DIY Cardstock Journal

I've recently become obsessed with *Smash Books by K and Company.  I bought one the other day at Michael's to use on our Spring Break vacation in a few weeks, and then decided that I would really like to use one as my journal.  However, there are only 40 pages in a *Smash Book, and I journal a lot...seriously, a lot!  40 pages would barely last me a month, so I went a slightly different route.

I made my own! :)

I bought a 12x12 stack of double-sided cardstock, Antiquities.  I chose this stack because it has a nice collection of cardstock that leaves room for journaling - you'll see what I mean in a sec.  I also bought 12x12 ivory cardstock to insert between layers of the designed paper.

See all the designs?  :)  I cut each piece of cardstock into 6x6 squares, then layered them.

Time to put it all together.  I used a sponge brush to put Mod Podge along what will be the binding of my journal...

...then used big binder clips to keep it all attached while the Mod Podge dried.  I did two layers of Mod Podge and let it sit for a couple hours before I continued.

I cut a piece of cardstock wide enough to fit across the binding to cover the glued pages.

I used more Mod Podge along the binding, attached binder clips, and set the book upside down (binding side down) to dry overnight.

And now I have a cool little journal with heavy-duty pages that I can journal in, attach momentos and pictures, etc.  I decorated the cover, and now I just have to start journaling!  :)

Pin It