How to Make a Chipboard Journal

A personalized, chipboard journal makes a unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for person.

A journal holds all types of written words --- from private thoughts to notes taken at a religious service or event, to recipes, schedules and appointments. While you can purchase beautiful, pre-decorated journals, you can also make your own chipboard journal. In addition, these make creative gifts you can personalize for the recipient.

Things You'll Need

• Two 8-by-10-inch pieces of chipboard
• Lined notebook or computer paper for inside of journal, 25 to 100 sheets, trimmed to 7.5 by 9 inches
• Hole punch tool
• Connecting rings
• Liquid adhesive
• Patterned scrapbook papers --- at least two coordinating sheets of 12-by-12-inch paper for outside covers
• 12-by-12-inch (or larger) paper trimmer
• Any embellishments such as additional coordinating paper, brads, ribbons, stickers, rub-ons, ink, paint, stamps, etc.
• Two sheets of white 8.5-by-11-inch card stock for inside covers
• Foam brush or paint brush
• Optional: sandpaper for distressing paper edges

Instructions

1. Select two 12-by-12-inch pieces of paper to use as a base for the front cover and back cover. Paper should not be too heavy, or it will be difficult to fold over the edges of the chipboard. If you wish, you can paint the chipboard instead of covering it with paper.

2. Trim base papers to 10 inches on one side, so that the final size will be 10 by 12 inches.

3. Cover the front chipboard with the trimmed paper. Miter the corners and fold the paper over all four sides.

4. Decorate the cover using your chosen embellishments before adhering the paper, if desired.

5. Cover the back cover in the same manner as front cover.

6. Cover the chipboard with a thin coat of liquid adhesive. Adhere the paper, following the pre-made creases. Smooth paper from the middle of the cover outward to remove any air bubbles. These will subside as the adhesive dries. Repeat for the back cover. Use liquid adhesive sparingly so that it dries properly.

7. Trim white card stock to approximately 7.5 by 9 inches. Adhere it to the inside front cover, again using a thin coat of liquid adhesive. Repeat for the inside back cover.

8. Align the front and back covers.

9. Punch holes in the cover, taking care that the holes in the cover align with the holes in the paper, if using paper with pre-punched holes.

10. Punch holes in the paper if needed.

11. Sandpaper all exposed edges for a distressed look. This works well on paper with a white core, adds dimension and gives a "vintage" look to the journal. The journal should be fairly dry so that you do not rip the paper.

12. Reapply a thin coat of liquid adhesive to front and back cover, inside and out, to seal the journal.

13. Align the covers and paper after the journal dries. Attach rings through the covers and paper to finish off journal.

References

• Seattle Times; Hobbies - A Makeover for Dollar-Store Journals; Cathie Filian; 2011
• Creativity Prompt: Making Your Own Hardbound Journal; 2008