Easy Bound Journal DIY

This is by far the easiest way to bind a book, journal or sketchbook with a vinyl or leather cover.

Sewing machine

Americana Decoupage Paper (decorative paper)

E-6000 glue

11" x 17" vinyl or leather

Americana Stick On Stencils

Twine (that matches the vinyl)

Americana Multi-Surface Metallic gold

Pinking shears

Dauber

Clothespins

Office copy paper

1. Trace a folded piece of copy paper on the inside edge of your vinyl

2. Move it over 1/2" and trace it again

3. Add 3" more and then 1/2" all the way around

4. Cut it out with pinking shears *This is the cover (with flap) and it will be about 14 1/2" x 9 1/2"

5. Edge the vinyl with metallic gold using a dry brush technique *This will give it an aged and gilded look

6. Stencil on the cover with more metallic gold lightly dabbing with a dauber

7. Cut decoupage papers to 8 1/2" x 11" and create a stack of copy paper with the decorative paper on top

8. Draw a line down the center and stitch the pages together

9. Make about 8 - 10 stacks and fold them on the stitch line

10. Clip them together and add a generous amount of E-6000 glue to the folded edges

11. Secure them in place while they dry

12. Clip a small hole in the flap and add a long piece of twine for a tie