Step 5: Assembly

When I start my assembly, I reference the digital layout that I created to adhere down photos and add ephemera and physical products.

Sometimes when I am doing this, I change my mind on certain design decisions. Since the paper of the accordion is cream colored, I decide not to use “the details” digital card since I don’t have cream paper to print it on. I run through my stash journaling cards to find something that I think will work better to hold my journaling.

I decide to use 3x4 tags which are a pale green color that will work well with my photos and with the cream colored paper.

To make the 3x4 tags taller, I decide to merge two together by cutting of the sentiment of one and then sewing them together. This creates two areas in which I will add journaling and a photo.

To add a bit more interest behind two of the tags, I cut apart a map (old, new or printed out from a Google search). This could also be place to add patterned paper.

I also embellished the tags with ribbon, grommets, or stitched tabs

For my camping series of notebooks, I always handwrite my journaling. I always write out my journaling ahead to the general size. As you can see, it takes me a few tries to get it just right before adding to my final spread.

Tips & Tricks:

• Even with a plan whether it be digital or a prototype, there’s always time to make adjustments and shift your plans with different products or photos

• Instead of patterned paper consider incorporating an old map or illustration to add color and interest to your layout

• Consider cutting apart journaling cards and adhering, stitching, or stapling them together to make them larger