I began making my own journals this year using a binding technique that I learned from LK Ludwig at the first Journalfest, one of the retreats that Teesha and Tracy Moore used to put on. I believe this binding is based on a Keith Smith. It is so easy to copy by just looking at it that it's become my go to binding.
Every three months or so I get together with a group of women from around the Northwest for a long weekend of art journaling. I painted the canvas boards and bound this journal during one of those weekends.
I had a spare text block bound that I'd decided not to use in another journal I made for a trip last summer. I happened upon a set of garden encyclopedias at the flower and garden show last month that looked like the perfect size so I brought one home with me. Turns out it in fact was perfect.
I'm getting ready for the last Artfest 2012. I hadn't planned on attending until I heard it was the last one. There was no way I could miss the party it is sure to be. I was fortunate enough to get into amazing classes. Two are journal making, one with Orly Avineri and the second with Misty Mawn. LK's teaching a different journal making class there as well. I think Teesha is still accepting registrations for a bit longer.