Writing down one thoughts and feelings on paper is therapeutic. It can help a person withstand stress when faced with emotionally difficult events or feelings. If you enjoy bookbinding, you can share your talents by making journals and donate them to a women’s center or breast cancer treatment center. (Giving is therapeutic, too!) Women who are facing difficult times may find that your journal has given them strength, not only because someone cares about them but also because writing down their feelings may help them to see things with greater clarity.
Below are directions for making a small ribbon journal. Because they are easy to construct, these journals are perfect for such a worthy project. The materials called for are readily available in most art and craft stores. Several of the items can be substituted with items you already have on hand. For example, button twist thread can be substituted for waxed Irish linen, and a blunt tipped sewing needle can be substituted for a bookbinder’s needle. You do need to be careful, however, when selecting the cover board, as it must be a sturdy board which will not bend, but can still be cut with a craft knife.
To get started, you will need to create a template with a folded piece of cardstock that is measured, marked and pierced for a hole punch pattern. Careful measurement is important. Using a stitching template to pierce holes in the signatures will keep your sewing aligned correctly. Always line up the top of the template with the top of the signature before piercing. If you do not have a piercing tool or bookbinder’s awl, you can substitute a large, heavy duty thumbtack for piercing the signatures.
Sewing signatures together sounds more difficult than it is. Only two stitches are required: a running stitch and a kettle stitch.
Cutting the book board is the hardest task. Book board is very dense and cannot be cut through with a single slice from your craft knife. It is best to use a heavy-duty craft knife with a fresh blade.
The paper for the cover needs to be flexible enough to fold smoothly over the book board edges. Trimming the corners of the cover paper helps to eliminate bulky corners on the inside of the cover.
The “Dancer” journal was designed to convey movement through the cover image and the irregular placement of the letters in the word ‘dance.’ It just might encourage someone to get up and make positive changes in their life.
The “Medallion” journal is more serious in nature. The beautiful handmade paper and the stamped brass finding might be perfect for a person who tends to give a great deal of thought to their feelings before committing them to paper.
The journal “Courage” was designed with a risk taker in mind. The risk taker may be someone who is ready to face their challenges head on. They are ready not only to write about their feelings but also to add sketches and found objects to their journals as well. This journal is covered with background paper that is a readily available, economical alternative to handmade art papers.
The cover for “Beaded Journal” is fun and artsy. The Opaque Glass Glitter Beads and colorful eyelash fibers accomplish this by lending the journal an art deco look.
These four journals are just a few of the many design possibilities for your own ribbon journals.
