Hand Bound Mini Journals

This post was originally shared on Skip to My Lou on June 30, 2015.

Hand Bound Mini Journals, a tutorial by thebensonstreet.com

Summer is a time to have fun and travel, enjoy a good book and start making memories. Don’t let the kids forget all these fun memories. Help them to create their own hand bound mini journals. Keep track of books to read, bucket lists, and even photos in the adorable journals that don’t take much effort to whip up.

Mini Journal Supplies at thebensonstreet.com

Supplies List:

  • 1 piece of cardstock paper cut to journal size (for the cover so pick out something cute)
  • 6 to 10 sheets graph paper, lined paper or plain white computer paper cut to journal size (for the journal pages)
  • waxed thread (find it at craft stores or even Walmart)
  • a larger needle

1. To begin decide on the journal size. For an Instagram style photo book cut out covers and pages to 10 inches by 5 inches. For a smaller journal cut out a cover and pages to 6 inches by 4 inches. Fold the cover and pages in half and hold together like a book. Any size will work, so make not so mini journals if you would like.

2. Poke four holes through the cover and journal pages like the top right photo above using the needle.

How to bind mini journals at thebensonstreet.com

3. Start by threading needle with waxed thread, but do not tie it off at the end.

4. Insert needle into the second hole going from left to right. Pull almost all the way through leaving a small tail for tying off at the end of the binding process.

5. On the outside cover insert the needle into the third hole and pull tight.

6. It should look like photo four.

Adorable Mini Journal Tutorial at thebensonstreet.com

7. Insert needle in the fourth hole on the inside of the book and pull tight.

8. The inside should look like photo six.

9. Insert needle in the third hole on the outside and pull tight.

10.Insert the needle in the second hole on the inside and pull tight.

11.Insert needle in the first hole on the outside and pull tight.

12. The outside of the journal should all have one binding in between each of the holes.

How to bind your own journals at thebensonstreet.com

13. Insert needle into the second hole on the inside and pull tight.

14. Insert needle into the third hole on the outside and pull tight.

15. Insert needle into the fourth hole on the inside and pull tight.

16. Insert needle into the third hole on the outside and pull tight.

17.Insert needle into the second hole on the inside and pull tight.

18. Insert needle into the first hole on the outside and pull tight.

Learn how to bind mini journals at thebensonstreet.com

19. Tie off the beginning tail and the threaded needle into a knot.

20.Tie a double knot and trim off the ends. Be sure the inside of the journal binding matches this photo twenty.

21. All done, inspect your outside binding too. Leave closed journals under a heavy book to keep it closed better.

Adorable summer craft idea, hand bound journals at thebensonstreet.com

Journals are great for recording memories of road trips and fun times.

Bind your own books at thebensonstreet.com

Make different sizes for different types of journals. Create a 5 inch by 5 inch book (the pink one) and print off 4 inch by 4 inch Instagram photos to make an album. Have fun embellishing with glitter, tape and add notes about the photos.

Make your own hand bound instagram album at thebensonstreet.com

What a fun way to save cute photos! Create frames using washi tape on the paper.

Fun summer craft, hand bound journals at thebensonstreet.com

Find scrapbook paper that fits the purpose of your journal. My “adventure” mini journal is to record all my fun summer travels and adventures. It is perfect for vacations and to use as a travel journal.

Summer Reading Journals you can make yourself at thebensonstreet.com

Don’t forget summer reading lists. Keep track of books to read, notes about what you are reading and check off any books you’ve read during the summer. This is perfect for kids to track their reading progress too. Create a summer reading program at home and have each child create a mini journal to record the fun.

Adorable Mini Journals that are hand bound at thebensonstreet.com

I am in love with these adorable mini journals and I hope you are too.

If you loved this idea, I’m sure you will love these:

Keep Kids busy with this amazing summer activity jar at thebensonstreet.com

Kids Summer Activity Jar

Road Trip Activity Book at www.thebensonstreet.com

Road Trip Activity Book

Camping Survival Kit at www.thebensonstreet.com

Camping Survival Kit

 

selfie

Hi there!

I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 Comments