We’ve all probably kept a journal or diary of some sort growing up. But unfortunately, not many people continue this form of expression into adulthood. Journaling is an under-utilized form of therapy. There is a reason as adolescents we chose to write about the boys we liked and the fights with friends.
Journaling releases thoughts and feelings that initially can be difficult to share with others. Women often find understanding by just freely writing down their thoughts and feelings. This tool reveals the progress that a woman makes in her feelings, her thinking and her communication skills while in treatment and at home. Seeing how far they have come in the recovery journey gives women the strength and confidence to keep going.
Your journal becomes a haven. It should be unique and personal, a place where you feel free to express yourself. Making your own journal allows you to be creative and have fun personalizing it to fit your own distinctly awesome qualities!
Here are the directions for creating your own journal:
Supplies:
- Cardboard: 2 pieces, 6.5 X 9.5 inches
- Several sheets of paper for the pages, I used white 9X12
- Duct tape
- Assorted papers for book cover and inside cover lining (Scrapbook, cloth, anything that you want to use that will stick)
- Scissors
- Awl
- Hammer
- Thin ribbon
- Large eye needle
- Glue stick
- Large binder clips
- Block of wood (or hard surface that can get scratched)
Directions:
Cover the piece of cardboard with the assorted lining you choose. Make sure it is a little larger than the cardboard itself. Fold the paper over the cardboard glue to the cardboard. Next, cover the inside of the cardboard with decorative paper that is slightly smaller than the cardboard, and glue it on. Repeat these steps for the back cover as well.
Place covers laying good side up about ½ inch apart. Pull duct tape to wrap around the binding of the covers, cut to size using scissors. Press the tape down in the space. Fold your pages in half and place in the gap.
Clip the edges of the pages to the cardboard to keep them secured. Open the book with cover up, and hammer the awl to make holes through both the duct tape and the pages. You may want to do this using a surface you don’t mind to get damaged or by placing a wooden block underneath. Punch 2 holes, 2 inches apart on both ends of the binding. The holes should go completely through the pages so that you are able to put a needle through.
Thread the needle through with the ribbon. Then thread back through to the other hole, making sure the pages are secure. Tie a tight knot so that the pages do not wiggle around. Once this knot is ready, cut the extra ribbon from the needle. Tie the ribbon into a bow if you so choose. Repeat the same steps for both sets of holes.
Enjoy your new journal!
For pictorial instructions on how to create your own journal, visit http://www.instructables.com/id/Journal-cardboard-duct-tape/?ALLSTEPS
