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There is something special about putting pen to paper. A journal can be a place for big ideas, quiet thoughts, daily lists, or creative scribbles. The best part, it does not have to start perfectly. With a few thrifted finds from your local Goodwill NCW store, you can turn an ordinary journal into something completely personal.
This easy DIY uses a thrifted journal, a thrifted keyboard, and a little hot glue to create a custom cover that feels one-of-a-kind.
DIY Keyboard Journal Project Steps
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Thrifted journal
- Thrifted keyboard(s)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
That’s it. No fancy tools. No complicated steps.
01
Find Your Base
Start by choosing a journal that speaks to you. It can be plain, patterned, new, or gently used. Hard covers work especially well for this project because they give the letters a sturdy surface to stick to.
02
Harvest Your Letters
Next, grab a thrifted keyboard. These show up often at Goodwill and are perfect for creative projects. Carefully pop off the letters you want to use. You can spell out your name, a favorite word, a mantra, or even the year.
Pro tip: Mixing letters from different keyboards can add a fun, slightly eclectic look.
03
Design Before You Glue
Before turning on the glue gun, lay out your letters on the journal cover. Play with spacing and placement until it feels right. Centered words look clean and classic, while off-center designs feel artsy and modern.
04
Glue It Down
Once you are happy with your layout, use hot glue to attach each letter to the journal. Press firmly and let the glue set before moving to the next letter.
05
Put It to Use
Your journal is now ready for whatever you need it to be. A daily planner. A gratitude journal. A creative notebook. A place to write lists, goals, or late-night thoughts.
Why Thrifted DIYs Matter
This project is a great reminder that creativity does not have to be expensive. By reusing items like journals and keyboards, you are keeping materials out of landfills and giving them a second life. Plus, every purchase at Goodwill NCW helps support job training and employment programs in our local communities.
Next time you stop into your local Goodwill, take a look at the office and electronics sections. You never know which future DIY project is waiting on the shelf.
Good ideas start with a blank page. Yours just happens to come with thrifted letters and a story to tell.
Thrift with Purpose
When you shop at Goodwill NCW, you are doing more than finding great DIY supplies. Every purchase helps support job training, employment services, and community programs right here in north central Wisconsin.
Stop by your local Goodwill NCW and see how easy it is to turn everyday thrift finds into something meaningful for your home.
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