Create a made-by-you original book to use for nature journaling!
Use your hands to make a beautiful, yet functional and simple book.
Making something by hand stimulates creativity, and satisfaction of completing something yourself.
You can keep this for your journaling or art practice, or give as a gift.
You'll show off the stitching with this Open-spine version with coptic stitches.
This book requires cutting paper, folding, poking holes, gluing paper to cover, stitching the pages and attaching the cover.
Cool things about the coptic stitch binding
This binding allows book to open flat, and stay open
Have lots of spaciousness for all your ideas to drop onto the page.
Ease of drawing in the center
There's so spiral binding to get in the way of journaling anywhere on the page
Lots of room: no cramping your style or thoughts
Allow your journaling and drawing to take up the entire page with ease. You won't feel cramped for space in this book!
This is fully customizable. After you learn the process you can modify it to fit your needs perfectly!
You can modify:
- Cover material (fabric, hand-made paper, scrapbooking paper, etc)
- Cover Use thinner or thicker board, or repurpose a hard-cover from an old book!
- Size and format of book: small or large, horizontal or vertical
- Number of pages make it with 20 pages or 120 pages or more
- Type of inner paper: mixed media, watercolor, printer paper, graph paper, toned paper, fabric pages, etc.
- Spacing of stitching: you can make the stitches closer or farther apart
- Color of thread: Play around with colors that blend in, or stand out!
- Add creative embellishments: a ribbon bookmark, elastic closure, pockets and pouches inside
Why make your own book?
I asked myself that before. But here's what happened to change my mind and my nature journaling practice.
I used store-bought books for my nature journaling for decades.
They were never quite right, and I often wished that there was that ONE that fit the bill to make it my perfect journal.
Then one day, I learned how to make my own book, and it opened a new world for me!
Personalized journal for my needs
I made adjustments and modifications until I had one that I LOVED. I got lots of compliments from others who wanted to learn too.
Now your turn to create your perfect, beautiful journal
So here we are. I've created this self-paced class so you too can embark of this journey!
Sitting and stitching my book is extremely enjoyable and calming.
Once you get the sewing pattern, you could be watching a TV or listening to a podcast, and making your book.
It's a calming and mindful activity
Or if you prefer to be fully present. Turn off all outside distractions, follow your breath, and open your awareness to the sensations of bookbinding:
- how the texture of the paper feels in your hands
- sensation of firmly holding a needle
- the sound of the thread as it gets pulled through the holes
- the tautness of the threads as each stitch is locked into place
- The joyful satisfaction of making with your own hands!
What comes with this class
You'll get a full color PDF with detailed instructions, plus instructional videos.
Whether you learn better through reading or watching the process, you'll have access to both.
All the materials you need will be listed with links to purchase them for yourself.
Comes with full-color downloadable PDF: sample pages here
Detailed instructions with labeled photos
Close-up details
Contents of this class
Materials you'll need to make your book
Awl (sharp tool to poke holes in cardboard and paper)
Bone folder (for making clean sharp creases)
Scissors (any kind)
PVA glue (-or acid free glue, about 1-2 ounces for one book)
straight needles (4)
binder clips (1-2)
waxed thread (about 22 feet total)
book covers (2, chipboard, 9"x6")
cover paper (2 inches larger than cover in both dimensions, marble paper in this example, ~11"x 8")
Inner pages: mixed media paper (9"x 12")
End papers (2)- size of cover or smaller.
Waxed or parchment paper
small piece of cardstock paper (about 9"x 2") to make your hole punching guide
Other offerings you might be interested in
Questions? Here are some answer
What comes with this course?
You'll get a step-by-step PDF instruction book, and videos as I walk through all the steps.
You will also get links to all the materials you need, but you can substitute with anything you already have.
I've never made a book. Is this for me?
If you can hold an awl to poke holes, fold paper, glue paper, thread a needle and stitch with instruction, you can make a beautiful book!
How long will it take me to make from start to finish?
If you have paper and cover board already precut, most people take about 3.5-4.5 hours to complete.
You can do this in multiple sittings (recommended).
It's hard for me to order the materials separately. Can I buy a KIT from you?
Yes, I do have the DIY Kits for sale that includes everything you need for making a 9"x6" journal.
If I'm not satisfied with this course, may I get a refund?
I'm offering various ways to learn the material so that you can be successful at completing your own book.
For learners who prefer to work from written instructions and photos, there is a PDF ebook.
For those who prefer audio/visual instructions and work along side me, you can watch the step-by-step videos.
You can work at your own pace for either format.
Due to the digital nature of this course, there are no refunds.
Thank you for understanding.
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