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USAPC: A Simple Junk Journal

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USAPC:  A Simple Junk Journal
Group:USA Paper Crafts
Swap Coordinator:isabellasnow (contact)
Swap categories: Journals 
Number of people in swap:21
Location:Regional - United States
Type:Type 3: Package or craft
Last day to signup/drop:October 19, 2014
Date items must be sent by:November 15, 2014
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

Hello swappers!

Let's make a simple junk journal for our partner! If you'be never created a junk journal before, they're easy to make and wonderful to carry around for spontaneous notes.

I created a set of simple instructions here:

  • Collect at least 6 "junk" papers measuring approx. 8"x6"

  • Fold these papers in half so they measure 4" wide by 6" long

  • Stack them together at the crease

  • Fold a thicker piece of paper (like a file folder) 8.5" x 6.5" in half

  • Stack on the outside of your pages; this is the cover

  • Bind together at the creases with stitching, stapling, rings, etc.

  • Create pockets/flaps on some of the inside pages

  • Decorate with drawings, rubber stampings, washi tape, etc.

If you typically create your journals using another method, please do so--it is not a requirement that you follow these instructions.

What are "junk" papers? They can be almost anything from clean carry-out bags, junk mail envelopes (GREAT for pockets), used greeting cards, vintage ledger paper, wrapping paper, paint chip samples, pharmacy bags, maps, etc. The only thing you may NOT use is new scrapbook paper.

Won't you join in the fun? They're VERY simple to make and totally addictive!

Discussion

ariestess 10/ 6/2014 #

So if I'm understanding correctly, this would require a minimum of 12 pages/sheets at 4"x6", yes? They don't need to be connected other than however we choose to bind the book? Also, can there be pages that are smaller than 4"x6", like pocket pages or something like that? I've seen a variety of requirements for junk journals, so wanted to verify a few things before agreeing to join this swap or not.

crescendo 10/ 6/2014 #

Is the journal to be completely filled with our own junk, so like a completed journal that our partner would just thumb through ogling the junk? Or is it to be a slightly decorated journal for our partner to fill up with their own junk?

scrappermama 10/ 6/2014 #

Oooh junk, journals! Love these!

isabellasnow 10/ 7/2014 #

@ariestess you are right . . . the pages DO NOT NEED to be exactly this size, nor do they need to be folded; they just need to be sewn at the spine. I wrote the instructions as a GUIDE ONLY . . . if you find wonderful papers measuring approximately 4x6, that's wonderful!

@crescendo the journal should be "lightly" decorated. If you add lots of bits and bobs on some of the pages, make certain there are a few blank pages so your partner can use the journal as a memo book. A suggestion: Often I will staple blank memo sheets to the decorated sheels--then you get the fun of the decorative page AND a place for notes.

Thanks to both of you for these thoughtful questions.

Again, the instructions are to be used as a GUIDE ONLY. If you have created junk journals before, PLEASE feel free to use your own techniques. Really the only iron-clad requirement is that the journal you create be approximately 4" x 6". You may add extra pages or smaller pages, 1/2 pages, etc.

whytewillow 10/13/2014 #

My first one and it's almost complete. I hope my partner likes it. Not so simple for me...but a bunch of fun.

isabellasnow 10/15/2014 #

@whytewillow . . . hooray! Lots of fun, right?

scrappermama 10/15/2014 #

Oooh, I found a halloween one i did a while back... wonder if my partner would be interested....

Caraty 10/16/2014 #

My first junk journal! Wish me luck :)

isabellasnow 10/17/2014 #

Good luck @Caraty As I mentioned earlier they are addictive! I have at least 2 in my purse at all times--one for budget and one for miscellaneous. I'm so happy so many people are trying them for the first time . . .

isabellasnow 10/17/2014 #

@scrappermama . . . if I am your partner I would absolutely LOVE a Halloween-themed junk journal.

scrappermama 10/17/2014 #

Yay! You got it mz. isabellasnow... i used recycled envies & cat food cardboard for base & there is crapbook paper leftovers

crescendo 10/18/2014 #

This was a very gratifying project making a smaller book and finally use my hoarded paper crap! What fun to sift through it all. I have enough paper stuff left to make 1000 more of these.

scrappermama 10/19/2014 #

te he mz. crescendo! I'm with you... a 1000 different swaps of yummy crap!

KarenLaneWV 10/20/2014 #

I think I am getting carried away with this but it's fun... I need to be sure I leave some "blank space" as it's too much fun to play to leave any space! lol

phillaine 10/21/2014 #

This is my first one as well, and I am having lots of fun making it. I want it to be visually cohesive, so I'm giving myself an extra bit of challenge, but I think it'll be worth it in the end!

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