Junk Journal with Spine and Nested Pages

A project from our live show CATCH UP with Toni & Emma for A FRIDAY LAUNCH in the HTCN studio broadcast 14th Jan 22 · 14/01/2022 · watch it from 20:00

Create a handmade junk journal using recycled packaging and cardboard. This project uses nested spine dies to build a multi-page book that can hold photographs, music paper, and decorative elements, giving it a vintage, grungy aesthetic.

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Step by step

1. Run the spine die bundle through your machine to create three nested spine sections that fit inside one another. ▶ watch 20:00
2. Observe the score lines on each spine piece and bend them gently to see how they nest together. ▶ watch 20:15
3. Gather your pages cut from recycled materials such as music paper, corrugated cardboard from packaging, and coloured card. ▶ watch 20:30
4. Apply wet glue to the back of the largest spine piece and position it as the base layer. ▶ watch 21:00
5. Glue the medium-sized spine on top, ensuring it sits within the gap created by the largest spine. ▶ watch 21:15
6. Glue the smallest spine piece into the centre, creating a three-tiered nested structure. ▶ watch 21:30
7. Insert your prepared pages into the spine structure, layering them between each spine section. ▶ watch 22:00
8. Cover the assembled spine with decorative cardboard or patterned paper to create a front and back cover if desired. ▶ watch 22:30
9. Allow the glue to dry completely before handling or adding further embellishments. ▶ watch 23:00

Tips from the show

• Use wet glue rather than dry adhesive to allow yourself wiggle room when positioning the spine pieces.
• You can leave the journal as just the spine, or glue it into a scored A4 card to create a more traditional book appearance.
• Decorate your pages before assembling them into the spine for easier access and better results.

More from this show

• Textured Background Page with Crackle Paste and Stencil
• Stamped and Watercoloured Floral Card Page
• Mixed-Media Journal Page with Stencilled Rainbow Design
• Folded Card Blank from Die-Cut Page
• Pigment Ink Colour Mixing and Watercolouring

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly