Life, Simplified; journal, organizer, planner. How NOT to assemble your organizer journal

I made just about every mistake possible when putting together my Life, Simplified journal al and I’m Shari g this to hopefully help you avoid some of these common and frustrating mistakes. I also would like to know what you want to see… signatures sewn in? Signature wraps/ends? Assembly? Notches, tags or labels? I really want this journal to benefit you with your own simplified life process. Please, let me know what you think and what you’d like me to include in the next video, as I avoid the errors from my first attempt at my 2025 journal. Thank you for watching and happy creating.

[@stellievanrooyen]

Aawesome video!! Please show as all that you did for each of the signatures please!!

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you for that feedback! Several have said they're interested in the same thing, so I'll video through the process 😊

[@TracieFoxCreative]

Another day waking up to Cori, brilliant. X

[@CoriDahmen]

LOL. Cori-making-all-the-mistakes! Love you, sweet friend ❤️

[@karrygeisler1117]

This was a great informational video. Thank you so much. I have struggled using a journal, and this was most helpful. I’m now hoping to use one this year. I would like to see the whole process of building the journal and the sewing it together. 😊❤️

[@CoriDahmen]

Excellent and thank you very much for the feedback! I'll share the entire process 😊

[@dawnklein106]

I always enjoy when others share their difficulties as it makes my job so much easier knowing what to avoid. Thanks for all the leg work on how to avoid some pitfalls. 👍🏻

[@CoriDahmen]

I’ve made some progress on actually completing the journal and I look forward to sharing g what HAS worked for me soon! Thank you, Dawn ❤

[@pattysterbinsky7247]

I really enjoyed this and got so much out of it. If you do another instructional video I would really be interested in the process you use to strengthen your signatures with card stock. Thank you, Cori

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you, Patty! Based on the responses, I'll do a start-to-finish mini series on the Life, Simplified journal and that will address adding cardstock, chipboard or other materials to help make flimsy covers more sturdy.

[@elaineatthecraftshed1993]

So much useful information and I really appreciate you explaining why the mistakes happened as it does help me prevent them. As regards strengthening fragile papers for sewing into signatures. Here in the UK we have a great TV programme called The Repair Shop where experts take valued family pieces that are fragile or broken and repair them. There are a number of book and paper conservators who repair items on the shows and they all use fine Japanese tissue paper to repair things as it is virtually invisible once glued down, but also incredibly strong. I am always interested in any elements of book construction. Thanks as always for sharing your experience and skills 😊

[@CoriDahmen]

Very cool! Fine Japanese rice paper.... I shall look into that! Thank you 😊

[@roxannerabold42]

Thank you for sharing your ‘mistakes’ and by doing so allowing us to learn and grow with you. Your humbleness is so refreshing and appreciated in this crazy world. Thank you also for sharing your ideas for the journals and how you use them all in daily life. I love to read also and I am always looking for suggestions for books to read. Would you consider sharing some of the book titles of those you have enjoyed? I would like to see how you make the baby’s breath inserts and pockets ☺️Blessings to you as you journey through this week

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you Roxanne. Based on the responses I'm going to do a start-to-finish which I hope will answer some questions. I've had a few others ask me to share books that I've enjoyed, so I'll mention some of those in my Create-with-me videos. I appreciate your feedback!

[@SouthParkIED]

I would like to see how you put the glassine bags into your signatures. Love all your ideas and suggestions.

[@CoriDahmen]

People have asked for a start-to-finish so I'll do that. Hopefully I'll be able to post something tomorrow 😊

[@SouthParkIED]

@ Thanks Cori. I look forward to it!

[@lindaacker4615]

Thanks so much sharing your tips for the life simplified journal. So much very useful information. Sometimes my mind is like a dryer tumbling a full load, but thanks to your helpful hints I can now get the ideas organized. As far as what I would like to see you demonstrate….anything and everything! I have not used your method for my signatures, I do the three hole pamphlet stitch method, so seeing your method up close would be nice. I’d like to try it. I also love your list suggestions, thanks!

[@CoriDahmen]

I really appreciate the feedback, thank you! I'll do a start-to-finish mini series on the Life, Simplified journal that I hope you will find useful 😊

[@SunflowersAndDors]

Really really useful hearing about some of the challenges you faced Cori, I’m fairly new with soft covers and can definitely relate - really loved the way you sew your signatures either the sewing machine, would love to see that process ❤❤❤

[@donitamoore9748]

What an informative video! Thanks for showing your “mistakes”. I’m not sure how much if really use an organizational journal but I have been thinking about it. Right now I’m in the “gathering ideas” stage. 😂 Next year I’d like to try one. Thanks for the inspiration. ❤

[@CoriDahmen]

You're most welcome. Hopefully, this video will inspire you to find the best way to keep track of your own daily needs. It's not for everyone, but it has benefitted me. Thank you!

[@barbibarnum]

What a great video! I love that you included your “challenges”. One tip I’d love to share with you is to make your address folio removable. It keeps you from making a mistake in copying the addresses over. I love your To Read list. I make them and loose them. You need to share some of your favorite books with us! I’m always looking for a new read. Because most of my reading is through Audiobooks I hate to choose a hohum book. Our public library’s method of loaning audiobooks is just too complicated.

[@CoriDahmen]

Excellent suggestion! I do have one journal I made with both standard and travelers notebook style binding, and that could work really well here too. I appreciate you!

[@DebsDitties]

I love it when the pros show us that they, too, can make a mistake here and there... And thank you, Cori, for encouraging us to make those mistakes work... it is not a loss... just something different and that's okay 👌💕 I am partial to you using the yoyo cover with the burlap backing... love yoyo's 😍 I would love to see and would appreciate any and all of your process, please. Blessings~~~

[@CoriDahmen]

LOL, You're too kind, but I am far from pro. I just enjoy the making and creating process! When I bought that yo-yo quilt I was determined to use it for journals, so here I am, attempting to use it 😊

[@dahgotthis6890]

Thank you for sharing everything you have learned on your journal making journey. Very generous of you. I always enjoy your videos.

[@CoriDahmen]

My pleasure and happy crafting! 😊

[@sandimeacham3878]

Cori, do you have a zipper foot for your sewing machine? If you do, you may be able to sew in those spine flaps. Love the idea of strengthening the signatures!

[@CoriDahmen]

Great idea to change the foot! Still need a sharper needle, but will definitely help the keeping the stitches in the ditch. Thank you, Sandi!

[@alysonhovanec6314]

Loving all these videos Cori, thank you! ❤❤

[@CoriDahmen]

That makes me happy to hear, thank you!

[@jjournaldiva]

Wonderful tips, tricks and advice ❤. 😊

[@CoriDahmen]

I'm glad they helped! 😊

[@rosemareemclure3227]

Thanks Cori for sharing the things that you thought were mistakes. It always helps to see where some of the stumbling blocks might be. I see what you mean about strengthening the covers. Looking forward to the next video.

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you and dang. I hope this helps others from making some of the mistakes that I made. Happy creating!

[@MikHunter-u7z]

thank you for sharing your mistakes and giving tips on how to avoid them 🙂

[@CoriDahmen]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@suepadgham4783]

Oh again so much inspiration. Yes please construction of each signature with all your variations. If you can construction of the cover too. Grateful for your generosity in sharing ❤

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you, Sue. Hopefully a more detailed process mini series coming soon!

[@suepadgham4783]

@CoriDahmen thank you Cori, shall look forward to that very much. Your a great teacher. Xx

[@booksbyburk]

Thank you for all the ideas. Very helpful.

[@CoriDahmen]

You're most welcome! Happy organizing!

[@risamateo8003]

Thank you for sharing your struggles. You are inspiring me to work in a journal i was going to see lol. Im excited to see anything you are willing to share. ❤

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you and I hope you do complete and use it!

[@JodiLewisCreations]

I love the transparency of your mistakes. You flashed that quilted cover again. I love that. You need to use it! 😆 Now you have me wanting to make a similar project.

[@nancymoore1275]

Another awesome video and so helpful. You always go out of your way to help make everyone else's life simpler, thank you!

[@CoriDahmen]

I made so many silly and what-the-heck mistakes that I thought it might benefit someone if I shared them. Loads of bloopers!

[@nancymoore1275]

@ it did, it let us know we are all human even you 🤣🤪

[@paigelim4453]

I appreciate you explaining your mistakes and how to do it better. We all make mistakes and it's nice to hear your thinking. Thank you.

[@CoriDahmen]

I'm glad you found it helpful, and I hope that saves you from the same fate.

[@donnamurillo]

Love you and your process. I also love, love your "squirrel". It makes life so much happier. Please I always look forward to you showing us ALL the details. I'm creative but get stuck so much and you give me inspiration. I missed you so when your house had its problems. I know it is a lot of work for you and I appreciate it so very much.

[@CoriDahmen]

You are very kind and I appreciate the feedback. Schools is back so I won't be here nearly as often, but I've a goal to share one video a week. I shall try anyway! 😊

[@carolbeeding4270]

😍❤️

[@PrettySassyCreations]

I love this idea of Life Simplified and many of the categories to include depending on your life and interests. Thank you Cori!

[@CoriDahmen]

I'm happy to hear that you've found it helpful and please know I appreciate the feedback 😊

[@jamakrueger7460]

Thank you for pointing out the errors 🙃. It helps a lot. I would like to see the cardstock attached 😊. Tyfs❤

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@MusefulCreations]

This was extremely insightful! Wholeheartedly agree, sew-in the 'signature' is BOOM!! I've done it once after watching one of your previous video. I'd LOVE from beginning to end making process. So intrigued by this concept of simplified-journaling, as it seems quite versatile. BTW appreciate the suggested-list of 'ideas' to consider in the sections. Oh, the breakdown of which papers not to use and if you do, what to consider - extremely valuable to know before putting the signatures together!! 🥰❤

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you, Betsy and I'm happy to hear that the video spoke to you and that previous videos have helped. I'm going to do a start-to-finish process for the Life, Simplified journal as people have indicated that's what they'd like to see. I appreciate your feedback!

[@carolm4094]

Thanks for sharing.

[@CoriDahmen]

I'm glad you found it helpful 😊

[@bonnietyler5338]

What I need are hints about how to make my life simplified journal sturdier if it is going to be in my purse for a whole year. I am not good at machine sewing on paper, so I cannot stitch my sections in that way. I always perforate the paper I sew too much so that it falls apart. I can sew them by hand though. I want to know how to organize things so I won't get frustrated and give up on them and start dropping them into my purse willy nilly. I don't have any old paper, so I will have to use new paper. Here are my sections: 1. events and challenges, 2. Year at a glance, 3. Books/quotes, 4. Planning/purchases, 5. Healthy living, 6. Ideas/Inspiration, 7. Flower press. I have not used fabric on my covers before. I am interested in how you separate and identify sections of your journal and also have room to include random, last minute things. I liked the button closure on your last year's journal too.

[@CoriDahmen]

I love that you're really thought your journal and needs through and I will show some materials that might work well for you. Stay tuned as I'll hopefully get the next one up tomorrow 😊

[@saintbernardcrafts]

I find everything interesting to watch 🤭. Maybe a series from beginning to end is an option? Thank you for sharing!

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@TerriGodbolt]

Thank you for the How Not To. Even being familiar with the process after making last years, it's easy to make mistakes, but we learn very quickly from them. I would love to see the full process of the cover and attaching the signatures, though I possibly wouldn't machine stitch but after watching your process maybe I would. .

[@CoriDahmen]

That's great to know, thank you. I'll show the cover, signature and assembly in the next video 😊

[@blackcoffeeandwildflowers]

All kinds of learnings in this video! Just wow. I always love to hear you talk about all of the great things you have done and all the learnings you went through to make those achievements. I adore both of those journals. I’m a little worried about having that ‘roll’ happening with a journal cover I am making from a paper bag. I want to make one like Barbara’s from 49 Drafonflies. She never seems to have that problem, but then she’s a professional.😂 I always get so much great information from your videos. Thank you so much for being such an amazing inspiration. Hugs ❤️🤗

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you. I’m hoping the stiffening material I’ve added will help eliminate that problem. Fingers are crossed!

[@barbarathurston4795]

How ironic that creating a "Life, Simplified" journal became so compleciated. lol I make mistakes like these all the time and wonder if I'll ever get better at making journals. I think the journals you create are simply stunning and I admire the way you approach projects. Here's hoping that the New Year brings some happy blessings.

[@CoriDahmen]

I made so many mistakes on this one that I thought "huh. I'll just share and hope that others can avoid those same pitfalls." I'm going to make the "simplified" journal into a more simple journal! Thank you 😊

[@patcarmody7592]

Hi dear Cori! What a wonderful video!!! I loved it all but my most helpful part was creating catagories in your Simplified journal. That will be a huge help! I can devote 1 caragory or maybe 2 to my grandkids!!! The books i want to read is another great catagory. Also, if you know how to make the yo-yos and can show us how, that would be so great!!! Sending hugs and love. Thank you again.❤

[@CoriDahmen]

Grandkids... what a delightful category! I found some vintage yo-yo's at a show. I KNOW there are loads of how-to videos out there, but I am not a qullter or yo-yo maker. I buy them when I find them 😊

[@fiddliedee01]

Fabulous chit chat. 😍

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you, Gaye ❤️

[@karver3440]

This was a great informational video, thank you. I would like to see how you make covers☺

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you and okay. I will show that in the next video!

[@karver3440]

@@CoriDahmen 🥰

[@JeanneJordanexteach]

Hi Cori, I keep going back to your videos which show this DIFFERENT kind of binding, but I haven't tried it yet. So YES, if you do another journal with this "floating" spine and binding method, it will benefit me and anyone who still wants to try this. It seems like a more flexible method; the journal will lay flatter. I'm sure there are other benefits. THANK SO MUCH.🤗☺

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you for the feedback and yes, I will show the soft spine from start to finish 😊

[@JeanneJordanexteach]

@CoriDahmen great. I'm wishing you and your family a better 2025 year, Cori. 😘❤️

[@sandikalin636]

💙💙💙

[@KarenG3108]

Another great video. I hope to compile a similar journal and any videos showing your process would be appreciated. I would really like to know how you did the flower press insert. Thanks for all your inspiration.

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you Karen! The previous Life, Simplified video shows how to make the flower press and I will show the start-to-finish process for the current Life, Simplified journal.

[@carolyncampbell8126]

I really liked this video!!! I think if you just go through each process that you do for this journal would be great. 😊 thank you

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you, Carolyn ❤

[@carolpitt9647]

Hi Cori , Happy 2025 to you ! Happy birthday for 10th Jan & wanted to extend my belated sympathy to you & family on loss of your son last January…. I have watched videos before however I only recently subscribed to your channel ( don’t know why !). I really enjoyed recent video on “desk pile up” ; good tips there … our families ages must be very similar - have 3 children 35 , son 33 & younger daughter 31 - with 8& 1/2 grandchildren … Happy crafting 🦋

[@CoriDahmen]

Thank you for the kind words and happy creating to you too. I love our child connection 😊

[@debbiesewcraftygardner5613]

I quite enjoy the process😊show us how please😊

[@CoriDahmen]

I'll do a start-to-finish video 😊

[@laurahale5774]

Thank you for sharing such great ideas and your beautiful journal. I just wanted to share that when I use a light colored fabric, it shows soiling and wear much more quickly than a darker one. The yo-yo fabric is gorgeous, but is it strong enough for daily use? Thank you again for having a wonderful channel.

[@CoriDahmen]

Excellent point and certainly something to consider! My woolen ends journal is dark and has a variety of colors, so it does not show the inevitable wear. I'm certain the lighter fabric will absorb some of the dirt and grime that come with daily use. Thank you!

[@Jdisbetterthenu]

First but hi happy new year

[@CoriDahmen]

Happy 2025 to you!

[@aliloucreations1817]

Hi cori , ticking is British made , it is still made here and has been for many decades just thought I would let you know ❤❤❤

[@CoriDahmen]

nd it is so very cool. Thank you for the information, I love learning the back story 😊

[@alisonreinbold2724]

What patterned papers did you use, I love the yellow and green colors.

[@CoriDahmen]

Aren't those beautiful? I should link the source. Tracie Fox Creative/LoveJunkJournals (on Etsy). Compendium 3. I adore that kit!

[@alisonreinbold2724]

@@CoriDahmen ❤

[@sueshirk9375]

Have you tried using a zipper foot for those tight places? I have had good luck with mine.

[@CoriDahmen]

Someone else mentioned that and I appreciate it as it never occurred to me. Thank you!

[@debbiesewcraftygardner5613]

Glassine envelopes

[@carolblackburn6008]

Can you go back and add cardboard in the sides?

[@CoriDahmen]

I can, but would have to disassemble the entire thing. I can make it work without the chipboard, just with a different function.

[@annheatherton]

You read about 30 books a month???

[@CoriDahmen]

I know. In my defense, I have no kids at home and I don't watch tv. I suppose the house could be tidier...