Jazzing Up Your Journal
With summer coming up there is a lot for kids to write about – and they’ll certainly be in need of projects to keep them busy. So why not get your teens and tweens a head-start by whipping up an easy-to-make journal that shows off your kid’s unique style and taste? It’s a fun springtime project to do together – but also makes a great gift.
My 15-year-old niece, Brooke, is taking a two-week trip to Europe this summer, and I wanted to make her a cute and special journal to take with her. I’m hopeful that she’ll jot down a few lines about what she did each day to look back on it later and share with friends and family. She can even paste in ticket stubs, photos and other mementos. I studied abroad in college and really wish I’d taken better notes on where I went and what I did - it’s all a blur now!
Here’s how I put it together.
- For the front and back covers of the journal, find a few pieces of scrapbook or wrapping paper with a fun or funky design you love. For a musical talent, consider using sheet music or blank composition pages. For a kid that’s really into buildings and architecture, see if you can find some old blueprints. And if you’re artistic, just use blank paper and stencils or draw free-hand with colored markers or pencils.
- Cut the covers down to the size you’d like the finished book to be. For a medium-sized notebook, I went with 9 ½” x 6”, but this could be made into a full-size notebook (8.5” x 11”) or a thinner, reporter-style notebook for a budding journalist (4” x 8”).
- Now get to decorating. Add letters, stickers and other 3D accents that complement the theme.
After completing the “work of art” that will be your new journal’s front and back covers, run by your local FedEx Office to have them laminated (less than $2.50 in most locations). Then grab a stack of 50-75 sheets of lined or unlined paper. You can use the paper cutter in the self-service area of the FedEx Office or have the team members cut it down for you behind the counter. Finally, have the journal coil-bound and your teen or tween is all set to write their first journal entry!!
You can also see a picture of the back cover below.
Related FedEx Office Solutions: Finishing Services, Lamination
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