A few years ago I took a bookbinding class and just couldn’t stop. I kept looking at pieces of paper and fabric thinking, “That would be a good book cover…” Among my favorites were the seed packet books. We’re a family of gardeners so we always have seed packets lying around. Sometimes I like the retro ones like the marigold packet above but there are also a number of seed companies that have started using beautifully illustrated and designed seed packaging. The Seed Saver Exchange offer both high-quality seeds and beautiful packaging. This is the best time of year to find seed packets because most retailers are just getting their gardening supplies in.

This is not an archival book, it’s rather a fun, quick journal to give to friends. If you’re not a book making fan you could always laminate or decoupage a seed packet onto a plain journal.

If you have some bookmaking experience and want to make one yourself, here are some measurements that will save you a bit of time. Many seed packets are 4 ½” x 3 ¼” so I cut the board at 4” x 3 ½” . This gives enough room to use bookbinding fabric on the binding without covering up the seed packet on the front and back. A signature of 7” x 3 ¾” will work well and the end papers measure 3 7/8” x 3 ½”.