Here are the directions for creating a Gratitude Journal for someone as a gift. I hope you enjoy.
Things you will need:
X-Acto knife
scissors
pencil
15-20 sheets of 8 1/2″ X 11″ paper
decorative paper for the cover
glue or double-sided tape
yarn or any decoration of your choice…sparkles, anything awesome and encouraging
Steps:
1. Cut your 8 1/2″ X 11″ papers in half, creating 30-40 pieces of 8 1/2″ X 5 1/2″ pieces. Fold those pieces in half.
2. Make a mark 1 1/2 inches from the top and bottom. On 15-20 of the folded sheets draw a dotted line in the center, about two inches long so: on the rest of the folded sheets, make two dotted lines 1 1/2 inch from the top and bottom of the page. Cut along those lines with an X-Acto knife (or whatever works best for you).
3. Take an edge-cut paper and roll one side of it up to squeeze through a middle cut paper. Repeat this until all of your sheets are connected in a bunch of mini booklets. You’ll follow the same technique to connect the mini booklets to create one main book. Just take the top edge-cut paper from one mini booklet and connect it to the bottom middle-cut paper from another booklet. Repeat until the book is assembled.
4. Make the cover! Cut two pieces of your decorative paper, 5+1/2″ X 12″, draw dotted lines on each paper 3+1/2 inches from one side…Cut the dotted lines with the X-Acto knife and fold the decorative paper into the booklet paper, just like in step 3. Glue the decorative paper to itself so it will hold together. Repeat on the other side of the booklet to create the back cover. Voilà…you’ve just created a handmade journal!
If the receiver of this love-filled, priceless gift has a favorite color you may want to get them a pen in that color.
Here are some Tips on how to help you write in your gratitude journal:
1. Don’t set any guidelines regarding length or number. Setting goals like this will make journaling feel like a task. Welcome having repeats on your list, and know you can write as much or as little as you please.
2. Focus on people rather than things. Let those people know how much you mean to them and why you are thankful for them.
3. Keep an open mind and try not to get caught up in self-doubt or self-pity. Make your gratitude journal a positive and uplifting place!
4. Make it a habit. On average, it takes 21 days for a habit to form, so don’t stop journaling just after a few days. I usually write right before bed or as soon as I wake up, leaving it on my nightstand as a reminder.
Much Love Always,
Sarah-Pink
The Lemonade Stand 