One Year Anniversary! A Leather Journal Gift for my Husband

You may have seen that yesterday was my husband's & my 1st wedding anniversary.  We had a good evening after work, I made scallops (yum!) and we had cake that I got from the same back shop that did our wedding cake.  We got it from Pete's Oven in Waterford.  They don't have a web site, but their cakes (and donuts & cookies) are amazing!  It was sooo good!  And we have a bunch left over still :)

Do you want to see what I ended up making for hubby as his anniversary gift?  Remember how I was searching etsy for great "paper" related gifts?  Well, one of the things that I found was a journal.  I decided I would make Brendan a leather wrapped journal for our anniversary.  I figured he can use it at work, or to take notes when doing research, or whatever he wants!

My journal making supplies.  Thick book glue, lined book page paper, a couple pieces of cardboard to use as a straight edge, and some leather.  I used real leather, but these books are just as nice when made with faux leather or suede.

This journal is really quite easy to put together.  Just some measuring, leather cutting, careful gluing, and you're pretty much done.  The journal has to be smashed for about 12 hours for the glue to dry & secure.  Good thing we have giant medical books all over the house, perfect for smashing!

Here is the lovely finished journal.  This is probably the easiest way to cover a journal with leather.  There are also ways to sew in your pages, I'll probably do some of those pretty soon as well.  I like this one maybe.  I've been kinda into this journal making thing lately.  I'm lucky to have a great paper & bookmaking store nearby in Ann Arbor.  They offer several classes that I'm interested in learning more in.  I'm waiting for their summer/fall course schedule to come out in anticipation :)  If you're local, Hollander's is a great place to learn.  I got all my supplies for this project there.

I chose to use lined paper for Brendan's book.  It'll be easier for him to take notes with the pages lined I think.

Brendan really liked his gift.  I think it turned out really really well.  Have you made any books or journals before?  I LOVE books!  I love PAPER books... I haven't caught on to the electronic book thing yet.  I can't imagine reading a book off a screen.

Speaking of books, the SITS site is having a summer book club!  The book for June is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.  I'll be reading this book & participating in their discussion.  I hadn't heard of it before, & it's one of those books that seems like it wouldn't really be my kind of style, but the reviews on it are awesome so I wont be surprised if I end up loving it.  If you love reading like I do, you should join in as well!

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