Gratitude Journals: We R Memory Keepers Cinch Binding Tool

Gratitude Journals: We R Memory Keepers Cinch Binding Tool

Learn how to make these paper pieced gratitude journals using the We R Memory Keepers Cinch Binding tool. 

Keeping track of special moments, things that worked out and little tender mercies is such a good way to focus on the positive parts of life rather than the dreary.

This is one of my favorite crafts, these notebooks are easy to make and make a great handmade gift.

We had a church activity with about 20 ladies and we made gratitude journals. They were a big hit--and everyone wanted to make more than one!

Supplies Needed for Gratitude Journals:

We R Memory Keepers Cinch Binding Tool

Cinch Wires (I get mine in bulk here--you need 2:1 pitch, 3/4")

Scrapbook Paper

Cardstock Paper (Mine is from Cardstock Warehouse)

Laminator and Plastic Sleeves

Tape Runner Gun or Glue Stick

Stickers (made with my Cricut)

Ream of White Paper 

Paper Cutter

Wire Cutters

Step 1: Scrapbook Paper Piecing

Begin by cutting a sheet of cardstock in half so you have 2 pieces that measure 5.5 x 8.5 inches.

Then cut scrapbook paper to fit, cover and fill the cardstock.

This paper can be ripped, overlapped and pieced together to create the perfect front and back covers.

Use a tape runner to very heavily tape all the pieces together. If they are not super secure, right to the edges, the book cover will lift apart.

Step 2: Stickers!

I designed some gratitude stickers with my hand lettering and watercolor washes and used Cricut Design Space to do the Print and Cut option.

Here's the Cricut Design Space Project link if you are interested!

Then these labels were easy for the other ladies to just stick them on their covers if they wanted to.

Step 3: Laminate!

Now that the front and back covers are paper pieced, taped and stickered, laminate them.

The front and back cover can both fit in one page size plastic sleeve. The lamination does not need to be absolutely sealed on all the edges, because we cut it right to the edge anyway.

Step 4: Cut!

Now use scissors to cut the lamination on the book covers all the way to the edge of the paper. 

If there remains an edge of plastic, it will not fit in the book binding Cinch properly and cause mislined holes.

Step 5: Binding!

Now comes the time to use the We R Memory Keepers Cinch.

This binding machine is awesome--it does everything!

Begin by cutting a stack of white paper in half with the paper cutter. Cut until you have a thick stack of paper the size you want your notebook to be.

I used about 40-50 half pages for each notebook.

Then slide them into the Cinch and punch holes down one side. 

The size of the paper requires 2 punches, I do all the full punches on all the paper before moving to the remainder of the holes.

Then punch holes on the edge of the book covers.

Use wire cutters to clip the wire so you have the correct number of hooks for holes.

Hang the wire on the edge of the Cinch and place the back cover of the book on the wires, with the scrapbook finished cover showing.

Then place the front cover of the book on the wires with the scrapbooked finished side facing down.

Then stack the pile of paper on the wires on top of the book cover pages.

Then remove the wire and pages from the edge and move to the back of the Cinch tool.

Place the wires right up to the backside of the press.

Press gently down on one side of the wires and then slide the wires over and press them gently down. 

Once the wires are slightly pressed, press them down completely until all the wires are pressed and curled into place.

That's it! It's a "cinch" to make these notebooks and they turn out so cute!

These make great handmade gifts for teachers, friends and neighbors. 

They are perfect for keeping track of blessings throughout the new year.

I love having the Cinch Binding Tool. I don't use it every day, but when I used it--I make 50 of them in a weekend!

That's it!

Get yourself a We R Memory Keepers Cinch Binding Tool and some 2:1 pitch wires!

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Here's some more fun Cinch Book ideas!

Watercolor Floral Notebooks

Cereal Box Notebooks

Character Notebooks

Upcycled Book Notebooks