Let's Make a Journal

A junk journal is anything but junk. It’s a treasure! It’s heart work, not hard work. It’s creative play at its finest. Anyone can do it.

The beauty of this journal style is there are no rules or limits, and anyone, even those with challenges, can experience the joy of creating. Like me. My vision is far from perfect, and I have only one working eye. I’m thankful for the job the one eye does, but some things are more difficult because I don’t see clearly. These journals are inviting and gracious and are a safe place to explore new mediums and craft techniques.  

You may have always believed you're uncoordinated, not creative, or just not focused enough to make something beautiful. I’m here to challenge you to recognize that's not true.  

Check your stash 

So now that you know you can do this, you’re thinking you’ll have to invest in supplies. Another untruth. You likely have most of what you need to create your first journal already in your stash and other places you might not think to look.  

Basics you’ll need are:      

• glue     
• scissors     
• copy paper     
• scrapbook paper     
• junk mail     
• empty food boxes     
• stapler  

If you want to look a little further, these are also fun:      

• old books     
• fabric scraps     
• paints     
• markers     
• rubber stamps     
• inks     
• paper punches     
• ribbons and trims     
• vintage linens     
• embroidery thread     
• sewing machine  

Inspiration is everywhere 

Once you’ve made a journal or two, you’ll see inspiration everywhere you look. If it’s paper, cardboard, fabric, thread – basically anything flat enough to add to a page or cover – you’ll find yourself hoarding it for your journals. You’ll also find inspiration in the usual places; Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are loaded with it.  

Now that you understand the rules (remember, there are none!), get ready for fun. Be prepared to lose track of time as you follow wherever your heart takes you with your unique book.  

Follow along with me as I make a basic – not boring – journal. I’ll let you look over my shoulder and see how things happen in the Re~Creations laboratory. I’d love to have you!   

I’m happy to answer questions and look forward to seeing your creations. You can post them on Facebook, Instagram, or wherever you hang out. Be sure to add #recreationsjournal to your post so we can all find them.  

To get started, gather the basics and see the next page.   Let’s get this party started!