How to Cover a Blank Journal
- 1). Cut a piece of quilt batting the size of the front cover of the journal. Use spray adhesive to attach the batting to the front of the journal.
- 2). Open the journal and center it on the fabric so that there are about 2 inches of excess fabric all the way around the journal.
- 3). On both ends of the journal, make a cut in the fabric on each side of the spine. The cut should end about 1/4 inch from the spine. This will create a little "tab" which will later be tucked into the spine so that there are no raw or fraying edges of the fabric visible along the top and bottom of the journal.
- 4). With the front cover of the journal open, fold the fabric over the end of the journal cover and note how far the fabric overlaps the cover. Apply a thin bead of hot glue to the cover of the journal where the fabric overlaps and press the fabric to the glue. Use the flat side of your scissors to smooth the fabric and make sure that the glue doesn't leave a bump.
- 5). Fold the top corner of the fabric down at an angle until it touches the cover of the journal. Fold the top flap of fabric down, and glue in place. Use the flat side of your scissors to smooth the fabric. Repeat for the bottom edge.
- 6). Close the journal so that the back cover is on top. Spray the back cover with adhesive and wrap the fabric over the back cover, smoothing any wrinkles in the fabric. The fabric should be taut but not stretched tight.
- 7). Open the back cover, fold the end of the fabric over, and glue in place as you did for the front cover. Use the flat side of your scissors to smooth the fabric but be careful not to pull it too tight or the journal won't be able to close.
- 8). Fold the top and bottom corners at an angle and glue the top and bottom edges in place as before.
- 9). Push the "tabs" into the space in the journal's spine using a knitting needle, crochet hook or tweezers.
- 10
Use pinking shears or decorative scissors to cut two pieces of cardstock or lightweight cardboard 1 inch smaller than the cover of the journal. Center these pieces on the inside of the front and back covers and glue to cover the raw edges of the fabric. - 11
Use paint or stickers to embellish the front of the journal or glue on buttons, trim or other decorative elements to personalize.
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