How do you choose and prepare a junk journal cover?
How to Choose and Prepare a Junk Journal Cover: A Crafter’s Guide 🎨📘
Hey there, fellow junk journal enthusiasts! 👋
Ready to dive into the wonderful world of cover-making?
Donna from Junk Journal ideas will get you itching to start a new project!
Let’s break down how she chooses and prepare the perfect junk journal cover.
What’s a Junk Journal Cover? 🤔
Think of it as the cozy hug that holds all your creative genius together!
It’s the first thing people see, so you want it to be sturdy, pretty, and totally you.
Choosing Your Cover Material 📚
She suggests a few options:
- Book Board • This is a thick, sturdy material ideal for larger journals • You can find it at most art supply stores • The presenter shows a sample, emphasizing its durability
- Thin Book Board • Available at printer shops where they make receipt books and dockets • Great for smaller journals • Pro tip: The crafter suggests gluing two sheets together for added strength • She demonstrates this with a sample that has three sheets glued together
- Cereal Boxes • An eco-friendly, upcycled option that’s easily accessible • Can be layered to achieve desired thickness • The presenter encourages viewers to experiment with different thicknesses
The video emphasizes that the choice of material depends on the size and intended use of your journal.
It’s all about finding what works best for your specific project!
Getting the Size Right 📐
For a standard-sized journal, the video provides these measurements:
- Front and Back covers: 5″ wide x 7 3/4″ high (12.5 cm x 20 cm)
- Spine: 1 1/4″ wide x 7 3/4″ high (3.2 cm x 20 cm)
- Hinge gaps: 1/4″ each (3 mm)
Donna stresses the importance of accuracy in cutting.
She demonstrates how to measure and mark the board, emphasizing that straight edges and square corners are crucial for a professional-looking result.
Creating Flexible Hinges with Tyvek 💪
One of the most interesting parts of the video is the introduction of Tyvek as a hinge material:
- Tyvek is a strong, flexible material often used for postage
- The presenter mentions it might not be available everywhere (she had to order it online)
- She demonstrates how to cut and position the Tyvek for optimal hinge strength
- The video shows how to glue the Tyvek to create a flexible spine that won’t crack over time
Choosing and Preparing Cover Paper 🎨
- Donna recommends using scrapbook paper
- She shows samples of different weights, from light to heavy
- Lighter paper is easier to work with and creates less bulk in the hinges
- The video demonstrates how to measure and cut the paper for a perfect fit
- Pro tip: 12×12″ scrapbook sheets might be too small for full coverage, so she shows how to add a contrasting spine piece to make up the difference
Mitering Corners: Two Techniques 📐
- Hand-drawn method • Donna shows how to measure and mark the corners • She demonstrates the cutting technique for reducing bulk • There’s a detailed explanation of how to fold and glue for a perfect miter
- Corner jig method • Donna introduces a corner jig tool • She shows how to use it for consistent, accurate corner cuts • This method is recommended for beginners or those who want foolproof results
Both techniques aim to reduce bulk and create clean, sharp corners.
The video provides close-up shots of each method, making it easy to follow along.
The Gluing Process 🧴
She then goes into great detail about the gluing process:
- Donna uses fabric glue (Helmar brand) but mentions PVA as an alternative
- There’s a demonstration of how to transfer glue into a squeeze bottle for easier application
- The video emphasizes working in small sections to prevent the glue from drying too quickly
- There are multiple warnings about using too much glue, with Donna showing how to clean up excess
- She demonstrates techniques for smoothing out bubbles and ensuring good adhesion
This section is particularly helpful, with lots of practical tips for avoiding common mistakes.
Adding the Inner Lining 📄
The video then shows how to measure, cut, and attach the inner lining:
- Donna demonstrates how to create a neat border around the edge
- She shows how to align the lining paper perfectly
- There’s a useful tip about using distress ink to color the white edges of the paper for a more finished look
Creating the Spine 📚
The spine creation process is covered in detail:
- Donna shows how to measure and cut the spine piece
- She demonstrates how to align it perfectly with the front and back covers
- There’s a detailed explanation of how to glue it down without creating wrinkles or bubbles
Finishing Touches ✨
The video concludes with some final touches:
- Donna shows how to train the cover to open and close smoothly
- She demonstrates how to use a bone folder to create crisp edges and folds
- There are tips for letting the cover dry in the correct position to maintain its shape
Throughout the tutorial, Donna emphasizes the importance of patience and practice.
She encourages viewers to experiment with scrap materials before working on their final piece, noting that junk journaling is all about personal creativity and expression.
The video is a comprehensive guide, walking viewers through each step of creating a junk journal cover, from material selection to final decoration.
It’s an excellent resource for both beginners looking to create their first cover and experienced crafters aiming to refine their techniques.
One of the most valuable aspects of the video is Donna’s attention to detail.
She doesn’t just show what to do, but explains why each step is important, helping viewers understand the process more deeply.
In conclusion, this video is a goldmine of information for anyone interested in creating professional-looking junk journal covers.
It covers all the bases, from basic construction to advanced techniques, all presented in a clear, easy-to-follow manner. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to up your junk journaling game, this tutorial has something for everyone!
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