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$ $ $ $ $
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• • • • •
Time
7h00

Use washi tape to make and add pockets to any journal.
When I go on vacation I can't help but come home with handfuls of maps, tickets and museum guides and I'm always looking for a way to keep all my vacation stuff together instead of just throwing it in a shoe box. Here's a way to keep maps, receipts, etc. easily and put them anywhere in any journal.

Posted by Karen R. from Kansas City, Missouri, United States • Published See Karen R.'s 7 projects »
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  • How to decorate an altered journal. Paris Travel Journal  - Step 1
    Step 1

    I always gather maps when I'm on vacation and cut them up to stick in my journal or use them as a background paper. I also love these little pictures from Social Print Studio and you can stick a ton of them in any journal.

  • How to decorate an altered journal. Paris Travel Journal  - Step 2
    Step 2

    1. Map pocket
    This is the easiest pocket to make. Hold two adjoining sheets together and attach washi tape along the bottom and side edges.

  • How to decorate an altered journal. Paris Travel Journal  - Step 3
    Step 3

    2. Folder pocket
    You'll need a sheet from your journal to make the front of the folder pocket. If your journal is spiral bound, just pull out a page. To see if your journal is sewn together - look at the inside of the book, near the binding and lift up the center pages until you can can see the "signatures" (see photo above). The signature are the individual folded sections of a group of papers that together, make up the overall journal or book. Find the center folded seam of a signature - you will know it because you will see the stitching down the center. Cut the paper out along the fold - but DO NOT cut the threads holding the signatures together. (If I think there will be unused sheets in the journal , I'll pull out more of these pages to allow room for the thicker maps and pockets.)

    Fold a page in half then cut off about 3/4" along one unfolded long side. Hold the pocket so the bottom and outside edges align with the next adjoining sheet.

  • How to decorate an altered journal. Paris Travel Journal  - Step 4
    Step 4

    Attach washi tape along the bottom and side edges.

  • How to decorate an altered journal. Paris Travel Journal  - Step 5
    Step 5

    3. Pleated pocket
    You will be cutting out a "t'" shaped piece that will be folded in half, then pleated on the sides. I think the pictures above illustrate this easier, but I've included written instructions as well. Pull out another page from your journal. Trace around the item on you want to make a pleated pocket for. Add about 1/8" to the sides and top. Flip your item down, trace around it and add about 1/2" to the sides for the side tabs. Cut out. Fold in half along bottom. Fold side tabs in toward pocket.

  • How to decorate an altered journal. Paris Travel Journal  - Step 6
    Step 6

    Fold this tab in half again aligning edge with fold to make a little pleat. Use the washi tape to attach the back to the pleated sides.

  • How to decorate an altered journal. Paris Travel Journal  - Step 7
    Step 7

    4. Envelope
    Find the two adjoining sheets where your want your envelope. Fold the top page back about 1 1/2". Fold the back page over this fold line. Hold two adjoining sheets together and attach washi tape along the bottom and side - keeping clear of the flap.

  • How to decorate an altered journal. Paris Travel Journal  - Step 8
    Step 8

    To make a self stick closure, fold back about 1/2" of washi tape, leave 1/2" exposed, then stick the washi tape across the middle of the flap and across the back. Add about 1" of washi tape under the sticky portion.

  • How to decorate an altered journal. Paris Travel Journal  - Step 9
    Step 9

    Done!

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Comments

Tracey E.
Tracey E.
Absolutely stunning! Love the design, the supplies, the flexibility. I must try one...just gotta figure out where to go! : )
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