One of my favorite paper crafts, second to cardmaking, is altering journals. Whether for myself, a family member or a friend, a handmade or decorated journal is ideal for writing notes, to-do lists, goals or one’s innermost secrets. I also think back to school days when I'd cover books with paper or fabric, or doodle on the covers (and look how big doodling on scrapbook pages is now!). All these things lead us back to a book, a pen and a way to express ourselves. Personally, I've been journaling since I was about 8 when I was given a five-year diary as a gift. It was something so simple yet it sparked in me a creative need to jot down my thoughts at the end of each day.

The first thing you need for altering a journal is the journal itself. There are many options available for your personal journal. They can be as basic as a school composition book or ring binder to the more decorative wire bound chipboard books. With so many choices, you're sure to get hooked and try them all! Look for great journals available from school and office supplies stores, scrapbooking manufacturers, gift stores, art supply stores and more. Whenever we go out, I am always on the lookout for potential new journals.



There is one basic rule for altering any item, and that is that you must use appropriate adhesive for the task at hand. This is especially true for something that will be handled constantly like a journal. Even though paper may seem to adhere initially, weeks or months later the paper may come loose and what was once a lovely gift could now lie in a pile of pages and paper strips. Over the years that I've been altering journals I've used a few different adhesives and have discovered:

• Glue sticks: I find they stick initially but about 6 weeks later the paper edges start flipping up, and often dropping off altogether. They are not recommended for an item that will be handled a lot, like a journal.

• Tapes and adhesive runners: You need to completely coat the journal cover to give maximum bonding. That's a tedious job with a small applicator.

• Wet adhesive: Adhesives like UHU Twist 'n' Glue work well, but can get a little messy. These are better applied with a foam brush, and remember they have drying time too!

• Sheet adhesives: Xyron has a large machine that applies adhesive to the whole area. There are also double-sided adhesive sheets that work in the same way applying adhesive over a wide area, making any paper self-adhesive. For this reason Xyron and the adhesive sheets by Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L are my choice for altered journals.



With the right journal and adhesives, the sky is the limit! Go to town with patterned papers, stickers, ribbons, rub-ons and decorate the cover like you would any scrapbook page! Because the journal most likely won't contain photographs there is no real need for the items to be acid free, so if you want to use personal knick knacks then this is the ideal project!



As you can see, journals can be cute, fun and, with the right tools and adhesive, quick 'n' easy! If you haven't tried altering a journal what are you waiting for? They make a great swap idea for friends, a perfect party favor, or a great creative night for a girls’ slumber party!

Altered Journal Beginner Project By: Di Hickman Zoom in to view this project closer Make this project: Step-by-step instructions Mail a link to this project to a friend

 

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