Notebook Update

I've added some more embellishments to my book and some drawings. I'm focusing more on the artistic work in it at the moment instead of information. I'm kind of enjoying drawing instead of just writing, and writing, and writing, and writing. While I'm not creative when it comes to drawing, the internet is full of help.

This is one of the pages I did. I saw a flower kind of like this on a doodle pin so I kind of made it my own with my own kind of designs. I think it turned out really well. I also like the vine I did. Not sure what else I can put on this page.

I also did another page but I just borrowed from HERE. I think it turned out really well for a free-hand copy.

I also added some more charms. While at Michaels tonight, looking for some items I needed for making my own Christmas ornaments (a difficult task to find, let me tell you), I snuck over to the jewellery area in search of something to add to the cover of my book. I picked up a feather and key charm. I wanted something to go along the outside cord (because it looked boring with just the cord holding it closed), and I saw a couple that I liked, but didn't really want to spend TOO much money. The key was only $2.99 and the feather was about $5. 

I chose the key because it reminds me of Hecate, and I LOVE keys, especially antique skeleton keys. The feather...well I love ravens and eagles...and ravens are a bird of Hecate.

This book is coming together nicely...I just don't want to forget about it over time like I do with a lot of my other books in the works. 

DIY Midori-style Notebook

After seeing these notebooks on the site "A Bowl Full of Lemons", I thought, omg what an easy craft, that not only has outside practical uses (travel journal, diy lists, datebook, address book, etc), but can ALSO be used for one's own travelling Book of Shadows (I know...my obsession).

My book

It's incredibly easy to make (as per the numerous YouTube videos out there). All you need is:
-Leather or colored vinyl (I used the same brown vinyl I used on my Ouroborous BoS)
-Round elastic cord
-Paper

First, take your leather/vinyl and cut it the width and height of your paper (plus 1/2 inch on all sides (to accommodate the growth of your book))

Fold your leather/vinyl in half and press the spine. Using a pencil, make a line down the center spine. Measure 1/2 inch from the length-way edge of your leather/vinyl at the center line and make a mark, then measure another 1/2 inch from that mark and make another mark. Do this on both edges. Take an awl, punch or thick needle and poke holes where your marks are. Now, find the middle of your leather/vinyl and make another mark and punch a hole in there. These holes will hold your cord.

Next take 2 1/2-3 feet of your elastic cord and thread it through the four holes near the edges of your leather/vinyl (but  NOT through the middle hole). When you make your signatures (see below), use it as a guide to tie your cord. Cut off excess.

Then take your paper and fold it in half into signatures. The number of pages is up to you. I used 10 pages, equalling 20 pages per sig. I made 3 signatures equalling 60 pages all together for the book.

Now, place your signature in the middle of your book and tie it snugly (but not too tight). Take your other singatures and measure some more cord, wrap and tie it around the signature (this will wrap around the original signature).

Ta-da...clear as mud instructions, you now have a "Midori-Style" notebook.

Now...the hole in the middle of the cover. I hear you asking...wait, what do I do with THAT hole. Take some MORE cord and wrap it around the width of your book (but not too tightly). Fold the cord in half and thread it through the INSIDE of the cover and tie secure. This will hold your book closed.

Now...write in it whatever you want! Use it for a BoS. Use it for a smash book...the possibilities are ENDLESS!!!

For MUCH clearer instructions, see YouTube video here:
How To Make a Traveller's Notebook
NOTE: This isn't my video