Do you have a few postcards tucked away that are too pretty, too interesting, or too sentimental to toss aside? In this project, I used two vintage postcards to create a small hinged spine mini journal, and it turned out to be such a fun way to let those old cards become something useful again.
This was part of our Adventure Awaits event, so postcards, stamps, maps, and travel-inspired papers were perfect for the theme. I happened to have some vintage postcards on hand, and several of them were from places I had actually been. Some were from Colorado, where I grew up, and a few had old handwriting and postage still on the back. That made the whole project even more fun.
One thing I really like about this idea is that you do not have to cut the postcards apart. They become the front and back covers, so you can still enjoy the artwork, the writing, the postmarks, and all those little details that make vintage postcards so charming.
You also do not have to use vintage postcards. This same idea would work with modern postcards, greeting cards, travel brochures, vacation souvenirs, family photos, or any sturdy paper keepsake you would like to turn into a little book.
Mini Journal Measurements
The postcards I used were approximately 3 1/2 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches tall. If your postcards are a different size, you can adjust the height of your spine and pages to fit what you have.
Hinged Spine Piece
- Cut one piece of cardstock to 5 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches tall.
- Score on the 5-inch side at: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1 1/4″, 1 3/4″, 2″, 2 1/2″, 3″, 3 1/4″, 3 3/4″, 4 1/4″, and 4 1/2″.
- Fold on all score lines.
- Glue the 1/2-inch hinge sections together to create the raised hinges for your pages.
- Optional: Cut one piece of cardstock to 1″ wide x 5 ½” tall. Secure to back of spine to give stability
This spine gives you a front cover, three interior page hinges, and a back cover. The 1/4-inch spaces between the hinges give the little journal room to open and close.
Interior Pages
- Cut interior pages to 3 1/2 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches tall.
- Attach pages to both sides of the hinge sections.
- Use cardstock, scrapbook paper, ledger paper, coffee-dyed paper, or a mix of papers.
One thing I mentioned near the end of the video is that I should have added a straight strip of cardstock to the back side of the spine for a little extra structure. A strip about 1 inch wide would work well if you want to reinforce the spine before adding lace or other decoration.
Watch the Video
In the video, I walk through measuring the postcards, figuring out the hinged spine, attaching the covers, adding pages, and decorating the journal with lace, pockets, and canceled postage stamps.
Ideas for Decorating Your Postcard Journal
Once the basic mini journal is assembled, you can decorate it as much or as little as you like. I added a bit of lace to the spine, made simple pockets, used canceled postage stamps, and added some inking for extra character.
Here are a few more ideas you could try:
- Maps or atlas pages
- Vintage postage stamps
- Travel tickets or receipts
- Small envelopes
- Journaling cards
- Ledger paper
- Lace, ribbon, or fabric scraps
- Photos from your own adventures
Make It Your Own
The best part of this project is that it is easy to adapt. If your postcards are larger, make your spine taller and cut your pages to fit. If you want a chunkier journal, you can add more hinge sections or give yourself a little more room in the spine.
You could make this as a travel journal, a small memory keeper, a little junk journal, or even a gift using postcards from a favorite place. And if you are like me, you may find that the backs of the postcards are just as interesting as the fronts. The handwriting, addresses, old postage, and postmarks all add to the story.
So if you have postcards, greeting cards, or travel keepsakes tucked away, this might be a fun way to bring them back out and give them a new adventure.
Keep the Adventure Going!
If you enjoyed this project or information, I’d love for you to continue exploring more creative adventures here at My Artful Adventures — including paper crafting tutorials, junk journals, folios, mixed media projects, printable collections, and livestream inspiration.
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Cheers to YOUR Artful Adventures!
Kristie