Covered Journal Tutorial and a Few More Mailboxes

This is the mini version of the covered journal. I love to give them as a pair. The larger composition book makes a great journal, and the mini is a must have for any busy woman's purse. I have been making these covered books for many years, and I never get tired of them. They make a lovely, handmade, personalized gift.

These are the supplies you'll need. I'm sure most of you already have these things on hand.

Begin by flipping your paper over to measure the front and back covers. I make a small pencil mark for the length and another one for the width. You want your paper to fit exactly to the edges of the composition book, with a very slight overlap on the black binding.

Now use those marks to cut your piece of paper. And imagine that I took a picture of this for you.

I have found that permanent double stick tape works best for this project. You don't want those edges pulling up and tearing. This stuff does the trick. Be sure and surround every inch of your edges with tape. Remember, you want those edges to be nice and secure. Don't skimp on the tape. Add a little piece in the middle for good measure.

Now you are ready to fit your paper onto the cover. Be careful here...that tape is very sticky. Once it's down, that's pretty much it. Carefully arrange your paper to fit the cover. You want it to be as straight and even as possible. If not, you will be able to see the edges of the composition book. That tends to look a bit sloppy if you're giving it as a gift. Now if it's for yourself or your MIL perhaps...just slap it on there wherever! (kidding, of course)

Choose a pretty ribbon to compliment your paper choice and wrap it around the inside cover. Tie a pretty bow, trim the edges,

and...

VOILA!

A beautiful handmade gift anyone will love. My favorite way to wrap these is either in brown craft paper tied with a pretty bow, or for the minis in a clear cellophane bag with a pretty bow. Easy. Cheap. Useful. Pretty.

All bases covered!

And for your viewing pleasure...a few more mailboxes. I am officially obsessed with these. I went to Target last night and bought 5 more.

Help...I can't stop!

P.S.

I forgot to mention that when I cover the full size books, I also cover the inside of the front and back. There are usually charts, calendars, measurement, etc that aren't so pretty and need some cute paper to love up on them.