharing.

[@laurab1770]

thanks for the demo. I was just considering this system and glad to know you can customize. great tip with the tape for guide lines.

[@rekhamav]

Thanks for all the links and ideas. I have made a book of alphabets and pages using watercolour. What would be a good method to laminate them so that the watercolour paintings are preserved and don't get spoiled while using.

[@sherilewis6958]

Thank you so much for this video. It is a perfect gift for a friend and of course for myself.

[@tinalalasworld6141]

I love the Create365 line!

[@TheresaPetermann]

I didn't think I would want to make a disc bound journal until I started doing RachO113's challenges. Now I think it would be just the right thing to put all the pages together. The challenge size is 6 x 6. Mostly I sew my journals together. I have made hundreds of books and journals through my artistic life ( I'm 65). thanks as always for sharing.

[@WedittsPlaythings]

I am following Rachel's prompts, too, and I am planning on disc binding the pages as well!

[@1SassyCrafter]

I’m also following Rachel’s challenges lol! ❤️

[@WedittsPlaythings]

Vicky and Rachel have been so influential on my art journaling - love both of their styles!

[@sollc1708]

Vicky, I use ordinary rings you can open and close. Looks stronger.

[@vickyp]

Love those too! I have a few finished ring bounded journals from a couple of years ago.

[@hannetang]

Dont they comeback apart when they are removed and put back?

[@ruthiesiegel207]

Will the planner punch cut thru chipboard? I bought the punch today.

[@bastelalm4080]

Thank you Vicky this was really a good tipp !

[@riteasrain]

Interesting. The only thing is storage on say a bookshelf - could be awkward.

[@faithfullyshrushti4239]

Vicky I request you to upload a flip through video of your journals please please please

[@vickyp]

Oh I have been getting this request a lot... so I should sit and film a flip through at some point !

[@anuradhaacharya1500]

Yes Vicky wud really really love to see the pages of your art journals, I know it's additional work for you.

[@faithfullyshrushti4239]

Thank you so much 😊 Vicky dats really very kind of you

[@nanciring8235]

So funny...just last week I bought that punch so I could use up some of my huge collection of mixed media paper!! (I already have the discs from years ago!)❤️

[@ruthiesiegel207]

Another question... what size discs are you using?

[@lindabarnett7653]

Hi, Vicky. This is such a neat system - but with bulky discs, how do you store the completed journals?

[@vickyp]

never had issues on how to store them, I place then on my bookshelf

[@ginacapecchi]

Hi Vicky! How do you think a disc bound journal will hold up with time? Does it seem like the discs will easily fall out if stacked with other things? Are they pretty delicate? Thanks!

[@vickyp]

back in the days I used to have disc bound notebooks for school... never had a problem. And let me tell you, those had some rough days in my school bag! Now on my art journals I am more gentle so I am sure they are gonna be fine :)

[@robinreinoehl1720]

I'm wondering how chunky (gator-mouthed) a disc-bound journal can get and still stay securely/safely bound. I made a journal that, when not squished together, is about 2" high. Would a 1 3/4" disc hold the papers (two papers {card stock} are glued and sewn together, so they're more sturdy than a single sheet of paper) without stressing the holes the discs sit in? I'd love to hear your opinion. Thanks! -Robin

[@vickyp]

I would go with bigger discs for a 2 inch stack of pages ... they will be able to be binded on a 1 3/4 disc but it will be difficult to browse through the pages as they will definetly give you the gator-mouth look .

[@robinreinoehl1720]

@@vickyp I got brave and decided to use the disc system. The 1 3/4" discs worked with much care in turning the pages. I just purchased 2" discs (didn't know those existed) and am hoping those will work perfectly. Thank you for your response❣

[@mariep-MAPAT]

Great idea, Vicky!

[@scrappyella]

Love this idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@anhaddad]

Excellent idea!

[@marymccaslin1690]

Very helpful! Thank you Vicky!

[@ganeshthirunagaru7658]

U r really awesome....Vicky... Ur lucky...

[@EvelyneJackman]

I will check my local craft store and see if they have the tools if not I will buy the art journal.

[@lindadesgroseilliers17]

Evelyne, if you have an Office Depot near you they carry the Tul disc-bound system including the discs and the Tul punch. It's very heavy and solidly made. It's a bit more expensive than the one shown here, but it is an alternative.

[@EvelyneJackman]

Thanks Linda for all this info! I will go tomorrow morning. They are closed now :(

[@kimleon-guerrero9980]

This is such a great idea, thank you so much for the tutorial. 💞💫

[@mariabarnet9011]

why did you use all discs when a few would do?

[@vickyp]

I like to use a disc for every hole but that's a personal preference. I feel it looks better and it is more sturdy.

[@mariabarnet9011]

I understand, but I am short of money, so is there any way you could try to use fewer discs and show us how it works or does not work out that way? I am not proposing you make less holes. Just that you use fewer discs, maybe every other one or 3 up 3 down and empty middle? I have been going crazy ever since I stumbled upon your channel and you have made me take up art again. I would be ever so grateful! Συγγνωμη αν ακουστηκε αγενης η ερωτηση μου, μερικες φορες στη βιασυνη μου δεν σκεπτομαι πως μπορει να το αντιληφθει ο αλλος.

[@vickyp]

no problem! you can use the top, the bottom and a middle one. Another way is to just put your pages in a folder, no discs, no punch hole maker.... use whatever works for you! There are no rules in art journaling.

[@mariabarnet9011]

thanks. I don't know why I got so hang up on the discs. It seems a good idea, I guess. I am not much of an art journalist. I tried it and it doesn't work for me. I just can't relax enough to create something like you and I don't like the meme feel of art journaling. I am trying different things now. My passion is for portraits because I am trying to use shadows and light properly. I had made a lovely sumo wrestler and cut out his shape to stick on a page I had used inks on. I used gel medium (the Dina Wakley one by Ranger) and guess what? The gel medium made the background sip onto my watercolour paper. Disaster! Everything had been dry for days. I don't understand why gel medium is making my life a misery. It is no different from PVA glue. Also when I try to colour images for cards, the permanent markers and stamps get lifted by watercolour brushing and alcohol markers. So I started stamping, embossing and then colouring in an attempt to stop this from happening. But I feel annoyed because for some things you do want to add a bit of a glaze, be it PVA glue, or a proper glaze and they all damage the colours and make them run! Maybe you could do a tutorial to show the problems and figure out a way to solve them? (I even used hairspray and that was a disaster too! Plus it stank the room. I am hopeless...

[@wllewis13]

I love your work. What type of mat are you using? Is it by tonic studios? If so where can I purchase one.

[@vickyp]

this is by Tonic Studios, I did a review on it ... look for "glass mat" on my channel. It is sold out everywhere now.

[@stefaniestaniak4329]

Great tutorial. Thank you, I love this info.

[@astinadevinaidu5153]

Very beautiful

[@cardsncraft2792]

Fantastic idea.

[@gazzabart]

Excellent very helpful 😃

[@patinahendricks]

I couldn't hear you Vicky, the sound went out!

[@ivyseabreeze]

Thank you for making this diy video.

[@sherrywright6634]

Love this idea. Thank you.

[@Gigi_loves_crafting]

Realy cool idea 👌 liked the cute heart holes 😁

[@heatherwalker925]

I loved this.

[@IridescentJen]

ahahaha, "get in all this trouble". that's exactly what i'm thinking... i was getting ready to buy ALL the supplies and then decided WAIT, just get a premade 6" square one @ joggles first and make sure i love it as much as i think i will and then i get can in all the trouble later :)

[@vickyp]

yep! good thinking plus they now come in so many different shapes and sizes!!!

[@aliceadler4569]

Thank you Vicky!!!

[@loisskiathitis8926]

Great ideas thank you.👍🏻

[@staceybrister]

Thank you!!!

[@lindakeevers5177]

Interesting. Thank you.

[@nicolewooldridge9683]

Of course now I want this now😂😘

[@donnadacy5876]

Thanks for the information.

[@nirmalagupta7292]

Amazing

[@1SassyCrafter]

Thanks for the idea! ~Linda :)