Junk Journaling Archives : The Artistic Divas World

My Junk Journal is done. Now What?

Leave a Comment / Art, Collage, creativity, journaling, Junk Journaling, Multimedia Art, self care, Therapeutic benefits of art / admin

Junk journal making is one of those creative pastimes that once you discover it, you wonder how you ever lived without it. If you’ve never heard of junk journaling, let me take you on a little journey into this wonderfully eclectic and liberating hobby. So far here on this blog, we have talked about making these journals here and creating a cover here. Now we check out what we putinto one of these journals and then what do we do with it when we are finished.

So, what exactly is a junk journal? Imagine a journal, but instead of just writing, you fill it with all sorts of “junk” – like old ticket stubs, pieces of fabric, magazine clippings, pressed flowers, doodles, and just about anything else you can think of. It’s a way to recycle and upcycle materials that would otherwise be thrown away, turning them into something beautiful and meaningful.

Once you’ve created your junk journal, the possibilities for what to do with it are endless. Some people use it as a traditional journal to jot down their thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences. Others use it as a scrapbook to preserve memories. It can also be a fantastic space for planning, organizing ideas, or even as an art journal where you can practice different techniques and styles without the pressure of creating something “perfect.”

One of the most significant benefits of working in a junk journal is the stress relief it provides. There’s something very therapeutic about cutting, gluing, and arranging pieces into something new and beautiful. It’s like a hands-on meditation that can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood. Plus, since there are no rules, you don’t have to worry about making mistakes – it’s all part of the process.

Working inside a junk journal is like entering a judgment-free zone. You can let your creativity run wild without worrying about whether or not it’s good enough. Each page is a new adventure, and you never really know where it will take you.

This personal space for self-expression allows you to document your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a way that’s uniquely yours. It’s also a great way to practice gratitude by collecting and displaying little things that make you happy or that you’re thankful for.

Another positive aspect is the opportunity for self-discovery. As you work in your journal, you might find yourself exploring new themes, techniques, and ideas that you hadn’t considered before. It’s a safe space to experiment and grow creatively.

But what do you do with a junk journal once it’s full? Once a junk journal is full, it becomes a beautiful time capsule of your thoughts, experiences, and creativity. Some people like to go back and reflect on their completed journals, seeing how their art and ideas have evolved over time. It’s like a personal archive of your journey.

You can also share it with others if you’re comfortable doing so. It can be a wonderful gift to pass on to someone special, giving them a glimpse into your creative world. Some even choose to display their completed junk journals as a piece of art in their home, adding to the décor and serving as a conversation starter.

Another option is to use it as a reference for future projects. The techniques and ideas you explore in one journal can inspire new works. Plus, flipping through a finished journal can reignite your creative spark if you ever feel stuck.

Junk journaling is about enjoying the process and letting go of perfection. It’s about celebrating the little things, experimenting without fear, and finding joy in the unexpected. So, if you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, and fulfilling creative outlet, junk journaling might just be the perfect fit for you.

Start collecting little bits and pieces that catch your eye, grab a blank journal, and let your creativity take over. There are no rules, no right or wrong ways to do it. Just have fun and see where your imagination leads you.

If you are still on the fence, here are a few videos to watch to see what I am talking about:

https://youtu.be/l_Ao6z0FQ_4?si=wWseg0dtbMVUdSGvhttps://youtu.be/C0B0foKjNQk?si=L8Va-p05RMutKO9Ohttps://youtu.be/rSz1eImRfvU?si=KUEer0uNu_PRhmgthttps://youtu.be/xSegjt4aVto?si=zW5tSasiAsqQs9t-

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Junk Journal: the Cover and the Book Itself

Leave a Comment / Art, Collage, Crafts, creativity, Junk Journaling / admin

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.

ephemera 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!

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Junk Journaling: Finding ephemera to use

Leave a Comment / Art, Art Journaling, artistic style, Collage, creativity, Junk Journaling / admin

Since we just talked about how to make a junk journal last post, now let’s talk about what you will use to fill it up and make it pretty. Junk journaling is like going on a treasure hunt where every little piece you find can tell a story. You can use almost anything to create your journal.

First off, you might want to start with the basics, like old book pages. These can be from old novels, dictionaries, or even children’s books. The older, the better, as they tend to have that lovely vintage look. To use them, you can simply tear them out and fold them to fit your journal. Sometimes, I like to distress the edges with a bit of ink to give them an even more aged appearance.

Another great addition is postcards. Whether they’re vintage or modern, postcards add a unique touch to your junk journal. If you don’t have any on hand, you can always print out images of old postcards and give them a bit of wear and tear with some sandpaper or coffee staining.

Speaking of coffee, coffee-stained papers are a classic. You can take plain printer paper, soak it in a mix of coffee and water, and then let it dry. It gives the paper a wonderful aged look and even a bit of a crinkly texture, which is perfect for adding character to your junk journaling.

Then there are ticket stubs and receipts. These are fantastic for adding a touch of real life to your journal. If you don’t have any, you can create your own by printing out templates from the internet and cutting them to size. A bit of scrunching and tearing will make them look like they’ve been through some adventures and will make your junk journaling so much fun.

Don’t forget about fabric scraps. Little pieces of lace, denim, or even an old shirt can be sewn or glued into your journal. They add texture and a tactile element that’s really satisfying. Just cut the fabric into small shapes or strips, and you can sew them onto the pages or glue them with a bit of fabric glue. Strips sewn to the edges of your pages make junk journaling pretty and individualize your work.

Buttons and beads can also make your journal pop. You can sew buttons onto the cover or pages, and beads can be strung on threads to create cute little charms that dangle from the spine of your journal. If you’ve got some old jewelry lying around, even better! There are many videos to show you how to do this, and your junk journaling will be fun to show off.

One of my personal favorites is using magazine cutouts. You can find so many interesting images and patterns in magazines. Cut out anything that catches your eye and glue them into your junk journal. It’s like creating your own little collage art pieces.

And, of course, don’t overlook the humble sticker. Whether they’re store-bought or hand-drawn, stickers are a fun way to add personality to your journal. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make your own stickers by drawing on sticker paper or printing out images and cutting them to size.

Lastly, think about using washi tape. This decorative tape comes in all sorts of patterns and colors and is perfect for adding borders or securing smaller pieces of paper. It’s also great for adding a pop of color without being too permanent, since washi tape can usually be repositioned. Try adding washi to the edges of pages, or just pop pieces anywhere for a bit of color and texture on the page.

Remember, the best part about junk journaling is that there are no rules. It’s all about using what you have on hand and letting your creativity flow. So, gather your materials, get your hands dirty, and most importantly, have fun with it.

If you don’t really have anything on hand to use for a junk journal, although I truly doubt it, there are a myriad of sites where you can download free printables to use for junk journaling. There are even sites that sell ephemera to be used in junk journals. So, there really is no reason to put it off unless you cannot truthfully find 5-10 minutes a day to work on one. Happy junk journaling!

If you still need more information, here are some articles to get you started:

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Junk Journals: What exactly are they?

3 Comments / Art, Art Journaling, artistic style, Collage, creativity, creativity, Junk Journaling / admin

This post, I want to explore a different type of art. I want us to look at junk journals and see what they are, how to make them, what to do with them, and why you should have one. We cover all sorts of other types of art information on this blog and you can reference a few here and here and here. Now let’s see what all the fuss is about these junk journals. Have you ever even heard of them before?

If you’re a creative soul like me, they might just become your new obsession. A junk journal is a handmade book created from a mix of found and recycled materials. Think old book pages, magazine clippings, fabric scraps, postcards, and even packaging – basically, anything you might typically toss out or overlook. These journals are a playground for your imagination, a place where the only rule is there are no rules. Sounds intriguing, right?

So, why do people use junk journals? Well, the beauty of a junk journal lies in its freedom and flexibility. There’s no pressure to make things perfect. It’s about embracing the imperfection, the randomness, and the uniqueness of each piece. For many, junk journaling is a form of therapy. It’s a way to unwind, to disconnect from the digital noise, and to reconnect with the tactile joy of creating something with your hands. Each page tells a story, each layer adds depth, and every addition is a little piece of your world captured on paper.

Let’s talk benefits because there are plenty! For one, junk journaling is a fantastic way to recycle and repurpose materials. Instead of buying expensive art supplies, you can use what you already have. It’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly – a win-win in my book. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about turning what some might see as trash into a treasure.

If you need to see more about how-to or why-to, here are a few links to more information about junk journals: https://artjournalist.com/what-is-a-junk-journal/ and https://compassandink.com/how-to-start-junk-journaling/ and https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/what-is-junk-journal-37360775.

But beyond the practical benefits, junk journaling is a wellspring of creativity. It encourages you to see the beauty in the mundane and the potential in the discarded. When you’re not confined to traditional art supplies, your creativity can truly run wild. You might start to see a cereal box as the perfect cover for your next journal or a piece of junk mail as the perfect background for a page. It’s all about perspective and possibilities.

no rules junk journal

For artists, junk journals can be a game-changer. They provide a low-pressure environment to experiment with new techniques, to play with color and texture, and to develop your style. There’s no fear of “ruining” a precious sketchbook because, in a junk journal, there’s no such thing as ruining. Every mark, every collage, every bit of ephemera adds character and richness to your creation.

Feeling inspired yet? Good! Because starting a junk journal is as easy as it is fun. Gather some materials – anything goes! Find an old book to use as your base, or create your own pages from scratch. Let go of any preconceived notions about what a journal “should” look like. Remember, this is your space to play, to explore, and to express yourself.

Begin by gluing, taping, or sewing pieces onto the pages. Layer materials, add notes or doodles, paint over sections, or leave them as they are. Let each page evolve organically. Don’t overthink it – the magic happens in the spontaneous moments.

So why not give it a try? Whether you’re an experienced artist or someone who’s never picked up a paintbrush, junk journaling offers a refreshing, liberating experience. It’s a chance to slow down, to appreciate the little things, and to let your creativity flow without boundaries. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

In a world that’s increasingly digital and fast-paced, junk journals are a delightful reminder of the joy of handmade, the beauty of imperfection, and the endless possibilities that lie in the simplest of materials. So grab those scraps, start gluing, and watch your creativity take flight. Happy junk journaling!

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