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 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 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

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.

Journal Pages

I cut all the pages from the double-sided paper and even recycled the cardboard insert as a page, too.  (I don’t like anything to go to waste!)

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. Originally published October 14, 2015.

Giving Thanks,

 Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim

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