My hand-made pocket journal

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I made a little journal about a year ago and it helped me get back into the groove of using a journal. It's now full, so it's time to create a replacement.

[Barnso]

If you want to help support the channel, and are able to do so, consider becoming a member!

No worries if not, just watching my videos is already so much support, so thanks again :)

[UneOlesen]

Its kind of fun to think about how many DIY youtubers there is but nobody does real DIY without using expensive sponser tools and years of experience. this is real DIY someone without tools and skills making something creative. You got a brilliant mind and story telling (it feels like a story than an instruction). Realized it sounded a lot like a backhanded compliment, of course you got some skills but it's your way of solving small problems that's really amazing.

[MisterGames]

There is something more satisfying about writing in a notebook journal you make yourself, than a bought one

[linlinn_png]

I love the humanity imbued into this video

[Lobeby]

I loved the way you documented your mistakes. I feel it adds a lot of depth to the content of this video. I've watched my fair amount of DIY pocket journals because I have book binding as a hobby for 10 years now and I think the mistakes are actually where you learn the most. I especially likeyour technique to make the edges even !

[MiniNex-eh]

The teeth technique, one of my favs, I have done it for years, never watched anyone else doing it. So glad I'm not the only one with that skill!

[OKTKaikora]

I've been contemplating making my own pocket book, and I want to make a pocket book of proverbs to go along with it. I made a notebook today, thanks to you! I did it my own way, using your ideas. Did not need any of these expensive tools or anything and I am so pleased with it. Thank you so much for your video!

[existentialcrisis]

I love this video. It’s nice to see someone just make something for fun and not get so technical and perfect with it. Feels more personable and real, I guess.

[Angel-tdyk]

The xacto knife needle hack was pretty clever but an awl would be so much easier 😅 also, using waxed thread (or running your embroidery floss through a stick of beeswax or something) will help with the strength of the notebook and the security of the knot. Plus it will be easier to work with since the threads are held together by the wax

[akdieblaueyin-phonix]

Enjoyed watching you figure out your way. Same here with my first sheets formed into a bound calendar. Surprising how much I love that thing!
Your self made book gives you the freedom of journaling your way - that's one perspective. Another is: your way of journaling called that book into your life. I'm curious about more stuff you calling into life.

[shreya...]

Haha biting the needle through! Love seeing something I do while making a book in someone else's process too. That moment felt so human to me.

[mikeoneone]

I really enjoyed your video! To see you create a new small notebook using your own home spun skills was a delight.

[jsmxwll]

great job on the notebook and the video was good fun.

making functional tools for personal use is so satisfying. no hunting around and compromising on what is available. and as you make more, you get better and learn more so you can have something that is truly built-to-purpose. i collect my notebooks, cut the binding thread and then bind several of them together into a larger book that i give a cover. they are grouped by year. so i stop the last notebook at the end of the year and start a new one the next year.


- you can use a coin and cut around it to make a rounded corner. clamp two identical coins a bit back from where you cut it and then you can sand the corner smooth pretty easily. i actually use washers with a bit of leather glued to one side so they don't mar the cover when i clamp them.
- as a fellow sausage finger haver, you might try a latch hook instead of a crochet hook or just use a longer piece of floss and trim it afterward. you can also twist the ends of the floss before you try to tie it.
- i also wax my floss which helps it glide through the holes in the paper easier, but it also helps keep the strands of floss together when tying the final knot. it will also help reduce friction wear on the floss as it rubs around against objects in your pocket.

[eliprenten]

Loved the "real-ness" of this video. Makes it so much more relatable!

[Ninjadoc]

At 5:06 there's a great piece of advice. ive been using for almost a year a micro pin vice with a needle as a makeshift awl (the best ones since you can make holes all the same size), but the idea of using my exacto knife handle never crossed my mind.
I dont use that exacto knife, the blades shake a little and its not a pleasing experience to cut with it, but now that it serves as an awl it has a new purpose. thank you for sharing this tip 🙏🏻

[minecrafttobi]

I like this kinda video youre just using normal tools and theres just a little explaining i used this as a tutorial and it turned out great!

[janmagtoast]

I really really really appreciate how calm you walk through everything and talk about the steps and little things you enjoyed about the progress. These days you see more people cramming DIY projects into 10 second shorts. It's really nice to see some people like you taking their time and making a long chill video. Thx!

[tacopower]

idk why but this video was just so comforting and nice. love it

[gabbiehill]

I used to make sketchbooks like that when I was in secondary school😢😢😢 I'v never had the chance to buy any fancy tools.. but I love making things and that's why I had fun struggling to make a beautiful tiny sketchbook.. best DIY video I've seen❤❤❤❤❤❤

[Scarshadow]

Definitely agree that making/bookbinding is worth the process! I've also been gravitating towards pocket notebooks more and more lately for that relaxed, less-rule-following writing and drawing.
I also suggest for your next notebook investing in a small beeswax block from a craft store (to rub on the thread and it can help with the sewing/tying process), and an awl from a hardware or craft store (have found using that to be easier than the needle itself, but the needle also works for creating smaller holes and using the exacto knife holder was really clever). ^^