Preparing my next composition book for journaling

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  • čas přidán 28. 03. 2020
  • How I prepare a regular composition book for journaling.
    Mentioned in the video:
    * My comp book inspiration: SYLLABUS by Lynda Barry: amzn.to/2WZa4ye
    * Transparency Film: amzn.to/3atljTK
    (I've never used this brand, but it's got good reviews and the price seems fair.)
    * Lineco Book Repair Tape, 2" white: amzn.to/39lsjkc
    (This is the THICKER, more opaque tape I use on the outside spine.)
    * Book repair tape by Koltose: amzn.to/345qgzT
    (This is the more transparent, thinner tape I used inside the book spine.)
    * The Amazon links above are Amazon Associates links. If you use one of my links to purchase a product on Amazon, I will receive a small commission from Amazon at no cost to you. Thank you!
  • Jak na to + styl

Komentáře • 181

  • @heathermattern
    @heathermattern Před 4 lety +87

    I adore finding other people who are composition book fans. Your journals are gorgeous!! They have inspired me to get more creative.

  • @user-lg2yd1mp9v
    @user-lg2yd1mp9v Před 8 měsíci +3

    If I had seen this during 2020, I would have held on to my BOXES of transparency sheets instead of purging my shed of extra supplies because....what else was I suppose to do at that time! UUUUUGH! I absolutely loved the sewing!

  • @emmanashdavis1326
    @emmanashdavis1326 Před 3 lety +15

    Sometimes it not the need for journals, but just the joy of making them. You can also make journal/composition books and give them away to friends, Med staff, coworkers. You be surprised how happy you would make someone, knowing that you took time out to think of them. I do different crafting , I gift 🎁 to my coworkers and they love it. I get a chance to let my artsy. Crafty skills go but I don’t have that at home build up. Plus I’ve seen folks using them.

  • @pamsauce8936
    @pamsauce8936 Před 3 měsíci +1

    I know this is an old video, BUT I LOVE YOUR STYLE OF SHOWING THE PROCESS!!! I Hope you are still making videos!!!

  • @jaithevegan
    @jaithevegan Před 3 lety +14

    This video is so satisfying in so many ways! To see all of your journals with varying styles of writing and using up what you have, I’m hooked on your channel now. Bought Lynda Barry’s book and now I want a sewing machine! I have one juicy composition book and have started another one more in the glue book style. I want to be unstuck and this video sparked something I needed. Thanks so much, more “quick” videos like these please 😂🙏🏽💓💓💓💓 *more on gloss varnish please!

  • @csbradshaw407
    @csbradshaw407 Před 2 lety +4

    Melanie, hope you are still around filling up comp books. I’ve been binging these vids and would love to see what you’ve been up to recently

  • @clc3897
    @clc3897 Před 4 lety +11

    Today I decided I was gonna sew. Cause I gotta use up all the inspiration I got from all your sewing videos as of late. Now I’m thinking I should get back to my poetry journals. What am I gonna do... I just hope I won’t run out of quarantine time with all the things I want to do and all the projects I have in mind. You have to do some journal with me videos. I’m dying to see what people are journaling about these days. Especially since I told my students that they should be keeping a journal during these historic times. I want to show them what you’re doing, so they can learn from more than one person. ❤️🥰❤️

    • @wrapsbyrachel5571
      @wrapsbyrachel5571 Před 3 lety

      yes, students and people of all ages should be journaling during these historic times -- it is an activity and can really help with creativity and stress managment. I am up to #4 just for corona virus (feel free to check out my youtube channel to see what I've been doing). Maybe one day it will be part of a PhD history research ! :-)

  • @ashleykayejournals8284
    @ashleykayejournals8284 Před 4 lety +23

    I would love to see a flip through of your journal! They look very gorgeous. 💗

  • @Solaeandcraft
    @Solaeandcraft Před 4 lety +3

    Love love love your page and those notebooks 💖💕

  • @jenniferedwards6238
    @jenniferedwards6238 Před 3 lety +2

    Oh my! My love of composition books just went to the next level with this video!

  • @gpat7788
    @gpat7788 Před 3 lety +1

    Absolutely beautiful! I love it!

  • @reneshay889
    @reneshay889 Před 3 lety

    Absolutely STUNNING!

  • @ClareSwindlehurst
    @ClareSwindlehurst Před 4 lety +10

    The covers are beautiful! I cannot wait to see your flip through of the journals.

  • @lindagoehlen256
    @lindagoehlen256 Před 4 měsíci

    I was wondering what to do with the boring covers. I love this idea! Thanks for sharing!

  • @roksannastephens4375
    @roksannastephens4375 Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent tips and directions. That front cover is so awesome!

  • @PrintPraySlay
    @PrintPraySlay Před 3 lety

    Love how your journal turned out! This is so creative.

  • @JanetDoucette
    @JanetDoucette Před 3 lety +1

    Your composition books are wonderful! I have enjoyed so many of your videos today... this did not disappoint!!!

  • @ehrikalord1340
    @ehrikalord1340 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you for sharing your gifts as well as inspiration! I love the book you recommended; that's what I adore about this community 💚

  • @katsmith8263
    @katsmith8263 Před 3 lety +2

    Definitely inspired!!!👍👍🥰🥰❤️

  • @GothicKitty22
    @GothicKitty22 Před 3 lety +4

    I've been doing this for most of my life. I used to just use Composition notebooks, but at some point I decided to start making my own covers and stuff. Yours are gorgeous!

    • @MelanieSullivan
      @MelanieSullivan  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks so much! I have a composition book from the 1950s that someone used as a glue book, so I love carrying on the tradition!

  • @tracyheberlie4831
    @tracyheberlie4831 Před 4 lety

    I love this!! Your journals are just perfect! You’ve inspired me ❤️

  • @Karma111284
    @Karma111284 Před 4 lety

    Thank you so much! Very very helpful. Loved seeing all your journals! Hope your staying safe and getting things done lol

  • @TheCelestialhealer
    @TheCelestialhealer Před rokem

    Just perfect!! Love them all, love your style. Will look for your recommendation.🎉

  • @Paperlover123
    @Paperlover123 Před 4 lety

    These are such a wonderful collection! Your daughter will love to have them one day! Stunning covers, pockets and pages!!!!🌷🐇🌸

  • @minajones1635
    @minajones1635 Před rokem

    Thank you for all these useful tips! I appreciate you creating and sharing this video for those of us who are beginning this journey! 😊

  • @careyclapp8357
    @careyclapp8357 Před 4 lety

    Oh my goodness Melanie I LOVE these journals so much! I am totally inspired to start one! Thanks for explaining how you choose your composition books, I always feel the paper so I get the good ones. I now will also be checking to see where they were made! Off I go to check my composition supply...

  • @bbodalski
    @bbodalski Před 2 lety +1

    So fun! I had to get this Lynda Barry book and I have gotten all my supplies together for making a mess in my journal! So excited

  • @sylviaclark5376
    @sylviaclark5376 Před 3 lety +1

    Hello, love your composition books. I alter mine into vintage ones. Thanks for sharing.

  • @oddanneout
    @oddanneout Před rokem +2

    Really awesome creativity! ❤ I love the idea of painting over a copy of past artwork - adds more dimension. 👌🏼

  • @srivirao
    @srivirao Před 4 lety +2

    Girl you are so cool.I subbed. Loved your review on Lynda Barrys books.I ordered syllabus.

  • @lisajmascord8183
    @lisajmascord8183 Před 4 lety +1

    Wow. Those covers are stunning. Love those. I’ve read about Lynda Barry and have a couple of her books including the one you showed.🤗

  • @barbclark69
    @barbclark69 Před rokem

    Thanks for this, Melanie. I am tremendously i spired by Lynda Barry too, and I love the direction you’ve taken your books in.

  • @pattimoose1
    @pattimoose1 Před 3 lety

    I love using composition books and loved your video!!

  • @sunshyjournaling
    @sunshyjournaling Před 2 lety

    This is so much fun! I need to do a video of showing off some of my past journals.

  • @judyrobertson9479
    @judyrobertson9479 Před 5 měsíci

    Wow, so many great ideas. Thank you.

  • @bethieb8160
    @bethieb8160 Před 3 lety

    I have been trying so hard to get passed my creative junk journaling block and I think you just saved me! Thank you for the book recommendation as well

  • @melissatest7963
    @melissatest7963 Před 4 lety +1

    I too use a composition book on a regular basis although I just made myself a junk journal. I can't wait to see the flip through of all the books individually. Thank you for sharing~

  • @austenspapertree8429
    @austenspapertree8429 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you soo much! Your video put me in an creative mood... That had not happened in days and I really need it. These times are soo unsettling. I´m quit helpless in the face of so much anxieties ridden thoughts in my head. Its not helpful. And I know it, but can´t stop.
    Even your lovely dry wit seams to have a day of....
    I ordered Syllabus! Thanks for the recommendation and your warm words.

  • @quiltedclothdesigns
    @quiltedclothdesigns Před 2 lety

    I bought Lynda's book based on your video and OMG-life changing!!! Thank you for sharing this and inspiring me.

  • @bettelovelace4456
    @bettelovelace4456 Před 3 lety +1

    Melanie.. I love your journals 👏👏💜..just put her book on my Santa list for Christmas !! Really enjoyed the video TFS 💜💜💜

  • @shawnabloom
    @shawnabloom Před 3 lety +1

    Love this!!! I’m going to try it using single self laminating sheets on the cover page prior to sewing it on. So gorgeous!! Love your video, I just subbed!!

  • @DonnaHarris3578
    @DonnaHarris3578 Před 3 lety

    At last someone who shows how to do the cover. Thank you!! I’m going to look for the composition notebooks that are made in Vietnam.

  • @orlaithyarrow
    @orlaithyarrow Před 2 lety

    Great video!!!Very inspiring!Ive never tried something like this before!We are going to give it a shot with my daughters!

  • @rhondawilliams2140
    @rhondawilliams2140 Před 2 lety

    I just fell in love with this.

  • @NeverHopelessbyElizabeth
    @NeverHopelessbyElizabeth Před 3 lety +2

    I was recently introduced to your channel by a sweet sub of mine, and I'm so glad she did!! Loving your covers and the acetate is genius :) I've been using comp books for my journals for years and really enjoy them. Thanks for the inspiration!!

    • @MelanieSullivan
      @MelanieSullivan  Před 3 lety +2

      Welcome, Elizabeth! I've been a subbie of yours for a while and really enjoy your videos. You convinced me to subscribe to Mantra magazine, although now that I'm receiving it, I think I need two subscriptions... one to cut up and one to keep. :-)

  • @HeyCreativeSister
    @HeyCreativeSister Před 7 měsíci

    I wanted to start a gluebook so here I am. Now I will start a gluebook journal to document my life through stage 4 cancer. Thank you!

  • @melodine707
    @melodine707 Před 3 lety

    Love using Comp books. I ordered the book you mentioned and can't wait to get it and make a new comp book.

  • @ChrisSaenz13
    @ChrisSaenz13 Před 3 lety

    This video is so helpful... thank you!!! I'm just getting started with my 1st one!!!

  • @victoriakerr2089
    @victoriakerr2089 Před 3 lety

    Wow I’m impressed and inspired - thanks

  • @siobhanirish1307
    @siobhanirish1307 Před 3 lety

    A MAZ ING!!!! Your journals are just fantastic. I love them so much! I use composition books, too, but I have not made mine as amazing as your are! I think I have just been inspired!! I subscribed to your channel before I was even half way through your video.

  • @aliceadler4569
    @aliceadler4569 Před 2 lety

    I do love these!!! I thought I was the only one. ♥️♥️♥️

  • @tfntexas
    @tfntexas Před 4 lety +3

    Thanks for the great video! I hope you’re staying healthy. It’s not really bothering me to have to stay home since I really enjoy it anyway...just wish I was a little more productive. I have been making lap blankets sort of for keepsakes for my three adult kids. I pieced together 40 squares of various fabrics and then I’m slow stitching on each square. The back looks awful with all of the knots, etc. but the front looks really cool. I’m starting on my third one. Thanks for all your inspiration!

  • @Pegaluce
    @Pegaluce Před 3 lety +4

    Well I was looking for help on what to do to create a JUnk Journal and you sure have left me with a lot to think about and help me. TY for sharing so much of what you have done and how to create your next journal. I do not sew so I will probably use Skor Tape to put the covers on the Composition books when I get them...and I might even have transparencies to cover them...or I will use shipping tape that I use for my Glue Books.

  • @stephcalvaresi1991
    @stephcalvaresi1991 Před 3 lety

    Just placed an order with Amazon. Thank you for pulling it all together in this tutorial. LOL-The comment about writing the volume with Velcro-still laughing 😂. TFS. I started keeping a journal 📓 in 2019 and called it my escape journal. I filled it completely. Working in it brought immense joy and want to continue this writing and art process. Have a good one!

  • @kirstenbuckhalt5280
    @kirstenbuckhalt5280 Před 29 dny

    i love your style!!!

  • @dorothym166
    @dorothym166 Před 3 lety

    I just love these!!

  • @marthamurphy7940
    @marthamurphy7940 Před 2 lety

    Thank you. Very cool! I used to journal in composition books. I love them. Now I have arthritis in my hands, so I journal on my computer. I'm going to print the entries. Maybe I'll do my next art journal in a composition book.

  • @mkaysartfuljourney1239
    @mkaysartfuljourney1239 Před 3 lety +2

    New subby here just came across your videos!❤️💯🙏🏻 I love your ideas, I have made these journals in the past. Always gluing two pages together and Washi taping the edge of the papers.

  • @marthagomez-sanchez4440

    Love your style...thank you!

  • @BittyPenny
    @BittyPenny Před rokem

    I miss you so much!! I pray you and family are doing fabulous ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @pambuike4587
    @pambuike4587 Před 3 lety +2

    I found composition books from Vietnam at Wal-Mart in the school supply section. The brand name is UStyle...under $2...they only had one box full compared to many other boxes of the cheaper brand, but glad I took the time to look at each brand. Good luck ladies...hope you find them too. So anxious to start my journal but waiting for the Syllabus book!!!

  • @happymailmagic
    @happymailmagic Před 3 lety

    I just came across your channel & I gotta tell ya... Although this is the very 1st video of your's that I've watched... But I do believe I'm hooked! I'll probably be binge watching all your videos starting this evening! Your journals are so beautiful & you make it look so easy! I'm definitely going to try my hand at it! Thank You for sharing your awesome ideas! I got an Amazon gift card for Christmas & I haven't even taken it out of the card it came in! But I think I want that book you recommended, so I'm going to go dig my gift card out & order it & the tape you use for bookbinding! The only thing is that I've never owned a sewing machine!!! I'll be turning 41 on February 5th & I think its time I look into getting one! If for nothing else, than to sew paper like you do to your covers! You are amazing & I can't wait to dig in to more of your content! ~🙏💙🙏Much Graditude, Erica Meares🙏💙🙏~

  • @KittehNow
    @KittehNow Před 3 lety

    THESE are so FUN.. I ,OVE THEM

  • @lucylushedoe3090
    @lucylushedoe3090 Před 3 lety

    thank u! fun to get a peek inside!

  • @roseoakone
    @roseoakone Před 10 měsíci

    Yes prep tutorial ❤

  • @robindonnelly
    @robindonnelly Před 3 lety

    Thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed this.

  • @Erica_Marie_
    @Erica_Marie_ Před rokem

    This is so pretty 😍😍😍

  • @yvonnepoo4033
    @yvonnepoo4033 Před 2 lety

    I adore these journals! I wish you would sell some ready to go. I also love your hand writing!

  • @jennifersullivan4823
    @jennifersullivan4823 Před 3 lety

    Wow what a cool idea I am into changing children books into journals but this is a great idea thanks for the inspiration. Breathtaking, I have so many art journals, writing journals, altered journals...

  • @gaingaran81
    @gaingaran81 Před rokem

    Very nice journals. I didn't know know you can sow the cover of the composition notebook.

  • @ellescrapper
    @ellescrapper Před 3 lety

    I really enjoyed your take on one of the most relaxing things to do in your life in recording what go's in it, through junk journaling, tfs.
    In His Grace Lorisa

  • @nadiahrakhanandarialni1473

    I always loving your works😭🍭❤, please keep making video for inspiring me to be more creative😭🍭🥺

  • @emilyelizabeth5094
    @emilyelizabeth5094 Před 3 lety +2

    I’ve never related to someone more 😂 you start a new journal at the drop of a hat and I’m exactly the same

    • @MelanieSullivan
      @MelanieSullivan  Před 3 lety +1

      The struggle is real, right! I get bored so easily and want something new. Maybe I need to start making my journals with only about 10 pages so I'll fill them up in a few of days and have a real excuse to make a new one! Thanks for stopping by!

  • @ThaBloodWitch
    @ThaBloodWitch Před 3 lety

    Here from Heather Mattern's channel and omg, what you do to those books is amazing! I thought I was fancy just for putting washi on the spines. 😅

  • @GwynWalker
    @GwynWalker Před 3 lety

    Love your idea! TFS.

  • @kristinaperinot7544
    @kristinaperinot7544 Před 3 lety

    THANK YOU SO MUCH....must do this. Bought the book ❤️👍🏻

  • @coralikessocks2474
    @coralikessocks2474 Před 3 lety

    the six people who disliked couldn't see the like button because their eyes were filled with tears because this is just so beautiful

    • @MelanieSullivan
      @MelanieSullivan  Před 3 lety +1

      I like your spin on that, Cora! I need to think like that more often. Thanks for watching!

  • @ziziscorsese9475
    @ziziscorsese9475 Před 2 lety

    Very impressive!

  • @mixedupmargie
    @mixedupmargie Před rokem

    Love these 💚💜

  • @BexfromTexas
    @BexfromTexas Před 4 lety

    I guess I could try this on a spiral notebook? Just use a slightly different approach. I really enjoyed your video! Thanks:) During this time I get tired of quilting & sewing & needle work....switching to working with paper is a welcome change.

  • @paperstoryjournals
    @paperstoryjournals Před 3 lety

    This is a great idea. Gotta see if I can find those transparent sheets. I use to have a ton but I donated them to teachers who needed them.

  • @lydiasalinas5106
    @lydiasalinas5106 Před rokem

    I love how you add the volume number on the spine

  • @diansdesigns7759
    @diansdesigns7759 Před 2 lety

    I used your idea with the acetate and made a shaker cover. thank you

  • @pamsauce8936
    @pamsauce8936 Před 3 měsíci

    ❤❤❤LOVE THESE❤❤❤🎉

  • @simmyjester
    @simmyjester Před rokem

    I love these notebooks. And if you don't have a sewing machine, you can use an awl (or small hole poking tool, you can find similar things in the beading or clay sections of your local craft store) and go around the edge with embroidery floss. :)

  • @diannepickhardt1407
    @diannepickhardt1407 Před 4 lety +6

    I LOVE your “marker florals”, would you consider making those into digitals for purchase? Really any of your artwork would be amazing if it were digitally available!! You are incredibly talented and I absolutely love your style and use of bright colors.

    • @ashleykayejournals8284
      @ashleykayejournals8284 Před 4 lety +1

      I was thinking the same thing! LoveLynnsLife makes her collage pages available on her Patreon and Etsy shop and I bet these would be popular as well!

    • @MelanieSullivan
      @MelanieSullivan  Před 4 lety +1

      That's a great idea! I might!

  • @Imdone767
    @Imdone767 Před 3 lety

    I don't sew, and I tried making a glue junk journal which was a hot mess. I bought a composition notebook and I'm going to try your method. Ty

  • @desmondehoppie4758
    @desmondehoppie4758 Před 3 lety

    Very Creative

  • @emmanashdavis1326
    @emmanashdavis1326 Před 3 lety

    Looking at the way you work, you should have a class at community center, after school program or senior citizen center. I can see folks really enjoying themselves with you. Most composition vlogs are not sewn but glued/ mod podge. I thought it was laminated. I have some old acetate clear projector film too. Now I know what to do with it.

  • @julesboyle6059
    @julesboyle6059 Před 4 lety +1

    please do a flip through!

  • @DoloresJRush
    @DoloresJRush Před 3 lety

    I began a composition notebook journal in 2019 which I call my Positivity Notebook. The first was done in the weekly planner format and this year has been in the bullet journal format. There has been pro-cons to both formats. I began the journal on the advice of my therapist to keep me from being depressed about my family problems. I was curious to know how you added a shiny front to your notebook, so had to stop and watch your video. I didn't know somebody had actually written a book on the how-to's of composition notebook journaling. smile! I bought mine cause it was cheap and I didn't have to make my own book. My journal's signature got really wonky last year and was like BIG BERTHA. This year I've been switching it up- I turn it upside down from month to month to see if that helps with the wonkiness. It seems to have helped, except I had to add a different pocket to each end cause things kept falling out. I also use a stretchy hairband to keep my notebook closed. I have flip-throughs each month of my journal on my channel.

  • @vickisargent2250
    @vickisargent2250 Před 3 lety

    I knew very quickly that you would be my new favorite channel . I too have a goodwill stickered box of transparency film.( I only have 1)and I wanted to say , I love your ideas ,your art is amazing, your color choices are genius. I just started watching inky art school too! (just guessing on some of your art). Anyways I do not own a sewing machine so was wondering any thoughts of attaching the trans film other than sewing?

  • @pattycolelewis4540
    @pattycolelewis4540 Před rokem

    Bucky's!!!!!! I love Bucky's lol

  • @eddielucero998
    @eddielucero998 Před 4 lety

    Oh how beautiful.
    Louise

  • @trinacorbett4827
    @trinacorbett4827 Před 3 lety

    I gently peel off the top layer ... underneath is a beautiful white. ... sometimes not always.

  • @kathyn3978
    @kathyn3978 Před 2 lety

    I’ve been binge watching your videos after scoring on some blank composition books at a thrift shop. I saw one where you(?) glued pages together. Now I’m watching this and you don’t even mention doing that. What have the viewers done that’s best? TFS!

    • @jlhyndman
      @jlhyndman Před rokem

      Hi Kathy, I’m not Melanie but I watch a couple of different YT’ers that use comp books so I know what you’re talking about. I believe that you may have seen Elizabeth at NeverHopeless and confused her with Melanie Sullivan perhaps. I know for sure that Elizabeth has done the gluing pages in preparation in the past. I don’t remember Melanie suggesting that though I may be wrong.

  • @Pegaluce
    @Pegaluce Před 3 lety

    You have inspired me to try crating in a composition book. I also need a link to when you make those little fabric snippets you showed...or the person who showed you...I would like their video...I cannot seem to find it.

  • @Plumsilly82
    @Plumsilly82 Před 2 lety +1

    Brilliant! What size/type needle do you use in your sew machine to stitch these journals?

  • @ulrickeegger2645
    @ulrickeegger2645 Před rokem

    Grazie mille

  • @starschloneger958
    @starschloneger958 Před 3 lety

    Love, love, love your journals. Any suggestions on how to attach the clear film if you can’t sew it on with a machine?

    • @MelanieSullivan
      @MelanieSullivan  Před 3 lety

      Star, I think you could stitch it on by hand if you pre-punched your holes with an awl or screw-punch. You could place the holes about a half inch apart and then just lace your thread through. I might try it and see how it works.