Yup. It is possible to make a DIY mini journal from just one single sheet of paper. I’m trying to whittle away every last excuse you have for not starting some type of journaling. 🙂
These tiny booklets are versatile little things. They are great for recording your day, either in words or pictures. A seven day week fits inside perfectly, with room for a front or back cover. You can even print your digital work on them beforehand, then fold them into small zines or brochures. Wouldn’t that be an adorable freebie for your clients or customers? I would be stoked on 8 little pages from my favorite artist.
DIY Mini Journal Supplies
- One sheet of paper, any size or type.
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Ruler if you’re using a knife
- Optional glue stick, adhesive roller, or tape if you want to seal the pages
- Optional deco like washi tape, stickers, labels etc.
Keep in mind that this is not perfect bookbinding. The paper will get slightly distorted from folding. You can trim the edges when you’re done. Or you can embrace the mild chaos. It’s up to you.
Thicker papers will show distortion a lot more. You can fudge the pages around in the last step to get them to lie better. Just keep that in mind if you decide to print on thicker papers.
Step One
Fold the paper short ways. Hamburger style. Unfold and recrease in the opposite direction, like origami. Unfold.
Step Two
Fold the paper long ways. Hotdog style. Unfold and recrease in the opposite direction. Keep it folded.
Step Three
Fold one end to the middle crease. Unfold and recrease in the opposite direction. Repeat on the opposite end. Unfold.
Step Four
Fold the paper short ways, hamburger style, again. There will be a crease down the center. Starting at the creased edge of your hamburger, cut to the middle of the center crease. This partial cut allows you to make the book. Unfold.
Step Five
Fold the paper long ways, hotdog style, again. Push the ends towards each other. The paper will start to buckle up. Finesse the pages in to a book as show.
Boom. You can stop here if you like and get to filling in your new journal. You can stick the open side together to form more solid pages. Or you can hide secret drawings between them. *wiggly fingers*
Are you making one of these? I would love to see it. Tag me @ceiltastic on Instagram and Twitter, or post to the Celia Agnes Facebook page.
Ready for more?
Want to peek behind the scenes of Celia Agnes? Maybe you’d like some discounts for my offerings, or to be the first to know about new features and products. Members of my newsletter get those things every Sunday. I would love to see you there!