Christmas Junk Journal Flip Through & Behind-the-Scenes Info

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Just when I thought I’d made my last Christmas journal, another one came along.

This Christmas junk journal flip through features the intriguing story of how my latest beautiful journal came to be.

And the inspiration behind it is not at all what you’d expect.

Here’s what happened…

“The Night Before Christmas” Junk Journal Flip Through

But before I get into the inspiration for my “The Night Before Christmas” journal, you can watch my video on YouTube to see a complete flip through of it.

❄ Christmas Junk Journal Flip Through: The Night Before Christmas ❄

Watch this video on YouTube

The Inspiration Behind This Beautiful Christmas Junk Journal

When I sat down to make a video that day, I’d planned on upcycling a Christmas-themed children’s book cover into an ephemera or Christmas card holder.

I’d fancied up the cover using pretty scrapbook paper from my stash. I’d added pockets to the inside front covers using coordinating papers. And I’d glued lace along the spine and added a dark blue ribbon closure.

It was at that point that I realised I wasn’t making an ephemera holder. I was making another Christmas junk journal – and a beautiful one at that!

By the end of the video, I was laughing and saying: “Well, it looks like I’ll have to come back and work on this one some more then.”

By the start of the next video, I’d created a signature and bound the pages together with a 5-hole pamphlet stitch.

I then attached the signature to the journal cover with a ribbon binding, so that the signature is removable. I think the dark blue ribbon and bow along the spine look so lovely.

Ribbon binding for my Christmas junk journal

And with that, I was ready to add tuck spots and pockets and other ephemera and embellishments. When I was finished, this little journal became my favourite Christmas-themed one of all.

Taking inspiration from the snowy Christmas scene on the front of the book cover, this journal features wintery pictures and embellishments.

Wintery pages inside my Christmas junk journal

Library pocket inside my Christmas junk journal

It became the perfect project to move me away from the reds, greens and golds of a traditional Christmas project and towards the blues, silvers and whites of a traditional winter project. I guess this journal was meant to be.

If you’d like to see exactly how I made this Christmas junk journal, then I have a two-part video series on my YouTube channel to show you most of the process. I hope you enjoy watching the videos!

The Verdict

While I loved making this beautiful Christmas junk journal, this was the last Christmas-themed project I intend on making – at least when it comes to junk journals.

In fact, I sold ALL of my Christmas papers, trims and other crafting items on my Etsy shop so that I couldn’t change my mind later.

Why did I make this drastic decision?

Because I sell my junk journals, I would need to make and finish Christmas-themed ones in October or November.

And I just don’t work well when I’m not crafting with the seasons. I want to be working on Christmas projects in December and no earlier than that.

This means that – going forward – I’ll only be making Christmas projects for fun rather than for my shop. And you know, I’m totally okay with that.

Discover More Creative Journal Ideas

Junk Journal Toolkit

📦 What do I need to get started?

If you’ve got paper, glue, scissors and something to bind your pages with (like a needle, thread and an awl or pokey tool), you’re good to go! Check out my essentials vs. nice-to-have supply list for more info.

🤯 I’m overwhelmed by tutorials and ideas. Where should I start?

Start with my free Mini Junk Journal Masterclass. It walks you through the process step-by-step. Even though it focuses on a mini journal, the same tips apply to any size journal.

❓ I don’t understand the terminology. Can you help?

Absolutely! My A–Z Junk Journal Glossary breaks down all those confusing terms and acronyms. Jargon be gone!

🪡 How do you keep your binding neat?

I use my bookbinding cradle to line up my holes and avoid punching too far through the pages. Smaller holes give a neater and more secure binding, and I use this thin upholstery thread for a cleaner finish.

🧵 Do I need a sewing machine?

Not necessarily! A basic sewing machine is helpful for making fabric-covered journals, but strong fabric glue can work just as well. If you stick to paper-based journals or folios, you don’t need one at all. I like the sewn look and making fabric-based journals, so I personally use a simple machine (similar to this) that’s lasted me over 10 years – it’s a trusty part of my toolkit.

🖼️ What digital papers do you use?

I use a mix of my own designs and other favourites. You can see examples here. New to digitals? Check out my mega bundle for a big saving on some of my designs or sign up for my Mahalo Clubhouse membership to get brand new digitals sent to you every month.

📜 What’s the best paper for printing digitals?

I use this 100 GSM Presentation Paper for vibrant and high-quality prints.

🖨️ What printer do you recommend?

I love my Epson Ecotank. It’s affordable, reliable and the ink lasts ages. I used to spend £30 a month on ink – now I refill just once or twice a year for under £30. While I haven’t used it myself, some other crafters recommend the HP Instant Ink program.

🖇️ What glues do you use?

My go-tos are Collall All Purpose, Cosmic Shimmer and Beacon 3-in-1. Here’s how I use each one.

📖 What books are best for junk journaling?

I love using second-hand nature and botanical books. Here are some great titles to look for next time you’re thrifting.

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