A Well-Covered Gift

This project is similar to how many people cover old schoolbooks, so it should be familiar. Instead of a brown paper bag, use pretty fabric or wrapping paper to make it more decorative, and something your friend will be happy to have on their desk or nightstand.

You’ll want to start with a blank journal, with a simple cover. They’re available in many stores, including bookstores, department stores, even some drug stores.

Step 1: Measure What You Need
Lay the book down on top of the fabric or wrapping paper you’ve chosen. Open the book and position it so that it has at least an extra two inches on each side.

Step 2: Cutting
Cut the paper to the proper length and width.

Step 3: Folding 1
Mark a line on your wrapping paper around your journal with a pencil. Put the journal to the side and fold the two long edges at the top and bottom. Make a mark in the middle of the inside cover.

Step 4: Folding 2
Put the journal back on the paper with the spine on the mark in the middle. On the two ends of the journal, fold the excess paper over the covers and tuck them in. Use tape or glue to secure the cover in place, making sure that the cover’s not so tight that you can’t close the journal.

Step 4: Decorating
There are many fun ways to beautifully decorate your journal cover. Start with a large collection of materials so you’ll be able to decorate it to your liking.

• Fabric: Create layers of different patterns and colors by gluing more swatches of fabric onto the cover.
• Ribbon: Using rubber cement or hot glue, attach ribbons to the cover. Make the journal look like it’s been wrapped like a present. Or you can use ribbons to tie it closed—very important for protecting the secrets in the journal.
• Paper: Use a calligraphy pen to write your friend’s name or monogram onto a piece of specialty paper, then glue the paper onto the cover.
• Pictures: Glue pictures, either your own or from magazines and catalogs onto the cover. Use some of the tips in the Home Mavens Definitely Decoupage article for another way to attach pictures to your journal.
• Theme: You can also decorate the journal with a theme in mind, perhaps a vacation you and your friend took together or a shared interest.

Step 5: Inscription
A simple way to add a really personal touch is to provide an inscription on the inside front cover or the first page of the journal. Write a note, or use a lovely quote, to inspire your friend to get the most out of her journaling. Here’s a quote from William Wordsworth that you may find appropriate:

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.

Step 6: Inspiration Pages
A helpful touch is to include some “inspiration pages” inside the journal. Every few pages, include some photographs, pictures from magazines or quotes to give your friend something to write about. They don’t have to write about what they find on these pages, but if they’re looking for a journaling subject, it’s right there. Use tips from the Home Mavens Scrapbooking article to create lovely inspiration pages.