Upcycled Junk Journal Folio Flip Through & Ideas

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Are you looking for an example of a junk journal folio? Read on to see my flip through video of a folio I made recently, which was completely upcycled! Isn’t it beautiful?

The Inspiration & Story

For many years, my favourite pastime has been upcycling, which is probably yet another reason why I love junk journals so much.

One of my Christmas presents last year was a fold-out planner. It had sticky notes, a to-do list and a policy envelope inside.

So, what was my first thought?

Why, upcycle it, of course!

I knew instantly that I wanted to turn it into a flip-out folio of some sort. But I was already in the middle of a couple of projects (a winter junk journal made from sweet wrappers and this gorgeous wedding junk journal), so I put this particular project on the backburner.

Until I reached an incredible milestone on my YouTube channel – 1000 subscribers!

Once I’d gained over 900 subscribers, I started thinking of what kind of giveaway I could do once the 1000 figure rolled around. I wanted to celebrate hitting my milestone and to say thank you to everyone who’s supported me on this journey.

I remembered the planner and thought “That’s it! That’s the one! That’s the project!”

Although the project didn’t quite go according to plan (I’d initially wanted to have a franken paper notebook inside the folio), the rest of the project far exceeded my expectations.

Franken paper junk journal covers — *Two franken paper journal covers, which will now be used for something else*

I loved this project so much as it gave me the chance to make lots of ephemera for it from genuine trash/junk. I used junk mail envelopes, a leftover part from a board game, a Terry’s Chocolate Orange box and much more! See how I made the pieces below in this video.

Junk journal ephemera made from actual trash — *Various ephemera I made from genuine trash/junk*

I love how this folio turned out but making it was also very different from other junk journals I’ve made in the past.

Inside my purple junk journal folio lapbook — *Inside the junk journal lapbook folio*

This folio felt much more “modular”. As in, I could pick it up here and there and make a section of it and then just glue everything in once I’d finished making the ephemera. I don’t know what it was about this process; it just felt different.

And now I’m hooked!

I absolutely love making folios and flip-outs, so watch this space for many more junk journal folio and lapbook projects to come.

Upcycled Junk Journal Folio Flip Through Video

Take a look at my video on Youtube to see the flip through of my totally upcycled junk journal folio.

Please note that I also made this folio almost exclusively on video! You can see the full playlist here.

💜✨ Junk Journal Lapbook Folio Flip Through 💜✨ Junk Journal Ideas

Watch this video on YouTube

The Details

The cover: upcycled from an old planner; decorated with a lace snippet roll, junk journal digitals and a purple sari closure
Materials used: lace, bling, scrapbook paper, vintage paper, junk journal digital papers and lots and lots of actual trash/junk
Junk journal digitals used: The Cremones Collection from MariesPaperLab and the Rustic Lilac Kit from CollageType

Lace snippet roll journal cover — *A close up of the lace snippet roll on the cover*

Love watching junk journal flip through videos? Here’s another one; this time for my wedding junk journal, which also featured lots of lace and pretty papers.

The Verdict

Would I make a flip-out folio out of an old planner again? Would I make another junk journal folio full stop?

Maybe. And definitely!

Now, I’m not going to actually go out and buy a planner to turn it into a folio. But, if one appeared in my craft room again, then I’d definitely give it another go.

And I would 100% make another junk journal folio. I already have a few envelope folios planned, as well as an altered file folder… and I can’t wait to get stuck in!

As always, I’ll keep you posted.

Discover More Creative Journal Ideas

Upcycled Junk Journal Folio Flip Through | Junk 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. Check out my detailed review of EcoTank printers to see how much you could save!

🖇️ 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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