Introduction: Simple Pocket for a Journal, Sketchbook, Etc.

By

Make a simple pocket for the inside cover of your journal.

This pocket will not fit much! For a more elaborate & capacious pocket, see "accordian pocket".

Supplies

Materials:

  • I sheet heavy cardstock or similar, at least 3" longer and 1.5" wider than your cover.
  • Glue

Tools:

  • Knife
  • Scrap of cardboard to spread glue
  • Pencil

Optional addons:

  • One sheet of wax paper or other waste paper
  • Any heavy book
  • Cutting mat

Step 1: Set the Cardstock Against the Inside Cover of Your Journal and Mark the Length and Width

Make a mark 1/8" inside the top and bottom.

Make a mark 1/4" from the inside edge.

Step 2: Fold the Cardstock at Your Marks

Check the fit before you proceed.

Step 3: Open the Cardstock and Cut Out the Corners

Step 4: Fold the Cardstock Again and Apply a Thin Layer of Glue - Only to the Folded-over Areas

Too much glue will buckle the paper and result in a wrinkled surface.

Make sure no glue will spread past the folded over areas or the pocket will be glued shut.

Step 5: Firmly Press the Pocket Into the Inside Cover of Your Journal

Make sure the edges of the pocket sit 1/8" inside each edge of the cover evenly, and the pocket is square to the cover.

Step 6: Press the Journal Until the Glue Is Dry

You may want to insert a sheet of wax or other heavy paper between the pocket and the text block to prevent the moisture from the glue from wrinkling your pages.