On a large piece of newspaper lay your opened binder or scrap book flat and trace all around the edge. This will make a template (a template is a pattern for the item you are making).

Set your book aside and begin arranging your cut out pictures and other items on the template. The pictures do not need to be square. It is okay if they overlap or if there are spaces between them. Some of the pictures can be round or triangles or just funny irregular shapes. You will arrange them on the template until you have it almost covered. Rearrange the pictures until you have them the way they look best to you.

Open your journal and turn it over so that the outside is laying flat in front of you. Lift the first picture off the template. Use the stick or knife to spread a thin layer of glue on the back of the picture and lay it down on the journal cover in the same way that you had it on the template.

Smooth the picture from the center to the outside edges so that it will be glued flat without bubbles. Continue with each additional picture until you have moved all the pictures from the template and have them glued on the outside of your journal. Leave the journal there until it has thoroughly dried, it is best to leave it overnight.

To make your cover more durable use a foam brush and apply a thin layer of water based acrylic varnish over the entire outside of the journal. Allow it to dry thoroughly and apply a second coat. It is a good idea when using water based acrylic varnish to brush on the first layer from right to left and brush on the second layer from top to bottom so that one layer crosses the other to prevent lumps and streaks.

Use your journal to record each new craft as you learn it, write stories or keep a record of the fun you have during the summer.