I have this tendency to keep bits and pieces of things I fancy, like scraps of paper, fabric, ribbon, ticket stubs, magazine pages, gift bags, stationery, and so on. I’ve accumulated quite the stash. (Can you relate?) I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” in my studio, so I made a resolution to focus on using up what I have rather than buying piles of new supplies. This led me to the idea for my next 5-day challenge: I’m going to teach how to make a journal with scraps! It’s called the Scrappy Journal Challenge.
What is the 5-Day Challenge?
My 5-day challenges are designed to introduce the art of bookbinding in a fun and communal way. Over the course of five days, I release daily videos with step-by-step instructions on how to make a journal from beginning to end. Everything is broken down into manageable chunks, and my team and I are available every step of the way. We also host a private Facebook group where you’ll find plenty of inspiration, encouragement, and community from fellow challenge-takers.
Each day of the challenge, we host two Zoom calls where anyone participating can attend to ask questions and share their work. (And psst…we do prizes and giveaways!) Even if you’re not available to attend the calls or partake in the challenge while it’s “live,” you get lifetime access to all of the video tutorials and Zoom recordings.
Something new that we’re doing for the Scrappy Journal Challenge is to have a community-making session on Friday. We’ve done these as “creative happy hours” in the Handmade Book Club, and they’re always so much fun!
On Sunday, after challenge week has ended, we hold a virtual wrap-up party, where we celebrate an abundance of creativity and have more fun and giveaways.
Scrappy Journal Samples
Prior to each challenge, I invite a few members of the Handmade Book Club to join our design team. They receive and make the project early, which gives the rest of us an opportunity to see different versions of the book project I teach. Check out the Scrappy Journals our design team created!
Images from top left to right: (1) Joan McGrady Beach, (2) Tadara Smith, (3 & 4) Gayle Burdick, (5) Sheila Barnes, (6) Coralie Parnell, (7) Ruth VanDoren (8 & 9) Susie Johnson, (10) Karen Abramowski
The best part about this challenge is that you get to use up those treasured bits that you saved for a reason. Plus, we have a ton of fun! Join us and learn how to make a journal with those special scraps!
The Details
The Scrappy Journal 5-Day Challenge begins on March 11th. If you join prior to February 26th, you can take advantage of the $10 early bird offer. After that, the cost is just $15.
Hi! I’m Ali Manning
Years ago, I learned about handmade books, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I love creating new designs, learning about different techniques, and expanding my collection of paper. But what I love most about bookmaking is the community.
Through Vintage Page Designs and the Handmade Book Club, I’ve met thousands of other passionate bookmakers, mixed-media artists, and crafters. We all share a love of book arts and crafting, just for the joy of it.
I believe that bookbinding and book arts are for everyone, regardless of skill level or equipment. All you need is a little creativity and, of course, paper!
