Creating the Pockets

• 1). Fold a square of the paper vertically down the middle to create envelope-shaped pockets. Run the bone folder over your crease to make a crisp fold. A bone folder is a tool often used in paper crafts to strengthen the folds.
  
  
• 2). Bring the top edge down to the bottom edge and pinch it in the middle to mark the mid-point. Do not crease the entire width of the paper.
  
  Fold the bottom edge up to the mid-point. Crease with the bone folder. Fold in the sides to the mid-point. Crease. This will create the look of "double doors".
  
  
• 3). Fold the bottom corners inside the "doors" to the shape of a triangle. Fold the top corners to the outside of the "doors" to the shape of a triangle. The paper will take on the shape of a house or pentagon at this point.
  
  
• 4). Fold down the top half (triangle). Insert it into the folds to seal the pocket. Repeat these steps to create multiple pockets. Set the pockets aside to glue them into the pages of your journal later. You may substitute ready-made mailing envelopes in this step for added simplicity.
  
  

Creating the Book

• 1). Cut the cardboard (book cover) into a rectangle that is one-quarter inch larger than your pockets on each side; use the utility knife and ruler for a straight cut. Cut the paper (page inserts) into rectangles one-quarter inch smaller on each side than your cover. The page inserts should be the same size as your pockets. Fold cover and page inserts in half vertically using the bone folder.
  
  
• 2). Place your pages inside each other and within the book cover. Mark three marks down the middle of the folds with a pencil. Place your book on the cutting mat and use an awl or other sharp tool to punch holes where the pencil marks indicate.
  
  
• 3). Tie a thick knot at the end of your thread. Begin stitching on the underside of the page inserts at the center hole. Take your needle up from the center hole and down through the top hole. Bring your needle up through the center hole once more and repeat for the bottom hole. Secure your stitches with a knot hidden behind the pages and trim the excess thread.
  
  
• 4). Glue your pockets directly onto the pages with a glue stick. You may also glue the pockets inside the front and back cover. Decorate your book as you prefer.