My Tomoe River paper was just sitting in a corner so I decided to make some inserts for my two A5 Traveler’s Notebooks. In the Philippines, Tomoe River paper may be ordered from PenGrafik.com.
First I had to visit a paper shop two hours away. It was worth it though, they have the prettiest papers! I purchased about a ream of metallic cardstock in different colors. I love metallics because the coating makes it semi-water resistant, and I just love them, period!
![travelers notebooks insert](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_1.jpg?resize=648%2C486)
So many papers!
After selecting my papers ( which came in huge sheets) I waited to have them cut into A4 pieces. i cut them in that size because I use A5 Travelers Notebooks, and A4 folded = A5.
![travelers notebooks insert](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_6.jpg?resize=660%2C495)
A4 sheets of Midnight Blue metallic paper against Tomoe River sheets, which are slightly larger than A4.
My Tomoe River paper sheets are slightly larger than A4, so I have to trim a bit off the sides to make them fit.
![travelers notebooks insert](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_7.jpg?resize=660%2C495)
Trimmed sheets using a rotary cutter.
I personally prefer rounded corners to my papers (so the edges don’t curl as easily), so I use a border trimmer (in this case the Kadumaru Pro).
![travelers notebooks insert](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_8.jpg?resize=660%2C495)
Rounded corner
So now it’s time to make the actual booklets. Carefully ( this is the part where I always mess up) I fold the paper into the covers using a bone knife to flatten the spine. Then I stable bind the spine using my long stapler (it’s specifically for booklets.)
![travelers notebooks insert](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_9.jpg?resize=648%2C864)
Folding into booklet form using a bone knife.
Trim some more (sigh).
![More trimming since there is some overhang between the sheets and the cover](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_10.jpg?resize=648%2C724)
More trimming since there is some overhang between the sheets and the cover
Finally, they’re done! Not the neatest, but I hope to improve and speed up my process with practice. I’ve got lost of paper left to go!
![traveler's notebook insert](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_4.jpg?resize=660%2C495)
All done!
![traveler's notebook insert](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_11.jpg?resize=648%2C486)
Five inserts, many more to go.
This picture shows the metallic covers much better. I love them! Slightly more expensive than regular cardstock, but worth it!
![traveler's notebook insert](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_2.jpg?resize=648%2C491)
Metallic covers! I love them so much. Can’t wait to decorate them with stickers.
![Tomoe River paper scraps](https://i0.wp.com/www.signofthetines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/prestige_inserts_12.jpg?resize=648%2C527)
Tomoe River scraps.
The only problem is, so much waste is generated. Sigh, I hate that! It’s why I use A5 in the first place. Oh well.
That’s my process. I hope to be making more sizes soon.