November Junk Journal Newbies Newsletter Issue: How to Create a Themed Junk Journal

Hello Junk Journal Newbies!

Welcome to this month’s newsletter! If you’re ready to take your journaling to the next level, we’re diving into how to create a themed junk journal. Themed journals are a fun way to tell a story, capture a specific season or memory, and add a unique flair to your crafting journey. Let’s get started!

1. Choose Your Theme

Start by picking a theme that excites you. Some popular ideas include:

Seasonal Themes: Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer journals.
Life Events: Travel, birthdays, holidays, or special celebrations.
Personal Hobbies: Gardening, cooking, reading, etc.
Creative Concepts: Vintage, botanical, nature-inspired, or color-based themes.

Selecting a theme keeps you focused and makes it easier to decide which materials, colors, and patterns to use.

2. Gather Supplies

Once you have a theme, gather supplies that fit. Here are some materials you might want to include:

Paper: Scrapbook paper, vintage book pages, or colored cardstock that match your theme.
Ephemera: Look for tickets, postcards, labels, and old photographs that complement the journal’s story.
Decorative Elements: Stamps, washi tape, stickers, and embellishments in colors and styles that suit your theme.
Images: Print or cut out images related to your theme—such as leaves for autumn, or seashells for a beach theme.

If you need materials, check out Junk Journal Newbies! We have a curated selection of themed supplies to help you get started.

3. Create a Layout Plan

With your theme and materials in hand, sketch a rough layout for each page. Think about how you want the journal to flow. For example:

Chronological Order: Works well for event-themed journals like travel logs.
Color Groupings: Arrange pages by different color palettes that reflect your theme.
Mood Boards: Dedicate each page to a different aspect of your theme, creating a "mood" or "vibe" on each page.

4. Add Personal Touches

Your junk journal is all about you! Include personal touches to make it unique:

Write about why you chose this theme or what it means to you.
Add memorabilia such as pressed flowers, concert stubs, or receipts.
Use textures: Sew in fabric swatches, add lace, or layer textures to add dimension.

5. Enjoy the Process!

Remember, junk journaling is about self-expression, so there’s no “right” way to do it. Don’t stress over perfection—have fun and let your creativity guide you. Every page will be a small piece of art that reflects you and your theme.

Inspiration Spotlight

This month, we’re sharing some inspiring themes from our Junk Journal Newbies Community:

"A Year in Colors": Capture each month with a different color scheme.
"Vintage Travels": Use maps, tickets, and old postcards for an old-world travel vibe.
"Garden Journal": Combine flower images, leaves, and earthy tones to celebrate nature.

Visit Us at the Craft Fair!

Need supplies for your themed journal? We’ll be at the Craft Fair on November 15, 2024 with a wide selection of themed junk journals and supplies. Stop by our booth and say hello!

Happy crafting, and we hope you have a fantastic time creating your themed junk journal!

With creativity,

Junk Journal Newbies Team