Have you noticed that lunch-bag-brown type of paper is sometimes called 'craft' and sometimes called 'kraft'. Which one is it? Does is depend on how a brand names a product? That's what I had thought until I strolled over to wikipedia and learned there is an actual kraft process of making this type of paper. It was invented in Germany, where "kraft" means strength or power. I did not know any of this!
When I first started visual journaling my go-to surface was a spiral bound, heavy white paper journal by DMD, sold at Michael's in the scrapbook section. When those were no longer available I switched to my current favorite, made with kraft or black paper, by Paperchase. I could always count on getting them at Borders but recently they are harder to find. Since I like working on a non-white page, and I'm beginning to panic that my stash of Paperchase journals will run out in the next year, I started making my own.
Staples carries a file folder made of recycled material in a craft/kraft color. You can get a box of 100 for $12.99. I wish they were a little heavier but the economics works for me. I cut down the folders into a page size of my choice, then punch and coil bind with my Rubicoil from Bonnie's Best. If you are thinking of trying this keep in mind the page holds a dampness when painted so you should allow a full day of drying before you continue working or it will make you crabby.
I also like to make journals from cardboard. I cut down boxes and make pages – paying attention to the direction of the corrugation. I like to peel away the top surface to expose the grooves. I like to have pages with both horizontal and verticle orientation of the corrugation. I cut strips of tyvek to hold it together. I will present a tutorial on that another time if you're interested.
If you have a favorite source for kraft paper journals share it with us in the comments below. We'd love to hear about it!
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