Information to help personalise your memory journal
We’ve put together a guide to help you on your memory journal journey
Before you place your order, we’d like to share a little guidance to help you prepare your collection. Each journal is individually curated from the papers you provide, making every piece entirely unique. Because of this, some types of papers work more effectively than others within the binding process.
You’ll find helpful information about sizing, materials and how the journals are constructed, along with the options available to personalise your book. Our aim is to ensure you feel confident in the process and excited about creating a memory journal that will be treasured for years to come.
Choosing your precious papers
Each memory journal is created using your own treasured papers the letters, notes, drawings and documents that carry the story of a loved one or a meaningful moment in your life. These original pieces become the very pages of your book, thoughtfully arranged and carefully bound to preserve both their meaning and their character.
Our journals are A5 in size. For this reason, A4 is the ideal size for your paper collection, as each sheet is folded in half to form what bookbinders call a “signature” (you can find a fuller explanation of this in the bookbinding section).
We are able to include pages longer than A4, as these can be neatly folded within the journal. However, we are unable to incorporate pages wider than A4 in portrait format. We can include papers as small as A6 but smaller items may be better suited to being added into a bound envelope pocket or glued onto a blank page.
Your papers will always be handled with the utmost care and respect. Please be aware that the binding process requires small holes to be made in each page so that they can be securely sewn into the journal. If there is an item that feels too precious to alter in this way, we recommend providing a high-quality scanned print instead of the original, allowing the memory to be included while keeping the original safely preserved.
The book binding process
I create each A5 hardback memory journal using traditional bookbinding techniques. The pages are sewn by hand with waxed thread using a pamphlet stitch, with the binding deliberately exposed along the outside of the spine as part of the journal’s design.
The papers are arranged into sections known as “signatures”. A standard journal typically contains between three and six signatures. It is possible to include up to eight, though this will result in a noticeably wider spine.
Each signature can comfortably hold up to ten sheets of standard printer-weight paper. If you are including thicker items, such as greetings cards or an order of service, these will take up more space within the section. As a guide, each thicker piece is counted as two sheets when planning the layout.
Alongside your memory pages, you may wish to include envelopes and blank watercolour paper. Envelopes provide a discreet place to store additional keepsakes, while blank pages offer space for your own reflections, photographs, artwork or handwritten additions. Where your original papers are single-sided, I will thoughtfully position blank pages opposite one another wherever possible, giving you further space to personalise your journal once it is returned to you.
You are very welcome to decide the order of your pages and how they are grouped into signatures, or you may prefer to entrust this to me to arrange in a way that feels both respectful and visually balanced. If you would like to specify the order, please separate each intended signature into its own labelled punch pocket or envelope, placing the papers inside in your chosen sequence and clearly indicating the order in which you would like the signatures bound.
We also have a dedicated Facebook community for owners of Bound by Memories journals, where you can share ideas, photographs and inspiration for personalising your book. I will be adding a selection of simple guidance notes to offer suggestions for continuing to build on your journal over time.
The hardback covers are constructed from premium 2000 micron board for strength and durability. They can be covered in fabric that carries personal meaning, such as a loved one’s clothing. The fabric should be at least A4 in size with a two-centimetre border around all edges to allow for proper wrapping and finishing. As an example, I was able to create five A5 journal covers from my dad’s favourite shirt by carefully using both the sleeves and the body of the garment.
If you would like to choose this option, please send the freshly laundered item along with your selected papers.
Alternatively, if you would prefer the journal to be bound in paper, leather, tartan or another material, please get in touch to discuss your ideas. I will be happy to advise on suitable materials and how best to prepare them for binding.
Additional personalisations we offer
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Embellishing your memory journal at home
Under construction