Junk Journals | Working With Paper

Now that the holidays are over I can finally share these images! I got back into papercrafting/bookbinding after a few years of working with other materials and it was so much fun. These particular journals were created specifically for friends and family; each carried a theme that was relevant to the person receiving it. I now have a ton of supplies (vintage papers, scrapbook papers, book pages, catalog pages, tea-stained pages, washi tape, stickers, ribbon) and I want to keep creating more! These journals are also a way to spread creativity, as they are so versatile. They could be a daily journal, a sketchbook, a goal planner, a photo album--anything your heart desires.

So, here's the process. But let me start by saying that this style of bookbinding was not entirely my idea. There are many artists that upcycle or repurpose papers, and many more that add unique embellishments to their finished books. All of the journals I made have hidden pockets and fold-out pages. They have coloring book pages, vintage sewing patterns, topographic maps, and dictionary pages. Many of the pages are full of interesting images or text, but many are also completely blank. The pockets all hold patterned or blank notecards and scraps of paper to write on. The covers are all repurposed food or item boxes--TV dinners, cereals, taco shells. They aren't as sturdy as traditional bookboards, but they are so much easier to work with. Plus the upcycling factor.

Below is a sample of each individual book. It was hard to choose which pages to photograph, as they are all completely unique. Most of the papers had been hoarded away for years but all of them found their place within the theme of each journal.

I have most of the materials pre-cut and selected for the next round of journals. I'm so excited to share more of these and inspire others to keep creating. Art is so important and so often overlooked. It's also the most accessible practice and therapy--anyone can do it, and anyone can feel good doing it.

#update #junkjournal