Blank notebook or scrapbook with acid-free, lignin-free pages
1
Crafts
Scrapbooks and reading journals.
Make one reading-journal spread with a book record, a short response and a small piece of memorabilia.
- Makes
- 1 two-page spread
- Hands-on
- 30 minutes
- Total time
- 30 minutes
- Effort
- Easy
GET WHAT YOU NEED
Your shopping list
For 1 two-page spread.
Printed photo or expendable paper keepsake
1–3 small pieces
Use existing expendable printed photos or paper keepsakes; no purchased product needed.
Photo corners
4 per picture
Amounts are what the project uses, not package sizes. Compare quantities and product details before buying.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Tools & supplies
Pen and pencil
Plans layout and records your reading.
Ruler and scissors
Measures and trims expendable copies.
STEP BY STEP
Put it together
Choose a focus
Pick one book or reading month. Set aside a spread and gather a few copies of keepsakes.
Plan
In pencil, reserve areas for title, author, dates and your own short response. Arrange pictures before attaching.
Mount
Use photo corners for pictures. Keep bulky objects and valuable originals out of the binding.
Write
Add what you want to remember: a scene, an idea, who recommended it, or what to read next.
Store
Keep the book in a dry indoor location away from direct light. Avoid overfilling it so the binding can close.
Good to know
- A notebook is enough; stickers and specialty stamps are optional.
- Use copies of irreplaceable photos or documents. “Archival” on packaging alone does not establish preservation quality.
SAVE THE MAKING
Prefer it ready-made?
Compare these finished options with making your own.
Printed reading journal
A ready-designed layout; you add your reading notes.
Links go to the selected products. Availability and delivery vary by location; check the current listing and package size before ordering.
Sources & further reading
Independent instructions informed by the sources below. No affiliation or endorsement is implied. These instructions have not been kitchen- or workshop-tested by DIBuyIt.
- Library of Congress: preserving scrapbooks — Materials and binding cautions; reading layout is original