Art Journaling

In the past few posts, we’ve explored what junk journals are and where to get the ephemera you use to make it pretty. Now, I’ve got some fantastic tips for you on crafting a junk journal, and I’m so excited to share them with you. Grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of junk journaling together.

So, first things first, let’s talk about what a junk journal actually is. It’s basically a handmade book created from a mix of found and recycled materials. Think old book pages, scraps of fabric, vintage postcards, buttons, and even bits of lace. The beauty of junk journaling is that there are no rules – it’s all about letting your creativity flow and making something uniquely yours.

Starting off, you’ll need to gather your materials. This is the fun part because you can use just about anything! Raid your stash for things like old magazines, wrapping paper, tags, envelopes, and even those random bits of ribbon you’ve been saving for a rainy day. Don’t forget to check thrift stores and flea markets for vintage items that add a special touch to your journal.

Now, onto the base of your journal. There are a few different ways you can go about this. One popular method is to use an old book. You can find cheap ones at second-hand stores or use one you no longer need. Carefully remove some of the pages to make room for your additions. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can create your own book from scratch. All you need is some sturdy cardboard for the cover and a few sheets of paper for the pages. Fold the sheets in half, stack them, and sew or staple them together along the fold. Voila, you have a blank canvas ready to be transformed!

Next, it’s time to start adding your collected treasures. This is where your personality really shines through. Think of each page as a mini canvas. You can glue, sew, or tape your items in place. Try layering different textures and materials for a rich, tactile feel. For example, you might glue down a piece of lace, then add a tag on top, and finish it off with a button or a charm. Don’t worry about things looking too perfect – the charm of a junk journal is its eclectic, handmade look.

Another fun element to add is pockets and envelopes. These are perfect for tucking away little notes, photos, or even more scraps of paper that you might want to use later. You can make a simple pocket by folding a piece of paper and gluing it along three sides, leaving the top open. Envelopes can be glued directly onto a page or left loose so they can be moved around.

If you’re into stamping or stenciling, this is a great way to add some unique designs to your pages. You can also try your hand at doodling or writing little quotes and notes. It’s all about making the journal something that brings you joy every time you open it.

One more thing – don’t forget to personalize the cover! Whether you’re using an old book or a homemade one, decorating the cover sets the tone for your entire journal. You can cover it with fabric, paint it, or even collage a bunch of your favorite images and words. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making a cover for your junk journal. It’s like creating the face of your journal, and it’s super fun because you can get really creative with it.

First, you’ll need to decide what you want to use for the base of your cover. You can go with sturdy cardboard, an old book cover, or even a cereal box. The key is to use something that will hold up well as you handle your journal over time. Don’t forget to check out the video posted about exactly how you do this part at https://youtube.com/shorts/baa-LyR6hDc?feature=share

Once you’ve got your base, here are the steps to make a cover for your junk journal:

1. Cutting the Cardboard: If you’re starting from scratch, cut two pieces of cardboard to the size you want your journal to be. These will be your front and back covers. If you’re using an old book, you can skip this step because the covers are already there.
2. Covering the Cardboard: This is where you can get creative. You can cover the cardboard with fabric, decorative paper, or even scrapbook paper. If you’re using fabric, cut a piece that’s about an inch larger than your cardboard on all sides. Lay the fabric flat, place the cardboard in the center, and then fold the edges of the fabric over the cardboard. Glue or tape the edges down on the inside of the cover. If you’re using paper, you can use the same method, but be sure to smooth out any wrinkles as you glue it down.
3. Adding the Spine: If you’re making a book from scratch, you’ll need to create a spine. Cut a piece of cardboard the same height as your covers, and about an inch to an inch and a half wide, depending on how thick you want your journal to be. Cover it with the same material you used for the covers, leaving a little extra on each side to attach it to the covers. Lay the spine flat, and place the covers on either side, leaving a small gap (about 1/8 inch) so the book can open and close easily. Glue or tape the spine to the covers, making sure it’s secure.
4. Decorating the Cover: This is the fun part! You can decorate the cover however you like. You might want to add some lace, buttons, or charms. You could also collage images and words that inspire you. If you’re using paint, go ahead and get artistic with it. Remember, there are no rules – it’s all about making something that you love.
5. Finishing Touches: To give your cover a polished look, you might want to add some corner protectors or reinforce the edges with washi tape or fabric tape. This not only looks nice but also helps protect your journal from wear and tear.
6. Attaching the Pages: Once your cover is ready, you’ll need to attach your pages. If you’ve made signatures (groups of folded pages), you can sew them into the spine. Use a strong thread and a needle, and make sure to poke evenly spaced holes through the spine and the pages first. Another option is to use a binding method like a three-hole pamphlet stitch, which is simple and sturdy. If sewing isn’t your thing, you can use a strong glue to attach your pages, just be sure it’s dry before you start flipping through your journal.

And there you have it! A beautiful, personalized cover for your junk journal.

The best part about crafting a junk journal is that it’s a never-ending project. You can always add new pages, pockets, and decorations whenever you feel like it. It’s a beautiful, ever-evolving piece of art that tells your story in a way that’s totally unique to you.

So, there you have it! Crafting a junk journal is all about letting go of perfection and embracing creativity. Gather your materials, let your imagination run wild, and most importantly, have fun with it. Happy journaling, my crafty friend!