When I am at craft fairs I am always asked for plain journals, so have created a line of minimalist journals. Each cover is made of Kraft card stock and has a white laser cut shape attached to the front. The cover was then laminated to help it withstand being carried in a pocket or backpack. The set of books are further secured by an elastic band that closes the journal. The laser cut shapes include mandalas, leaves and flowers. Inside there are elastic threads to hold the three plain notebooks, plus one small folder with a journaling card that can be used or removed as desired.
I have been enjoying making the large journals, but felt there was a need for mini journals as well. I find I am often waiting in places without internet access so these little notebooks offer an easy place to make notes, sketches, lists, or keep size or color information handy – whatever you need!
The journals have smooth paper pages and are a neat 4.5″ tall by 3.5″ wide, by about ¾” thick, and have an elastic cord closure so your journal doesn’t fall open in your bag. To make the closure more interesting I raided my button box to find coordinating buttons to add to the elastic. Many of these buttons date back to the 1960s or beyond, and are the extra buttons from sewing projects carried out by my grandmother, mother, and later me. You may get a button from my mum’s winter coat or cardigan, or one from my school uniform dress – whatever it is, hopefully it will make you smile when you see it!
As with the large journals i have created the cover designs digitally, then had them printed by Spoonflower. I have created quite a few bright floral designs plus calmer ones using color blocks or abstract designs so there are a wide range of cover options.
This mini journal has an orange leaf design and a mother of pearl button on the closure. Each book has 160 pages sewn into four groups or signatures. Each journal comes with four metal charms on paperclips that you can move to identify a page so you can easily find it again.
This journal has a more abstract design which is a slightly rusted orange and teal on the front, changing to a royal blue on the back cover.
If you could use a little journal – or know someone who would love one as a Christmas present, please visit my Etsy shop!
This journal has a more abstract design which is a slightly rusted orange and teal on the front, changing to a royal blue on the back cover.