It was a surprise to get 2 journal covers from one kit. My goal was to use every single item in a Challenge #1 “Happy” Kit. There were just too many items to squish onto one cover so “Happy” 1 and “Happy” 2 were born. Both books measure 5″ x 7″ x 1.5″ and have 50+ pages inside. One Paper Bundle for Mixed Media made them easy to assemble with lots of possibilities.
I plan to create something totally different with another one of the kits. It would be great if you decided to join me!
Several people have asked me the question, “What is a junk journal?”
Why are they called junk journals?
Because they are made of bits and pieces from other projects. It makes all of those miscellaneous leftovers worth a lot more especially when they are combined.
Covers are made of old books, fabric or paper covered foam core board, card stock, quilt pieces, music, maps, file folders, playing cards, placemats, sketch books, diaries, envelopes, or greeting cards.
I have even seen old LP’s made into a junk journal covers. All of these options can be decorated, painted, cut up, or combined.
Pages can be fabric or paper. You can buy kits like this one listed in my shop that contains over 75 different pieces, or you can collect as you find different items.
Even junk mail can be used as it can be painted, folded, or sewn.
Ephemera is added to some or all of the pages. You determine how much you want to embellish.
Your junk journal can have a theme, or be totally random . . . no rules at all!
What do you put in a junk journal?
Here’s a list to get you started:
Daily diary entries.
A place to record ideas and thoughts.
Tape movie tickets, score cards, maps, quotes, and other paper ephemera.
Keep track of goals.
Put photos and notes about a special trip.
Keep track of art techniques.
Guest signing book.
Event Planner.
Garden Planner.
Bucket List Planner
Please comment with your ideas
We celebrate with a red, white, and blueberry pancake breakfast in our backyard. We started 13 years ago with one grill and it has expanded to include families that live along a mile long road.
The amount of homes has expanded and the party grew. This year over 100 people have texted to say they are coming.
Neighborhood friends bring their Blackstone grills to set up next to ours and we cook for a couple of hours.
Each family brings a package of bacon, a bottle of orange juice, a gallon of milk, a pound of butter, or some maple syrup. Young and old, visiting family and friends, sometimes people walking by. . . we say “Happy Birthday America” in a big way.
This is a group of good people who believe in our country. They watch out for each other and contribute with whatever resources and talents they have. It is an amazing place to live – we love it.
The food is great, but the company is even better. It is a wonderful way to start a holiday!
Hooray for the Red, White and Blue or as we do it . . . Blueberry pancakes!
Check my shop to see the patriotic junk journal I just posted.
Celebrate America Junk Journal
“All the trees are losing their leaves, and not one of them is worried.” Donald Miller Facebook post October 16, 2012
My Grandmother had beautiful handmade linens, lace, and doilies. She used them on the backs and arms of her couch and chairs. She put them under lamps and special knick knacks. They accented her china hutch shelves and lined her silver, tea tray. All those years ago, Grandma carried fine linen handkerchiefs with intricate crochet, knit, or netted borders with her initial done in hand embroidery.
Items just like those from long ago are now readily available in baskets at the thrift store. Most of them are in less-than-perfect condition with random stains, loose threads hanging from partially frayed edges, or actual holes in the fabric.
I always rummage through those baskets, and several pieces find their way home with me. They are added to a crazy big collection.
What to do with these imperfect treasures? A wave of inspiration hit me one afternoon and I started cutting, stitching, and combining bits and pieces. I could trim around the stains, cut off the loose threads and stitch over the frayed edges. Fun new junk journal covers emerged from the worn and tattered treasures. Even the smallest pieces found their way onto the pages of the books. Old is new again became part of my life.
As I created, I kept thinking about how seasons change and everything starts over. The blossoms of spring fade, the green leaves of summer turn to reds, yellows, oranges, and browns, and then the branches are bare for a few months. Finding new life for the old, worn, and discarded makes me happy. It was then the idea for Seasonal Details became a reality.
Now the best part . . . I will be putting together themed kits from my stash. Each month (or so), there will be a limited number posted in the Seasonal Details store. These kits can be used for junk journals like I made, or slow-stitch rolls, scrapbook pages, or even cards. The idea is that each person who purchases a kit will post a comment with a photo of their unique creation. Please check out the current listing and join the “Old is New Again” challenge. Challenge #1 is titled “Happy.”
Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Denise
