Hey friends, Amber here on the Hip Kit Club blog today to share with you a “travellers notebook” inspired journal I created using the August Kits.

Earlier this year I attempted to create a laminated travellers notebook, and although it came out nicely, I realized that for me, personally, I wanted something a bit sturdier. For the past couple of years I have really enjoyed creating chipboard mini albums. So, I decided to combine an old love of mine with a new-to-me concept and this little book came to life.

Now, for the details: this journal measures 4 inches by 7 inches, with the spine measuring 2 inches by 7 inches. To wrap my chipboard base I used a beautiful page from the Truly Grateful collection by Paige Evans. This has to be one of my favorite bits from the August Kit. To line the inside of the album I used the B-side of a Dear Lizzy paper. I think the navy color is a nice, subtle contrast to the busy pattern on the outside of the book.

The three TN journals measure 3.5 inches by 6.5 inches. For the covers I used more papers from the Truly Grateful collection as well as a sheet from the Maggie Holmes Heritage collection.

For the first journal I used a punch from my stash to create banner tabs. I stitched these along the edge of the journal and added some cute 3D paper flowers to each one. To create these flowers I used a Hip Kit Club cut-file from April and the August Cardstock kit. I then added a few ephemera pieces from the Truly Grateful ephemera pack, using dimensional tape to make them pop.

For the second journal I used a heart-shaped punch from my stash and punched hearts from both the main kit papers and the cardstock papers. I layered those and stitched down the middle of each one to make them dimensional. I then added a bunch of enamel puffy stickers from the Truly Grateful sticker sheets–all of the different colors really added to the fun of this cover. To finish it off I added an ephemera piece from Truly Grateful and a wooden button from the Pinkfresh Studio embellishment pack.

The third notebook, being the busiest pattern of all, was the easiest to decorate. I used a “Make Your Own Magic” sentiment from Truly Grateful and stitched over it to ensure longevity as well as to add texture. I then clipped a few ephemera pieces to the corner and added some puffy stickers to finish it off.

For the little bits here and there: on the inside of the book I stitched the word “happiness” using gold thread and the alphas from Pinkfresh Studio. I love adding texture when I can!

To keep the book closed I created a latch of sorts using a scrap paper and magnets. To decorate this closure up a bit, I added a bow with a paper flower center. I think this makes it look extra girly and cute–just how I like it!

And lastly, for the spine, I used elastic cord I had in my stash to hold the journals in the book. Since this elastic can be seen from the outside I used some hand-painted wooden beads from my stash to decorate them up a bit. This also adds a fun interactive element to the book. I also created some paper tassels using scrap papers from the main kit and cardstock kit and attached them through an eyelet hole.

This faux travellers notebook is a great option when looking for something a bit sturdier. And the possibilities for it are endless–a mini album, a journal, a planner/organizer. I will most likely use mine to document those small, cherish-able moments in day to day life.

Thanks so much for stopping by! See you next time!