Junk Journals









Why Junk Journals??
I was researching something for a book one day, when I ended up down a an internet rabbit hole where I discovered this rather addictive hobby that I like to call scrapbooking on steroids. It appealed to me particularly because I've been collecting antiques and collectibles for years to sell in my shop and I already had a house full of trinkets, baubles, old magazines, vintage maps, books, and more just waiting to be repurposed. It soon became a fun little diversion for when my writing brain needed a break. I dove in head-first and didn't come up for air for months. About seven or eight completed junk journals later, I thought, Now, what? I would like to keep making more, but they were just piling up in a closet collecting dust. So, I made a few for friends, and the rest are available for purchase in my space at Clovis Antique Mall.
What would I do with a Junk Journal?
Well, first and foremost it's a journal, a place to keep thoughts, memories, dreams and paper mementos such as concert tickets, report cards, greeting cards, and more. Whether you keep it for yourself or give as a gift, it will be a treasured keepsake for all time. Also, why should high school yearbooks be the only place we can record fond memories of good times with friends and family? Set one of these on a table at a party, shower, or family gathering and ask guests to add your thoughts or words of wisdom in this Journal. They'll find plenty of blank pages, tags, and cards with room to write, including, if they look closely, hidden spaces that beckon for a secret message. Tell them they're welcome to write anything, anywhere, and/or have some separate paper available they can write on to tuck it into one of the many pockets inside. Imagine what fun you'll have after the party searching through your journal to read everyone's messages!
Theme Journals
These are the top tier of my junk journals. What started as something fun to do soon resulted in an excess of journals I don’t really need for myself. Each one can take weeks to complete. Click on the journal to view a page-by-page preview. Whether you’re interested in one of these to buy, or just want to browse for ideas for your own journal, it’s definitely worth a look. They are so much fun to create!!! You should really give it a try!
Basic Journals
Why not try your hand at making your own personal junk journal? These Basic Journals will let you hit the ground running.
Every basic journal includes:
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Fabric cover with coordinating front & end papers
Front & Back center hole punches for adding closure ribbons
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A variety of inside pages, bound and ready for your personal touch.
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A top-of-spine hook for hanging dangles
- A packet of miscellaneous ephemera to use for embellishing
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NOTE: Dozens of YouTube channels give step-by-step instructions on creating awesomely embellished pages. My personal favorite is The Paper Outpost. Clike on the Theme Journals above for examples of how to embellish your junk journal.
Prices start at $21.98
Mini Junk Journals
My mini junk journals are available exclusively at Clovis Antique Mall. Just the right size to carry in your pocket or purse. $12.49 each.
I don’t keep all available journals at the shop, but I can bring them in or, if you’re not local, I can ship within US. I don’t generally do custom journals, but if there’s a popular theme you’re interested in, and you aren’t in a huge hurry, I can consider making that my next project. Send an email to: Jacque (that’s my name) at this website (alanberybooks.com)
