Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and I’m thrilled to share a project that’s close to my heart: crafting beautiful, fabric-covered journals. There’s something truly special about holding a handmade notebook, its cover a testament to your creativity. It’s a simple pleasure, transforming ordinary journals into personalized treasures. Today, I’ll guide you through creating your own fabric-covered journals, perfect as gifts or personal keepsakes.
Gather Your Supplies
Every crafting journey begins with gathering the right tools. For this project, you’ll need:
- A pack of 3 Moleskine journals: I recommend the kraft brown covered ones, as other colors might show through the fabric.
- 3 scraps of fabric you love: This is key! Choose patterns and textures that inspire you. Each scrap should measure at least 11″ x 9″.
- 1″-1 1/2″ wide twill tape (optional): This is for adding a pen holder to the inside cover.
- Double-sided fusible webbing: You’ll need approximately the same amount as your fabric. I prefer Wonder Under, but any brand will do.
- Iron and ironing board
- Good music and a dash of creativity!
Let’s Get Crafting!
Now that you have your supplies ready, let’s transform those plain journals into works of art.
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric
- Cut a piece of fusible webbing slightly larger than your open journal.
- Following the package instructions, iron the webbing onto the wrong side of your fabric scrap.
- Once cooled, peel off the paper backing.
Step 2: Adhere the Fabric
- Center the open journal on the wrong side of your fabric, ensuring it’s within the area covered by the fusible webbing. Close the journal, keeping the fabric folded around it.
- With the journal spine facing up, carefully iron the spine area to adhere the webbing.
- Open the journal, cover facing up, and iron small sections of the fabric to the cover. Be careful not to iron the fabric to your ironing board!
Step 3: Finishing Touches
- Once cooled, trim the fabric flush with the journal’s edges. Iron the corners and edges again to ensure everything is securely fused.
- Now, for an extra touch of personalization, consider adding a fabric nameplate. You can embroider on it, write a name, or even use decorative stitches around the cover’s edges.
Handmade With Love
And there you have it! You’ve created unique, fabric-covered journals that are as individual as you are. These make heartfelt gifts for friends, family, or even yourself.
Do you have a favorite fabric you’re excited to use for this project? Share your thoughts and creations in the comments below! And for more unique, handmade gift ideas, browse the Robert Kline Art website. Happy crafting!