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-
