Handmade journal - for some moments in life there are no words

 “The best time to begin keeping a journal is whenever you decide to.” – Hannah Hinchman

Creating a handmade journal is a rewarding and creative endeavor that allows you to personalize every aspect of your journaling experience. Here are steps to make a basic handmade journal:

Materials Needed:

1. Paper: Choose your preferred type of paper for the pages. You can use blank, lined, or grid paper, or even mix different types for variety.
2. Cover Material: Select a sturdy material for the cover, such as cardstock, fabric, leather, or decorative paper.
3. Binding Material: You can use embroidery floss, waxed thread, ribbon, or elastic cord for binding.
4. Cutting Tools: Scissors, paper trimmer, or craft knife for cutting paper and cover materials.
5. Hole Punch or Awl: For creating holes in the paper and cover for binding.
6. Needle: Large-eyed needle for threading the binding material.
7. Ruler and Pencil: For measuring and marking dimensions.

Once your handmade journal is complete, you can use it for writing, sketching, planning, or any other creative purpose you desire. Enjoy the process of making and using your personalized journal!

So good fun, but very time consuming

I used a empty toilett roll as spine

“Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become.” - Sandra Marinella

“You must remember that your story matters. What you write has the power to save a life, sometimes that life is your own.” -  Stalina Goodwin

Here's a list of prompts to spark your creativity when working on your junk journal:

1. Collect scraps: Gather old magazine clippings, ticket stubs, receipts, fabric scraps, postcards, and any other ephemera you find interesting.

2. Create a cover: Use an old book cover, cardboard, or fabric to create a cover for your junk journal. Decorate it with paint, collage, or embroidery.

3. Document a day: Fill a page with ephemera from a single day in your life—receipts, photos, notes, and mementos that capture the essence of that day.

4. Travel memories: Create a spread dedicated to a memorable trip or vacation. Include maps, brochures, tickets, and photos to document your adventures.

5. Found poetry: Use words and phrases cut from old books, magazines, or newspapers to create found poetry. Arrange the words on a page to create a unique poem or story.

6. Inspiration board: Create a collage of images, quotes, and symbols that inspire you. Use this as a visual representation of your goals, dreams, and aspirations.

7. Gratitude list: Dedicate a page to listing things you're grateful for. Use colorful markers, stickers, or washi tape to make it visually appealing.

8. Nature walk: Take a nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, and other natural treasures. Press them in your journal or use them to create a nature-inspired spread.

9. Dream journal: Use your junk journal as a place to record your dreams and aspirations. Write down your goals, dreams, and hopes for the future.

10. Recipe collection: Create a spread dedicated to your favorite recipes. Include handwritten recipes, cooking tips, and photos of delicious dishes.

11. Doodle page: Let your creativity flow with a page dedicated to doodling. Use markers, pens, and colored pencils to create patterns, shapes, and designs.

12. Memory lane: Fill a page with nostalgic items from your childhood—old toys, school photos, report cards, and other memorabilia.

13. Self-reflection: Take some time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Write a letter to your past or future self, or create a spread exploring your hopes, fears, and dreams.

14. Bucket list: Create a bucket list of things you want to do, see, and experience in your lifetime. Use images, words, and symbols to bring your dreams to life.

15. Random acts of kindness: Dedicate a page to documenting random acts of kindness you've witnessed or experienced. Use this as a reminder of the goodness in the world.

Feel free to mix and match these prompts or come up with your own ideas to make your junk journal truly unique and personal!

 

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
― Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath