Hello and welcome to my Gratitude Journal workshop!
Much like I do at my face-to-face workshops, I have broken this workshop down into a series of easy to follow steps – so pop the kettle on, make yourself a cuppa and let’s get bookbinding!
You can either make along with me or watch all the steps before having a go yourself – it’s up to you. Remember you can stop and start the videos, fast forward (if you already know what you’re doing) and re-watch as many times as you like.
Here’s a list of the tools and materials you need to take part in this workshop:
One of my Gra-tea-tude Journal Bookbinding Kits – **Limited Edition Gra-tea-tude Journal Kits now sold out**
Or
- A stack of plain paper (ideally A5/A6)
- Thin card for the covers i.e. cereal box card or similar
- Decorative paper i.e. wrapping paper, old maps, patterned paper to decorate your journal
- Glue stick or PVA
- Embroidery thread
- Needle
- Awl (pointy tool) or similar – a drawing pin would work
- Scissors
- An old magazine
- Bulldog clip or peg
- Pen / pencil
- Optional extras – split pins, ribbons, buttons etc. to make a fastening for your book
What we’re making – intro to the Gratitude Journal
Preparing your journal
Creating a template and punching holes
Stitching your journal
Finishing touches
Download my mini Mini envelope template here
A final word from me
How to use your Gratitude Journal
People use Gratitude Journals in lot’s of different ways – it’s personal to you, so find a way that fits into your daily routine.
I knew I had to keep my daily gratitudes short and sweet to make sure I didn’t let the habit slip, so my approach is to simply note down 3 things each morning that I’m grateful for – I feel that this helps me start my day off on the right foot and gives me something positive to look back on if I’m having a bad day. I try to fit a week of gratitudes on each page of my journal, and always relish the opportunity to make another when I run out of space! I like to think that one day I will have a library full of them – what a happy place that will be!
Other people write their gratitudes before bed, or you could sketch them – find a way that works for you, and if you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up about it, just acrry on where you left off.
Eteaket have created this great 14 Day Gratitude Challenge that gives a prompt to respond to each day and could be the perfect way to start your journaling journey!
Resources
- For mental health support and advice, see Health in Mind – www.health-in-mind.org.uk
- For yummy tea, check out Eteaket – www.eteaket.co.uk (info on the Tea in Mind concept here)
- For uplifting quotes and general happy vibes, see Flow Magazine
- Looking for an uplifting Podcast that explores mental health? I recommend Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place
- For the Flat White Paper I used in this tutorial, see Artway
- For more Bookbinding Kits and workshops from me, click here
Check out these gratitude journals for inspiration:
