Let's make a journal!

Journal - why do you need a journal?  Well, I find that it helps keep me organized and it's a good way to keep up with challenges, to do lists, shopping list, whatever.  I have a journal devoted to scrapbooking. I keep a shopping list in it so that as my supplies diminish I remember to replace BEFORE I run out.  When I see a challenge or sketch that I want to do, I print it off the 'net and put in in my journal.  I also have a page devoted to layout ideas, sometimes they pop in my head while I'm cruisin' the net and if I don't write them down right then and there, I totally forget about it. 

Many journals that I have seen are made using composition books of some sort.  For my journal, I chose a 3 ring binder.  I like that I can add pages that I print off the web, can throw away a page when I no longer need it etc.  Here's a journal that I made for a swap at Sisterhood of Scrap.  I had just gotten my Umbrella Man die so I decided to do a Tim Holtz inspired journal. 

Supplies:

3 ring binder - any size will do, I chose a 1" binder.  Look for one that has a cover where you can slide your front and back covers into a clear sleeve.  That way your covers are protected and you can change them when you want to redo your journal.  I also like a binderthat has pockets in the front and back.
Dividers - I used 5 tabbed
Tim Holtz Lost and Found  paper collection
Tim Holtz Visual Artistry clear stamps

Alterations Umbrella Man die

Alterations Paper Rosette die
Spellbinders blossom 2 die
Bits and pieces from my stash

A tool that I find useful for using with my journal is a 3 hole punch.  That way I can quickly punch pages that I print off the web and put into my journal.

Here's the front cover of the journal I made.  Be sure that you cut your base paper small enough that it easily slides into plastic sleeve.  Leave a little room so that those bulky embellies will work.

And here's the back cover.

I bought a set of 5 tabbed dividers and decorated the front of each.  You can't see the tabs in these photos.

It was great fun making this journal.  I hope you'll give it a try.  If you make one, be sure to leave me a link to yours so I can see!!

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