The Beginner's Guide to making Journals - part 3 - Decorate the Covers

[@tabatabanidee]

You're helping me create my own journal. I have a lot of junks but those are memorable and I want it preserved until I saw your vid. Many thanks.

[@debrawaters1647]

You are doing a wonderful job .........😁

[@SaraMGreads]

You are so entertaining. I’d watch your videos even if I didn’t like crafting!

[@lynnlindley9042]

🤍 You are delightful, Nik! 😊 I’m so thrilled to find your channel. Informative and entertaining. 🤗

[@tarrancaldwell8378]

I absolutely love what you create and the great commentary. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents.👏⭐️💖

[@jeanflores2242]

New here. OMG, GIRL! You are killing me with that rotary cutter! lol. You need a new blade! I know this is two and a half years ago, but I'm bing watching and had to say it. When I get caught up and you haven't got a new blade, I'm sending you some! LOVE your stuff!

[@clarkbilgrav]

Love your video series! By the way, William Morris was an architect and furniture designer as well as textiles and wallpaper. He was one of the founders of the Arts and Crafts movement. I love the Arts and Crafts movement. My home is an Arts and Crafts bungalow with stenciled walls (which I did) and Morris furniture.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

He was a design genius! Its so great to know he's appreciated =) Thank you!

[@terriashby5752]

Very much enjoying your work. William Morris was one of those hugely talented people, architect, poet, translator, activist, textile designer, printer and more.

[@jillredding1945]

I am a quilter and I am in awe of what you do! Change your rotary blade and don’t screw it down to tight so it can roll easier and you and your rotary cutter may be able to rekindle your friendship😂. Thanks for your videos they are awesome and I agree with you about vintage goodness!

[@dianeduncan5814]

Quilter here too...lol, was going to suggest the same :D

[@scmarih]

New Fan! I love your channel and thank you for sharing such great ideas. I found an old book that I've been thinking about making my own.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Nik, love 💖 Love 💖 Love 💖 it all amazing and fantastic and stunning. xxx Mags

[@annav.1664]

I love your videos! I'm a quilter who is dabbling in paper craft. If you push the rotary cutter forward in a continuous smooth motion instead of going back and forth you'll have a better time. Also, probably need a new blade especially if you ever use that same blade for paper. The rotary cutter is the best invention since sliced bread!

[@ellabella2603]

Love that William Morris print on the dark blue background. So pretty. 😊

[@lizlunch7066]

Love the videos - well-focused and not too long! Thank you!

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I picked up some of those readers at a thrift shop awhile back that were from around the early 1900’s. They are very cool!

[@LindaASN]

Really enjoying this series and knowing that someone as experienced as you are might not know instantly what you are going to use. The inking without a pad makes me want to send you a supply of the pads!!!! Lol. Thank you for you bring you and sharing with all of us.😌

[@christinehowell]

Thanks for recording this series. It's great and so helpful! I started making the middle size one as a raffle prize for a fundraiser but the front and back cover images you kindly provided didn't fit the half A4 size lengthways of the signatures I want to use.... but... I made it work! I thought I'd share how I did this in case anyone else would find it helpful. I did screen captures of the Eclectic Primer front and back, capturing just the image (no white space) - on the Mac you do this with SHIFT CMD 4 and then hold and move the curser across the area you want to select - then inserted them as a picture in a Word document. It's then easy to change the size of the image by right-clicking the image > choose size and position and change the width and height to the exact measurements you need, making sure to uncheck the lock aspect ratio so you get to choose measurements for each side separately. I could then print them and cut out the image. Now the images fit perfectly onto the 15 x 10.84 cm I need! Thanks again Nik, you're a star!

[@karenescalera8193]

Definitely going to watch the whole series as you make this a fun project to watch and I love your running commentary. Btw math is a foreign language! When I started in on fractions I got lost, and my grandfather and brothers and various other ancestors were engineers 😂 I have the arts and crafts gifts and although there is math I use the fudge factor and so far that’s worked😆 thanks for sharing.

[@Flolapirate]

This serie is awesome, I really like the way you explain the things, with humor and precision at the same time. It sounds a little bit silly, but this is very reassuring that you explain to us that you struggle with maths things. I mean you don't like maths and measuring things and your work is pretty awesome anyway, so when I watch your videos I feel more capable to do it too. So, a huge thank you for sharing! Can't wait to see the next episodes!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

oh the maths!!! thanks so much 😊

[@bevcote2357]

Thank you again. So glad I found your site, a month or so ago. Your upbeat enthusiasm is wonderful. Blessings.

[@c.ll.8226]

Thank you Nik! The perfect "therapy" as I accompany my mother through her ending journey in life due to brain cancer. Cheri

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Oh Cheri, Im so sorry to hear that. Good thoughts and big bear hugs to you and mom 🤗

[@c.ll.8226]

Thank you Nik.....memories are precious!

[@jennywesterman2405]

Oh man I am coveting that William Morris paper! 😍 Thanks for sharing.

[@lyndajoyce6243]

Oh my goodness I LOVE your videos! I think I can do this! You are the best "explainer" and so cute!

[@dismith73]

William Morris (24 March 1834 - 3 October 1896) was a British textile designer, poet, novelist, translator, and socialist activist. Associated with the British Arts and Crafts Movement, he was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production. His literary contributions helped to establish the modern fantasy genre, while he played a significant role in propagating the early socialist movement in Britain. And wallpaper.

[@jrumulls-jana9368]

I absolutely love the paper on the blue book cover! Beautiful!!

[@Sheilasembroidery]

Loving this series. Up to part 3 in one day and I have a few papers ready for the Primer. Mine is slightly bigger but that's OK the cover does not look quite as neat as yours.

[@georgiewalker1069]

You guys have the best tools at your fingertips. So I’ll be off to the craft shops to try and find the equivalent here in South Africa. Your work is fabulous. Thank you for sharing 🇿🇦

[@estellesmith6418]

Yes Georgie...we have rulers and pens and pencils. That is about all. We have printer paper and coloured cardboard...imagine asking this thickness or that thickness cardstock in CNA....hahahaha. They won't even know what the heck cardstock is. We are lost in SA. Lost I'm telling you. And we can't buy on the internet and have it shipped to us because they will steal the package empty but still deliver the empty box. They won't know what to do with the stuff but they will take it anyway.

[@collettekunkler7211]

Thanks Nik for Sharing your ideas love them

[@Xharaly]

I'm loving the serie. I'm a sewist, so maybe my tip will be helpful. Rotary cutters get very dull very quickly when you use them again a metal ruler, change to a new blade and try to use it with an acrylic ruler instead. It will last sharp longer.

[@StanMuso]

It does sound like a plan, great series~

[@thevictorianedge5465]

Thank you for sharing your expertise Nik. I'm enjoying all this lovely learning.

[@sharleneknaus3664]

Absolutely love the "Eclectic Primer" cover and the size. Love the cloth for the spine as the color and design go perfectly. The front on the larger cover is gorgeous. Have a great week-end Nik!

[@lisahodgson2133]

Thank you so much Nik for sharing with us!!

[@shirleylum2198]

Thanks for the freebie to use. Love this series and looking forward to part 4, yeah!

[@angelaem205]

Excellent tips, I love the stamped edges. It is a technique that I only recently discovered. I think I prefer the smaller sized cover, I love the covers you used!

[@kanona0115]

Aaahhh, the wee report cards!! Nik Bee, I literally just got my grandparents report cards over Easter weekend and they look almost exactly like that!! SO excited about my family ephemera. I kept thinking you’d be excited with some if it as well!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

perfect timing!!

[@littlehomeinthevalley]

You're so talented and enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@ajarofpotential]

Who doesn't love a vintage look? 👌

[@CathleendeOntiveros]

Thank you for this wonderful series, very generous of you to share your knowledge with us, and gift free printable. I am going to practice making books with these lessons while I save up for your paid courses

[@LedgerAndLace]

"I respect that . . . I don't UNDERSTAND it." Hahahaha LOVING this series!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

😄

[@daisycutterx3300]

Thank you!!! I love this series!!! I love schoolbook and old report card looks, too. 💖💕

[@desdogs3]

Hey Nik - thank you so much for this series. I purchased your Adventures in Booksmithing, but to be honest, I'm a little intimidated by starting it having never made a book before. So, this is perfect to get me off and running!

[@normagodsell7487]

Hi Nik!! Thank you for sharing your gifts and thank you for the downdload!!!! Very sweet and kind of you to do that! I am grateful! Norma

[@torageirs6473]

Love this and thanks for the freebie its so awesome. I am making some book covers along with you and love it even though I have made some before I like to make stuff when watching others work in the videos. Yours are super awesome tutorials. Thank you. again and again.

[@cathybrown9268]

I love this series of videos. In fact, I love all of your videos. I had to laugh *with* you about the brayer. After at least 15 years of wanting one for various projects, I finally bought one with a 50% off coupon! (Mine was only $4 plus change). So glad to meet a kindred soul!

[@tripletgirl2484]

Thanks so much for sharing, you're generous to include the prints!

[@Neph23]

Just found this page. I also hate math! And love crafting so I am going to give this a go. I'll tag you if I complete one. Thank you for sharing the magic! Also, Go to Scotland! You will not regret it. Skye and Arran are my favorites right now.

[@yvedag710]

You are too funny. Very entertaining. Love it!

[@TheNhanvey]

Thank you for this series of videos! I just purchased my first book to create a journal as a mother's day gift for my mother-in-law. I also found a great Henry the 8th book with great pictures of paintings to make into ephemera.

[@sallysmith2350]

Loving this series... Thank you ❤️

[@shellyschlehuber412]

Hi 👋...I'm new here and I think you're amazing....love ur videos... definitely learning easier than I imagined....u explain everything perfectly.....thx so so much.... TFS 💕 Shelly from Colorado ☺️☕

[@manillamorsink2453]

Love the video's and i am inspired to make my own journal for the fist time

[@SammiJarrad]

Loving this series!! Thanks for sharing. 💜👍🏻😁📚

[@tracydean3678]

Hey Peanut! Thank you for these lessons !

[@fyrtalker]

Very pretty!

[@MissDaisyParsley]

I'm really enjoying this series! Thank you!

[@mariep-MAPAT]

William Morris was a scottish art nouveau designer, he was also an architect. It's actually nice that you use this paper on a book over Schotland!

[@heatherw4100]

You might be thinking of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. But he and William Morris were wonderful!

[@christinetuhong7140]

Thanks a lot Nik. ..you make me feel like making more and more journals ,using your advices....Love love these "tutos"(in french😁)

[@PeasCyberDancer]

nik, thanks for doing this, you make it look so easy

[@bluerose3051]

Wow how cute. I have a set of those little books. I can't remember the date but they are old. I love your video.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I am loving this series, and love your casual style. As for the “pad” you’re using to ink edges, since I can’t see it and can only really “hear” it when you’re inking edges, it sounds to me like you’re using the felt pads on your Velcro as opposed to the foam ones. The foam ones should last you a good long time. Not sure if I’m right about that, but thought I’d mention it to help out a crafty sister. :)

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Annette! I have both...I think I'm gorilla pawing it or something...they all end up like that in short order. Also, it sounds way worse on camera. I have a pro microphone that will pick up a hair falling to the floor. I think its exaggerating a little bit 😄

[@lindabloom5396]

I love watching your tutorials. Thanks so much for the Image, I am going to look for an old book for this image.

[@shirleymccullough2515]

Looking good Nik ! I’m kind of working along with you ... sooo much fun, thanks again for sharing 💐

[@corinnecurtis5145]

Love them both!

[@joycemccullough7856]

Thanks so much for sharing!💞

[@suchatimeasthis1958]

Thank you so much for this wonderful series and ty for the print outs!! :)

[@soccerjulie46]

Thanks for sharing your talent!

[@janevincent7103]

My father was an Engineer and his idea of fun was sit at our dining room table and run calculus equations. Imagine that!

[@rneustel388]

This is beyond helpful!! I really, really need that next videoo, though!

[@rneustel388]

*video

[@LadyLeda2]

Thanks for the download. Its really sweet!!! I just gutted an old McGuffy reader and saved the pages. This download will go perfect with that!!!

[@mymartinez3830]

LOVE these videos! Thanks!

[@sulu758]

Where do you get that wonderful calico fabric for the journal spine? It's so nice!

[@darkwokfy5969]

Okay I love vintage / old looking paper and stuff so I feel ya... Also what color it the stamp pad your useing cuse it would make my life so much easier by just stamping the paper instead of me either; trying to find really old paper that's lying around, or tea / coffee dyeing the paper.

[@tuthillg]

Love this series! TFS!

[@woodcrystal19]

thnx for sharing with us!! super excited

[@msj6034]

I just started my first journal by covering an old hardback with scrapbook paper by your method. First, it was great fun. Second, it reminded me of decoupage and laminated paper projects I've done. Third, I had an urge to cover all the surfaces with a topcoat. Should I coat the outer layers, or leave them alone, or does it matter? Thanks so much!

[@AikunIhana]

I think those felt pads are meant for alcohol inks and the sponge ones are for all other inks (in you inker that is..)

[@ChattylaineCreates]

Oh cool I'm following along but I don't have a scoreboard. 🙁 I will have to use an old method... ruler and measure it by hand. I do have a bone folder though plus a ball embosser type tool, that should work right, hee hee! I am working on getting a scoreboard though. Xx thanks so much for doing this Xx

[@caroldunk.3481]

Thanks for Links. Loving this Tutorial.

[@theolddesignshop1608]

Helloooo lovely! 😊 Thank you for the mention! Shared this excellent tutorial on my junk journal board on Pinterest.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

oh so good to hear =) You rock, my dear, thank you!! 🤗

[@secretsquirrelaimee2212]

loving it so far!! and when I call my niece a 'peanut,' she gets angry. She tells me that she is not a peanut and that she is a "hoo-men" she has a bit of a lisp. lol

[@NiktheBooksmith]

ohmigosh, that's adorable! 😄

[@maryjones107]

Thank you very much you make it look easy to do

[@sallyp2450]

Such a great series. What type of printer do you recommend for printing images. I have a laser jet and the images it prints always look washed out and not good enough for this kind of use. Hope I am not too late asking this! Late for the party as usual...

[@jolac46]

I love the papers you chose.

[@barbarasmuland980]

I was going to watch your Embellishing course, got signed in and could not get past the material list . Would really love to see this as I have much to learn, am new at this. Thanks

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Barbara, not sure what happened, the 2 videos should be listed underneath the materials list in the curriculum.

[@TheGlamGramma]

Love this series. I got some books at the thrift store. One of them is too big for 8.5x11 paper folded in half. What else can I use for pages?

[@anita4291]

Super cute. TFS.

[@marymcmullen6902]

Thanks for this Nik.

[@marthawest799]

Awesome ❣️🤩✨💖

[@karolewagnerdesigns]

Love this series! Wondering if you print your images on an inkjet printer? Do you have problems with the ink smearing?

[@dannettetheremarkablemaker1375]

Love your videos. You are so funny. Thanks

[@wenkaywc]

What color ink do you use to get the grunge look.

[@elizabethkerckhoff1259]

Hi Nik, I subscribe to Flicker to get the images. I was not able to print them . I need your HELP! I see a few other people were asking also. I didn't see any reply's.Thanks Nik, I love that you are showing how to make a journal. Thanks Liz

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Elizabeth, so you click on the image you want from my main Flickr page...then at the bottom left hand corner, you will see an arrow symbol. Click on that and it will ask what size you want to download in. Thats it!

[@anastasiasholeinthehollerc8697]

Beauatiful! Yes, have to have the dirt, that way it matches all my home decor, lol : )

[@NiktheBooksmith]

😄

[@cindyca87]

Hi Nick, Thank you for your videos. What type of paper did you use for the blue book cover? Thank you!

[@FrancineRossoni]

Hi Nik! Love all of your work!!! Where do you get the "old fashioned" papers you use in your books? Many thanks!

[@caroleveseaman7855]

Love your channel. Only just started watching them so thank you. Can you please tell me what your work service mat is. It's looks awesome and big

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Carol! its just a cheapy from Hobby Lobby =)

[@nenavandalen183]

Hi love your instructions thank you! I went to the “ the old design shop” and I can’t find the free design is there a link?

[@lesliespeers2739]

Very nice! Watching the whole series so far. You're pretty funny, lol... Can you hear me chatting with you? No not that, oh look at this pretty lace to go along with that cover, bla bla bla See you next one! ~ L

[@NiktheBooksmith]

😄

[@nancyfielder9206]

Hi Nik I really like your videos and the printables you sell. I was wandering if you or if you could direct me to a video on how to resize digital printable images. Thanks

[@NiktheBooksmith]

If I remember correctly, there are a few here on KZbin. See if this one works for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5DNpmyYmLWpoJY