Cassette Journals

 

The most popular type of journal I make are these cassette books. I find old cassettes and turn the liner notes into journals. They fit snugly back into the plastic case, thoroughly hiding their secret new purpose. 

The problem is finding good cassettes. Lately, they haven't been as available as they used to. I guess people learned that they don't really sell at tag sales or thrift shops, and they ended up in the trash. Either that, or maybe some avid cassette collectors have snatched up all the good ones to keep in the giant tape collection they have housed in their basement. 

The other problem is that I have amassed quite a collection of my own. I use the liner notes and cases, but I still have the actual cassettes. It feels wasteful to throw them away, so I keep them. What for? I have no idea. Perhaps I will come up with a use for them someday (vague images of an 80s themed party are floating through my head). 

♥ Jessica

More Journals

I'm falling a bit behind on my bookbinding goal, but I have been very focused and motivated this week, so perhaps I can catch up.

On the bottom of this pile is a moleskine-style book. The inside is graph paper, it has a ribbon bookmark and an elastic to keep it closed. The cover is a whimsical alien pattern. 

The second book is made from a Van Halen cassette. I love making cassette books, but I'm picky about which albums I use, so I don't make as many as I'd like. 

On top are two mini books. These are a great way to use up small scraps of materials that would otherwise be thrown away. I hate wasting anything, especially paper.

♥ Jessica

Bookbinding Goals Update

So far I have completed nine books.

But wait... "That is a Madonna cassette sitting on top" (I hear you say, skeptically). 

"Is it?"(I reply, in a smug tone)

These little books are a perfect way to keep your plans for world domination hidden. Your friends will think you carry a Madonna tape in your purse (for some reason) and never suspect that it contains all your secrets.

These "Moleskine" style journals are my personal favorite. And when I say favorite, I mean favorite to use. They are a pain in the butt to make. 

I got a bunch of nice heavy watercolor paper for the art journals. I hand sewed a headband on this one. 

♥ Jessica