What I Have Learned About Junk Journals

I consider myself a beginner at making junk journals. Mine seem to lack ‘something’ that I see in others. I acknowledge that we are our own worst critic but I still feel that I have a lot to learn. And continuing to move forward and not give up is the path I’m choosing.

But what have I learned by watching videos, and looking at the work of others? Let’s look at it together.

1. All the pages do not have to be the same size or shape. Variety adds interest to a journal. 2. A plain page can be boosted up a level by small things; a cluster of small bits in one corner, some rubber stamping or stenciling in random areas of a page. 3. There is no right or wrong way to create a junk journal. There are no ‘junk journal police’ around to enforce a plethora of unwritten ‘rules’. Any journal you make is a reflection of you and an expression of your style & creativity. 4. Everything does NOT have to be ‘perfect’ or whatever version of perfect you are stuck in. There is beauty in imperfection. There is charm in asymmetry.

A junk journal can be as big or small as you choose. They can be bound many different ways. They can have hard covers or soft covers. They can have a specific theme or purpose, or not. You can add fabric, lace, buttons or beads and such, or not. Basically, if you can conceive it, you can make it. And it is good.

I have purchased several journals from other artists over the past couple of years. I have swapped or been gifted journals too. I constantly flip through them to get ideas and inspiration. What I have to do is not compare my work to others and not to criticize my own work as 'not up to par'. I need to keep reminding myself that 'What I create is uniquely me, and is special.'