Week 1 / Book 1

I am what I consider a Step 2 Scrapbooker:  I have graduated from the dining table to a small corner in the guest room.  I also have some fun tools and a scrap-paper box.  I have learned that every little piece of paper, ribbon, lace or the random button can be useful. 


Week 1:  Travel Journal  (please see pictures below)

Because I have decided to come up with 52 different books, I have been doing a lot of reading on techniques, binding, etc.  I read one where the author designed a page and then took a photocopy of the page.  They then added journaling to the copied page.  I found that intriguing. 

I thought a Travel Journal would be the perfect experiment for this technique:
Step 1-  I gathered a few pieces of colored copy paper and folded them in half to measure 8.5 x 5.25. Each side will be a different page.
Step 2-  Embellish with notebook paper, graph paper, stickers, ribbons and cutouts.  Remember you will only be making a copy and these items can be reused.
Step 3-  Make a color or black/white copy onto Ivory parchment paper.  Fold copy on the previous fold line, printed side out.  The ends of the paper should be where the binding will go, and the fold on the outer edge.
Step 4-  Cover 2- 8.5 x 5.25 pieces of cardboard with speciality paper (I used the piece of cardboard that keeps the colored copy paper straight in the package, and cut it in half).  Stick glue works great for this because it does not cause the paper to bubble.  Also be sure to cover both sides of the cardboard, this will be the front and back cover of your journal. 
Step 5-  Place holes in your cover and pages to place the twine or ribbon.  I used a ruler to mark where I wanted the holes and a regular hole punch to make the holes.  Remember not to get too close to the edges because this may cause the pages to tear easily and do not tie the twine or ribbon too tightly.
Step 6-  It is time to journal and place the permanent stickers or mementos.  Because you bound the book with twine or ribbon, this gives you more freedom to add post cards and brochures from memorable places.

*It took me a total of 4 hours. 
*Items used:  Scissors, glue, cardboard, hole punch, ruler, twine, 4 pieces colored copy paper, 9 pieces Ivory parchment paper, 2 pieces speciality paper, numerous embellishments (ribbon, stickers and papers) and a copy machine.