heather renz: twig journals : a tutorial

Crisp fall air and cooler temperatures make wonderful walks in the woods. Both my girls love drawing and collecting, So, I thought I would make them little journals to take along on our walks.

Here's a little tutorial if you are interested in making a few for you and your family...

SUPPLIES:

kraft paper, chip board, or recycled cereal boxes for cover

paper for writing on (I like 8.5x11 sheets for easy measuring)

standard rubber bands

twigs (4-5 inches in length)

scissors or paper cutter

hole punch (standard size or smaller depending on the thickness of band)

pencil

fabric, paper, buttons, etc. (to embellish the cover)

I like to work with 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper. They can easily be cut in half to make 2 larger landscape journals or into quarters for 4 mini journals.

Once paper sheets and covers are cut to the size you want, mark two holes in one of the covers about one inch in from top and bottom of cover and a half inch in from the left side. Punch holes in cover and use as a template for marking holes on the remaining cover and paper sheets.

Thread the elastic band through the back cover, paper sheets and front cover...

Slide twig through the elastic loop and pull elastic from the back of the journal to tighten and secure...

Stretch the band across the length of the journal and thread through the other side, looping the elastic around the remaining end of the twig. If there is any slack in the loops on the front, pull the elastic on the back of the journal until they are snug around the twig.

Have fun with this project. It's simple and fun and the kids will love decorating and filling up their new journals.

Happy Hiking!

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And the winner of the halloween kitty plush doll giveaway is ALYA.

Congratulations!