Make a Mixed-Media Boho Journal with a Beaded Spine

If you love colour, texture, and a bit of laid-back style, a mixed-media boho journal is a super fun project. It’s part art piece, part personal keepsake—and unique. Here’s a simple guide to creating your own.

Gather Your Goodies

Gather a variety of papers, including old book pages, scrapbook scraps, watercolour sheets, and coffee or tea-dyed papers. You can also use brown paper bags if you like their appearance. For the spine of your project, select some decorative beads—these can be wood, glass, or ceramic. Additionally, make sure to have some waxed linen thread or a strong cord on hand.

Play with the Pages

Boho style is all about mix and match, so don’t worry about perfect edges or matching colours. You can also tear your paper instead of cutting it for a more relaxed vibe. Stitching little fabric scraps right onto the pages adds a lovely handmade touch.

Craft the Cover

Use thick chipboard, recycled cardboard, or an old book cover for the base. My go-to is 2-3mm bookboard. I also save all the hardboard backings from watercolour or sketch pads I buy. These are great for book covers. Wrap it in fabric or patterned paper and rough it up a bit if you like a worn-in look. You can add lace, dried flowers, or a few charms for personality, then seal it with a matte medium if you used paper, or Scotchgard if using fabric to protect your work without losing the texture.

Bead That Spine

The beaded spine on the boho journal is the real showstopper. Punch holes along the spine edge of your cover and folded page sets (called signatures). Sew them together with pamphlet stitch, slipping beads onto the thread as you go. Mix big and small beads for a cool, eclectic feel. Add charms with bulb pins for boho flair.

Finishing Touches

Slide in pockets or envelopes to hold tags or journal cards. Wrap a ribbon or leather strip around the whole thing to keep it closed and add to the free-spirited look. The best part of a boho journal is that nothing has to be perfect. Every bead, brushstroke, and scrap is a piece of your own creative story—making a journal that’s as individual as you are.