I recently got into junk journaling and watched tons of videos from different channels, but, your projects and videos are always the easiest to follow. Thank you for this video tutorial, it's extremely helpful for beginners like me.
Great ideas here, even for seasoned book makers. I like how you put fewer pages into each signature, the headbands, using fabric in the spine, and your method to sew in signatures. Food for thought! So generous of you to share these concepts, thank you!
We made this and we're so excited about getting all the signatures attached in the same day that we stayed up until 2:30 am! Ty, for making this look so easy!
This was THE most excellent detailed video on binding a junk journal I've seen. But of course, embellish and share with us. That's not boring!! Love ya, Nik!! ♥️ You really make books so neat and tidy and made to last.
I agree, however there are plenty of people who don’t want that level of learning. (I’ve talked to several) Sometimes, they don’t want the complexity. I agree with you, however, because there are some good book binding techniques she brings into her junk journal creations. I use some of them myself.
I've watched and saved hundreds of so called altered book videos but I must say I always refer to yours. I love your sense of humor and your patience in explaining what you are doing. BTW all the other videos have been deleted and only yours are kept on hand for fast reference! What a relief it is to clean out the computer!!! You certainly should be called the queen of bookmaking
I have watched this video twice now and praying it has sunk into this 76 year old brain and I can do half as perfect a job as you did in this tutorial!!😀 blessings from Betty in Ohio.
Wonderful instruction...... logical, neat (as always!), with your usual thoroughness in explaining each step as you work thru the process, and, of course, your reliably lovely results. (But, geez..... I really miss the squirrels!!!) I sincerely hope you are feeling well & enjoying lots of great, creative days as spring creeps ever so slowly closer. Take care, be blessed.... and thanks so much for sharing your awesome skills!
Hi Kathy! The squirrels are there, I promise. If I get even the least bit overwhelmed/tired/stressed/hungry/frustrated/fill-in-the-blank, I drop like a stone. Its a balancing act, to be sure. Thank you for asking! =)
You were my first teacher of JJ and got me addicted...so I’m watching again and see you’ve got a new technique or two which I like. Best tutorials as always!
I have been wanting to make a junk journal but all the videos I have seen just confused me. This is the best tutorial! I can't wait for my local librarys book sale! Thank you for this!
Been making books and working with paper for many years. This is a sweet video! I’m gonna try my first junk journal. Looks like I can use your video to create other kinds of books, too. A big THANK YOU.
My favorite video on making a junk journal with an old book. Your style of teaching is so easy to follow. Thanks for sharing all your expertise with all of us Nik!
I’m not a ju jo novice anymore but I found this video extremely useful - refreshing the method. Thank you so much, Nik. My fingers are itching now to make one, too.
I am so happy I found this. I have a beautiful leather travel journal that is a joy to use, but at the end of a trip, something needs to be done with the trip journal for permanent storage as I need the journal cover for another trip someday, and as an everyday notebook the rest of the time. This is the perfect way to bind the signatures from my journal - they already have the exact right holes in place and are perfectly set up to be bound. I put an enormous amount of effort into my travel journals, and they deserve a permanent binding that will keep them safe, but also reflect the style and aesthetic of the journal. You have made this to be so clear and easy to follow, I’m looking forward to binding my next journal. So now I will be stripping the journal from its leather cover at the end of a trip without a sense of loss and regret, rather a sense of pleasure at giving it a fabulous permanent home.
This is one of the best illustrations I have ever seen to do a junk journal. I have been watching your channel for several years and love how detailed and precise you are. (Way better then I am) The piece if fabric and folder paper makes it so smooth and professional looking. I do have an old book cover I will be using soon to do this. Thank you so much this is amazing. As are you.
I have been watching hundreds of videos on how to make a Junk Journal and have never seen such an easy explanation/tutorial on the method as yours. You have a new subbie 💕Thank you so much😌
I love how you break everything down to basic steps. I recently started using books instead of making my own covers and its another adventurer. As always thanks for the great video.
This is the first time, after seeing other artists’ journal tutorials, that I’ve heard of “headbands.” I really appreciate this extra step, as it truly finishes off the appearance so beautifully. Thank you for your very informative videos. 🤍
I’ve been making junk journals for about a year now. I learned so much from your video. I was struggling with the number of signatures and using an odd number makes so much sense in making the math turn out right. Also I couldn’t figure out how to not have the stitching go through the spine. Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this tutorial!! It is so thorough and easy to understand! It is by far my favorite tutorial online about how to make a junk journal using a recycled book cover!
I'm just getting into bookbinding and your videos rule. They are very helpful and clear for a newbie like myself. Thank you for taking the time to teach us.
Oh Sharon, this could be a whole, new world! They are a lot of fun to make and people love to get them as gifts. They make excellent scrapbooks, journals, commonplace books, memorandas, etc. =) I've got a just a few hundred videos about them, so I might be biased.😄
Love the review on this. I make several art journals, and then while I fill them... boom forgot how to make the basic book... again. 😊 I hope you are well and thank you for sharing.
I've learned so much from this video. I always struggled to sew in the signatures onto the actual spine. How much easier it will be to use a piece of fabric and card and sew it outside of the spine and then glue it in! Duuurrrr how stupid of me not to have thought of this before. Now hopefully I won't stab myself or swear half as much! Thanks Nik, loved this refresher video so much. You're a star! Xxxxxxxx
I've been wanting to try making a junk journal from an old book....your tutorial is so good!!! Your instruction is very clear and easy to follow. Thank you!
OMG, thank you so much for this video, so perfect in you details from start to finish. I'm using this method for my sketch books, i've made 4 books now, & i just love it so much. 🥰🥰🥰
This is the most informative step by step video I have found. I usually alter a composition notebook for my journals. I glue 2 or 3 pages together and fold some slanted or outside edges into pockets. I decorate them and trim pages with pretty yarns or other types of things and add journal cards, stamping, and booklets and bling here and there, all sorts of goodies, and they turn out beautiful. But I have wanted to do this kind for ages but never felt like I could do it to look decent or wouldn’t fall apart on me. Thank you so much !!!!
I was so excited to see a video from you regarding Junk Journals. I have missed them! I have always thought that you had the best videos on how to make journals and your creativity/artistic ability to create an interesting/beautiful cover was so cool to watch and see! Yay for a new Junk Journal viedo from you -- hoping for more!!
I don’t do this craft specifically BUT I do scrapbook type projects. Just happened to see this pop up and curiosity landed me here! Occasionally my mind wondered how publishers made books before all the modern equipment was available. This was fascinating! And so much detail! I may go try to make one now…just to see if I can! Mine might have plain white sections (or whatever she calls them). This is sooooo cool!
Always good to see your process, Nik! And for me, you don't need to speed things up, I will gladly watch you do the whole thing in real time and listen to you chattering away! Just sayin'! ❤️
wait - so, I have a few orders for journals, so I rewatched this for reference and clarity. I just now noticed you didn't glue the spine! And I didn't know cloth would last longer! 🤦♀️ I am SOOOO glad you're here to guide us!!!!!
I will try again to sew my signatures in. I get it all wonky and the last stitch isn't tight enough. But I can't give up. I have 8 covers now to do and fill up. Thanks so much Nik. You are a wealth of info for these journals
I really love the material idea. It seems that attaching the material and signatures would be much more stable and that as you said the book would last longer. Thanks Nik!
This is the first video I've seen on this channel and I have to say that your tutorial was absolutely amazing! Thus far I've been too intimidated to try book binding, but this detailed explanation now has me not only excited to try it, but the confidence to know that I can do it!! And I can't wait to watch more of your videos! Thank you Nik the Booksmith!
I sure wish I would have saw this when I 1st started Junk Journals a few months ago. I've had the worst luck with the 12 page signatures & 5 hole stitch. This video just made sense . I have PPMS and I Sometimes I get Issues with my cognitive skills. But now I won't be so intimidated and can go crazy making junk journals. Thank you so Very much and have a happy day❣️🙂
Another home run by the master of bookbinding ⭐️ By the way your videos are never a torture, but educational as well as entertaining. Have a great weekend ☀️
I am definitely saving this. I like all the little tips you give and everything looks nice and neat. You are a skilled craftswoman. Hope you are well. Thank you Nik.
Love your tutorial. Your directions are clear. I have had trouble with attaching the new block to the book. Your method is by far the best I have seen. It will help me on my journey in making junk journals. BTW, what everyone is calling "crocheted lace" is actually Clooney lace woven on a loom. In the 1800s and perhaps earlier, this type of lace was also known as bobbin lace. When I worked at a Historic Park I learned how to do this work. Crocheted lace looks different and is done with a single hook.
I love your attitude and professionalism towards your craft. Your tutorial is extremely helpful with every detail of the process covered. I appreciate the suggestions and tips. It is a pleasure to watch and learn from someone who has technical expertise and who is willing to share their knowledge. Thank you.
I recently got into junk journaling and watched tons of videos from different channels, but, your projects and videos are always the easiest to follow. Thank you for this video tutorial, it's extremely helpful for beginners like me.
She’s the best, and I do mean best.
awwwwwwww thanks guys! 😊
And not only as an artist!
Completely agree!!!
Me too! This feels so achievable and uses all the craft stock that I have accumulated over the years - thank you!
Great ideas here, even for seasoned book makers. I like how you put fewer pages into each signature, the headbands, using fabric in the spine, and your method to sew in signatures. Food for thought! So generous of you to share these concepts, thank you!
We made this and we're so excited about getting all the signatures attached in the same day that we stayed up until 2:30 am! Ty, for making this look so easy!
this is the best tutorial on how to do this ive ever seen! THANK YOU!!!
Even your old people need this! This is so different from what I do. I've been making it more difficult for myself. Thanks for sharing!!
This was THE most excellent detailed video on binding a junk journal I've seen. But of course, embellish and share with us. That's not boring!! Love ya, Nik!! ♥️ You really make books so neat and tidy and made to last.
I'm love the neat & tidy!!
What an excellent video! Totally enjoyed the details. Thx!!
You are so GOOD!! I FINALLY GOT BACK TO YOU. Everyone should watch!
I love this! Better to learn these techniques from a Booksmith than a Junk Journaler.
I agree, however there are plenty of people who don’t want that level of learning. (I’ve talked to several) Sometimes, they don’t want the complexity. I agree with you, however, because there are some good book binding techniques she brings into her junk journal creations. I use some of them myself.
You are a wonderful teacher, I always learn something new from you.
Love this particular way of attaching the signatures. Thanks so much for the tutorial.
I've watched and saved hundreds of so called altered book videos but I must say I always refer to yours. I love your sense of humor and your patience in explaining what you are doing. BTW all the other videos have been deleted and only yours are kept on hand for fast reference! What a relief it is to clean out the computer!!! You certainly should be called the queen of bookmaking
I have watched this video twice now and praying it has sunk into this 76 year old brain and I can do half as perfect a job as you did in this tutorial!!😀 blessings from Betty in Ohio.
I like your way of putting the signatures in so much better thanks for showing this tutorial!
It would never be torture to watch you embellish it!!! I love this idea. I would !I've to make some journaling books for my daughters!!!!
Wonderful instruction...... logical, neat (as always!), with your usual thoroughness in explaining each step as you work thru the process, and, of course, your reliably lovely results. (But, geez..... I really miss the squirrels!!!) I sincerely hope you are feeling well & enjoying lots of great, creative days as spring creeps ever so slowly closer. Take care, be blessed.... and thanks so much for sharing your awesome skills!
Hi Kathy! The squirrels are there, I promise. If I get even the least bit overwhelmed/tired/stressed/hungry/frustrated/fill-in-the-blank, I drop like a stone. Its a balancing act, to be sure. Thank you for asking! =)
Excellent tutorial as ever. Love how meticulous you are, thanks Nik. x
Your videos are just a must for anyone needing instruction for junk journaling or any type of book making. So grateful!
Impeccable stitching! I've gotta start using headers. They definitely make a difference.
You were my first teacher of JJ and got me addicted...so I’m watching again and see you’ve got a new technique or two which I like. Best tutorials as always!
I have been wanting to make a junk journal but all the videos I have seen just confused me. This is the best tutorial! I can't wait for my local librarys book sale! Thank you for this!
Been making books and working with paper for many years. This is a sweet video! I’m gonna try my first junk journal. Looks like I can use your video to create other kinds of books, too. A big THANK YOU.
My favorite video on making a junk journal with an old book. Your style of teaching is so easy to follow. Thanks for sharing all your expertise with all of us Nik!
Clear, concise, and educational - as usual! Thank you.
loved the paperclip idea hugs Donna
Thank you. I now see all the things I did wrong on my first junk journal. When I do my next one, this will help me tremendously.
Am I gonna watch another of your junk journal videos even though I've watched all of them? Absolutely yes.
Watching you bind this book is a beautiful thing.
Great video! I love that you show alternatives to bookbinding specific bits such as ribbon end pieces etc. Thanks!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!! Very clear and easy to follow directions. Short, detailed and to the point.
I’m not a ju jo novice anymore but I found this video extremely useful - refreshing the method. Thank you so much, Nik. My fingers are itching now to make one, too.
I love the double-sided tape for the end papers! Lining these up is always such a challenge and this seems so helpful.
Your work is always creative and professional at the same time! It's a great mix! Thank you
This is beautiful and up cycling. You can save and be creative at the same time. Thanks for sharing ☺️😊
This was like a trip down memory lane! Be well!
I am so happy I found this. I have a beautiful leather travel journal that is a joy to use, but at the end of a trip, something needs to be done with the trip journal for permanent storage as I need the journal cover for another trip someday, and as an everyday notebook the rest of the time. This is the perfect way to bind the signatures from my journal - they already have the exact right holes in place and are perfectly set up to be bound. I put an enormous amount of effort into my travel journals, and they deserve a permanent binding that will keep them safe, but also reflect the style and aesthetic of the journal. You have made this to be so clear and easy to follow, I’m looking forward to binding my next journal. So now I will be stripping the journal from its leather cover at the end of a trip without a sense of loss and regret, rather a sense of pleasure at giving it a fabulous permanent home.
Always such a pleasure to watch you work and to get refreshed on these basics. Thanks for sharing your time and expertise.
Looking at this vid for the 2nd time because it’s so good!🦌💌❤️📚
I found the sewing in the signatures quite helpful
This is one of the best illustrations I have ever seen to do a junk journal. I have been watching your channel for several years and love how detailed and precise you are. (Way better then I am) The piece if fabric and folder paper makes it so smooth and professional looking. I do have an old book cover I will be using soon to do this. Thank you so much this is amazing. As are you.
Wow, thank you!
I appreciate these clear and concise directions with a great video. Thanks so much!!
That was hilarious! Especially how the instructions go along seriously and instructional, then suddenly…
One eternity later…
You’re awesome!
Great video... newbies come in all forms...even those who have made a few journals and watched a million videos will learn from this :)
I have been watching hundreds of videos on how to make a Junk Journal and have never seen such an easy explanation/tutorial on the method as yours. You have a new subbie 💕Thank you so much😌
You are so welcome!
I love how you break everything down to basic steps. I recently started using books instead of making my own covers and its another adventurer. As always thanks for the great video.
I only use old book covers and try to theme my books in terms of topic and colours...adds to the fun!
Thank you for being so descriptive in each step. It really helps for new crafters like me!! 🙏
This is the first time, after seeing other artists’ journal tutorials, that I’ve heard of “headbands.” I really appreciate this extra step, as it truly finishes off the appearance so beautifully. Thank you for your very informative videos. 🤍
Cool looking journal. Thanks for being so kind by sharing your talent with us.
Oh. My. WORD! The world just opened up to me, and I’m fascinated and SO GRATEFUL!
Now I want to make one for my granddaughter! Thank you so much!! 🥰🥰🥳
Good teaching and beautifully added signatures! Thanks for sharing your good techniques.
This was calming to watch...which I needed during these troubling times.
I’ve been making junk journals for about a year now. I learned so much from your video. I was struggling with the number of signatures and using an odd number makes so much sense in making the math turn out right. Also I couldn’t figure out how to not have the stitching go through the spine. Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this tutorial!! It is so thorough and easy to understand! It is by far my favorite tutorial online about how to make a junk journal using a recycled book cover!
This is truly the best explanation on how to make a junk journal using an old book I've ever watched. Thank you sooooo much! You are the best!!!
Your junk journal is so much more professional, than a lot of other videos
I also like how neat & precise you are.
I'm just getting into bookbinding and your videos rule. They are very helpful and clear for a newbie like myself. Thank you for taking the time to teach us.
Just got this in my feed 😊 Have never ever heard of junk journals. 🤔😢
Oh Sharon, this could be a whole, new world! They are a lot of fun to make and people love to get them as gifts. They make excellent scrapbooks, journals, commonplace books, memorandas, etc. =) I've got a just a few hundred videos about them, so I might be biased.😄
Love the review on this. I make several art journals, and then while I fill them... boom forgot how to make the basic book... again. 😊 I hope you are well and thank you for sharing.
I've learned so much from this video. I always struggled to sew in the signatures onto the actual spine. How much easier it will be to use a piece of fabric and card and sew it outside of the spine and then glue it in! Duuurrrr how stupid of me not to have thought of this before. Now hopefully I won't stab myself or swear half as much! Thanks Nik, loved this refresher video so much. You're a star! Xxxxxxxx
Thanks for the detailed video with so many little tricks I didn't know, like the headbands and the paperclips. Looking forward to the next video
This is the best book binding video. Well paced.
Every time I watch one of your videos Ilearn something new... Thanks so very much.
This is so fabulous, Nik!!! You are the best. The Smithiest of all possible Book Smiths!
I've been wanting to try making a junk journal from an old book....your tutorial is so good!!! Your instruction is very clear and easy to follow. Thank you!
OMG, thank you so much for this video, so perfect in you details from start to finish. I'm using this method for my sketch books, i've made 4 books now, & i just love it so much.
🥰🥰🥰
This is the most informative step by step video I have found. I usually alter a composition notebook for my journals. I glue 2 or 3 pages together and fold some slanted or outside edges into pockets. I decorate them and trim pages with pretty yarns or other types of things and add journal cards, stamping, and booklets and bling here and there, all sorts of goodies, and they turn out beautiful. But I have wanted to do this kind for ages but never felt like I could do it to look decent or wouldn’t fall apart on me. Thank you so much !!!!
💯❤💫Enjoyed, Have a great day 🙏💜🕯
I was so excited to see a video from you regarding Junk Journals. I have missed them! I have always thought that you had the best videos on how to make journals and your creativity/artistic ability to create an interesting/beautiful cover was so cool to watch and see! Yay for a new Junk Journal viedo from you -- hoping for more!!
You made that look so easy! Thank you!
I am excited to say that this method worked great for me. I am absolutely proud of the results. Thank you as you explained everything in detail.
You are a wonderfully gifted teacher
Excellent demo of binding your pages into your book!
I don’t do this craft specifically BUT I do scrapbook type projects. Just happened to see this pop up and curiosity landed me here! Occasionally my mind wondered how publishers made books before all the modern equipment was available. This was fascinating! And so much detail! I may go try to make one now…just to see if I can! Mine might have plain white sections (or whatever she calls them). This is sooooo cool!
I've want to have a go at bookbinding for so long. Your video was brilliant, and I can't wait to have a go. Thank you.
I’m a new JJ tinkerer and wow, your tutorial was really great!!! Thank you, you’re an excellent teacher. I’m anxious to give this a try!
Still enjoy going back to basics, Thanks Nik.
Inspired and full of confidence after watching this. Thank you
Always good to see your process, Nik! And for me, you don't need to speed things up, I will gladly watch you do the whole thing in real time and listen to you chattering away! Just sayin'! ❤️
wait - so, I have a few orders for journals, so I rewatched this for reference and clarity. I just now noticed you didn't glue the spine! And I didn't know cloth would last longer! 🤦♀️ I am SOOOO glad you're here to guide us!!!!!
I will try again to sew my signatures in. I get it all wonky and the last stitch isn't tight enough. But I can't give up. I have 8 covers now to do and fill up. Thanks so much Nik. You are a wealth of info for these journals
I really love the material idea. It seems that attaching the material and signatures would be much more stable and that as you said the book would last longer. Thanks Nik!
This is the first video I've seen on this channel and I have to say that your tutorial was absolutely amazing! Thus far I've been too intimidated to try book binding, but this detailed explanation now has me not only excited to try it, but the confidence to know that I can do it!! And I can't wait to watch more of your videos! Thank you Nik the Booksmith!
I sure wish I would have saw this when I 1st started Junk Journals a few months ago. I've had the worst luck with the 12 page signatures & 5 hole stitch. This video just made sense . I have PPMS and I Sometimes I get Issues with my cognitive skills. But now I won't be so intimidated and can go crazy making junk journals. Thank you so Very much and have a happy day❣️🙂
Thank you. Love the paper clip too. Looking forward to part 2
This was such a wonderful wonderful clear concise demonstration. Thank you🎉
Carefully, neatly done and it was fun watching.
Fantastic video. One of the best. First time I really find a nice way to do a junk journal with a book cover. Fantastic, thank you!
Wow. I’m blown away! This a detailed way to do this method. Thank You
How I wish I were able to do this!! What a wonderful project!!
Another home run by the master of bookbinding ⭐️ By the way your videos are never a torture, but educational as well as entertaining. Have a great weekend ☀️
thank you Nik for all your videos they have been very informative and super fun!
Thank you so much for this well delivered lesson! Your work is perfection, and your generosity is very much appreciated.
You do beautiful work! Thank you for sharing your amazing talents!
Such fun, Julie ❤ The lace made it so unque!
I am definitely saving this. I like all the little tips you give and everything looks nice and neat. You are a skilled craftswoman. Hope you are well. Thank you Nik.
Love your tutorial. Your directions are clear. I have had trouble with attaching the new block to the book. Your method is by far the best I have seen. It will help me on my journey in making junk journals. BTW, what everyone is calling "crocheted lace" is actually Clooney lace woven on a loom. In the 1800s and perhaps earlier, this type of lace was also known as bobbin lace. When I worked at a Historic Park I learned how to do this work. Crocheted lace looks different and is done with a single hook.
Nik, you are So generous in sharing your amazing talent and skills . Thank you 😘
I love your attitude and professionalism towards your craft. Your tutorial is extremely helpful with every detail of the process covered. I appreciate the suggestions and tips. It is a pleasure to watch and learn from someone who has technical expertise and who is willing to share their knowledge. Thank you.
This is a brilliant tutorial. Thank you very much. I'm going to make a watercolor journal with your technique.
An absolutely brilliant video for a beginner like myself. Thank you so much, really helpful.
Wow! I have never made a junk journal, but this video makes me want to try! Excellent job explaining everything. Thank you and God bless.