These journals are simply covered composition books (the black and white ones from the good 'ol school days). The composition books are covered with decorative paper and embellished with what ever you can find... buttons, ribbons, charms, string, yarn, raffia, beads etc.
Directions:
From decorative paper, cut a front cover and a back cover 1" taller than your book and the same width as your book.
Glue the paper so that 1/2" extends on the top, right side, and bottom. The paper will not go all of the way to the spine of the book. Wrap the paper around the edge of the cover. Start at the corners and glue like you are wrapping a package. Fold the rest of the sides down and glue - these are glued on the inside cover of your book.
Cut a 'binder' piece of paper that will be glued on the binder edge. It will wrap around the front and the back of your book on the spine. This paper is the same height as your book and approximately 4 1/2" wide.
Glue the 'binder' paper around the spine of your book.
Embellish your book, hot glue gun works well with some of the items.
Inside Covers. When you open your book, your 1/2" of paper that you glued needs to be covered. Cut two pieces of paper to glue on the inside covers that are 1/4" shorter and a 1/2" narrower than the cover of the book. You can use solid, non-decorative paper for this.
There are Dozens of Ways to Use These Books...A Few Ideas:
Prayer Journal
I Love You Because (then fill the pages of memories for that person, starting each page with "I Love You Because"
Memory Journal for grandchildren. Make a book for each grandchild. When the parent calls you with a great kid story, write the story in their journal.
To Do List for work. You can make these for co-workers.
