Tim Holtz Ring-Bound Junk Journal: Flip Through & Ideas
If you’re like most people, when you think of a Tim Holtz junk journal, you probably think of something that’s dark and grungy and perhaps just a little bit weird and wacky.
You probably rarely think of soft colours and lots of lace.
But that’s how I interpreted my Tim Holtz ring-bound junk journal last year.
My friend Mandy (known as SunflowersAndDors on YouTube) kindly sent me Tim Holtz’s 12×12 “Memoranda” scrapbook paper.
And I was instantly struck by the gorgeous pinks and blues on some of the papers!
I’d always wanted to try making a ring-bound junk journal and this paper was perfect for my project.
Here’s a “behind-the-scenes” look at how my journal took shape.
Tim Holtz Ring-Bound Junk Journal Flip Through
The “Making Of”
As I mentioned before, it was the pinks and blues within Tim Holtz’s “Memoranda” paper pad that inspired me to make this beauty.
I made the cover by upcycling an old book and then I created a unique collage full of vintage ephemera, paper scraps, lace and bling to go on the front.
With a ring-bound junk journal, you have more freedom than usual to create unique and interesting pages, which is the main reason why I wanted to make one.
From giant tag pocket pages to pages made from junk mail and envelopes, I had a lot of fun making this one.
Many of the page ideas were inspired by other crafters I’d seen on YouTube, including:
- Mandy from SunflowersAndDors
- Tania from Tatty Treasure
- Julie from Camelia Crafts Designs
- Alison from Craftyalicreates
Each of these fabulous crafters have made wonderful ring-bound junk journals in the past and I thoroughly enjoyed adapting their ideas to suit the style and theme of my own pretty ring-bound junk journal.
I also had fun coming up with a “story” as I made the journal.
By the time I was ready to film the flip through, I’d invented an aristocratic woman called Lady Charlotte Holtz and this journal became her scrapbook full of mementoes, memories and musings from her life.
If you’d like to see how this journal came together, then I made a series of videos to show my process. Here’s the complete playlist. I hope you enjoy watching my videos.
The Verdict
So, would I make a Tim Holtz junk journal again? And will I make another ring-bound junk journal? Yes. And Yes.
I’m going to use the “Wallflower” paper pad for my next Tim Holtz project, but I don’t yet know when this will be or what it’ll look like.
As for my next ring-bound junk journal, I want to make one inspired by daisies and bees. Hopefully, I’ll make that one later this year, so watch this space!
Discover More Creative Journal Ideas
- 21 Junk Journal Cover Ideas To Inspire You
- 10 Junk Journal Page Ideas To Inspire You
- 15 Junk Journal Tags & Journal Cards To Inspire You
- 10 Easy Junk Journal Pockets: Ideas & Tutorials
- Easy Junk Journal Embellishments: 20+ Examples & Tutorials
- 8 Ways To Use Junk Journal Embellishments (With Examples)
- 10 Junk Journal Binding Ideas & Tutorials To Inspire You
- 19 Hidden Journaling Ideas To Keep Your Writing Private
- 35+ Types Of Junk Journals You Can Try Making
- 14 Creative Things To Do In A Journal Or Notebook
- How To Keep Pressed Flowers In A Journal (7 Easy Ideas To Try!)
- 17 Fun & Festive Christmas Junk Journal Ideas
- 52 Junk Journal Prompts To Help You Write In Your Junk Journal
- Join My Free Facebook Group
- Check Out The Mahalo Clubhouse Membership
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.
