Laser Engraved Journal

In this instructable I am going to show you how I make my currently favourite gift: personalized laser engraved journals.

They consist of a wood cover and back plate and as you can see in the pictures while disigning them you can let your imagination run wild.

You will need:

• colourful construction paper
• 2 mm ply wood (I used Ceiba)
• spray adhesive
• 14.3 mm or bigger wire binding spines (9/16 inch)
• sanding paper
• wood varnish
• access to a wire binding machine (I used this one)
• access to a laser cutter

• optional: masking tape

Start by covering your wood with the masking tape. This will prevent having smoke residue on the wood. You might not be able to use it, depending on how intricate your design is. The one I made with the story of the Frog Prince wasn't working with masking tape since the letters were too small.

Pick the parts of your design that you would like to cut and the others that you would like to engrave.

I have uploaded the design I used for a DIN A5 journal to this step. You will need inkscape to open it.

Once your design is cut, it is time to carefully clean it. You might have to use sanding paper to get rid of soot.

When you are happy with the look of your design, seal the wood with varnish.

Next we are going to finish the cover. Use a sheet of construction paper that has the same size as your cover and cut binding holes into it, as shown in the first picture. Make sure that the holes match the ones in your cover.

Afterwards apply some spray adhesive to the back of your cover and glue the construction paper to it.

Now you will have to cut the holes into your paper. I used 100 g/m² paper and found out that I could use 50 sheets of paper with 14.3 mm wire binding spines.

Once you are done with cutting all the holes, use the comb on your binder to hold the wire binding spine as shown in the third picture. Afterwards place the papers onto it and then the cover. Last put the back cover onto it. This way the intersection of the spine will later be hidden.

Once you are done, placing everything into the spine you will have to press it close. Make sure to select the correct setting on your machine, before doing so.

Congratulations, you are done!