Junk journal, art journal and collage journals collection

 

"Creativity takes courage." - Henri Matisse

The purpose of art is washing the dust

of daily life off our souls." - Pablo Picasso

Art journals

In this journal I used a acrkylic painting as back cover and the one below as front cover. Very heavy textured.

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas

Collage journals

Journal pages

A Good beginning of a art journal

"The world always seems brighter when

you've just made something that wasn't there before." - Neil Gaiman

"Art is the stored honey of the human soul." - Theodore Dreiser

Junk journal embellishment and tassel 

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home." - Twyla Tharp

"Art is the journey of a free soul." - Alev Oguz

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.

Art is knowing which ones to keep." - Scott Adams

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance

of things, but their inward significance." - Aristotle

These quotes can serve as prompts, inspiration, or reflections in your art journal, adding depth and meaning to your creative expressions.

Feel free to choose the ones that resonate with you most and incorporate them into your journaling practice.

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

Slow stitching - be happy in the moment

Slow stitching can indeed contribute to happiness and overall well-being in several ways:

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engaging in slow stitching encourages mindfulness, as practitioners focus on the present moment and the rhythmic motion of stitching. This meditative quality promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of calm and tranquility.

Creativity and Self-Expression: Slow stitching provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression. It allows individuals to explore different techniques, colors, and textures, and to express their unique artistic vision. The process of creating something beautiful with one's own hands can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Appreciation for Slowness and Simplicity: In today's fast-paced world, slow stitching offers a counterbalance to the constant rush and busyness of modern life. It encourages individuals to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the beauty of simplicity. This mindful approach to crafting can lead to greater contentment and a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

A handstitched pouch for my friend

Shape the Heart: As you bead, shape the heart by adding beads along the outline and filling in the center. You can use larger beads for the outline and smaller beads for the interior to create contrast and definition.

“Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.”
― Mother Teresa

"With needle and thread, I mend not just fabric, but also the fragments of my own heart, stitching together healing and hope."

"In the stillness of slow stitching, I find sanctuary, a sacred space where time stands still and my soul finds peace."

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

"Slow stitching is a gentle rebellion against the chaos of modern life, a reminder to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of creativity."

"Slow stitching is my meditation, my prayer, my way of connecting with the world and myself in a deeper, more meaningful way."

My linktree: https://linktr.ee/janemonicatvedtart

If you want to see my photos on flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/189114409@N02/albums