Which is now a writer junk journal:
To make this journal I first tore out half the pages (more on what I did with them later in the post) and used the remaining pages as foundations for some interesting specimens from my paper recycle bin. I covered each page front and back with old calendar pictures, junk mail, cutouts from magazines, old photos and postcards, trimmings and other discarded bits. I framed each page with some decorative paper tape left over from last year's massive art project and added a few pockets, tags and little envelopes throughout for writing and saving notes.
I didn't plan anything or go with a particular theme, which made it fun to assemble. Once I had the pages refurbished I made a quilted cover for the journal out of a damaged quilt block. I'm still figuring out how I want to fasten it together so for now I just have a strip of muslin tied around it:
As for the pages I tore out, I trimmed off the binding tatters, cut them into strips and chunks of various sizes and tucked them into an envelope I mounted in the back. These will come in handy when I want to write a note about something to add to the pages:
A junk journal can be used for whatever you want to note and save. I think they're a great way to journal small because with the lined pages covered you won't feel pressured to fill them up with writing. You can add a few words or a note to any page, or just tuck something into one of the envelopes. I'm going to use mine for magazine clipping, articles, take-out cookie fortunes and other little things that would otherwise get lost in the shuffle.
This was a good practice project for me, too, as it's the first junk journal I've ever made. Working on this little journal has given me a confidence boost to try my hand at a more ambitious project: transforming this old beauty into . . . well, you'll just have to wait and see.
These are so beautiful! They definitely do not look like junk but have a story to tell. Happy first of Spring!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Na. I don't know who came up with the junk name but I like to think of them more as art/keepsake books. Junk is a shorter name, though. :)
DeleteThat looks like fun! Definitely going to have to try this one as well.
ReplyDeleteYou can customize them for writing projects, too, Anna. I'm thinking of doing a couple more with a Disenchanted & Co. theme so I can save all my series-related bits.
DeleteYou made a boring pad into a beautiful piece of art. I'm happy to think I can start working on something tonight now that my new sewing machine has arrived - I can't wait to play! Wish me luck ..
ReplyDeleteThat's terrific news -- I hope you're sewing like mad, Fran. :)
DeleteThis is beautiful and it sounds like so much fun to make! I'm definitely going to try this!
ReplyDeleteVery easy, too -- you don't have to get complicated, just grab a glue stick and an old magazine and go to work. :)
DeleteGiving this a go! Looking forward to just giving into the junk and seeing what beauty comes from it! Cheers for this!
ReplyDeleteNot planning the theme made me less inclined to be perfect, Ann. In my case that is very necessary, lol.
DeleteI love this. It's fun and different and will hold so much. I do want to ask though, did you use one page per decoration? Or did you use a couple together with the edges taped with the paper tape. I only ask because I'd be afraid single pages would pull out too easily. Then again, I'm a little hard on my notebooks.
ReplyDeleteI didn't use any heavyweight materials, Theo, so one page worked fine as a foundation. If you want to use cardboard or something heavier I think two or three pages glued together would make a sturdier foundation.
DeleteLooks amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, BB. :)
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