Junk Journal Tips & Ideas
Junk journals are my favourite thing to make, so expect them to pop up a lot around here. This page contains all of my articles about junk journals. I hope you find something interesting and helpful to read – whether you’re a complete beginner or have been making journals for many years like me.
Junk Journal Basics
If you’re new to junk journals, then this is very exciting news indeed!
I hope you’re prepared to get addicted to this wonderful craft. But for now, have fun reading all about them.
Feeling a little daunted by junk journaling? You’re not alone.
Many crafters love the idea of making a junk journal but feel unsure where to start. That’s exactly why I created my free masterclass!
In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to:
- Upcycle a coughdrop box (or similar packaging!) to make a journal
- Assemble your signatures and bind them in using a 3 hole pamphlet stitch
- Make your journal your own with unique ephemera and embellishments
Tools & Supplies
While you don’t need much to get started with junk journaling, you will need some basic supplies. This section is where I share exactly what you need – and what you don’t need. Say it with me: you don’t need ALL the things! *wink*
Do you find punching holes in your signatures fiddly or awkward?
A bookbinding cradle like the one my husband lovingly designed can make the process so much easier (and faster!)
Use it to hold your signatures steady while you punch your holes, so you can create straighter, neater holes and bind your journals faster with less fuss.
It’s a simple tool, but it can make a big difference – especially if you’re planning to make journals regularly.
Tutorials & How-To’s
For when a tutorial video needs written instructions to go with it!
Want to turn your old and unloved books into beautiful, one-of-a-kind journals?
My online course “From Bookshelf To Beautiful” will show you exactly how it’s done.
Inside the course, you’ll discover my step-by-step process and all sorts of useful techniques you can come back to again and again… from taking apart your books and reinforcing or replacing the spines to binding your signatures in, designing unique covers for your journals and seeing creative ways to make your journal completely your own.
Ideas & Inspiration
If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration for your junk journals, then I’ve got you covered. I’ve made well over 150 journals and folios by now and this section is where I share my most favourite ideas. Have fun browsing through my articles.
Looking for fresh ideas and inspiration for your projects?
Sometimes the hardest part of crafting isn’t making the thing… it’s figuring out what to create next. That’s exactly why I created The Mahalo Clubhouse.
Inside The Clubhouse, you’ll get these fun goodies delivered to your inbox every month so you can keep your inspiration flowing:
- Brand new printable paper collections
- Creative challenges, tutorials and more
- Invites to live coworking calls where we can chat and craft together
It’s like having a cosy little crafting club where new ideas are always waiting for you.
Flip Throughs
You’ll be amazed at just how many ideas you can get for your projects, just from seeing someone else’s completed journal flip through.
Don’t believe me? Check out some of mine and just see what happens…
Beyond Junk Journals
Other fun and creative projects you can make using your junk journal supplies,
such as fabric and paper scraps, books, printable papers and more.
