https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/alternate-mini-tp-journal • Posted by Rachael H.
This is a nice alternative to the other version and is more of a journal than a scrapbook.
This is a nice alternative to the other version and is more of a journal than a scrapbook.
(I do these in batches, but you can do them one at a time with the same results) Take your tp tubes and flatten them. It helps to use a spray bottle and get them a little wet on the edges. I then put them inside stamp envelopes that you get from the post Office and wedge them, flat, in the middle of a big stack of heavy books. Leave them there for a day or two and then place them flat on a cookie sheet to dry (don't worry about them curling up, this is natural). When they are completely dry, set up your iron. I use mine on a glass top surface so don't need steam (BUT PLEASE BE CAREFUL IF YOU DO THIS AS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. You may want to use a little at first and then use no steam to dry the cardboard. Once they are flat and dry you are ready to begin.
Before you measure and cut your paper, you need to cut open one side of your tube. This can be done with scissors or with an exacto knife. Use care and caution with whichever you choose and take your time to ensure a clean and straight cut. Measure your decorative paper so that it will cover the entire surface and then cut at least 1/2 inch longer. Glue down the paper to the surface of the toilet paper tube. Once glue has dried, cut edges of paper on ends at an angle so that you can fold the paper over into the inside of the tube on all sides. Use glue to hold it down and smooth (I use Elmer's Quick Dry for this step.)
Cut a piece of paper that will cover the inside of the journal that is bare and glue it in. This step is optional: *Measure a strip of decorative paper to reinforce the binding and glue onto the journal. You can also use duct or decorative tape for this step, should you choose to do so.* Determine your paper punch hole size (depending on whether you are using ribbon or fiber)and place one punch on each end of the tube, towards the middle but equal distance apart.
Measure and cut blank paper so that it is at least 1/4 inch shorter on each side than the entire inside of the journal. Fold in half. Line up with the punches in the journal and punch the paper.
Thread ribbon or string through the holes and tie on the outside spine of the journal. Your journal is now ready to use or give away as a gift. Enjoy!