I created this little project to kick off 2026 on a crafty note. I used the latest set of free Journal Cards 2026, but you can just as easily use journal cards from previous years (find it under FREE DOWNLOADS) or any cards you already have in your stash.
I also used the Inspiration Jar Challenge prompts for January 2026 (journal cards, paperclips, distressed paper, and using an embossing folder) to guide this project.
This journal card booklet will be filled with my crafty goals for each month and kept on my pin board so I can see it every day. Join me in creating this easy and inspiring New Year project!
Method:
Create the booklet
I downloaded and printed my Journal Cards 2026 on 280gsm smooth white cardstock. To add a bit more interest, I printed the free background pages (available to newsletter subscribers) on the back of the journal cards, as they closely match the journal card designs.
The journal cards were cut out using my guillotine. Remember to keep the off-cuts, they make perfect “washi-style” strips for other projects!
Next, I distressed the edges of each journal card using a distressing tool. Scissors work just as well if you don’t have a distressing tool.
I inked the edges with Victorian Velvet Distress Oxide ink using a blending tool. This step works beautifully with many different types of inks, so feel free to use whatever you have in your stash. I share some of my ink tests and results in my Playing with Inks blog post.
Punch a hole in each journal card and add an eyelet. I used a Crop-a-Dile, but any similar tool will work.
Repeat this step for all 12 journal cards.
Keep the cards together using a suitably sized clip ring.
Finish off the booklet by adding a ribbon or a few charms if you like.
Create a customised paperclip
I created a customised paperclip using a paper punch and some embossed cardstock. Start by embossing a piece of cardstock with your favourite embossing folder and die-cutting machine. I used my GoCut and Emboss.
Punch two shapes from the embossed cardstock using a paper punch. I wanted the embossed pattern to sit diagonally on the heart shape, so I simply rotated the cardstock before punching.
Fold a small piece of copy paper in half to create the inside of the paperclip. The folded piece should be slightly smaller than the punched shape.
Cut the piece of paper smaller to make it easier to handle.
Punch a shape from the folded paper, making sure the folded edge stays clear of the punch blade (see picture).
You’ll be left with a folded piece that fits neatly inside the paperclip.
To make this step easier, place a scrap piece of cardstock inside the folded paper and slide it into the paperclip.
Glue the first punched shape onto the folded paper. The top of the shape will overhang slightly.
Add the second punched shape to the other side, making sure to apply glue to the overhanging edges as well.
Press everything down firmly and allow it to dry. You now have a beautiful, customised paperclip.
Add the paperclip to your project.
Products used:
- Smooth white cardstock 280gsm
- Journal Cards 2026
- Background pages printable
- Victorian Velvet Distress Oxide ink
- Eyelets
- Ribbon or charms
- Paperclip
- Glue
Tools used:
- Printer
- Guillotine or paper trimmer
- Distressing tool or scissors
- Blending tool
- Crop-a-Dile or hole punch tool and eyelet setter
- Clip ring
- Embossing folder
- Die-cutting / embossing machine
- Paper punch
- Scissors
Techniques used:
You might also enjoy our Reflect & Dream Layout course!