I was recently browsing around Youtube and came across a tutorial by '49dragonflies' using a hinged tab binding for a junk journal she was making and was excited to give it a try. I remember seeing this method years ago but never had a use for it back then so I'm very happy to have stumbled across it again 🙂
What you will need:
Helmar Fabric Glue, envelopes or papers, scissors and fabric.
I have decided that I will be making a little envelope ephemera journal/book. I rummaged around looking for some old envelopes (found in the op-shops) in a couple of different sizes and colours along with some old sheeting fabric.
The first step is to cut your fabric strips to size, I chose to rip little strips as I am going for a 'vintage' style look and made them about 5cm x 2cm (2" x 1"). The tutorial I watched used fabric tape with a sticky back but I will be using Helmar Fabric Glue for mine.
Now gather together your envelopes or papers and put them in order.
Place them face down in a stack with the back envelope/paper on top.
Starting with the back envelope/paper, place it face down and on the edge opposite the opening start positioning five of the fabric strips. This is the back of your journal/book.
Remove the second and the fourth strip.
Glue the remaining three strips into position using Helmar Fabric Glue.
Flip your envelope over (facing up with the opening to the right) and place the next envelope/paper (face down) next to the first one and place the other strips of fabric in the empty spaces.
Glue these two tabs into position on the back side of the second envelope/paper.
Flip the second envelope/paper over and then glue the three tabs of the first envelope/paper to the front of the second envelope/paper.
Once you have done this place the third envelope/paper face down next to the second one and glue three strips to the back of the third envelope/paper.
Once again flip this envelope/paper over and then glue the two tabs from the second envelope/paper to the front of the third one.
I know it sounds a little confusing on paper but believe me, once you have glued a couple you will see how it all comes together with each envelope/paper. Each page (envelope/paper) should end up alternating and looking like the pictures below.
I chose a smaller envelope to place on top and was sure that there were only two tabs connecting to this.
This really is a fun and easy method to bind things together (once you get used to it), you can make it with as many pages as you want and add anything you like and make it in any style.
The binding itself is actually quite effective, it would also look lovely using a strong lace instead of fabric for a more 'shabby chic' style.
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today and I hope you found this tutorial of some help and will give it a try yourself.
I will be decorating this little project for my next blog post so I hope you will visit again, take care 🙂
Jeanette xxx
