My scrapbooking friends asked for advice about what to do with leftover scraps of background paper and stickers. Making small journals for children seemed to be the perfect answer.
After watching several children work in hardbound journals, it was obvious from their struggle that the journal should open flat. This makes it easier for writing or gluing items to the pages. Using a comb binding meets this requirement. If you do not have access to a binding machine, most copy centers can punch holes and insert the comb for you.
Another requirement is the shape. Interesting shapes help to capture a child’s attention. There are many dies on the market that can be used to cut the cover and inside pages. Some stamping stores make them available for customer use at little or no cost.
The final requirement is that the journals not be too thick—twelve to twenty-four pages is perfect. Children want to be able see an end to their work.
The first book, “Passport to Adventure” is in the shape of a flag. The front cover is covered with background paper to suggest a road trip. A child can note the places they visit and the sights they see on a family vacation. A package of stickers that is representative of the vacation is sure to spark the child’s interest in keeping a journal of the trip.
”Imaginative Journal” and its pages were quickly cut from a square die and covered with background paper. A few embellishments were all that was needed to complete the cover.
The inside pages are covered with the Tween paper and stickers. Be sure to leave space for a child to write their own thoughts. A circle is glued to the left hand page as a photo spot. A child might want to add a picture of a friend or even herself!
This “Photo Journal,” with its own carrying strap, is perfect for a child to keep photos of themselves or fellow team members. The camera die has a hole for the lens. If you do not want the pages to have this opening, you will need to cut a pattern at the same time the covers are cut. The pattern can then be traced on sports background paper and cut out for individual pages. You can also cut the inside pages with the die and use the opening to frame photos. This journal combines both types of pages. Remember to keep the cutout circles for other projects.
The final project, “Puzzle Journal” was created with a second grade student in mind. English is a new language for this youngster and it certainly can be a puzzle at times. He will be able to list words that are new to him on the bright orange pages inside.
So gather your scraps, stickers and stamps and before you know it, you will have finished several journals.
Check your local retail store for other unique objects you can turn into journals.
