Keep the Summertime Vibes All Year With These Journals

It’s that time again. Time to head back to school! It’s an exciting part of the year when kiddos get to see their friends every day, participate in after-school activities and wake up early (that’s a good thing, right?). Here at Brit + Co, we LOVE to buy school supplies. Lucky for us, they put that stuff out on the shelves way early. Like JULY. Since we’re not quite ready to let go of summer, we have a back-to-school project that will help carry the summertime vibe over into the school year. How, you might ask? With these DIY journals featuring summertime print covers. We are stoked about these and really think you will be too.

We’re not going to lie; this DIY is going to take a little time and patience, but it will be well worth it when you’re showing off all your homemade journals in class or even at work. Everyone will be asking you where you bought them, and they’ll be shocked when you tell them you made them.

Materials:

– Summer Print Papers (download them here)

– stack of colorful computer paper

– linen thread

– PVA glue

tarlaton or fishnet

Tools:

– cutting mat

– ruler

– X-ACTO knife

– snap-off blade knife

– paint brush

– bone folder

– jewelry saw

– c-clamps

– two pieces of wood

– pencil

Instructions:
1. Stack the papers and tear them in half using the edge of the ruler and pulling them a few sheets at a time. Then stack them with the torn sides lining up.

2. Lay the stack of paper on one of the boards with about half an inch of the torn side hanging over the edge. Carefully lay the other board on top, sandwiching the paper in between the boards.

3. Add the c-clamps at the same time to the sides of the boards and tighten.

4. Saw three divots in the paper with the jewelry saw — one in the middle and the other two about a half an inch in from the head and tail.

5. Apply PVA glue, covering the entire torn edge of the spine and making sure the glue seeps into the divots.

6. Cut three short pieces of linen thread and fit them into the divots in the paper. Apply PVA glue over the linen thread and the spine.

7. Cut a piece of tarlatan/fishnet the length of the spine and press it onto the spine. Apply PVA glue over the fishnet and spine.

8. Let it dry for about an hour, then remove the c-clamps and take the book out of the boards.

9. After all is dry, trim the tarlatan and strings until there is no string sticking out over the sides of the book block.

10. Cut down all three sides of the book to make it 4 x 7 1/2 inches using the snap-off blade knife and a ruler.

11. Find the center of the printed book cover and make tick marks.

12. Line up the spine of the book block in the middle of the cover and make tick marks the depth of the spine.

13. Place the ruler up against one of the tick mark lines and use the bone folder to press into the ruler from the outside of the cover to make a crease. Repeat this with the other line.

14. Lay the book block onto the bottom edge of the inside of the cover with the first and last pages laid out flat. Measure and trace the entire book block onto the inside of the cover.

15. Make a tick mark at the head of the spine. From there, measure 4/16 of an inch above, and cut the top piece of the cover off.

16. Flip the cover over to the printed side and make a mark 3/16 of an inch out from the creased part that was made earlier.

17. Lay the ruler on the tick marks, take the bone folder and press into the ruler from the inside of the book cover. Repeat these steps for the other side.

18. Turn the cover back over and, from the length of the book when it was laid out, measure 2/16 of an inch out. Lay the ruler on the line, take the bone folder and push into the ruler from the outside of the book cover. These are your cover flaps.

19. Measure 3/16 of an inch in from the head and tail of the newly folded book flaps and, using an X-ACTO knife, trim a diagonal line from 3/16 of an inch to the top of the fold. Repeat this on all four corners.

20. Cut off 2/16 of an inch on the front and back pages of the book block.

21. Erase all the tick marks on the inside and outside cover.

22. Apply PVA glue to the spine of the book block, and place into the folded book cover. Let dry for at least 30 minutes.

Find the middle of the stack of loose papers, and make a mark.

Stack all of the papers together to make sure the torn papers are going to be even.

Place the ruler in the middle of the stack of papers and hold with a firm hand. Begin tearing 2-3 sheets of paper at a time.

Pro tip: Pull the pages towards you and place the ruler at an angle to ensure a more even edge.

Stack all of the pages together — this is the beginning of your book block!

Stack and make sure all pages are even on the torn side of the book block. Place the book block on one of the boards with about half an inch of the torn side handing over the edge. Sandwich the block together with the other board and apply the clamps, tightening at the same time as best as you can.

The key here is to make sure that all of the pages are even toward the rough edge so that the book doesn’t come out slanted. Don’t worry about the three other sides, because those will be trimmed off once all is dry.

Saw a divot in the middle of the book block with the jewelry saw. Make sure the divots are deep enough to fit the linen thread.

Saw half an inch in from the head and tail on the book block and once again make sure that it is deep enough for a piece of linen thread.

Apply PVA onto the spine, making sure to soak the glue into the divots.

Cut short pieces of linen thread and push them into the divots.

Paint the PVA onto the spine, covering the strings and the spine.

Cut off a piece of tarlatan (we used fishnet) the length of the spine and place it on the spine. The tarlatan is used to make sure that the book block stays together and that there are no lose pages. Since we didn’t have tarlatan at the time, we used fishnet, and it worked just as well.

PVA time again! Paint the glue over the tarlatan or netting and allow it to dry for an hour. At this point, go outside and enjoy the last few moments of summer before school starts back up.

After the book feels dry, remove the c-clamps and set aside the boards and clamps.

Trim the excess string and netting so that there is barely any sticking out over the sides.

Cut off the top and bottom edges of the book block with the snap-off blade knife to make it even. Because our book cover is 8 1/2 x 11 inches, we made our book block 4 x 7 1/2 inches to give us plenty of room for the book flaps. We measured half an inch from the tail in and half an inch from the head in to give us 7 1/2 inches in length.

Cut off the long side with the knife to make the width of the book four inches.

Flip the book cover over to the non-decorative side and find the middle point of the cover. Make a tick mark.

Place the spine of the book block onto the center of the cover and measure and trace the depth of the spine of the inside of the cover. Take the ruler and re-draw the depth lines to make them even and easy to follow.

Place the ruler on the line and push the bone folder up against the ruler from the outside of the book cover. This is going to make a rounded crease that will help make up the gutter of your book. Repeat this step on the other side.

Lay the book block on the inside of the cover with the first and last pages laid flat. Measure and trace the book.

Mark the head of the spine, and then make a second mark that is 4/16 of an inch above the head of the spine. Cut off the top portion of the book cover.

You’re almost done making your very own journal! Awesome, right?

Flip the book cover over so that the decorative side is facing up, and measure and mark 3/16 of an inch out from the folded lines. Remember the ruler and bone folder fold from a few steps ago? We are using it here again. Place the ruler along the new marks and firmly press down while using the bone folder to press into the ruler from the inside of the cover.

Turn the book cover over with the inside facing up. Find the line where we measured out the full length of the book, and from there measure out 2/16 of an inch on each side. Once again, take the ruler and firmly press on the new line. Press into the ruler from the outside of the cover with the bone folder. These are the flaps of the book.

On each corner of the book flaps, measure in 3/16 of an inch and cut a diagonal line from the top of the crease to the 3/16-of-an-inch mark.

Measure and cut 2/16 of an inch on the first and last pages of your book block. These are the pages that are going to fit inside the newly folded book flaps.

Paint the PVA to the gutter of the cover and the spine for extra strength, and push the spine into the gutter of the book. Allow the book to dry for at least 30 minutes or until it feels dry.

You made a book! This DIY is a great idea for carrying all your summer dreams into the fall.

Follow the tutorial to make the other two summer printed books and start a party in your backpack.

Summer can now live year ’round.

Get the Supplies

Words to live by and to *rule* the school. Get all of these in our Brit + Co shop plus tons of other back-to-school goodies. Basically this ruler defines you and it’s only $7. Feeling down in the dumps? This pen ($14) set is sure to brighten your day on those pop quiz days.


Credits:
DIY Production + Styling: Brittany Griffin
Photography: Chris Andre
Design: Rosee Canfield

What are your favorite summer prints? Do you think you’ll make these DIY journals? Take pictures and post them using the hashtag #iamcreative.

If you've been on the internet at all this week, you've probably heard about some totally invasive paparazzi leaking Sydney Sweeney's backyard bikini pics — and her incredible clap back to all the trolls body shaming her in the comments. After the actress showed off her resilience & her muscles in a training video from her new Christy Martin biopic (and celeb BFF's like Glen Powell weighed in), she took things to the next level by posting some spicier selfies from a rooftop in NYC.

Sydney Sweeney's latest spicy selfies prove she couldn't care less about her bikini body shamers.

Sydney Sweeney (almost) bares all in new Instagram selfies.

"rain rain go away," Sydney Sweeney says in a new Instagram post, which already has 3.4 million likes. The carousel of photos includes Syd standing on a rooftop in New York City (where it has been raining recently) wearing jeans and a brown-and-cream colored Miu Miu cardigan. The Housemaid actress also clutches a brown leather Miu Miu purse boasting plenty of charms.

I have to call out one of my favorite comments on the post, which comes from Sydney's hairstylist Glen "Coco" Oropeza and says, “It’s 68 degrees, and there’s a 30% chance that it’s already raining,” referencing one of the most iconic lines from Mean Girls (which is what his Instagram username references too!)

"hopefully your sunshine will push those clouds the f out 😍," another user commented, hyping up Sydney's positive response to all those internet trolls.

And her friends totally have her back.

Sydney's post came four days after she responded to body shamers with an intense training video from her new Christy Martin biopic — and more than one past costar supported her in the comments.

Isabela Merced, who starred with Sydney in Madame Web, said "The thing is these people would never say it in person. Too scared. But if they ever did? best believe it’s hands 😘, while Syd's Anyone But You star Glen Powell commented, "You’re such a bad—ss. This movie is gonna be 🔥."

Sydney and Glen got super close on the Anyone But You set, and formed such a strong connection that they fooled the entire internet into thinking they were having an affair. But in real life, they're just BFF's!

"I wanted to make sure that we were actively having a conversation with the audience as we were promoting this film," Sydney told The New York Times. "Because at the end of the day, they’re the ones who created the entire narrative."

"Once [the movie] did become a success, a lot of the interviews were just questions about [the rumors], so I don’t know if we necessarily were planning on ever talking about the strategy behind any of it," Sydney added in her 2025 Vanity Fair Hollywood story. "We just had very specific questions and when you say no to a question, people think that you’re a b—ch, so."

Check out the latest news on Sydney Sweeney's insane new thriller Eden, with Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, and Ana de Armas.

Life comes at you fast when you're in love, while you're juggling career goals, pets, babies, friends, family, and whatever else folded in to your very, very filled cup. One minute you and your spouse can't enough of each other, but then time passes and you might start to feel like you're roommates. "Ugh, what is that about," is a question I used to ask when my own relationship's spark felt like tiny embers amongst our ever-growing responsibilities. Licensed psychotherapist Lucas Saiter, LMHC, owner and director of Manhattan Therapy NYC, says, "It's crucial for couples to acknowledge periods of disconnection without judgement."

According to him, you can start "by having an open conversation about feeling disconnected" which is a "positive step" in the desired direction. But, he wants this to happen during "a calm moment" instead of "during a conflict or when there are distractions."

The ultimate goal is for "each partner" to feel like they have "the opportunity to express their feelings openly and honestly, using 'I' statements to avoid blaming, while the other partner actively listens without interrupting or getting defensive," according to him.

TK ways to renew your marriage when you're busy checking off your to-do list

Your marriage isn't doomed because you feel like it's gotten off track. Saiter says, "Rekindling the spark in a marriage goes beyond physical intimacy; it's about creating emotional closeness and shared experiences. Couples can focus on deep, meaningful conversations that go beyond the day-to-day logistics."

1. If you don't cook often, surprise your spouse with their favorite dinner recipe.

cottonbro studio

Saiter says you or your spouse "can make time for small gestures of kindness and thoughtfulness, like cooking" each other's "favorite meal." We don't know everything, but we're aware that home-cooked meals mean a lot to some people. Eating out is fun, but seeing someone put time and effort into a meal for you feels more personal.

2. Allow your partner to sleep in while you handle bank runs, grocery shopping, and other chores.

Michael Burrows

One of the other ways to each other's heart is "...running errands to show love and appreciation," according to Saiter. This can look like letting your partner rest while you handle early morning visits to the bank or grocery store before traffic picks up on the weekend.

Setting aside time for shared hobbies or interests can also be incredibly rejuvenating. For instance, taking a class together, whether it’s cooking, dancing, or photography, can help in discovering new aspects of each other and create fun, shared memories.

3. Sign up for a dance or photography class together.

cottonbro studio

If you've been thinking about taking a cooking, wine, dance, or photography class together, now's the time to do so! Saiter says, "Setting aside time for shared hobbies or interests can also be incredibly rejuvenating." Before you roll your eyes because you think you and your spouse don't have anything in common anymore, take a step back to remember what it was like when you were dating.

You probably went on different dates like going to the bowling alley, visiting a pumpkin patch, or even taking a candle class together for fun. Doing this again "can help in discovering new aspects of each other and create fun, shared memories," according to Saiter.

4. Verbally share why you're grateful for each other.

Andrea Piacquadio

Yes, it's time for you and your spouse to remember why you chose to exchange vows. "...practicing gratitude by regularly expressing appreciation for each other's qualities and contributions can strengthen the emotional bond and bring back the warmth and closeness," Saiter says.

You can tell your partner you appreciate the times they've sensed something was wrong and knew just what to say to cheer you up. Also, you could simply thank them for remembering to take out the trash without you having to ask.

There's no rulebook that says expressing thanks for each other has to be elaborate and drawn out. It's just something to help you remember how much you see each other.

5. Set aside time to hold hands or cuddle everyday.

Pavel Danilyuk

If you or your spouse are experiencing a drop in your libido, physical intimacy be hard to navigate. Saiter says, "Overcoming a 'dry spell' requires open communication and a willingness to explore underlying issues." As difficult as it may be, don't be afraid to express concerns because "there are many feelings and unsaid wants underneath the 'dry spell,'" he adds.

Doing something as simple as "prioritizing physical, non-sexual touch" is one way way Saiter believes can help you and your spouse become close again. You do things like "holding hands, cuddling, or sharing a long hug," to add a little spark back to what you had.

6. Pencil in date nights.

Jep Gambardella

How many times have your or spouse asked, "Who has time for date night?" Wait, we don't want to know because chances are one of you have said it one too many times to count. Saiter says, "Planning regular date nights or weekends away can also help break the routine and create a sense of adventure in the relationship."

Communicating and being open to trying new things in the bedroom, like role-playing, using toys, or trying new positions, can also reignite the spark and make things exciting again.

You can also try revisiting places or activities that were significant earlier in your relationship to evoke nostalgic, passionate feelings and remind you both of your deep connection.

7. Let your adventurous side show in the bedroom.

Andrea Piacquadio

If one of you are comfortable initiating sex again, let your fun side call the shots. However, Saiter wants to make sure you're "communicating" before surprising your spouse. "...being open to trying new things in the bedroom, like role-playing, using toys, or trying new positions" is one of the ways he thinks you can reconnect behind closed doors. It's all about finding safe ways to "reignite the spark and make things exciting again," he shares!

8. Revisit the place you fell in love with your spouse.

Taylor Thompson

If you remember the exact time and place you knew your spouse was the one, Saiter suggests revisiting it to "evoke nostalgic, passionate feelings and remind you both of your deep connection." Whether it was at your local pizza parlor, the park, or even at a place like Disney World, find your why again.

My spouse and I are doing great after incorporating these tips, but how can we stay consistent?

Ba Tik

Saiter says, "Life gets busy, but it’s crucial to carve out time for each other. Treat it like any other important appointment—block off time in your schedule for date nights, family dinners, or just time relaxing together." Maybe you think it should sound so simple, but it is. Like Saiter says, you have to prioritize your marriage just like you do everything and everyone else.

Ways to help you do so are limiting "distractions by putting away phones and other devices" to "talk about your dreams, unwind together or simply enjoy each other's company," he adds. Still struggling?

"It might also be helpful to look over your daily responsibilities together to make sure the workload at home is shared fairly. Building a strong and fulfilling relationship takes effort and commitment. By prioritizing your partner, communicating openly, and making time for each other, you can strengthen your bond and reignite the spark," Saiter suggests.

All in all, Saiter believes "seeking couples counseling can be a great step toward getting the conversation flowing," if you and your spouse are still having trouble finding the spark in your marriage.

Visit more of our stories about relationships for dating, friendship, and family tips!

Picking the perfect name for your baby can feel like a mix of excitement (it's a big deal!) and pressure. You want something you love that feels unique and also has some meaning — but you haven’t even met the little person whose name it will be for the rest of their life?! Plus, you and your partner have to agree on a name, which can make the whole process feel daunting.

Before we even knew we were having a girl, my partner and I struggled to agree on boy names. But naming my daughter was surprisingly easy. That was settled on our first date — Matilda was a name he had always loved and I came to love it too.

If you’re still on the hunt for the one, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 75+ baby names set to trend in 2025. According to Baby Center, this year’s big inspirations come from pop culture, sports, and celestial themes. Music-inspired picks like Chappell and Kendrick are climbing the charts, while sports stars Caitlin and Travis are making waves as top contenders in the babe department too. Ready for some fresh baby name ideas? Let’s dive in!

The Top Trending Baby Names

Jonathan Borba

Andie

This cute name, from the Greek name Andreas, means "strong" or "manly" but I also think it makes a great feminine name (Andie MacDowell, anyone?).

Apple

Apple Martin's debut in Paris may have sparked baby name buzz inspired by the symbol of love, beauty, and wisdom.

Arlette

This combo of French words meaning "lion" and "of God" conveys something fierce, as well as divine protection.

Arthur

Arthur has multiple meanings, including "bear-like" (cute), "of honor," and "strong man."

Aurora

This mystical name means "dawn" in Latin. It also has Sleeping Beauty vibes.

Yuri Shirota

Beckam

"Beck" means "brook" while "ham" means "home." Either way, it's a strong name from soccer + Spice Girls fame.

Billie

Billie Holiday or Billie Eilish, you've got good role models covered. This British and German name means "protection," and it's short for William or Wilhelmina.

Boden

Bode comes from the Old Saxon word bodo meaning "messenger."

Bodhi

This very spiritual name means "final enlightenment," or your way to Nirvaṇa.

Colin Maynard

Caitlin

This popular name, thanks to WNBA player Caitlin Clark, is derived from the Gaelic term caith, meaning "pure."

Carmen

Wine lovers? This name means "garden" or "vineyard."

Casey

"Brave" and "vigilant" are words that make up the gender-neutral name Casey.

Chappell

Chappell was an Old English name meaning “one who works at the chapel," but it can also mean a safe space for friends and family.

Rene Terp

Circe

For those who loved the book Circe, the origins of this name make sense: a feminine name of Greek origin meaning "to secure with rings" and a symbol of feminine strength and individuality.

Cove

This sensory name can mean "bold" and "courageous." It's a great one for coastal lovers!

Crew

The name Crew signifies unity and collective strength.

Raul Angel

Edgar

Edgar comes from the Anglo-Saxon words meaning "rich or prosperous" and "spear."

Eclipse

Astrology lovers might lean into this name that signifies seeking change and ushering in evolution.

Elodie

This French name means "wealthy" or "riches."

Emir

Emir comes from an Arabic word for "commander" or "prince."

Emrys

This gender-neutral Welsh name means "immortal."

Pixabay

George/Georgia

These classic names comes from the Greek word georgos, or earth worker, and are inspired by the dragon-slaying knight Saint George.

Goldie

Goldie means "gold" and cues visions of the lovable actress Goldie Hawn.

Anna Shvets

Hallie

A variant of the name "Hayley," this actually ancient name is short for the word "Hallelujah."

Hazel

In Celtic lore, Hazel is associated with "wisdom" and "inspiration."

Holden

This Anglo-Saxon name means "deep valley," and may have originated from places with the same name around England.

Hollis

This gender-neutral name from medieval England translates to "near the holly" or "one who lives by the holly tree." Might be fun to plant a holly tree when they're born!

Hugo

This Germanic name means "mind," "intellect," "thought," and "heart." All good things.

Vika Glitter

Isaiah

This masculine Hebrew name means "salvation of the Lord."

Ivy

A simple three-letter name, this name implies fidelity (so v. loyal) and eternal life because of the plant's gorgeous green color.

Daniel Reche

Johanna

This name has origins in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin and means "God is gracious."

Jolie

This sweet French names comes from the word joli, which means “pretty” or “agreeable.”

Juniper

Juniper, or Juni for short, represents "hope" and "warmth."

Juno

Hailing from the Latins, Juno means "queen of the gods" and "youthful," and was the inspiration for naming the month of June. Due date, anyone?

Polina Tankilevitch

Kai

In Hawaiian, Kai means "sea."

Kendrick

From Old English words meaning "bold" or "brave", Kendrick can mean "bold ruler."

Kira

The feminine form of the name Kir, means "mistress" or "ruler" and the masculine form means "a beam of light."

Kit

Kit actually derives from the names Christopher and Katherine and means “bearing Christ,” or "pure."

Dobromir Dobrev

Lorelai

Gilmore Girls fans will love this Germanic name meaning "alluring" and "enchantress" or "sorceress."

Lottie

This English name means "free."

Louise/Louis

The name Louise means "famous warrior" and is the feminine version of the name Louis.

Luna

Meaning "moon" in Spanish, Luna is often associated with mystery, beauty, and femininity.

Tim Bish

Margot

Inspired by our favorite Barbie, this French name means "pearl."

Mateo

This Spanish name, a version of the English Matthew, means "gift of God."

Miller

Miller means someone who grinds grain and operates a mill, but it's also very cute.

Lawrence Crayton

Nash

I also love Dash, but this name of English origin means "by the ash tree."

Nova

Inspired by the astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright light, this name can mean "new" star.

Joshua Reddekopp

Opal

This gem is a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

Otis

Music lovers, this masculine name means "wealthy" and can be associated with prosperity.

Otto

Otto is a masculine name of German origin that means "wealth" or "prosperity."

Ozzy

Ozzy is a shortened version of names like Oswald or Osborne, and has a connection to a deity or divine entity.

Kelly Sikkema

Palmer

Palmer is a name meaning palm bearer or pilgrim, inspired by Christian pilgrims who traditionally carried the palms.

Paloma

The Spanish word for dove, Paloma is associated with peace, love, and spirituality.

zelle duda

Raphael

This classic name of Hebrew origin means "God has healed."

Rain

Rain can mean life, growth, and renewal, but it can also represent sadness, loss, and despair. Let's go with the positive association.;)

Remi

Meaning "rower" derived from Latin, this name can also mean "God comforts me."

Riley

"Courageous and "valiant" are words that come to mind for Riley.

Ripley

For The Talented Mr. Ripley (AKA Jude Law) fans, this gender-neutral name means "meadow" or "clearing" and it goes back as far as the 12th century!

Rocky

Cue the Rocky theme song, this name is often associated with strength, resilience, and a steadfast nature.

Walaa Khaleel

Sabrina

The Celtic word "saber" means "water," which may be the origin of this name.

Saoirse (pronounced "SEER-shə" or "SUR-shə")

Made popular in places other than Ireland by Saoirse Ronan, the Irish female name means "freedom" or "liberty".

Santiago

This name combines the Spanish words santo, meaning "saint", and Iago, a variation of the name James.

Scottie

This Scottish name literally means "from Scotland" or "Gaelic speaker".

Sol/Soleil

Sol is the Spanish word for "sun," as is Soleil in French.

Stone

Cool, calm, and collected (like a rock) is the essence of this British name.

Lawrence Crayton

Tate

Happy baby! This English name means "cheerful" and it's gender-neutral.

Teddy

This masculine name of French origin means "wealthy protector" or "God's gift." (I'm seeing a trend here.)

Travis

Our girl's favorite guy is getting baby-name popular with this Old French word meaning "to traverse" or "to cross".

Pixabay

Van

From the Old Dutch word van, this cool baby name means "from the marsh."

Veda

This girl's name of Sanskrit origin means "knowledge" or "wisdom".

Viviana

This Italian name means "alive" or "full of life." Vivi for short!

Juan Encalada

Warren

Warren can mean "to protect" or "guard."

Walton

This masculine name of English origin means "town of walls" or "city of streams or wood."

Wesley

This English name means "western meadow".

Wilder

Wild child? This name means "untamed" or "wild," and also eager or enthusiastic. I can totally picture Wilder climbing everything!

Jonathan Borba

Zaida

This Arabic name, generally for girls, means "fortunate," "prosperous," and "abundant."

Zara

This pretty name means "blooming flower" or "radiance."

Zephyr

This gender-neutral name comes from the Greek word zephyros, which means "gentle breeze".

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