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INSPIRATIONAL JOURNAL

Supplies:

  • 3 Manila Folders
  • Paper
  • 2 sheets 12 x 12 scrapbook paper
  • 6 sheets 8½ x 11 cardstock (3 different colors)
  • Scrap of white cardstock
  • Three 2 inch prong fasteners
  • Adhesive
  • Decorative paper clips
  • 8 mini brads
  • 1 brad
  • 2 eyelets
  • 1 letter tile / die cutter letter
  • Ribbon

Tools:

  • Westcott Laser Ruler
  • Westcott Paper Trimmer with both cutting and scoring blades attached
  • Oval punch
  • Circular Punch
  • Corner rounder - optional
  • Eyelet setter

Directions:

1.
From 1 sheet of each color of cardstock cut the following pieces:
1 piece measuring 4¼ x 10 inches
1 piece measuring 3½ x 3½ inches
1 piece measuring 4 x 4¾ inches
1 piece measuring 4¾ x 3¾ inches

For the cover cut one piece only in alternating colors in the following sizes:
3¼ x 1¾ inches
5½ x 4½ inches

Punch 3 ovals from each color of cardstock

Punch 1 circle from the scrap of white cardstock

2.
Trim any tabs off the manila files to give a straight edge to work with.

3.
Take the last manila file open it and turn it over to the back side. Attach two laser rulers together and position the manila file flush against both rulers. Position the laser line to shine 1 inch from the edge of the folder, position your first eyelet where the laser lines cross (Ensure your folder is open to prevent holes in both sides of your folder).
Move the laser cartridge on your vertical ruler so that the laser line is 1 inch from the top edge of the folder and position your second eyelet where the laser lines cross. Thread enough ribbon through the eyelets to tie the folders closed.

Trim one sheet of 12 x 12 paper to the size of the folder and adhere to the inside of the cover to hide the eyelets.


4.
To decorate the front cover of the journal take the manila folder, open it and position it flush between the two laser rulers. Position both laser lines one inch from the top edge of the folder. Using your laser lines as a guide adhere the piece of cardstock measuring 5½ x 4½ inches. To position the mini brads within this cardstock move each laser cartridges ¼ inch towards the center of the cardstock and position a mini brad where the lines cross. Repeat this process in each corner of the cardstock to get perfectly aligned mini brads.

Tips:
Adapt the theme of the journal to create a planner for baby showers, weddings and other events.

 

 

  
5.
Trim the edges of the piece of cardstock measuring 3¼ x 1¾ inches to create a tag. Using a laser ruler position the laser beam ¼ inch from the top edge and use this line as a guide to place 3 mini brads. Using an eyelet setter position a hole in the top of the tag and finish with ribbon and a mini brad.
Attach two laser rulers together and position the laser lines so that they shine 1 inch from the side edge of the folder and 1½ inches from the top edge of the folder. Using your laser lines as a guide adhere the tag to the folder.
6.
Make a flower with your oval and circular cut out securing the piece with a brad. Adhere the flower to the front of the folder.
7.
Finish the cover with a letter tile or die cut letter "I". Use a laser ruler on the short edge of the folder to ensure the letter is positioned straightly in the position shown. Keep the laser ruler in position and write the rest of the title.

Trim the remaining piece of 12 x 12 paper to fit the inside cover of the file and adhere in place to hide the back of the brads.
8.
With each piece of cardstock measuring 4¼ x 10 inches score a line ½ inch from each of the short sides of the piece and ¼ inch from one of the long sides. Fold along these lines to produce a pocket. Adhere this pocket to the bottom edge of the inside of each folder as shown.
9.
With each piece of cardstock measuring 4 x 4¾ inches score a line ½ inch from each of the short sides of the piece and ¼ inch from one of the long sides. Fold along these lines to produce a pocket. Using your laser rulers as a guide, adhere this pocket to the upper section of the inside of each folder as shown. Take the cardstock measuring 3¾ x 4¾ inches and insert in the pocket to make accessing small embellishments easier.

10.
Attach two laser rulers together and position one open folder flush against the two rulers. Position the laser line on the vertical ruler ½ inch from the top edge of the folder and the laser line on the horizontal ruler at a position at the center of the page. Move the laser cartridge on the horizontal ruler 1 inch along the ruler and using your eyelet setter punch a hole. Move the laser cartridge 2 inches back along the ruler and punch another hole with your eyelet setter. Position the 2 prong fasteners through the holes and fold over.
11.
Take the pieces of cardstock measuring 3½ x 3½ inches and score and fold in half to create file tabs. Using your laser ruler shine the laser line ½ inch from the top of the first manila file and attach your first tab. The second tab should be attached on the second file at a position of 4 inches from the top edge, use your laser ruler to position correctly. Attach the third tab to the third file at a position of 7½ inches. Round the edges of the tabs if desired.

Using a laser ruler as a guide write labels on the tags, possible ideas are:
Layout
Color
Quotes
Fonts
Titles
Occasions
Timelines
12.
Decorate your journal with decorative paper clips and other embellishments of your choice.

 
     
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