Journal Necklace

Kraft-tex Creations

Posted by C&T Publishing

About

This sweet journal necklace may be too small to hold your deep thoughts, but it’s the perfect handmade accessory. Choose neutral colors, or go bold with brights—the choice is yours! Add shiny or antique charms and a metal chain to finish the look. These tiny books make perfect friendship necklaces for your besties.

Finished sizes:
Journal: 11/4 ̋ wide × 15∕8 ̋ tall × 1/4 ̋ deep • Necklace: 16 ̋ long

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You Will Need (11 things)

  • Kraft-Tex Basics, Vintage, or Designer: Scraps at least 15∕8 ̋ × 23/4 ̋ for journal cover
  • White Construction Paper : 1 sheet 9 ̋ × 12 ̋ (or 2 sheets to make 3 journals)
  • White Thread
  • Embroidery Floss
  • Hand Sewing Needles : Large and small eye
  • Metal Chain : 28 ̋ long
  • Jewelry Pliers
  • Split Jump Rings : 2 or 3
  • Hemp Cord
  • Metal Charm(s) and keys for embellishment
  • Spring Ring Clasp

Steps (8 steps, 60 minutes)

  1. 1

    Stitch the Journal
    1. Fold and tear each sheet of construction paper accord- ing to the journal-page tearing diagram. Each sheet yields 32 pieces 11/2 ̋ × 21/4 ̋, and you will use 18 per journal.

  2. 2

    Join 3 pages into a signature by folding them horizontally into a small book and stitching them together with white thread and a small hand- sewing needle, as shown. Make 6 signatures per journal.

  3. 3

    Fold the journal cover around the signatures. Secure with a binding clip.

  4. 4

    Using 3 strands of embroidery floss, stitch an embroidery design of your choice (for example, X’s, zigzags, argyle) through the spine of the journal, catching the pages as you go. Stitch between each folded signature 1 or 2 times until the book is secure.

  5. 5

    Leave the book open or secure it using one of the following options:
    • Tie a piece of kraft-tex around it: Cut a small strand 1∕8 ̋ wide and tie a single knot.
    • Secure with hemp cord: Make a hole in the cover as shown, and tie a knot through the cord on the inside of the book. Wrap it around the book twice and secure the other end with a metal key or embellishment.

    Hemp cord option: Poke hole in cover for cord.

  6. 6

    Finish the Necklace

    Use a large embroidery needle to poke a hole in the top of the journal as shown. Open and insert a jump ring, using jewelry pliers.

  7. 7

    Attach this ring to the ends of the metal chain, and close; or if using a spring ring clasp, insert the journal’s ring onto the middle of the chain, and the clasp on both ends. The necklace is long enough to slip over your head even without a clasp.

  8. 8

    Attach charms with additional jump rings if desired.