How to Make a Ribbon Journal

Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: September 28, 2023

Instead of spending money buying a journal you can make one using paper and ribbon. This activity is a simple, fun activity to do with children or by yourself.

Steps

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Hole punch the left side of the paper (where you want your journal to be bound.) There should be three to five holes, more if you want the binding to hold together better, though the more holes you have, the more ribbon you’ll need.
Some thick construction or scrapbooking paper should work.

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You could paint a picture, trace your hand, paste stickers or photos on it, make doodles, write a poem, or anything you feel like. Be creative! (Or you could use paper that already has a design.)
If you’d like, you can use several different ribbons to make it more colorful.
This is the most important step because how well you secure the ribbon depends on if your journal will fall apart or not. Make sure the paper is secure in the ribbons.
You can write or doodle in it, do whatever you want!

Video: Make a Ribbon Journal

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Question

What do I use to make holes in the paper?

Community Answer

Use a hole puncher. If it's too thick to punch, then use the extra strong ones.

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Can I use wrapping paper?

Kim G

Top Answerer

You can decorate your journal with anything you wish. Wrapping paper will save time and possibly some frustration.

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How can I make it without ribbon?

Kim G

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You can use twine, yarn or any other type of string to hold the paper together.

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Warnings

Hole punching a large amount of paper may be difficult - you can use a paper drill or a crop-a-dile to make this easier.

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Be careful and aware of paper cuts.

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Things You'll Need

A sufficient amount of ribbon (judging on the size of the journal wanting to be made)
Paper
A hole punch (only if paper does not have pre-punched holes)
Magazines to cut up, stickers, glitter, stencils, pens, or whatever you need to decorate your journal.