DIY :: Jotter Journal

Today (finally ;)) a tutorial on making these super cute jotter journals. These cuties would make great stocking stuffers for someone who likes to jot notes, or you could fill one up with pictures and words and give as a gift this holiday season. 

Supplies (to make two journals):

+ 1 piece of cardstock, 8.5x11

+ 2 pieces of scrap fabric (I used fabric from some old blouses), slightly larger than 5.5"x8.5"

+ Spray adhesive (permanent)

+ ruler, rotary cutter and cutting mat

+ library card (or other sturdy credit card type card)

+ sewing machine and coordinating thread

+ 8 sheets (for each journal, 16 total) of paper cut to approximately 4.25"x8.5" (I used found papers like graph, ledger, and writing, but you could also use blank computer paper)

+ 2 butterfly binder clips

+ pencil, scissors, newspaper

Begin by cutting the sheet of cardstock in half to 5.5"x8.5".

Outside, or in a well-ventilated area, lay out the newspaper and spray one of the cardstock pieces with the spray adhesive. Be sure to get the edges nice and good so that the fabric doesn't start to peel off. But don't spray too much or the glue will bleed through the fabric, and not dry (I know from experience). I usually wait about 30 seconds for the glue to begin drying before adhering the fabric.

Carefully lay the piece of fabric over the now-sticky piece of cardstock. Smooth out any bubbles with the library card so that it's all nice and flat. Repeat these steps with the other piece of cardstock.

Next, trim off the excess fabric with the ruler and rotary cutter on both journal covers.

 Gather up 8 sheets of the papers and get them all nice and flush.

Fasten them in the middle of the cardstock (see picture below) with the butterfly clips. Then draw a line down the middle (at 4.25" in from each side) using the pencil and ruler. Repeat for the second set of papers and the other journal.

Sew down the middle on the pencil line you just drew. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end. Repeat for the second journal.

 Trim off the excess thread.

Almost done! Now open the journal, fold the cover back, and gather all of the pages together and trim off 1/4" on the edge so they are nice and flush. Repeat for the second journal.

Voila! Two cute jotter journals. Ready for gift-giving or for jotting your own thoughts and ideas.