Road Trip Journals #2

My First Screw Post Journal

This is a continuation of the discussion of travel journals. Following an earlier post regarding travel journals/business journals, I wanted to share with you an easy solution to many of the problems that people have--starting a journal from scratch.

As mentioned last Friday regarding Making Books By Hand, I was asked to make a Screw Post Wedding Album for a friend's wedding. I had never made a book of this type before so I decided to purchase the book by Mary McCarthy and Philip Manna. One of the many lessons that I learned while catering, I decided to do a run through and make a screw post journal for my own purposes. I wanted a journal that I could use for work or pleasure.

This is what I came up with.

I decided to use preexisting materials that could be found at any stationery store--namely, pre-made pages, folders, envelopes, dividers, etc in the 5" by 8.5" format. By doing so, I could concentrate on making the front and back covers and not have to worry about the text block, or type of paper.

I used lined paper, two envelopes, tabbed dividers, and alphabet dividers that were already pre-made. The beauty of this type of construction is that you can easily move pages or elements around wherever you need them because all you have to do is loosen the screws, rearrange, and reassemble the book afterwards.

Inside front cover

I used Davey Board for the front and rear covers. I covered them in orange reptile embossed paper that has a plastic coating on the front and is paper backed. I wanted something that was easily cleaned and wouldn't show dirt or fingerprints. The end sheets are a paper backed Chinese silk that I had available. Sometimes when making books, you simply get lucky with your materials. So was the case with my book--the materials I used worked great considering there was a working hinge which could wear away the materials if they weren't so sturdy.

Envelope in front and
tabbed dividers

I wanted to be able to subdivide the sections of the book so I purchased tabbed dividers so I could section off pages for different purposes. If you are using this for your own purposes, these could include daily itineraries, maps, etc. I always wanted to keep receipts and loose papers so I included a top loading envelope to the front and back of the book. I simply hole punched them to place them in the book. In the top and second picture, you can see that I included a bulldog clip so I could clip materials that I needed at a moment's notice or pieces that were too large to include on a page.

The inside back cover

For the back section of the book, I decided to add alphabet tabbed dividers and another top loading envelope. Since I was using this book for work, I wanted the alphabet tabs in order to register names and addresses/business cards that I collected on my trip. When finished on this trip, I simply remove the pages and put them somewhere else more permanent. 

Since I am always at a loss for a writing utensil, I put a pen in the back envelope so I would always have something to write with.

I was glad that I put some thought into the book before making. I still use this book for business and it is my go-to book when I need to grab something fast.

With all of the new materials that are being made in this format (pouches, photo holders, business card holders, etc.) there are plenty of options to make one of these for yourself. Tomorrow, I will share with you my traveling journal pouch with my journal art making materials.

Iron Craft Challenge #12--Picnic Placemat

For this challenge, we were tasked with making something associated with a picnic. I have to say that I was really stumped by this challenge which is a good thing--I suppose. I know that I wanted to make something out of paper, go figure, but I really didn't know what to do. Maybe a picnic invitation?

I was going through my paper stash to work on another project and I ran across this recycled plastic "paper" that I used to cover a book on a previous project. This "paper" is made out of recycled plastic shopping bags that are melded together and then dyed.

When I felt it, it reminded me of an outdoor placemat so I decided to do something similar but with a little added touch.

Placemat side

On the topside of the placemat, I simply wanted an area to use to place your paper plate. I knew that I wanted to use a material that could be wiped clean and this recycled paper is just the trick. I also knew that I wanted to so something beyond a placemat so I lined the back of the placemat with suede paper.

Underside of placemat

I turned in the edges and only partially glued down the bottom edge. I left some of the area free so I could place the silverware that would then allow me to roll up the placemat and tie it off so I can store the rolled placemat in the picnic hamper.

Placemat and silverware

Week 22

This week's card is one of the most difficult to manufacture--a truly masculine handmade card. I have always struggled with making cards for men to enjoy. Most men that I know are (1) super critical or (2) don't appreciate the time and effort put into making a handmade card.

Either reason is enough of a deterrent to prevent me from making cards for men. With that said, I am glad with the way that this card turned out. It is different enough to make a statement but simple enough to be appreciated. This card fits in a standard size 10 envelope. The Happy Birthday sentiment is stamped on the inside and the card is cut through the top two layers to reveal the stamped image.

On My Bookshelf

Today's book was probably one of the most influential books in my bookbinding career. When someone asked me to make their wedding album, this was the book that I purchased--having known nothing about bookbinding. This week's book is Making Books by Hand: A Step-by-Step Guide by Mary McCarthy and Philip Manna.

By the time this came about, I was still making handmade greeting cards and boxes so I was familiar with the materials needed to make a photo album--what I didn't know was how. I ran across this book at a brick and mortar store and immediately knew that this was the book that I needed. I had purchased album kits before and had made books from them but this was going to be a start from scratch book.

The book is divided into three main sections: Techniques, Book Types and Projects, and Resources. The Techniques section is the basic beginning section of any craft/DIY book: materials, supplies, tools, etc. The second section provides step-by-step instructions on how to make accordion books, journals/scrapbooks, photo albums, and box books. The third section is an appendix of resources, suggested readings and a gallery of works.

For me, this is a perfect introduction to basic bookbinding. The directions are clear and well photographed/documented. The materials are basic and easy to acquire. This is a must have for anyone interested in making their own books or as a reference book for established bookbinders. This is only the second book in my library that I have made every project listed. Highly, highly recommended.

Journals and Scrapbooks

Full Disclosure: Neither Amazon.com nor the authors have provided any compensation for this review. This book was purchased in person without a personal perusal before purchase.

Road Trip Journals

Kat over at Just Crafty Enough blogged about her trip to Ireland and her Road Trip Journal. I also make journals before making major trips. Many times, I make handmade journals to suit my needs like here. Unfortunately, I don't always have time to make the journal before I leave. Often, I make the journal when I return--very much like a scrapbook.

When I need something to write in before I go, I will go out and buy a simple spiral bound notebook and will keep notes, receipts, and all other kinds of information that will either stand alone or can later be used as pages in the "real" journal. I tend to buy the notebook in the country that I am visiting.

Notebook from Japan

A Pocket in a must

When I travel, I will always carry my travel case of journal materials (pens, pencils, etc)--I will share that post with you next week. The only requirement that I make is that the journal needs to be convenient (small or hand-sized) and must have a pocket or pockets to hold all of the loose materials that I need to access.

Many times when I travel it will be joint duty and will require me to work. Having the pages perforated (or pre-cut, as the Japanese say) is really helpful if I want to turn the pages into journals elsewhere. I will have to say that I prefer the term pre-cut--perforated is so hard to spell. 

Work page--The nights guest list

One of the musts in my book is to have a local map with the hotel information in English and the local language. This page has saved my bacon on many occasions when trying to get home by taxi late at night. I have even called the hotel on my cell phone and then handed the phone over to the taxi driver on several nights.

Local Map a must

I am very fortunate to say that many times I get to combine paper with work--especially when I go to Japan. Often, I will include maps, directions and locations to my book before I go. I provide detailed instructions including exact subway exits. I always include the phone number when I can. On my last trip to Tokyo, I got so lost I asked a local utility man, who was working on the street, to help me. He spoke no English and my rough Japanese just didn't do the trick. He called the shop on his cell phone, got the directions, put me in his truck and drove to the shop to drop me off. Of course, he asked permission from the customer he was working with who wholeheartedly agreed to the disruption of her service call.

Page with folded maps

Page with unfolded maps

When the pages are too wide for my notebook, I simply fold the pages so they fit and glue one edge to the page. This allows the pages to fold open for easy access to all of the information that I need on a single layout. I actually find it fun to be creative with the folding to make them fit.

In closing, you don't need to have a fancy book to be able to have a travel journal. You can make any book your own for the immediate or extended future. I find that these journals are a major help when returning for future trips to the same locations.

Next week, I will share with you a different travel/work journal and my travel journaling kit.

Mail Art #4

Today's entry in another example of Mail Art. I can't seem to stop myself from doodling. Yesterday, I received a call from The Sketchbook Project asking if they could feature my envelope on their website. The received my envelope and sketchbook and delayed opening it before showing it to people within the library. I have to say that I was pleased to be asked,

Today's theme is circles. I didn't realize how difficult it is to trace circles without them going wonky. Now I have to decide if I want to color them first before doodling or vice versa.

Oh, my. Decisions, Decisions. Decisions.

Mail Art #3

OK. I finally broke down and sent my Sketchbook away to complete my Sketchbook Project. I prolonged it as long as I could realistically do so. Here is the back of the envelope in all of it's doodled and colored glory. I was really happy with the way that it turned out. When I took the envelope to the post office, the person at the desk said--Oooh, pretty.

I never realized how soothing doodling could be. Although the patterns are not as random as I would have liked them to be, there has to be some comfort in the organization of the geometric patterns.

Good bye dear sketchbook--I hope others will enjoy you as much as I did.