by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Nov. 22, 2003 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

It's time to think about giving gifts. The first tier of presents goes to immediate family members, of course, but what about all those wonderful co-workers and acquaintances? This is where handmade journals come into play. Before December hits, take a weekend to create a batch of these stunning little books that can be tailored to each person's personality. The journals make great stocking stuffers for the kids. Pick up a box of whimsical postcards or greeting cards and add some micro-glitter accents.

Greeting Card Journals

Supplies
1 greeting card
4-6 sheets of handmade paper or cardstock
1 small hole punch or large paper needle (or quilting needle)
Quilting thread, embroidery floss or yarn
Optional: charm or tassel


Directions: Choose a greeting card that will look nice as the cover of a journal. Cut the paper or cardstock to the size of the opened greeting card, and then trim it one-quarter inch all the way around. Fold the paper in half (fold each sheet separately to ensure a crisp crease).

Thread the needle. Line up the pages inside the card. In the inside of the card's spine, poke the needle one inch from the bottom. Pull it through the outside, up the spine and back through so it is one inch from the top. Repeat twice. Snip excess and tie off on the inside. Tie on a charm or tassel to hang from the bottom or from the outside of the spine if desired.

If using thicker thread, such as yarn, use a small hole punch to be able to feed it through the spine.

Variations: Rip the outer edges of your inner pages for a more handmade look. Make one journal for each family at your Thanksgiving gathering and ask everyone to take turns writing down the things that they are thankful for in each other's books. Use them for vacation journals.

Use solid cardstock for the cover and embellish it with rubber stamps, glitter, grommets, vellum paper, ribbons, collage art and/or embossing powder.


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Labels: kids, paper, recycled