How to Make a Gratitude Journal from an Old Book Cover

This project was originally created for a guest blog post that I wrote for Tatertots and Jello way back in 2015.  I was looking ahead to the 30 Days of Thanksgiving and knew that I would need a new gratitude journal.

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Supplies for My Gratitude Journal

Jen Hadfield provided me with a box full of her new Home + Made collection and I was told I could make anything I wanted for my guest post.  Do you know how overwhelming that is? These are the supplies I used from the Home + Made collection:

• burlap paper with white dots
• rub on transfer sheets
• kraft pocket tags
• gold metal clips
• chalkboard stickers
• Thickers: Gilded chipboard letter stickers
• papers:  Hardwood, Let’s Visit, Gilded Florali, Gilded, others from the paper pack

Other supplies & tools:

• vintage book covers
• 2 book rings
• eyelets
• Crop-A-Dile
• chalk ink pad
• black marker
• white pencil
• paper cutter
• assorted paper punches
• glue stick
• spray adhesive
• scissors
• assorted bits of vintage lace, tulle, and string
• washi tape or any other embellishments you’d like

How to Make the Gratitude Journal Covers

I started off by finishing off the inside of the book covers.  They had some writing and stains on them that I didn’t want to show.  I cut this floral paper from the paper pack just a bit smaller than the cover, sprayed the back with adhesive, and smoothed it down.  I did the same inside the back cover.

Thickers are absolutely one of my favorite supplies so I was excited to see them and the burlap paper in my box.  I cut the burlap paper 1″ smaller than my cover and glued it on, adding the title with the Thickers.  I ended up gluing them on since this will get a lot of use and I wanted to make sure they stay on.  Visit my blog to see more projects with Thickers!

To reinforce the holes I punched for the book rings, I added decorative eyelets.  I added a few additional embellishments to the front cover, including a gold metal clip from the collection.

How to Make the Journal Pages

I cut all the pages from the double-sided paper and even recycled the cardboard insert as a page, too.  (Nothing goes to waste around here!)

I had all the supplies laid out on the table and I just started cutting and gluing them together.  No plan.  That’s the way I do a lot of my creating.  I just tried the different papers together until I found a combination that I thought was pleasing.  There are so many patterns in this collection you’re sure to find some you like.

These kraft pockets make a great place to add little notes or photos.  Now I’m ready to start filling it up with my notes, lists of things I’m thankful for, Scriptures, and photos.

I hope this gratitude journal has inspired you to create one of your own.  And to be grateful!

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Giving Thanks,

 Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim

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Originally published on October 14, 2015.