December 10, 2013

Life Book 2013

At last my journal is complete.  I enjoyed the process of making the journal covers.  It was a challenge - Life Book 2013 was all about challenge!



Here is how I completed the journal covers and put the whole thing together.

Fedex large box cut to 10 wide by 12-1/2 high.  Slots cut to match the button holes on journal pages.  (I thought it prudent to line the slots with masking tape to make the holes stronger.)


Washi tape adhered to the left edge of the front and back cover.  Decorative scrapbook papers were adhered to the cardboard.  (Not pictured here.)  I used a mixture of 50% PVA glue and 50% methyl cellolose.  This is a very strong glue used by book makers.  One must work fairly quickly as it sets up fast.  After both covers were covered with the scrapbook papers, they were set to dry overnight - with books on top to keep them lying flat when dry.


Four strips of twill tape (5/8" wide) cut - long enough to easily thread through button holes.  (A few drops of FrayCheck on each end.)  I used a safety pin as a needle.

Thread twill tape through button holes. 

I found it easiest to pile up the complete journal and thread all the holes at one time.

I had to fiddle with the twill tape a bit to get everything even.  Before knotting and cutting, I opened the journal to make sure the pages could easily be turned - tied square knot - trimmed twill tape and added more FrayCheck

My journal includes all of the project pages I made this year.  I solved the problem of the smaller pages by inserting them into a clear plastic page protector.

Even the huge piece found its way into the journal.  It folds up nicely and sits on the last page.  I was so pleased that worked out since it's one of my favorites!

Completed journal



Linking to:

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

You did a magnificent job on that. I was going to sew mine on watercolor paper then make signatures from them. I have a bolt of muslin, too. Now I am really thinking on how to bind mine. Thanks for sharing this. LOVE IT!

sara j said...

What a great way to do this! Thanks for the peak!!

Pieni Lintu said...

Such a great idea! Beautiful memories!

jviola79 said...

What a beautiful way to being the whole year of journaling together. Merry Christmas!!!

Kim Cunningham said...

Beautiful job and what a treasure this surely is!

4 Lettre Words said...

Oh, wow! I love it.

Party of 5 said...

Love it...very creative. Just finishing up my journal as well.

Tamar SB said...

What a great project!

I Just Want A Cup Of Coffee said...

VERY CREATIVE! Love all of the elements. Great pics too. Thanks for sharing!

Rambling said...

Very beautiful.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful and creative journal ~ such devotion ~ thanks, carol, xxx

Lmkazmierczak said...


Wow, the results are great♪ Thanks for sharing. http://lauriekazmierczak.com/night-pixels/

bj said...

This is sooo fabulous. what a great job.
I would LOVE to make something like this for all 10 of my grands but I don't have a crafty bone in my entire body. :(
I just linked to follow you thru bloglovin'
Have a good Sunday..
xo bj

Ashley said...

Wow - this is impressive! Love it!
Blessings, Ashley

mail4rosey said...

It's gorgeous and I love that you documented making it!

Unknown said...

I am sure now that it is all done, you must be really thrilled. It must be amazing to sit down and flip through.

Unknown said...

I am sure now that it is all done, you must be really thrilled. It must be amazing to sit down and flip through.

Unknown said...

Great, creative and wonderful

Anonymous said...

Thank you for coming by sharing your creative photography on the Weekly Top Shot, #113!