Your First Scrap Journal: A Complete Handmade Book in One Weekend

What you'll be able to do

• Measure, cut, and assemble a stack of scrap journal pages ready for binding
• Execute a clean ribbon binding to hold the journal together without glue or fancy equipment
• Design and cut a simple soft cover that wraps and protects the finished journal
• Embellish pages with basic stamping so the journal looks finished, not just functional

What's inside

4 modules, in order, from the first step to the finished result.

• 01

  Planning Your Pages

  Choose and prep your scrap paper and page materials so your journal has variety and structure before you bind a single page.

  Selecting paper weights and textures for scrap journalsGrouping pages into signaturesTrimming pages to consistent sizeMixing in envelopes and pockets
• 02

  Ribbon Binding Start to Finish

  Punch, thread, and tie a ribbon binding that holds your signatures together securely and looks intentional.

  Marking and punching even hole placementChoosing ribbon width and lengthThreading pattern for a secure tieFixing a loose or uneven binding
• 03

  Making a Soft Cover That Fits

  Build a simple wrap-around soft cover sized exactly to your bound pages for a finished, protective exterior.

  Measuring spine width for a soft coverScoring and folding clean edgesAttaching the cover to the ribbon-bound pagesReinforcing stress points at the spine
• 04

  Finishing Touches with Stamps

  Add a simple handmade rubber stamp design to personalize your cover or pages and give the journal a polished finish.

  Carving a basic rubber stamp shapeInking and test-stamping on scrapPlacing stamps on cover vs. interior pagesCleaning and storing your stamp