Real Life Junk Journal

Hey guys, once again one of our fabulous Junk Journal Design Team Members, Terri Kolte, has created a fabulous junk journal for us. As you know, we are featuring one new Junk Journal each week created by our team of talented artists. Our goal is that you be totally inspired by this series! Terri created a practical Real Life Junk Journal; this one is just perfect to throw in your tote bag for casual notes and lists! Be sure to check out the video tour at the bottom of the page…you need to scroll all the way down to see it. Are you ready to be inspired? 

And now I will let Terri tell you about her project in her own words…

Have you ever made a journal before? With all the inspiration out there for beautiful journals, sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. I mean, there are artists out there that truly create works of art.

Hello there- I’m a life long crafter. Although my mediums have changed throughout the years, creating never ceases to fill my soul. I absolutely love to work on a journal where I can be “all in” and really take my time to find the perfect images, beautiful little pieces of ephemera and embellishments, tenderly putting them together in a way that makes my heart happy.And then there are days I just need to jot down a note, write down a quote I’ve come across,scribble out a recipe or just gather some basic information in one accessible place. You know, the stuff everyday life is made of. I don’t want to use the lovingly curated journal that wants a permanent place in the ephemera of my life. No, not there. What I need is something that allows me to tear out and throw away the pieces I no longer want or need without feeling like I’m wasting something lovely. Something that my fingers like to linger over, that has a satisfying crinkle, some stray threads, familiar colors and patterns. Some pockets and envelopes to gather loose pieces of whatever. And blank pages to write on. Lots and lots of blank pages.

Today I am sharing my solution to that problem. A junk journal that can be as flexible as I need it to be. Made from everyday paper and some printed images that make me smile. A real JUNK journal. Real life.

Printed paper-covered chipboard were perfect for the front/back covers and a set of three binder rings hold it all together. I can add or take away pages whenever I need to. I can adjust the size (thickness) of the journal by adjusting the size of the binder rings. Easy peasy.

I browsed the Premium Member site and started with an obvious one- Junk Journal Ephemera! The label PDF sheet still makes me swoon every time I print it out. And I’ve printed it out A LOT. I printed florals and butterflies from across the many bundles, a pretty book front from Emma, several journal pages from Peacock Hues. The 1840’s Floral Pairings also had lovely floral-rimmed journal pages and Tulip Mania offered a matchbook PDF which I decided to fussy cut and utilize in a different way. Tickets can be used as pockets. Butterflies can look like they’re flying.

The possibilities are endless!

Fill your journal with pretty images printed on any type of paper you’ve got and add the bulk with blank pages. Mine were gathered from pads of graph paper, binder paper, copy paper and the lined practice paper children use to write their letters for the first time. Hole punch everything and slip into the binder rings.

Embellishments were simple- fussy cut butterflies, lots of lables and tiny pieces of washi tape. Scraps of trims. I used my sewing machine to rough stitch wherever my needle wanted to wander. I didn’t worry about neatness, I didn’t snip my threads cleanly. This was all about having fun.

The Premium Membership Bundles used in this project:

Tulip Mania
Mini Ephemera
Junk Journaling
Emma
Vintage Postcards
Peacock Hues
Yellow Ephemera
Gorgeous Butterflies
Butterflies & Moths

Real Life Junk Journal Video Flip Tour:

To see a flip-through of Terri’s Real Life Junk Journal, check out the video below:

I’m excited to use this journal- and allow it to change organically. I hope you’ll give this type of junk journal a chance.

Happy crafting!

You can find me on my website:  The Gypsy Magpie or IG: @thegypsymagpie  to stay up to date with my latest projects. In the meantime, have a great week everyone!

XO Terri

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