Soft Spine Art Journal Tutorial
There is nothing like a handmade art or junk journal to create in and making one to use is even better.
This post is the first in a three part series to learn how to make your own soft spine journal and includes the materials needed to get started.
First of all, I want to give full credit to Melanie Sullivan for this method. I came across her YouTube channel and when I saw this type of journal, I knew I had to make my own.
Check out her channel for many other inspiring videos. I enjoy finding inspiration from others and incorporating them into my own creations.
Here is a YouTube video on my channel to see the first part of this tutorial:
Materials needed to make a soft spine journal
- A book cover from a book of any kind
- Canvas paper, recycled canvas, or other durable fabric
- Straight edge/Ruler
- Craft Knife
- Sturdy thread or string
- Large needle
- Hole punch or awl
- Cutting mat
- Paper, book pages, art paper, or other pages for the book
Optional supplies:
- Crop-a-dile or Big Bite
- Bookbinding kit
- Paint
- Sewing machine
- Craft string
- Mixed Media paper
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
Pick a book that can be easily taken apart to leave the front and back cover for the journal. When selecting a book, keep in mind the size fo the paper you will use for the journal pages for the signature(s).
The signature is the pages placed together and folded to be sewn into the spine of the book.
Key to this particular style of soft spine handmade journal is the soft, pliable material for the spine. In this case, painted canvas paper was used.
Cut the book covers with a straight edge and craft knife from the spine. The covers can be left as is, or painted and embellished.
Check out the video for more details on the process.
Be sure to come back for part 2 of this tutorial.
