Junk Journal Definitions:

Junk Journaling is a creative form of journaling that combines art and writing, using a variety of materials such as paper scraps, old books, magazines, postcards, and other found objects. The concept is to create a visually appealing and meaningful journal by repurposing and recycling materials, giving them new life.

Junk Journal: A handmade journal created using a mix of new and old papers, recycled materials, and embellishments. It often contains pockets, tags, and different textures.

Ephemera: Items like postcards, tickets, brochures, and other paper goods that are collected and used as decoration in junk journals.

Embellishments: Decorative elements such as stickers, stamps, ribbons, lace, and buttons added to a junk journal to enhance its visual appeal.

Signature: A section of folded papers sewn or bound together to form a part of the journal. Multiple signatures make up the complete journal.

A-Z Junk Journal Glossary for Beginners:

A

• Altered Paper: Paper that has been changed or decorated using techniques like stamping, painting, or distressing.

• ATC (Artist Trading Cards): Small, collectible cards, often created and swapped among artists.

• Aging: The process of making paper look older by distressing, staining, or tea-dyeing.

B

• Binding: The method used to hold the pages of the journal together, such as sewing or using a spine.

• Book Page: Pages from old books used as a base or decoration in the journal.

• Bulb Pin: A type of safety pin used to attach small items to pages.

C

• Collage: A technique involving gluing different pieces of paper or materials together to create a new image or design.

• Corner Rounder: A tool used to round the sharp edges of paper corners.

D

• Decoupage: A technique of decorating surfaces by applying cut-out paper designs and covering them with varnish or glue.

• Distressing: Creating a worn or aged look on paper using inks, paints, or sanding techniques.

E

• Envelope: Used as a pocket or page in a junk journal.

• Ephemera: Collectible paper items used for decoration.

F

• Flip-Out: A page or section that unfolds from the main journal, providing extra space for writing or decoration.

• Fussy Cutting: The precise cutting of images or shapes from paper, often used as embellishments.

G

• Gesso: A primer applied to paper to prepare it for painting or other media.

• Grunge: A style characterized by a distressed, worn-out look.

H

• Handmade Paper: Paper that is created by hand, often with a textured finish.

• Hinges: Used to attach pages, allowing them to fold or flip.

I

• Insert: Any additional item like tags, bookmarks, or small booklets placed within the journal pages.

• Ink Pads: Used for stamping images or text onto paper.

J

• Journal Card: A small card used for writing notes, often tucked into pockets.

• Junk Mail: Unwanted mail repurposed as materials for the journal.

K

• Kraft Paper: A sturdy brown paper often used for pages or covers.

L

• Lace: Decorative fabric used as a trim or embellishment.

• Layering: Adding multiple layers of paper or materials to create depth and interest.

M

• Mixed Media: The use of various art materials like paint, ink, and paper in one project.

• Matte Medium: A clear, matte adhesive often used in collage work.

N

• Napkin Decoupage: Using printed napkins to create designs on paper or surfaces by layering and sealing with glue.

O

• Ombre: A gradient effect where colors gradually blend from light to dark.

P

• Pocket: An area created to hold tags, notes, or other items within the journal.

• Punches: Tools used to cut out shapes from paper.

Q

• Quotations: Short quotes or phrases used as text elements within the journal.

• Quilling: A technique involving the rolling and shaping of thin strips of paper to create decorative designs.

R

• Ribbon: A fabric strip used for decoration or binding.

• Rub-ons: Transfers that are applied to surfaces by rubbing with a tool.

S

• Sewing: The method of attaching pages or adding decorations with thread.

• Stencil: A template used to create patterns or designs on paper.

T

• Tags: Small labels or cards often used for writing or decoration.

• Tea-Dyeing: Staining paper with tea to give it an aged look.

U

• Upcycling: Reusing materials in a creative way to make something new.

• Unbleached Paper: Paper that hasn’t been whitened with chemicals, often used for a natural look.

V

• Vintage: Referring to a style that evokes the past, often used to describe old or antique items.

• Vellum: A semi-transparent paper often used for layering.

W

• Washi Tape: Decorative masking tape used for embellishment.

• Watercolor: A painting technique using water-based paints, often used in junk journaling.

X

• Xyron Machine: A tool used to apply adhesive to paper or create stickers.

Y

• Yielding Paper: Paper that is flexible and easy to work with, often used for folding or layering.

Z

• Zig-Zag Stitch: A sewing stitch used for binding or decoration, creating a zig-zag pattern on the paper.

• Zine: A small, self-published booklet or magazine, sometimes included in junk journals.