How I make Art Journals | A book binding Guide

After experimenting with book binding for years I finally feel comfortable with the process, so in this complete guide I am showing you every single step in my book-binding process. I start by selecting my materials, showing you how to stitch the spine, how to glue everything together, and how to embellish. At the end we will have a beautiful keepsake journal that you will happily draw, doodle, and paint in for months or maybe even years.
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Free coloring pages,
And my coloring book :
Http://betsijae.gumroad.com
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Leave a tip :
ko-fi.com/missbetsi
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Find me on Instagram:
/ betsi_jae
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Do you want to share your creations on social media?
~ please tag me at betsi_jae .
~ (Give credit where credit is due 🙏🏽 ) thank you
~ thank you for stopping by. You’re the best.
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Supplies I used in this video:
✔ 67-lb cover stock paper : amzn.to/3rZ5GBm
✔ Fiskars Precision Scissors : amzn.to/49fXRIz
✔ Waxed Thread & Awl set : amzn.to/3FsB4LC
✔ Curved Needles : amzn.to/46FGmPU
✔ Chipboard Sheets : amzn.to/3FmZ9Ul
✔ PVA Glue : amzn.to/3Q6WnqZ
✔ Craft Bond Fabric & Paper Glue: amzn.to/45NAoLS
Other items:
✔ 2 sheets Scrapbook paper
✔ Plain Muslin Fabric
✔ Scrap Denim Fabric
✔ Scrap Batik cotton Fabric
✔ 1-inch bridal lace Ribbon
✔ 5/8 inch plain ribbon
✔ Aleene's Fabric fusion glue
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Disclosure
I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This video contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you, from which I may earn a small commission.

[@dakotagrey260]

You’re so multitalented ❤ I’ve made notebooks using my Cinch machine but I’ve been wanting to try making this exact type of book. I’ve looked at other tutorials but haven’t liked them and even felt discouraged and then boom, you upload this gem. Thank you so so much for sharing your talents with us.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much💙. I hope the info in this video helps.

[@uniqnixieclocksgreganddebr4599]

I think this is the best tutorial I've watched. I've shared this to my friends.

[@betsi_jae]

Wow😊 That is a huge huge compliment. Thank you!

[@connieebinger6343]

Great tips included here! I have done some bookbinding in the past with just a couple of books but find these tips great! So far I especially love the one about flattening the binding down before you glue it. I’ve noticed in the past the glue getting down into those Spaces and it causes that edge to be stuck together rather than free and flexible like you were talking about. Thank you so much! Enjoying your videos! New to your channel.❤

[@LauraSigns]

You're a great teacher, thanks for taking the time to make this!

[@betsi_jae]

Thanks for watching! Making this was a lot of fun 💜

[@augustcalderaro3797]

What a magnificent project! I never realized how much work goes into creating a journal. I love it for sure .Thanks for sharing your talents and tricks of the trade to complete this work of art.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much! The individual steps are fairly simple, but the process as a whole gets complicated😅. It's all worth it in the end of course.

[@sarahberry3819]

What can I say….thank you for such a great video of how you bind your books. You are a great teacher, this was so well explained, good video…just thank you. I am so glad I found your channel.

[@betsi_jae]

You are so welcome! I’m trying my best to clearly show all the details I know I struggled with when I was learning to bind my own books. I hope this helps inspire your own creations 🧡

[@sarahberry3819]

@@betsi_jae you did a wonderful job!

[@naomimarker451]

This tutorial is *just* what I needed since I'm thinking of making journals for Christmas presents. Your explanations are very clear.

[@betsi_jae]

Wonderful! I hope you have fun making lots of journals💜.

[@kellylea3575]

Wonderful tutorial, thank you 🙏 your books are lovely 🌹

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you like them! 😊

[@fabiennemartin1138]

Hello Betsi! It looks to me that once you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything!! This art book looks beautiful and the making of it is so interesting and skillful. 😮 Thank you for sharing your personal knowhow 😊.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much! I really had my mind set on creating a system that worked for me.

[@gaillipfert9606]

That was inspirational. I always thought book binding was mysterious and difficult, but I might actually give it a try. Your instructions are very clear. Thanks.

[@betsi_jae]

You can totally do it! I'm here if you have any questions at any point.

[@noemid1458]

Thank you so much for sharing your video with us today💖🤗

[@betsi_jae]

You are so welcome 💜. I hope you enjoy it.

[@suewegert2323]

This is a fantastic book. So beautiful throughout. You could use a plastic credit card to spread glue and to smooth out folded edges. I admire your patience.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you for the tip! I'll give it a try 🙂

[@purplebutterfly412]

Hello Miss Betsi. Thank you so much for putting this video/ tutorial together. You are amazing and the book is absolutely beautiful. You are a true inspiration. 💜

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much! I hope you find the information useful💕

[@valeriarusmini2542]

Thank you !! This is a really present for all of us !! Great great gift, sorry forma my english hope you understand how I am thanking you. Really difficult for me, I will see your video tutorial many many time !! Ciao Betsi from Valeria and Italy

[@stohandmadejewelrycraftcorner]

This is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this video.😊💕

[@suewegert2323]

Thank you for a well organized and thorough tutorial. Your books are beautiful works of art.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much!

[@Yahwertle]

Your water color journal is beautiful. I have been working in it almost every day ! Thanks ❤

[@betsi_jae]

I'm so glad you're enjoying it 💙💜💙

[@healgrowlovecommunity8397]

Miss Betsi - that is a wonderful tutorial! I'm definitely going to make one. It's so much better to create your own unique book instead of buying a generic one. I also love the tiny books! Adorable! Thank you so much 😘

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you💙. I hope you have lots of fun making lovely cute journals of your own😊

[@cathysnyder9478]

This is so neat and pretty. I have made sketchbooks, but mine are not as big and not sewn. I am going to do a sewn one now. Love this.

[@kaybee_en]

I love bookmaking but yours are so simply done but so elegant and sweet. TFS

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the compliment from a fellow bookmaker 💜💙💜

[@angelcalico8663]

Excellent tutorial/video!! I love your attention to detail and thanks for sharing the "tips and tricks". I think I could actually do this now!! Many thanks!! 💜

[@betsi_jae]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lisamendoza-rodriguez1968]

This is amazing! I just found you and I can’t thank you enough for doing a close up of the stitching of your signatures together! Your book is absolutely gorgeous! I would love to purchase one of your sketchbooks! I love drawing! I have made a few books for myself but I repurposed a book by adding my Mixed media pages to. Your book will be a treasured gift for myself! ❤🦋❤️🦋…

[@betsi_jae]

Glad it was helpful! Over the next week or so I'll be stocking up my online store with the books I've made and I'll let everyone know when they become available.

[@valeriarusmini2542]

Ohhh Betsi sorry I did not sede alla details you already cave. Thank you again Betsi. Ciao

[@katarinaholik]

Love this video, it’s a gem. I just ordered those curved needles and wax thread. Previously, I made a few little sketchbooks but my stitch was too loose, I struggled with straight needle. Thank you for sharing the whole process.

[@betsi_jae]

I hope the curved needles help. Its was much easier for me once I switched to those

[@Ron_DeForest]

That was fascinating. Sincerely. The book was beautiful. Almost makes me want to make one myself. Ok. More than almost.

[@betsi_jae]

Go for it! For the first few books I made, I didn't buy any special tools and just used what I already had at home. You might find that you already have most of what you need😊

[@Ron_DeForest]

@@betsi_jae I do have a fairly extensive sewing kit. I’m the only one that can sew ever since Linda, Karen’s mom, got dementia. Don’t know how much I mentioned previously but I’m on disability and I’m living with dear friends. Karen, her husband Ben and the three kids. Jade: autistic, 23. Kayden: 14 and Avery: 11. They have a forth but Shylaa is married and living in Missouri. Unfortunately ever since I attempted to not alive myself, my short term memory is shit. So please forgive if I told you this before.

[@betsi_jae]

@@Ron_DeForest No worries. I don't believe you've shared this. Sometimes life circumstances can be a little tangled, but as long as you're somewhere safe now, that's what matters.

[@triciab8751]

Your journals so pretty and what a great tutorial!! Thank you for sharing your process.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you💙. Hope it was helpful🙂

[@melissahancock3298]

Beautiful! Super job!

[@cathysnyder9478]

I have made 2 of these so far. Well just the paper blocks so far. A small one and one a little larger. They are not perfect, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. It is really fun. I am looking forward to finishing them.

[@betsi_jae]

That’s wonderful! Its good to get some practice. I also tend to just work on the page blocks for a few days and set them aside for later.

[@beckykilgore8322]

Awesome tutorial, thank you. This book is beautiful :)

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you 💙thank you . I really enjoyed making it. The colors were so lovely.

[@sarahspencer9360]

Wow. I LOVE the journal with your artwork on the cover. 😍 Thank you for being so clear and full of juicy info.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much!

[@cookie88476]

I recently found you, and I am so thankful for that. Your style is beautiful. Your craft is 🤌 I draw somewhat similar, and I love watching your techniques. It is incredibly beautiful. You are inspiring ❤

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much 😀 I really appreciate the kind words 💜

[@lorettanobert5232]

Love this! ❤

[@ichingoracle]

This is one of the best book-binding tuts I've seen. It would be lovely if you also included some of your smaller books in this playlist. Also, I've joined Gumroad because of your sketches. I keep watching the "bell" for more. I'm hooked (I don't mean that in the crochet way, though I do that too.) Hugs.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed this tutorial as well as the other videos 💕💜💕

[@epapere]

Hi Betsi! Great video. I recommend using a silicone tipped brush for spreading glue purposes. No bristles to lose or to soak up all the glue!

[@betsi_jae]

Great idea!! I'll give that a try.

[@terijones2400]

I make mini albums from chipboard and i'm learning to draw..this is going to be perfect to make! i'm going to research book binding and learn and make my own as well..I love your vision and style..so chill, yet thorough..I really enjoy your creations.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you 😊 and I hope you enjoy making your very own journals!

[@gossiz]

Lovely job. A very concise and easy to follow tutorial. Thank you very much.

[@betsi_jae]

Glad it was helpful!

[@betsy2298]

Your tutorial is so understandable. Thank you so much! I love your artwork ,too!

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much!

[@tunnisquiltingcreations9466]

Thank you so much! You are an exceptional teacher. You had my interest the entire time and I am looking forward to making my own art books!

[@betsi_jae]

Wonderful! I hope you enjoy the process💕

[@emmanuellemasson8740]

what a wonderful video! Thank you for sharing!

[@l.j.2043]

Interesting video. The book turned out really beautiful. You have so much talent!

[@betsi_jae]

Many many thanks ☺️

[@mrsdoodledee]

This tutorial is so generously made. I appreciate the time you’ve taken to teach this. I am planning on making my own very soon.

[@julianapeyravy2432]

Beautiful work, dear!

[@plamarsh1]

I have just finished my first book. Thank you for the lesson. It turned out very nice. I am sure I will make more.

[@betsi_jae]

Thats wonderful!

[@9neera]

What a fascinating video! You are so talented

[@andreadourado520]

I really love your videos ❤

[@heidiwilliams7701]

Wow! Awesome. I feel encouraged to try to make a journal myself. Thank you, Betsi.

[@betsi_jae]

You can do it!

[@robertarce5377]

That is cool 😎 I am left handed so every time I try to sketch ✍️ something I end up breaking the bind of the book 📕 so i have to tear a paper out! But I managed just to go with the flow of the binding.

[@laureencampbell1359]

Loved this video. It's rare I can watch a video longer than 20 minutes. This one kept me spell bound . . . beautiful work, loved it all but especially loved the stitching segment. Such precision and attention to detail. Thanks so much for sharing. Wonderful project.

[@betsi_jae]

Wow, thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@olgarullan1679]

Beautiful job with the journals....😊 you are a very talented artist and very dedicated!!!! I would love to buy one of your journals myself. Thank you for your work

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much! I finally have some of my journals posted on my site, linked in the description.

[@zenmama979]

This is so inspiring! I love your covers.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you like them💕

[@nathalielili4241]

Magnifique ❤. J'adore ❤️😍. Merci beaucoup pour ce tutoriel

[@robingoff677]

Another great tutorial Miss Betsi! I love how you’ve made all of your art journals. And I especially love the journal with your art cover! I too, would like to purchase at least 1 when they’re ready…..can I ask for purples? Since you and I both love shades of purples….I will even pay upfront if you’d prefer, and I’m in no hurry, you could take your time. Let me know? Thanks so much……again beautiful work!

[@betsi_jae]

I'll look around my stash to see what purple pretty things I have. 😊 I'm sure there's plenty, and I'll have fun making a couple of purple themed books. I'll figure out a way to allow folks to request commissions in the shop. Thank you so much for your support💕

[@DBoyd-qq8zt]

What a wonderful gift idea! I love it and the process would be fun to do.

[@betsi_jae]

It really is a lot of fun. As with any new hobby, it can take a little time to become accustomed to the process, but once you pick up momentum it’s very very rewarding.

[@lisablacker3102]

Bookbinding is an interesting skill to have, and this art journal turned out beautifully. Your instructions were detailed, but simple enough to not be too intimidating; you really are a great teacher! Thank you😊

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much! 💜💙💜

[@selenep1193]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your creativity!

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you! 😊

[@nancyhappily9503]

Beautiful workmanship. Can't wait to see your shop, Good Luck!

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you!

[@karlat7880]

Beautiful!

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you!

[@sweetscraps56]

Thank you. The book is beautiful. And I really learned some new stuff👍🏻

[@betsi_jae]

So glad!

[@tonimoore8371]

Your instructions are great. This is so beautiful.

[@betsi_jae]

Glad you think so!

[@ellanitaarlee8749]

You are such an inspiration Miss Betsi...thank you for this very clear tutorial. My adult granddaughter gifted me and herself a hand-made journal, very similar to the one you just made. It is for our "Nature journeying" I always wanted to learn how to make one myself and now I will. so exciting. I really enjoy watching your creations. I've been Zen-tangling for over a year now, and like looking at differend aproaches to creative Art. Thank you dear heart ❤

[@betsi_jae]

It's such a great feeling to receive hand-made items. I hope you enjoying making a few of your own journals. I highly highly recommend it 🧡💜

[@wetterschneider]

That was dynamite. Thank you for the patient and generous step by step breakdown. I've made sketchbooks by hand, back in the day, and this was fascinating and illuminating. I remember having to seek out some 4th floor book-binder supply shop in mid-town Manhattan to get the archival cardstock and the glue.

[@betsi_jae]

Fortunately it's easier now to order supplies online😊, but it sounds wonderful to go to a small book-making shop or leather shop.

[@MHarenArt]

This was a beautiful process. Congratulations it's gorgeous

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much!

[@wilhat]

It looks fantastic,I love my ring binder book so going to make one using the rings and a hole punch.

[@betsi_jae]

For some reason I never tried using a ring binder. That sounds like a good idea though.

[@spiralgoddess2399]

Thank you for the great tutorial. You do beautiful work. I'm definitely going to try this.

[@betsi_jae]

Have fun! 💙💜💙

[@weaver7249]

I did really enjoy this. Thank you so much for sharing.. I will be watching you again and again.

[@betsi_jae]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@louisea966]

wow, fabulous tutorial. thanks

[@betsi_jae]

Glad you liked it!

[@annajavier5712]

I do the whole book binding process and looking at yours I’ll try your spine technique plus I do like the embossment on the book it makers it pretty. I do use book binding board I find it better and I have a cutter that will cut 400 sheets of paper at once. I’ll post on Instagram after I make one. I love every thing book binding. Thanks for sharing.

[@betsi_jae]

That's amazing! How do you like the book board? Would you recommend it?

[@annajavier5712]

@@betsi_jae yes I have used thinner then the book board but thicker then what you do and I prefer the book board much better I think you will to. It can be costly but it’s worth it and you get 3 boards for around 24$. Your books are smaller so you will get more books. I do 9x6 books or 4.5 x 6 depends on if it’s for me or one of my grandkids which are 10,8,4,and yes even the 2year old has her own book which has circles all in it. It so cute. The 10 year old has been drawing just like her little sister it my legacy I’m leaving them to love art like me, I don’t know if I told you but I have metastatic Breast cancer which is terminal is sounds bad but there are lots of treatments that keep me alive to watch my grandkids grow. Anyway thank again for your book video.

[@annagray6491]

This is amazing! Thank you for your clear explanation of how to do the sewing of the signatures and everything else! Can I ask please, how do you know how much thread to use?

[@betsi_jae]

To measure the thread, hold it up against one of your signatures. In this video the signature measured 6 inches along the fold, so between my fingers I pinched a 7-8 inch length. I pulled out this amount for each signature (there were 17). This always gives me enough thread plus a little extra. Hope this helps😊

[@masygirlsr8412]

Love everything you do. Thank you for being so open and sharing so much. One question. What colored pencils do you use ? Thank you.

[@betsi_jae]

I mostly use two types of colored pencils: 1. Blick Studio Artist pencils and 2. Prismacolor Scholar pencils

[@suelawrence5404]

Hi Betsi, love your work. The paper you mentioned in the supplies, is this what you use in your drawings or do you recommend watercolour paper? Keep up the great videos. You inspire me.

[@betsi_jae]

When I make my journals I most often use this paper because it handles most ink work and mixed media very well. Sometimes I use a 90-lb watercolor paper, mostly because I'm not fond of anything heavier (makes it hard to fold the paper ). 😊 I think in the end its up to you, but these are my favorites and I always recommend them.

[@tynaheadrick-phipps6768]

Your creations are marvelous. The cover with your art on it is beautiful. Did you have you art printed on fabric for the cover?

[@betsi_jae]

It isn't fabric😊. I just print it onto card stock and then seal it with modpodge.

[@ReneeW59]

This is so beautiful and so special! Where is your shop? I would be really proud to own one of your books!

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much! The link to my Gumroad is in the description under "free coloring pages", but I don't yet any books available. I will soon have some, and I'll make sure to send out a message to everyone in the community post.

[@michelestanton9451]

This is a great tutorial! I have made a few journals like this and love using this stitch. What is your secret for using watercolor paper? I find that mine wants to break at the fold.

[@betsi_jae]

That's a really good question. I don't use heavy watercolor paper. After shopping around and experimenting for the past year, I came across some bulk watercolor paper that was only 90-lb. I was afraid it would be too flimsy but for my purposes it works great. When the paper is too thick, it doesn't lend itself well to folding.

[@dhub1466]

Hello, I LOVED this tutorial, you are very talented. You made some comments regarding selling your books. Where are you selling them? On etsy? If so where do I find you? I would love to buy one.

[@betsi_jae]

Thank you so much😊. I don't have any books up in my shop at this moment, but they'll be available soon. In the meantime you can find the link to my shop in the description under "free coloring pages". Its my Gumroad🌄

[@karenholst8306]

👍👍👍💕💕💕🇩🇰

[@tamerarothell3737]

I have a question when your finished folding your paper in half what size do you cut the paper at on your paper cutter?

[@betsi_jae]

It depends on the book. For most books I cut them down to 5" x 7" or a 5.5" square.

[@MHarenArt]

How do I access your shop to see what you have to offer?

[@betsi_jae]

My shop is a Gumroad account linked in the description under “free coloring pages”. I currently only have a printable coloring book along with a handful of freebies, but as I mentioned in the video 😊 I will be adding the finished journals soon and will let everyone know when those will become available.

[@valeriarusmini2542]

Hood morning Betsi, it's me again. Please van you vive me info about paper. Also the Weight, grammature. Thank you very much. Valeria

[@betsi_jae]

Hi Valeria. You can find links in the description to all the supplies I used 💙

[@sandymarie92278]

Do you make them to sell them? I would love to get one covered only in paperbag. I wonder how much you charge! Please do get back to me. Thanks!

[@betsi_jae]

Hi there. I sell my journals on my site : betsijae.gumaroad.com I could make you a 200 pg journal with blank covers for $22. The shipping is around $6 in the US

[@marshakopeika9671]

How I’m hoping you will be selling these‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@betsi_jae]

I'm listing up a batch very soon 💙💙💙

[@suzettecraig1811]

Lovely video Miss Betsi! Totally LOVING your series and 𝓅𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 consider making your own workbook with ink design exercises♡〜٩( ˃▿˂ )۶〜♡

[@betsi_jae]

That's a great idea! I'll think about how I might accomplish that . It might be a good challenge 😊