DIY paper pad

1.    DIY art paper

-    Use a canvas panel as a paper size template

-    Trace around the panel on your chosen paper types

-    Cut all chosen paper types to match the size of the panel

-    Make the paper edges are neat and consistent

2.    Assemble the book

-    Stack the cut paper neatly between the two canvas panels

-    Align the edges perfectly and let the stack overhang the table by approximately 2 cm

-    Place a protective layer over the top panel

-    Clamp the stack tightly with an F Clamp

3.    How to bind a book

-    Use a 5 mm drill bit to drill a series of evenly spaced holes along the edge, approx. 1 cm apart

-    Ensure the holes penetrate through both panels and the paper stack

-    Create a loop at one end of the tie wire and thread string through the loop

-    Feed the string through the drilled holes using the tie wire to guide it

-    Once all holes are threaded, pull the string tight and tie it off securely

4.   Painted book cover

-    Leave the canvas panels plain or personalise them with a design!

-    For this project, we painted a scenic mountain design:

-    Base Layer: Mix Titanium White with a touch of Black for a light grey and paint the distant mountains and their reflections

-    Second Layer: Mix Yellow Ochre, Lemon Yellow, and Vermillion for the mid-range mountains. Highlight with a lighter tone made from Titanium White, Lemon Yellow, and Yellow Ochre. Paint the sun with this lighter tone

-    Closest Mountains: Use a red oxide colour mixed from Burnt Sienna and Vermillion. Lighten with Titanium White and paint the reflected range

-    Sky and Water: Create a light blue from Titanium White and Phthalo Blue. Paint the central area of the canvas for the sky and water

-    Foreground Trees: Use Lamp Black for tree trunks and foliage. Add depth with dark green mixed from Phthalo Blue and Lemon Yellow

5.    Final Touches

-    Allow the paint to dry completely before using your journal

-    Fill with sketches, paintings, or ideas!