Create a Journal Using a Glue Binding

Image of a Journal

Glue binding, although not my favorite, has a sleek design to it. You can make the entire journal flush around the edges so it looks like a book. A lot of store bought journals use this style.

Things you need:

  • Scissors (to cut… duh)
  • Paper (for the pages)
  • Card Board (or something else strong for the cover)
  • Straight Edge
  • Hole Punch
  • Glue (to create the binding)

Main components: Pages, Cover and Glue

Pages:

It’s a good idea to decide what you want for the pages first, because you’re going to need a lot of them. My mom is an elementary school librarian and always has lots of extra paper floating around. For example, I think it’s fun to use old worksheets. I have every page face the same direction so I end up only writing on one page at a time. The other side I get to use for doodling and scrap booking.

*Tip: Use the same size paper throughout the journal. It makes the process of glueing much easier because the binding is all glued at the same spot.

Cover:

The cover should be slightly larger or equal in size to the pages of the journal. This will help protect the most important part, your thoughts! It will probably weigh a bit more and be stronger. It needs to be able to withstand daily enemies like back packs, coffee spills and kids. Of course, it also depends if you are going to use your journal throughout the day, or keep it by your bedside.

Glue:

Elmers glue will work fine, but for an extra special binding, try mixing a small amount of super glue with it. In total, you’ll need a lot less glue than you think. It’s strong stuff!