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A New Journal For The New Year

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Putting into practice an attitude of gratefulness can be life changing.  Even when one is going through times that may not seem to hold much in the way of blessing, there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.  In our search for that something, followed by the act of writing it down, there comes a proven shift in our way of thinking. This change in thinking reaches all the way down into our hearts where we begin to FEEL a difference in our attitudes. 
We are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

You don’t have to be a writer to keep a Journal, and a Gratitude Journal is a good place to start.  I’ve been journaling for several years now and sometimes I’ve purchased really pretty journals (at really pretty prices) and sometimes my writing has been done on whatever random notebook I’ve had on hand.  I came across the idea of covering mini-composition books (3-1/4″x4-1/2″) at The 36th Avenue and was inspired to make my own.  Here’s how:

I bought two different types and sizes of notebooks. The larger composition book is 9-3/4″ x 7-1/2″ and was .99 cents at Office Max.  The smaller spiral notebook is 7″ x 5″ and the cost was $1.99.  I like the smaller one a lot because it has a pocket inside that you can slip a little note into for gift giving.

I started by lining the cover up over the paper I would use to cover it,  then traced it and cut it out. 
The notebooks can be covered with a variety of materials . . . leftover fabric from another project or an old article of clothing, scrapbooking paper, wallpaper or even thick wrapping paper.  Just glue your material on with a gluestick after you’ve cut it to size.
The black spine of the composition journal looked fine with this particular paper but I decided to use the reverse side of the scrapbooking paper for contrast.  The strip I cut and applied was about 2-3/4″ wide by 9-3/4″ long.  Note:  If you are using fabric it takes more glue to make it stick as the fabric tends to wick up the glue (a lesson learned by trial and error).
Now, for a little heavy reading atop the notebook while it dries!

 

So here are the books I covered today.  This is a quick and easy project, especially when done assembly line style.  I did 17 of them in one evening to give as gifts to friends (okay, so I’ll admit, it was one really LATE evening).

 

Some of the notebooks received an extra little embellishment, a fabric rosette . . . (tutorial here)
. . . or a stamp with a message and some old buttons . . .

 

. . . a cutout monogram with a button glued on to match the buttons on the paper . . .

 

 . . . and a plain paper monogram in a contrasting color.  I used my handy dandy glue gun to add the embellishments.  You could get really imaginative and have a lot of fun with this part!

 

 

I can see the future of my journals now . . .

 

 

. . . instead of being in random places all over the house, my personal journals will now be uniform in size, organized by date, tied up with a pretty ribbon and artfully displayed on my office bookshelf. 
Just another little vignette to make me smile 🙂
  So . . . who or what are you grateful for in your life today?  
Is there someone that has helped you or met a need?  
Is there someone who has been kind to you or just blessed you with a smile? 
Are you grateful for the beauty of creation around you?
 Have you had any recent answers to prayer that you can be grateful for? 
I am thankful for so very much . . . a warm fire on a cold night, a hot cup of tea, my family’s love, friends that accept me for who I am, doggie kisses (I know GROSS, right?) . . . my list goes on and on.  And while this may seem trivial in the grand scheme of things I’m also thankful for things that bring beauty to my home . . . 
things like .99 cent journals covered with old scraps of fabric or paper. 
These are the little things that brighten up my small corner of the world.
And always, I’m thankful for YOU,

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Comments

    • Thank you! I checked out your blog and your truly do know how to grow roses. My rose garden is sort of sad looking so I will be looking to you for some “How to” advice. Linking my post to your party, even though the rosettes aren’t live ones. Thanks for the invite. Patti

      Reply

  5. I love MY journal and am thankful to be the recipient of one of those late night ones. 🙂 I’ve actually used it only for God’s purposes… message notes, dreams, etc. And it makes me smile every time I see it because I know you MADE it!!! 🙂

    Love!

    Reply

  13. I love to make journals, but I rarely write in them. I give many of them as gifts and sell a few. I have started putting quotes in them lately and really like how they are turning out. One woman who follows my blog is going through hard times and I am thinking about making her a quote book with the bible passages she puts on each post.

    Thanks for showing your style of journal. I am always looking for ideas.

    Reply

  14. That would be a great idea to make her one! I have a journal from one of the hardest times in my life that I go back to occasionally and read through. It is full of the absolute miracles that God did in my life at the time and I can see how the hardships shaped who I am today. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it greatly. Thanks for visiting, Patti

    Reply

  15. We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your site offered us with helpful info to work on. You have done an impressive activity and our entire
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