DIY Journals - A Quick & Easy Christmas Gift

Still have a few more people that you need to get gifts for? Well, if you're feeling crafty, this DIY journal idea is a quick, easy and thoughtful fix. All you'll need is a few composition books from your local dollar store or Wal-Mart, Tacky Glue, scissors and scrapbook paper. For a more unique and vintage touch, also rummage the craft store in search of ribbon, stamps and stamp pads. This project can cost as little or as much as you want it to...

I have a killer collection of vintage and pastel as well as modern and bright ribbons and trimmings to choose from! This is not a craft store. This is my craft room - my little nook of creativity!

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Directions:

1.) Simply fold your sheet of scrapbook paper to fit the front cover starting at the outer black binder.

2.) Trim the edges of the paper, tucking the bottom and top smaller flaps under the wider flap on the left, securing with Tacky Glue. 

3.) Then take another 4 to 5 inch wide sheet of scrapbook paper to cover the remaining inner front cover, and also secure it with glue. 

*I recommend leaving the journal tucked under a stack of books to make sure no air bubbles form, reinforcing a smooth surface*

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Optional Additions:

1.) You could add another sheet of scrapbook paper for more visual texture like I did for the journal in the top left corner of the picture below.

2.) You could add a more personalized vintage touch with stamps like the one seen below in the top left corner. Starting the journal with "Bonjour", I also stamped "Paris" midway through the journal and "Au Revoir" on its last page. The French language adds such charm to this DIY project.

3.) You could add one or two ribbons to the front cover by looping them around the inside of the cover and tying them into a beautiful bow on the outside (as seen on the lime green journal two photos below).

4.) If you'e on a roll, feel free to add charms to the bow portion of the ribbon or simply glue one to the front cover of the journal. The possibilities are endless. Just have fun creating the journals and personalizing for your family and friends! 

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 I like mixing and matching colors and patterns as seen in the above picture.

 I love the two ribbons on the lime green journal (they add a subtle flare of femininity). I like them so much that I plan on using ribbon on a few other journals for Christmas gifts to my girlfriends.

I'd love to hear what you think about this speedy and craft-friendly DIY journal project! Just comment below. I hope you enjoy this one! xx

...Also stay tuned for more great DIY ideas. Tomorrow I'll be posting about two adorable Christmas DIY decoration ideas, all inspired by a workshop that I attended by Salt Harbor. You're going to love them! They are some of my new favorites - thanks to Jennifer, Anna and Jenny of Salt Harbor for sharing their creativity with me!