As crafters, we're always making things for other people. A shirt for your daughter, a wine glass for your sister, a coffee mug for your BFF... but when is the last time you made something just for YOU?
It's been a while, huh? Well, wait no more, friends because we've got just the project for you! Today we're showing you how to DIY your very own journal (or notebook if that's more your style) using our Craftey Chrome Polish adhesive vinyl and this month's gorgeous, free hand-lettered from Bossy Brushstrokes.
You can whip up this simple project in less than 30 minutes start-to-finish, so there are no excuses why you can't squeeze this cutie in between your other crafting obligations, so let's get started.
You’ll need:
- Blank journal or notebook
- Cutting machine (we used a Cricut Maker for this project)
- Adhesive Vinyl – we choose our Craftey Chrome Polish Adhesive Vinyl in Gold
- Transfer Tape
- Craftey Essentials Weeding Tool Set
- Do It For You SVG file (download here)
Step 1: Design
Upload the SVG file to Design Space or Silhouette Studio and resize to fit your notebook. We sized our file to 2.75" wide to fit our small journal. Click the green "Make It" button and follow the onscreen instructions for selecting your material type and loading your mat.
Step 2: Cutting
Apply the vinyl to your mat, color side up, and press the GO button on your machine to start cutting.
Step 3: Weeding
Once your machine is done cutting, remove the vinyl from your mat. We like to turn the mat over and peel the mat away from the vinyl - rather than the other way around - in order to avoid any air bubbles getting under the vinyl. Then use your weeding tool to weed away the negative areas of the design. Your weeded design should look like this:
Step 4: Transfer your Design
Cut a piece of transfer tape to fit over the weeded design and use your scraper tool to firmly burnish over the design so that it fully adheres to the transfer tape. Next, remove the design, along with the transfer tape from the vinyl backing and place the design on your journal cover. Finally, smooth the design onto the cover and rub over it ensure it sticks strongly.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Carefully peel away your transfer tape and that’s it – you’re done! Now grab a pen, a cup of coffee and find a quiet spot to take a little time just for YOU with your new journal.
Ready to make this project for yourself? Head on over to the Craftey shop to find all of the materials used in this project, including our Craftey Chrome Polish Adhesive Vinyl.
As always, if you give this DIY a try be sure to share a picture in the comments below or use the hashtag #GetCraftey on social media so we can see your projects! Be sure to check back next month for another exclusive hand-lettered design from Arlena and in the meantime, check out her all work over at BossyBrushstrokes.com and be sure to follow her on Instagram.
And if you're looking for more project ideas, inspiration or free cut files head over to the Craftey Community site and join in on the fun!
