Make a Soft Cover for a Journal or Notebook with a Recycled Paper Envelope

Soft covered journals and notebooks that I made over the weekend.

Showing soft cover journals with collage covers

if you would like to watch my video on this process please click here

I have been thinking about using these Amazon mailers when making junk journal covers, for ages now. I am trying to incorporate more recycled items in my journals and as well all know, these envelopes never stop coming LOL! I wasn’t sure if I wanted to use them with fabric or paper. I was thinking I might collage over them by either using strips of fabric or doing some sort of mixed media collage with paper. I was toying with the idea of experimenting with both sewing and gluing down scraps of fabric. I thought a kind of mish mash of different cottons would look fun. But then I thought I would start with a simple cover first to see if I liked how they felt after I finished making a few. Best to start out simple and go from there.

I printed out some digital collage sheets that I had purchased on Etsy, ripped the sides because I like that look and then cut the envelopes to fit the printed paper.There were a few minor rips and holes so I covered those with sticker paper scraps.

In order to personalize the covers and make them a bit more interesting, I got out practically ALL my rubber stamps and have a great time stamping away making the digital paper a little more interesting. Also a great excuse to get out all my stamps and play for a couple of hours :)

I folded both the paper and the card stock in half before sewing. I find it folds easier after sewing if I get a good crease before I go to the sewing machine.

A little glue stick to hold things in place while stitching.

I like to use a wider stitch with a medium length so it holds nicely but won’t tear.

I glued card stock pockets on the front and back to help give it a bit more structure. Using these mailers are good but they are soft and a bit squishy. I really enjoy a soft cover but it needs the card stock to firm things up for writing. You don’t have to make a pocket.
You could just glue it all down but I think even tiny pockets are useful.

I added two file folders ( with trim) next to the cover to also help firm up the journal for writing.

I LOVE putting digital doilies in the middle :)

The masking tape I used to cover a couple tiny holes shows but oh well!
I thought it would be fun to a couple more neutral journals too.

I am really happy with how they all turned out. Thanks for popping by, Lisa :)