J is for Junk Journal

11th day of April in the A to Z Challenge

J is for JUNK JOURNALS

When I chose to take part in the A to Z Challenge for the month of April, I wanted to have a theme that I wrote on for the 30 days. The theme I chose was crafting. 

Sticking with the crafting theme and the letter J, I chose Junk Journals...where do I even begin? The sky is the limit on these in the world of paper crafting. It's the creator's creations coming to life on pages of old books, cardstock, old papers, anything really. There is no rhyme or reason. That's why they are called Junk Journals. 

the cover of a Steampunk Junk Journal I made

The finished junk journal without the closure

another angle of my Steampunk Junk Journal

Sometimes though, when I see an elegant journal - and YES, there are many out there in the crafting world - I cringe because to me, they don't look like a junk journal. When I think of 'junk journal' - the first thing that comes to mind are those things I would discard. Things that don't serve a purpose. Things that well...really doesn't make sense. 

The definition of a JUNK JOURNAL -  a handmade book made up of recycled items such as papers from magazines, brochures, patterned paper, music sheets, envelopes, packaging, brown paper bags, maps, greeting cards, postcards, doilies, to name a few. The book covers can be made from cereal boxes, old book covers or any hard cardboards. 

There are many wonderful tutorials and videos out on YouTube. Pinterest also has some wonderful pins as well. 

I'm a member of many Junk Journal FB groups. At first, when I joined one of these groups, I was very intimidated by what I saw. Their creations were amazing. I knew I had to learn how to make these amazing journals and that's what I did. I started watching videos and tutorials and then began making journals. 

I've had one on one swaps with people where we would set a theme (usually a theme that the recipient would like). For instance, if someone was going to make me a junk journal - the theme might be violins, music notes, classical music, genealogy, travels, butterflies, birds, trees, wind chimes, etc.) Once the theme is decided upon, the creator goes to work incorporating things from the theme...

I've made junk journals out of cereal boxes as well as other boxes from the pantry. I've used thick chipboard and old books found in a thrift store or at garage sales. 

Junk Journals are so much fun to make, and they make wonderful gifts for people. 

I have included photos of a junk journal I made during a swap a few years ago. This was in the beginning when I was just learning how to make them. The paper line I chose was by Graphic 45. I love working with their paper lines. Most are double-sided and usually, there are additional sets that can be purchased such as chipboard items, die cuts, and sticker sheets to finish out your project with. 

You can use any type of paper you'd like. Honestly, you can anything you want. Regular book pages will work. You can dye them with inks, coffee, tea or juices. I wrote a blog on that for the letter D. Check it out if you missed it. Any scrapbook paper will work. 

Most of my junk journals are 8 1/2 x 11 - this way, if you use copy paper that has been dyed or even notebook paper - more than likely, they will fit in the journals just fine with little to no trimming involved. If I did need to trim down the pages though, I use my Fiskars Paper Trimmer. 

I use a variety of adhesives in my journals. Tapes, wet glue, and hot glue are a few that I use.

Double-sided tape is a must. I always keep a variety of sizes on hand. There's nothing like being in the middle of a project and running out of adhesive!!! NO, NO, NO. LOL - - I've also used Scor tape, too! 

There are many different brands of Wet Adhesives on the market, but I have a few that are my go tos. They are Aleene's Tacky Glue, Fabric Tac, and Art Glitter glue. (no glitter in it, just the name). When I replenish my Art Glitter, I usually buy the refill bottle and extra tips. The tips help with the longevity of the glue as it doesn't take much on the pages.

Occasionally, I use my hot glue gun. I'll use the hot glue gun when I'm working on a page that has a lot of chunky embellishments, I've found hot glue works best. Don't forget the glue sticks if you are going to use a hot glue gun. I have several different hot glue guns in my inventory. (multi heat, high and low heat, large and small glue guns). 

Washi tape can also be used in junk journals. I've seen people secure their junk journal pages into the books with Washi tape. I've used Washi tape on pages in my journals. These days, washi tape can be found in all sorts of retail stores. 

Stitching can also add another element to a junk journal. I was elated when I received a sewing machine for Christmas a few years back. I love sewing lace, fabric and the pages in my journals. In the photos below, you will see that I sewed a great deal in that journal. I incorporated a lot of lace into it. 

Have I said, "Junk Journals are fun to make"? I think you get the picture. There are no wrongs. It's up to the individual and how they envision it. I've made Steampunk journals, Shabby Chic ones, Vintage ones, and, themed ones. 

In most of my journals, I include pockets, tuck spots, pull out pockets, tags, miscellaneous tidbits, ephemera, charms, flip-ups, and flip outs, and occasionally I will incorporate waterfalls into them as well. (I'll be talking about them when we come to the letter W.) I also add a lot of ephemera pieces. Some of which I make into tags, or fillers. I also use the ephemera loosely in my journals. 

Now that you somewhat know what a junk journal consists of...c' mon - try making yourself one. 

Cover of the Apple Orchard junk journal

a look at it standing up

laying down

back cover

a tag in my journal

this has a tuck spot in the heart

one of the pages I made

a page in my journal

a pocket out of lace and a napkin glassine bag I made

a belly band type holder and tag on the page

a tuck spot on the page

another view of a page, see the laces

I incorporated a small bag to hold things on this page

more lace and see the stitching

a pocket tag I made. I loved this one!!!
The girl is Julie Nutting mixed media cling stamp.

more pages for journaling or photos

another tuck spot using a brad and a doily

another page

lace pocket

tags and a tuck spot

loved these pages 

trim, a card, and doily pages

this page opened up

another pocket with pull outs

another page

another page

lace pocket with a shaker tag in it

tuck spot

I've always heard, one man's junk is another man's treasure...I'm always finding things in thrift stores and garage sales that can be incorporated into junk journals! 

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