What is a Junk Journal? Junk Journaling 101 for Beginners
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Today I realized I am e'er talking about junk journals, but really haven't taken the fourth dimension to properly introduce what 1 is and what it can be used for or even how to brand one footstep-by-step yet. This post volition hopefully set up that problem. 🙂
In club to give junk journaling information technology'due south proper due, this mail service today will dive in deep on everything you always wanted to know about junk journaling for beginners.
Here's what we'll explore in this post:
- What it Means to Junk Journal
- Means to Utilise a Junk Journal
- Nuts for How to Make Junk Journals
- Overview of Bookbinding Methods
- Summary of Dissimilar Junk Journaling Techniques
First Things First: What is a Junk Journal?
Like art journaling, at that place is no "one size fits all" definition for what a junk journal really is.
Junk journals tin vary from person to person, but information technology mostly most of them exercise share one primary characteristic: The journal is made with mostly a mix of found and recycled materials.
At present, what the journal is used for and the purpose of the junk journal itself of course will vary greatly from person to person!
Many people will even call information technology a junk journal because information technology is a mash-upwards of all the "junk of life", which we talked a little scrap most in my mail service on the Junk-to-Joy Gratitude journals.
For some people, myself included, a junk journal is sort of like that junk drawer in your kitchen – it has a footling fleck of everything and annihilation!
The Official Junk Journal Definition
Of course, finding an "official definition" is not completely possible, since information technology is not in the dictionary of grade, but I've tried my best to get a definition that sums information technology up as clearly in ane sentence as possible.
Junk Periodical: A book which is ofttimes fabricated through found and recycled materials to be used every bit a way to collect and record memories, thoughts, ideas, and inspiration.
This is a petty bit of a generic way to sum it all upward of course, only I think information technology does explain it clearly for those who may have no thought what a junk journal might exist.
This is the general definition I use when I effort to explain a one thousand thousand times the differences between scrapbooking, art journaling, junk journals and planners to the non-crafty people in my life.
five Ideas for Ways to Use a Junk Journal
Since a junk journal is a mash-up of all sorts of things, naturally everyone uses their journal differently and enjoys their own unique process in creating it. If you are curious for some ideas on ways to use a junk journal, there are lots of great ways to make it work for you.
1. Utilise it equally an Everyday Journal
An everyday journal is just what it sounds like – information technology'due south a journal you use for the everyday stuff of life. Information technology's 1 of those journals where pretty much everything and anything might end upward in it.
You can also collect and display ephemera from the daily things you exercise – maybe a sleeve from that loving cup of java you lot enjoyed with a friend or a tag from something you bought.
These types of junk journals are a great way to remember different things from life. Information technology'south a fun manner to document and call back all those picayune moments that make life big.
In a way, it sort of becomes a daily scrapbook for many people, simply of course you lot tin can always include things like written journaling, notes or to-do lists.
2. The Junk Journal Planner
Another corking way to use a junk journal? As a planner!
I am one of those people who is e'er has my brain in "to-do list mode". I also tend to LOVE all the lilliputian planner-craze stickers and washi tape and papers – and then information technology is actually a win-win to use a junk periodical in this fashion because information technology feeds my stationary-newspaper-sticker-obsessed part of self.
You lot can choose whether to keep the periodical in calendar format, or just make information technology a fun fashion to explore ideas and keep track of projects you are working on.
3. Brand a Memory Book
A memory book is a book that showcases the life and memories of a person. This is a bully manner to use and brandish personal paper ephemera like altogether cards, ceremony cards, ticket stubs, etc.
Yesterday we were going through some old things in our garage when we stumbled across an unabridged box of these things from my husband's belatedly grandmother he had been saving for near a decade at present. It had a lot of beautiful onetime vintage cards, paper scraps from when they traveled, receipts from things they bought, stuff like that.
We didn't even know this box existed, but since stumbling upon it I am definitely planning on making a pretty book to display these things.
Having all those footling scraps of her life in the garage collecting dust certainly does not practise any of these things from her life justice. By making a junk journal retentivity book, we tin can have a nice book that tin exist shared with the whole family as a special way to remember his grandma.
And one time I go the first ane done, I volition definitely be doing this with my parents.
4. Personalized Souvenir Idea
Junk journals make for a super personalized and creative gift to give to someone, peculiarly for those sentimental types of moments like holidays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries – merely fifty-fifty just for fun.
Of course, this relies on the recipient understanding and affectionate the journal – merely it definitely tin can exist a great idea.
For case, a few Christmases agone I made a holiday junk journal for my mother in law who is also an artist and somewhat of a paper collector like me.
It makes me so happy every Christmas to see she'due south added more and more than to it each year.
5. As a Theme Volume
Another smashing way to do these junk journals is to give them a specific theme. If you look at our art journal theme ideas list in that location are tons of ways you can make a book have different subjects or surround a central theme.
For example, yous could make one that is all things flowers and gardening, or make one that has a theme from a certain story or volume like Alice in Wonderland. These themed journals can exist a ton of fun to get through and see all the different little things.
Of grade, these are but a couple of ideas. You tin do annihilation in a junk journal, only like you lot would with an art periodical. In fact, you lot can even use a junk periodical as an art journal!
Junk Journals as Fine art Journals
I dear creating mixed media junk journals as an fine art journal. It'due south all the more fun for me to combine tons of different paper scraps and ephemera with my favorite mixed media supplies like acrylic paints, gesso, watercolors and more.
Many of my junk journals are as well part art journal. I love using those "messed upward art pages" equally a base for new pages in a new journal.
How to Brand a Junk Journal
Hopefully I will accept a take chances to update this with a full video tutorial for how to brand a junk journal in these next few weeks. For now I volition go through the basic steps of everything you need to practise to go started!
Step ane. Choose a Subject field/Purpose
Y'all don't take to have a specific theme, but information technology does assist to sort of decide what purpose the journal will serve when you outset get-go. This gives you a little bit of a place to focus. I think i of the big reasons a lot of people don't jump right into junk journaling is because it is sort of overwhelming with everything all at in one case!
Having a focus tin assistance narrow downward the overwhelming choices. For example, if y'all pick a theme like "flowers" you tin hands put together everything that is flower and garden related.
You don't have to start with a super specific focus at showtime. Don't worry, the purpose can be full general: "To brew-up any paper ephemera I happen to find in this box" – or information technology tin be very specific "To do something with all those papers of my grandparents in the attic".
Step two. Choose a Volume Binding Method
There are TONS of great book bounden methods for making a junk journal. There are basically four methods that are most popular.
Sewn Book Binding: With sewn binding, you lot will really be stitching the papers into the embrace of the journal. There are many, many different sewn binding techniques and ways to sew in the papers.
You lot tin see how we make a junk journal using a simple pamphlet sew together in our Upcycled Blue Jean Journal Tutorial.
Binder Rings Method: This is a very beginner-friendly manner of binding a book together. For this method, all you lot need are a few binder rings and a good pigsty dial. Dial holes in the paper, insert the binder rings and you are set up to go.
Where practise you lot get binder rings? I've found the best place to get binder rings is online at Amazon, such as this set of 70 count assorted rings. They are also sold at office supply stores and craft stores merely y'all can't usually notice equally skillful of a value. An added bonus? 70 binder rings will go on you very, very busy creating for a long fourth dimension! That'southward enough to make anywhere from twenty-35 books. 🙂
My No-Stitch Elusive Perfect Periodical Method: I don't really know if this method has an official name, simply it is similar to Midori traveler's notebooks. Yous tin can see an example of it shown to a higher place. It is super simple, you can reposition all of the pages, and no sewing or hole punching is necessary. This is why I phone call it the "elusive perfect periodical" – and you can view the full junk journal binding tutorial with video hither.
Altered Book Method: The concluding method is to simply apply a notebook or book that already exists and alter it to work as your junk periodical. This takes a little prep piece of work, but definitely is a viable selection, particularly if you don't really desire to get into binding your own periodical.
You can apply any kind of journal, book or notebook as a base – and and then just fill it upwardly with whatever types of things you desire! I take a pocket-sized obsession with composition notebooks, but of course you can utilise anything. If you are using an quondam book and might paint in it, you may also desire to check out our tips for how to change a book.
The good news? You tin try all of these methods with multiple journals. Just selection 1 which sounds similar the most fun or i you can do easily correct away and start!
Last updated on January 24, 2022 12:38 pm
Footstep 3: Collect the Supplies, Tools & Materials
The best office near junk journaling is y'all really don't take to purchase a single art supply to make one. Of course, yous tin can always invest in some great tools similar a paper cutter or basic bookbinding kit, but there are enough of ways to make practice with what you already have.
In fact, I would even argue stretching your creativity with what you already have is all part of the fun!
Hither are Some Basic Ideas for What to Gather
- Paper Ephemera of Any Blazon:See our Junk Periodical Supplies List and get on a scavenger hunt effectually your business firm!
- One-time Books {See how I shop for used erstwhile book here}
- Book Bounden Supplies
- Gum and Record
- Scissors / Newspaper Trimmer
Brand a big pile. 🙂 And of course, if you need ideas for means to organize all that paper ephemera, nosotros've got you covered on that ane, too.
See how I organize my collage supplies for some applied tips and the vocalization of experience sharing wisdom on why you should not make 10,000 piles of newspaper all over your bed, ha.
Stride iv: Assemble/Ready the Base of the Book
This footstep will largely depend on the method of book binding yous choose. If you lot volition be making your ain journal, this footstep volition mean preparing a encompass and cutting down the base papers.
If yous are using binder rings, you'll probable want to punch some holes into the papers at this step, or if you lot are sewing the pages together this is where you would do that.
If you're already starting with a journal or existing book as the base of operations, in this pace you will probably want to do some bones prep work, similar removing pages if necessary or calculation bookbinding tape to reinforce the binding.
Step 5: Fill That Journal Up!
Every function of this process is fun for me, only this is where the existent magic starts to happen! This is the step where you begin to fill upward all of the pages with the unlike ephemera and items you've collected.
Some people similar to continue their pages very organized, almost like a filigree way of layout – while others simply just follow their mood and intuition and do whatever feels right.
It'due south completely up to yous the types of layouts and designs you create within the pages, but one thing is for certain: Pile on those layers!
Layering is what gives each page a lot of interest and depth. In full general when layering I like to start with large items outset, and so begin to add in the medium and smaller in pieces.
You can also accentuate nearly whatever page with different things like stickers, stamps, ribbons, lace, former costume jewelry charms, etc. If it'southward flat, it can fit into a periodical!
Junk Journal Techniques to Explore
While the concept of "glue in some pictures to a piece of paper" is pretty basic and uncomplicated, there are also a TON of different techniques yous can explore in making these books. Basically it's a junk journal – then there are no rules and accept fun with it!
These are those little tips & tricks that are going to give it a petty scrap of that wow factor and take people oooh-ing and aaah-ing and saying things like "that's so clever" when they look through the book. Of course, I don't typically make journals with the purpose to impress anyone with my mad paper-hoarding skills, only it is ever a squeamish added bonus when you lot practise get lots of compliments. 🙂
Here I will get over some unlike techniques that assist add that wow-factor.
one. Add Pockets to Your Pages
I love pockets, because it is a great way to give the book some special hidden elements. You lot can brand pockets in all sorts of ways, such as with envelopes, tags, etc.
If I'm making the junk journal equally a gift for someone, I love to add in these pockets and put in little trinkets inside. This could be things like hot chocolate packets, gourmet tea, etc. – or heck, fifty-fifty an actual gift menu – just make sure yous recipient knows it'southward there to use and enjoy!
2. Say Goodbye to Perfection: Use Varying Paper Sizes and Shapes
Not every slice of newspaper needs to exist the exact same size and shape. Layer with different smaller pieces of newspaper, or even use papers that have crazy shapes. This once more but builds on the depth and interest in the volume.
For my Type-A personality friends, the different sizes and shapes of paper tin be maddening to them. Information technology's okay if you take the majority of pages the same size – but don't go caught upwardly on trying to trim every single newspaper into these perfectly identical rectangles.
Embrace the imperfection and know that is role of the process and is what gives each and every journal information technology's own special touch.
3. Bring Out the Stamps
Stamps can exist used in tons of fun means in the journal. You can use image stamps on blank papers or you can merely use the ink pads themselves to add some color to the edges of the pages. If you already take stamps, corking, employ those – Do Not Buy ANY MORE STAMPS.
{Side thought: Has anyone started a Arts and crafts Supply Hoarding Anonymous Group nevertheless? Where can I find a local chapter meeting near me?}
Hopefully you already take stamps, merely if you don't, the all-time way to buy them is used. Most of my stamps were bought used, so while they are a footling beat up they piece of work for me!
While y'all tin become away with used stamps, fresh ink is typically usually a must. For ink, I love distress inks like this set up of minis from Tim Holtz.
And of course, if you lot watch for sales, there's tons of bully rubber postage sets on Amazon. Don't discount the kid'due south stamps sets either. That'due south a great way to get a lot of nice images without breaking the bank.
Information technology's also sometimes helpful to check out the daily deals department for arts and crafts supplies on Amazon – I've institute some pretty cracking things that way.
four. Brand information technology Personal
While at that place are enough of gorgeous junk journals out there, many to me seem to exist over-the-elevation-generic. What actually makes a junk journal special is when it shows a piffling chip of personality behind the creator {or the recipient, if yous are making one equally a gift.}
For this reason, it's always a good idea to add in some things that give information technology a little personality. If you love something and information technology makes you happy or reminds you of something happy, you should do it.
Don't keep something out of a journal simply because it'due south not "expected" or "doesn't make sense to everybody". If this means you smash up a moving picture of Snoopy with the Queen of England, because it reminds you of that ane fourth dimension you were watching a Peanuts marathon with a friend from Britain and that makes you happy to think of that memory, merely practice it.
5. Don't Exist Afraid to Impress Things Out
While a junk journal often uses recycled and found materials, it is 100% OK to print stuff out if information technology perfectly fits your theme or focus for the periodical. You tin type up quotes, print out photos of your own, or fifty-fifty find free public domain photos similar the one shown in a higher place to use in your journals.
For case, for a Halloween themed altered board book junk periodical shown below, I didn't have a lot of Halloween themed items. So, the majority of the items in the book are printed out from diverse places online. {See my mail on best places to find free printable ephemera if you need some sources!}
Too, earlier this year nosotros got i of those Epson Eco-Tank inkjet printers, and information technology has been a game changer for usa for printing things out. While I would still very much love a color laser jet printer, the advantage of the Eco-Tank printer is you don't have to buy or refill ink all the time.
The printer we take is the Epson EcoTank 3700. Information technology'southward awesome. I love it. Information technology's still going strong. I can impress 11,200 pages before I fifty-fifty have to think about changing the ink – and the ink is very, very economic besides.
Epson Expression ET-3700 EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-1 Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier and Ethernet
$ane,099.00 in stock
equally of January 24, 2022 12:38 pm
Features
- Epson strongly recommends the use of Genuine Epson inks for a quality printing experience. Non Epson inks and inks not formulated for your specific printer may cause impairment that is not covered by the Epson warranty.
- Cartridge-free printing - comes with upward to 2 years of ink in the box (1).
- Includes plenty ink to Print up to xiv, 000 pages black/11, 200 color (2) - equivalent to about thirty ink cartridge sets (3).
- Save up to 80 percent on ink with low-cost Replacement bottles (4) - Plus easy-to-fill, supersized ink tanks.
- Load newspaper less often - 150-sheet paper chapters.
Of grade, yous don't have to buy a printer just for junk journaling. I only couldn't take it anymore spending $100 or more than every few months for ink. This printer eliminates that problem, because even when it is time to refill 11,200 pages later it is still cheaper than what I was paying for other standard printer ink cartridges.
Maybe in that location are some junk journal purists out at that place who don't concur, simply I effigy $40 to impress out 11,200 pages is a lot more eco-friendly and budget friendly than buying anything new. I see press out images equally a perfect way to utilize what I have – a super economical and powerful printer – as role of the artistic junk journal procedure.
The Epson Eco-Tank also prints on card stock like a dream, no paper jams, and you lot can do double-sided printing if y'all wanted. 🙂
6. Mix Up The Manner You Add in Tabs, Clips, Bookmarks and More
Another thing I think that really brings a lot of dimension and fun into junk journals is adding in trivial details like tabs, newspaper clips, book marks, and more.
I love using folder clips and paper clips to tuck different papers in. Staples can besides be a nice easy mode to add in depth and layers. And of class, don't even go me started on my love for washi tape …
At whatsoever rate, it's nice to have some variety in the unlike ways you can add together things in. Don't limit yourself to just using a mucilage stick!
vii. Other Fun Ideas & Junk Periodical Techniques
Of form, there are lots of other fun things to effort and explore in your junk journals. A couple of other things you can expect into:
- Making Popular-Upwards Book Style Pages
- Adding in Run into-Through Windows
- Coffee and Tea Paper Dyeing
- Distressing Paper With Sandpaper or Sad Tool
The possibilities are unlimited! Don't be afraid to experiment and try some dissimilar things that you lot call back you might like to attempt. Information technology'southward only newspaper. 🙂
Recommended Books and Resource
When information technology comes to making junk journals, in that location are some fantastic books and online classes.
Craftsy BluPrint: Think of this like the Netflix for artists and crafters. It's really an amazing resource and in that location is so much inspiration to exist found. They accept tons of videos on painting, scrapbooking, journaling – but too lots of other things also, like cooking and cobweb arts.
Stash & Blast: This book by Cindy Shepherd is such a fun volume, and even if you are experienced and know a lot of the techniques already, it'due south such a fun and cute book to look through.
Bound by Erica Ekrem: This a book that goes over the nuts for some popular bookbinding techniques. I similar the book has some nice diagrams for references, especially if there'due south a specific blazon of bounden yous want to practise only can't remember the exact stitching steps. If you are a beginner, you may demand to supplement with a video, especially if you lot are more of a kinesthetic manner type of learner.
I promise this overview of Junk Journaling 101 for Beginners is helpful for you. And of course, if y'all ever have whatsoever questions, feel free to ask any time in the comments section below or in our Facebook community group. 🙂
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Source: https://artjournalist.com/what-is-a-junk-journal/
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