Throwback Thursday Craft: Handmade Travel Diary
We've started this series to highlight recipes, crafts, and features from our previously published titles! This is a craft for a handmade Travel Diary from Handmade Books at Home by Chanel Ly
Journaling is one of the best things you can do for yourself! Whether it’s writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences or a fun junk journal, it’s always something very personal to you. Why not amp up the personalization of journaling by making your own? There is an array of handmade books featured in Handmade Books at Home: A Beginner's Guide to Binding Journals, Sketchbooks, Photo Albums and More by Chanel Ly
“This project sparks nostalgia because it reminds me of the diaries I used to collect as a kid. The wrap-around cover makes this book an excellent keeper of secrets. The design is elevated with a quality fabric cover and a beautiful stitching pattern. Long stitch is a versatile and straightforward binding, allowing the book design to be very customizable. In this project, I use wool fabric stiffened with HeatnBond®, a fusible interfacing. An alternative option is 2-mm-thick felt which is non-woven and doesn't require edge treatment. If you have sewing skills, I encourage you to sew your own double-sided cover, or even a quilted one!”
Materials
49 sheets of 8½ x 11–inch (21.6 x 27.9–cm) writing or sketch paper, 60–80lb (90-120gsm) text weight, grain short (preferred) or long
2 sheets of 10 x 19–inch (25.4 x 48.3–cm) heavyweight fabric around 1/16 inch (2 mm) when stacked
1 sheet of 9½ x 18½–inch (24.1x 47–cm) HeatnBond Lite or Ultra hold or alternative double-sided fusible interfacing
Choice of cover edge treatment (embroidery floss [for non-woven fabric], double-fold bias tape, or liquid seam sealant)
1-inch (2.5-cm) wide artist tape or painter’s tape•Strip of stiff paper cut to 8½ inches (21.6 cm) in length and 2–3 inches (5–7.6 cm) in width
Waxed linen thread, any gauge
Choice of book closure: snap button, Velcro® fastener, ribbon
Tools
Bone folder
Ironing board
Flat iron
Rotary cutter
Ruler
Scissors
Non-smudge ink pen
Cutting mat
Awl
Needle
Stitch holder (or another needle)
Timeless Stitches & Beautiful Bindings to Craft Your Perfect Book
You don't need to be an experienced bookbinder to create one-of-a-kind books. Chanel Ly, founder of Bitter Melon Bindery, is here to guide you through 12 practical projects that you can personalize to show off your creative side. All you need are a few basic tools and materials to get started.
Learn to craft a Minimal Journal that is not only sleek and stunning but sturdy enough to withstand everyday use. Looking for a Lay-Flat Sketchbook that feels as unique as your art? Make your own with a gorgeous exposed spine that is unlike anything you'll buy off the shelves. Create an unforgettable gift for someone you love such as a wraparound Travel Diary bound in sentimental fabric or a custom-made Photo Album to hold treasured memories. And once you've mastered these projects, you'll have the necessary skills to design your very own book or give new life to an old favorite.
Full of helpful tips, solutions to troubleshoot common mistakes and plenty of visual examples, this resource will fulfill all your bookish dreams for years to come!
Chanel Ly is the creator behind Bitter Melon Bindery. Her thoughtfully crafted handmade books can be found in her online shop. Chanel lives in Los Angeles, California.