Paper Bag Journal

Ever since reading about paper bag journals on Judy Wise's blog I have had it in the back of my mind. However I had not actually watched the tutorial so did not realise it is those American big brown paper bags that are used. Then the other day Candace mentioned that she had been making some and it reminded me. So I googled and found this which showcases a lovely video of a brown paper bag journal being made. I love the part wher the man talks about the book he lent his friend! I also looked at Judy's post and then a coptic binding tutorial which I did not understand. The other video was much better! So, from all these sources and using my collection of paper bags (the kind we get here!) I set to work.Paper bags waiting for me!Trim the edges off.Put into water.Squeeze gently. Dry. Iron on a low iron. I was not sure about this part as there is ink on some of the bags and after the thing in Kelly's post about drying acrylics with heat tools-well-I did it very quickly, used a low iron and used paper towels to sandwich the paper.
I didn't take photos of the next parts. I got groups of six sheets, folded in the middle and placed them together like pages (signatures of six sheets-that is the official term) Then I sewed these.
One of the journals is made up of three signatures and one of four. I made covers from packaging. I punched holes in the cover then punched through these into the signatures to get the placing. I just did it by eye-no measuring was involved! Then I used thin ribbon to sew in and out of the holes then back again, tie it up and Bob's your uncle! I have gessoed the covers and will decorate but they are ready to use. I am going to start collecting my next lot of paper bags now! Two of my favourites are the mushroom bag and the French bread bag. I also have some tiny chop stick paper bags in there!