Tutorial: How to Make A Simple Art Journal

Hi there! Today I'm going to show you how you can make your own simple art journal. It's easy and fun!

You will need:

1  - paper/pages for your journal
2  - waxed linen thread - I ordered mine from Dick Blick. I have heard of people using dental floss!
3  - tapestry needle - you can get this from any place that sells fabric and sewing stuff.
(You may be able to make another needle work - it just needs a large enough eye to fit your thread)
4  - an awl - or anything you can punch holes with - ice pick, nail, etc.
5 - a  thick book

For this journal I am using card stock that I have printed with colored inks.  I have also made these from watercolor paper, but lots of types of paper can work.

Fold the pages in half and crease the fold well.



Here I have my four pages creased and ready to put together.



Nest them one inside the other.



Place the pages into the spine of the open book and use the awl/compass/ice pic/nail to punch three holes in the spine of your journal.



I punch one hole about an inch from each end and one in the middle.



Like this:



Measure a length of thread about 3 times the length of the spine.

Thread the needle and begin to sew starting from the outside in the middle hole. (Leave a tail hanging.)

Go out through the top hole.

Go in at the bottom hole.

Go out through the middle hole.

Unthread the needle and tie the two ends together, trapping the thread running down the length of the spine. You want to be sure the thread is taut - but don't tear the paper.

Like this:

You can leave the tails long or cut them short. I sometimes string beads on mine.

And that's it! You now have a quick little journal you can use for writing, art journaling, to do lists  - whatever you desire

Simple and fun to make. If you make one be sure to let me know. I'd love to see what you create!

Linking up with Paint Party Friday and Art Journal Every Day

Have a creative weekend!

~ Laney

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