8 reasons to love junk journals - inspiration and ideas

[@delc1946]

Darlene here. Very well-presented and most helpful. Encouraging even. Thank you, Margarete.

[@yeen511]

This is one of the most encouraging videos and words I've heard about making junk journals in a long time. Thank you! Your words consolidate all my experiences, feelings and hopes for how I want to approach junk journals in my heart yet I have not started any projects despite my growing collection of "junk". I will be replaying this over and over to remind myself the whole purpose of junk journals and to just get started. This is really about the journey. But, the transition from focusing on the destination/final product to focusing more on the journey/process and to embrace learning is always challenging for certain types of people. Making junk journals is a skill that requires practice and practice always involves making mistakes and not liking what you do. We should not be discouraged by our mistakes or by the reality of needing to practice. Reflecting on our practices is what's going to help us grow as artistic souls and become better at what we enjoy doing. May others resonate with this video and begin the long-awaited journey themselves to discover the gift of junk journals and how they can nurture their creative soul! Thanks to the junk journal community for sharing their gift, wisdom, experience and passion on KZbin!🥰🥰🥰

[@MargareteMiller]

❤️❤️❤️ What a wonderful, uplifting message! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom ❣️

[@susanweber6861]

Agree totally!

[@susanweber6861]

Your thoughts on enjoying the journey rather than focusing on the completion were SO important for me to hear. Thank you for this great video.

[@MargareteMiller]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Susan❣️

[@gayemarianesfox2405]

My new motto is “done is better than perfect”. I enjoy the process though.

[@gotdairy]

This was so helpful! I love making junk journals, but I don’t journal!! I have struggled with “why bother”! I have asked many times if people actually use their JJ for journaling and a surprising number of people don’t! However, no one was able to explain to me then why make them. Now I feel I can make them into anything I want and use them or not use them. Thank you for giving me the freedom to continue making them, and loving them even though I don’t journal!!

[@MargareteMiller]

I don't journal either. I just don't enjoy journaling. But I love putting other things on those pages ❣️🙂

[@bettymetz3746]

What an enjoyable video. I am one who wants every collaged page to look like art, and well….it doesn’t happen so then I get discouraged. However I AM getting better and so happier with my outcomes.! Blessings from Betty in Ohio.

[@dawnc8755]

Love your comments about enjoying the journey and not being too focused on completing a project. Time spent creating is so relaxing and beneficial, just getting into the creative zone! There are a lot of mental health benefits of creating that are valuable. Lovely ideas in this video, thanks for sharing! :)

[@MargareteMiller]

Exactly, Dawn❣️You've got it just right.

[@lesliespeers2739]

Excellent explanation of this form of book art. Loved the video, looking forward to the one with 49dragonflies. TFS

[@readerwriter2116]

Love your series/youtube channel. Just found you. I'm new to collage and you are fab!! I don't think I'll make journals, yet, but am applying the suggestions with card making. Thank you!

[@rocorreia60]

In yours "paper treasures" (reason 6) you showed a 50 money bill (paper currency) from my country (Brasil), from the 70's, I think! How awesome!

[@MargareteMiller]

I love that bill! 💜

[@pamcox8582]

I got stalled in my paper crafting, and these tips helped me to think about where I would like to go next. Thanks. All of your videos are very encouraging.

[@MargareteMiller]

I’m so glad the video gave you some new ideas to think about 👍🏼❤️

[@jennifersantucci1855]

Oh wow. When you said not to focus on completion bc of you do, you won’t want to go back to it-that really hit me bc it also relates to writing too, my other creative outlet. You’re such an inspiration and I think your videos are finding me when I need them most. Thank you!

[@MargareteMiller]

That's so cool, Jennifer! I'm so glad that resonated with you❣️

[@barbroark3674]

Wow, what an amazing, encouraging message!

[@karenk1212]

Your manner is so encouraging. Bless you

[@kayherstedt6618]

This video was so interesting and helpful! Thanks for helping us along the way in our journeys!

[@susafoe]

Love this video so much.♥️ Thank you, Margarete. I have to admit I'm more the maker than the user of a junk journal which I totally regret. But so far I have more fun putting them together. Sometimes I think that's weird but that's the way it is right now. I also love Barbara's podcast and looking forward to the next one with you. Yay!

[@MargareteMiller]

Thanks, Susa! I'm not sure when it will be, but I will post about it when I know. ❤️

[@dianapease7243]

Thanks a million for sharing these 8 reasons!!! I've struggled as to how to explain my junk journaling without giving way too much information! You are so concise and easy to understand. I began with Art Journaling around 2012 and sort of morphed into the Junk Journaling when I saw how I could use so many more of my supplies!!! You have a beautiful name and presence. Please know how much you are helping bring so many of us together!!!

[@MargareteMiller]

Thanks so much for your kind comments, Diana! I'm glad you enjoyed the video ❤️

[@49dragonflies]

Fabulous video, Margarete! Some food for thought for sure. Loved seeing your Carpe Diem JJ and yummy fabric glue book as well. So looking forward to having you on my next podcast! ❤️

[@MargareteMiller]

I'm so looking forward to it, Barbara! It's going to be fabulous❣️

[@susanweber6861]

This has been such an important video for me! I give myself such grief over not completing a project and having too many things going at once. #freedomtocreate

[@jeanbeck3962]

This is inspiring and makes me want to start one, Except. Lately I feel as if I am spreading myself too thin. I'm enjoying making collages . 2 years ago I started making cards, which I find fun. I had always made family and close friends watercolor cards, so paper crafting them was a new experience. Then I began making altered books, which I use as art journals or glue books. I am enjoying all of this, but neglecting my watercolors. Yet I find now, I want to make a junk journal. My art studio is now full of papers,books and magazines. But I admit to having a wonderful time. Some family look on all this as not important as my painting. Not everyone considers this as Art. I have rambled on here. Thank you for all the tips and inspiration you share with us. 🎨🖌

[@MargareteMiller]

It might depend on how much effort is required for each type of art. I'm not familiar with watercolor/painting, so I don't know how it compares mentally to collage and journal making. Is one easier/more relaxing? Maybe it's a good thing to be switching things up. Do whatever makes you feel good. ❤️

[@skeletalremains3860]

I was on a similar journey. After I started making journals my painting and art journaling took a back seat. Now I try to incorporate my painting into my journal making. Once you're family sees the end product I think their minds will change. My family (husband) was initially wary because of the time involved in the process. I've gotten faster and better at making them and now everyone wants one. A word of caution, it can get a little overwhelming when you have too many supplies. Just start and tell your inner critic to be quiet, lol. You will be amazed at what you can do

[@susanhannon7596]

Great video. Very liberating because sometimes we don’t create enough. Life gets in the way and we forget how important it is to express ourselves. I am happiest when I give in to my urge to create. Thanks for this informative talk.

[@Saacibo]

I just love your videos! I get inspired every time I watch one! Thank you!

[@artbyyuna337]

Thank you SO, SO much Margarete for these thoughts - I'm a HUGE fan of journaling and art and I often get asked by friends why I art & junk journal and now I have better answers for them. You are very inspiring.

[@MargareteMiller]

Thanks for watching, Yuna ❤️

[@Rhonda.D.Wright]

Such great and inspiring words of wisdom. I love watching content that gives me the feeling that you are speaking directly to me. It’s also good to know that some of the feelings I’m having are quite common. I also loved how you give information to work through those feelings of being overwhelmed. Now I can take this information and go to my creations with another approach that makes ME happy. 😊

[@MargareteMiller]

Oh wonderful! I'm so glad this video spoke to you. Thanks for stopping by 💜

[@gaylesankey402]

Thank you, thank you! You are absolutely amazing! I was feeling a need to justify making junk journals and you gave me all my answers!

[@MargareteMiller]

Awesome!! So glad I could back you up 😉💚💜💐

[@NellieandRuthDesigns]

Margarete, thank you for this most informative video and reminding me it's okay to not work on a project from beginning to end. I have journals I've started and have yet to complete them, and yes, I go back to them. At times I feel terrible because there they sit while I start a new project. You are exactly correct about incorporating other styles of art / collaging, mixed media, etc in your journals. Art is all about explorng and learning. Sending big hugs to you and thank you for all your inspiration ! xoxox Barbie P.S. I love Flicker.... especially when I move into Commons ...........I go down a rabbit hole and it's hard to crawl out !! LOL

[@MargareteMiller]

Hi Barbie, I, too, have felt guilty about not finishing projects, but not so much anymore. I have embraced open ended projects and am happier for it 😉

[@NellieandRuthDesigns]

@@MargareteMiller You've taken those nasty thoughts out of my head so thank you 🎉🤣🎉

[@jeanzaebst8605]

I love all this info! It is very affirming! My question for you and Barbara is how do you keep a junk journal acid free if you are enclosing antique family pictures? I would like the books that I make to withstand the test of time,so they can be passed down to my granddaughters . Shouldn’t the JJ beacid free? Thank you!

[@robynpetasne2524]

Always love your insights.

[@MargareteMiller]

Thanks so much! I'm glad it was useful 💙

[@lottesteeg3289]

Thx so much! This really helps to keep going .

[@sharonr7500]

What a great video as a beginner I found the information invaluable. Thank you for sharing your skills and thoughts on junk journaling

[@oarsumcraftsmadebykj3277]

Love how neat and unfussy your journals are

[@MargareteMiller]

Thank you! We are all drawn to specific styles. 😉

[@patcarmody7592]

What a wonderful video!! Thank you! Love how you take the pressure out of making art.!

[@jenniferwatson7118]

This is great thanks!

[@SonshineLady7]

I began watching junk journal videos during lock down & ordering supplies. Not ephemera as I have a lifetime of collected paper as well as all the ephemera, photos, etc. I've inherited. I'm not a crafter so I ordered items such as ink for stamping, highlighters, a device that makes corners rounded, etc., etc. I also ordered several different types of books to use as I don't feel comfortable making my own yet. I have a Lemome - perfect for a Bullet Journal or anything else, larger 8"x11" soft bound books that I saw a KZbinr use to document one year as a junk journal, and because I desperately need a planner, I also purchased a Hobanichi Cousin Avec. And have done....absolutely nothing. I don't what to start first, I'm overwhelmed, I need to get my work utensils together then go on a hunt for my old photos....ARRRGGGHHH!!!!!

[@MargareteMiller]

I totally understand. It's self doubt keeps rearing its head, and then you become so reluctant to start. My advice is to go in small steps. Work on getting the papers for your signatures. Once you gather those pages, you will see how big of a spine you eventually will need, and you can give some attention to assembling a cover.

[@SonshineLady7]

@@MargareteMiller Thank you so much for your suggestion! I have a pile of junk mail stacked up. After watching your video I thought of compiling those into a "practice" junk journal like you did and if it turns out awful - I was just going to throw that paper away so no loss but likely a learning experience. I enjoy watching your videos as you give concrete advice and learning tips in an organized way. Been subscribed for awhile but think I'll do a "binge watch." Oh, a tip I saw somewhere along the way - it may have been you but not sure - especially where planners are concerned - to get over the fear of starting - just turn to some random page and write anything - a word, sentence, doodle - and that will "break" the "will I do this wrong fear.

[@denisegarcia4435]

Love, love, love. Have been making & collecting ephemera. Can't wait to start my next journal. And thank u for all ur collaging videos. I'm hooked for sure! TFS😊 💙💛

[@vaniawhitfield6486]

Thankyou

[@ThelmaGrace1930]

Margarete, thank you for covering these points. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Barbara in her series. I can't think of a question at the moment. I just wanted to say that from someone just starting out, what I am most looking forward to creating are all of the tags and envelopes and collages. I just want to have fun. Plus I want to create things to send through the mail that people can enjoy for their journals. Not to make money. But to connect and share and exchange!

[@MargareteMiller]

Nice, Paulina! It sounds like you are on your way to imagining and creating! ❤️

[@DeniseS-6867]

Hello Margarete, thanks for your ideas and the inspirtation, just love your journals.

[@cynthiaakacyndsmith6539]

I just subscribed, love your content, and your voice is lovely!! You have such wisdom. Thank you!

[@MargareteMiller]

How kind of you to say, Cynthia! Thank you 💜

[@charlesmangum2100]

In other words, just do it and enjoy the process. Do not be concerned about what is my style. The more you learn and experience, the more creative you can become. Do not compare yourself to others.

[@MargareteMiller]

Yep. That’s it 👍🏼

[@michelel3372]

Wonderful and very helpful video. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@crinkledpath]

Love all things “junk journal” and this list is great!

[@elainet5870]

Glad to know that you will be on Barbara’s podcast! I’d like to know about your art/crafting background. How did you get interested in journaling and collage? Thank-you. 😃

[@MargareteMiller]

Wonderful! Thanks, I'll add that one 😉

[@ReallyGottaTap]

Validation! I've been in need for some affirmation for my various projects. Thank you! "Unique" is such an overused and misunderstood word. I love to hear it used with its true meaning: one-of-a-kind.

[@MargareteMiller]

Awesome, Angelene❣️ Thanks for watching.

[@conniehoelscher4591]

Love that you shared this. As I was making a video recently I was talking about some of these things. You really put some great points together! Explanations were spot on! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@MargareteMiller]

Thank you, Connie ❣️

[@sandikalin636]

Thank you for this encouragement ❤️

[@dramathompson9053]

Hello, Margarete, I love learning from you! I am truly a beginner and you lost me at “signatures”, embroidery and pockets. Hopefully you have published a book to aid us through the process? Thank you!

[@MargareteMiller]

There are lots of great videos for starting a junk journal. I think that would be easier than reading a book. You'll find them. 👍🏻💚

[@rowinggranny5216]

Thank you so much for sharing all this with us. xx

[@amyb82941]

💜💜💜

[@glendadyar8975]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Thank you for an inspiring video.

[@MsKitton]

Thank you for this video :) i have several treasures im afraid to do anything with inc a newspaper from the 1700s and old Roman coins. I also have a 1st edition book from the 1900s and cabinet cardsthat i have no idea what to do with. If you have any ideas that would be great

[@cindyolson5264]

Thanks for this video.

[@niyaabhilash7278]

i really found this video useful and interesting to hear......I have a doubt that, what can be used as an alternative for rubber stamps and ink pads...

[@rgporter1957]

How clever of you to use an envelope to hide the stitching in the middle of your signatures! I'm so excited for you to be joining Barbara on her podcast! I just love her! when will this be aired?

[@MargareteMiller]

Thanks, Robyn! As soon as I know the date, I'll post it in the COMMUNITY section for my KZbin channel. If you click on my KZbin homepage, you will see it as one of the menu tabs.

[@49dragonflies]

aaaw, thank you Robyn! I'm planning on posting the podcast beginning of May (don't have the exact date yet) ❤️

[@marybethschuiteman484]

Thank you, I have always questioned if what I am doing has value. I love making junk journals and I would like people to join me and to form a physical community somehow. Do you think that is possible and how would you go about that, something like a junk journal club or something.

[@MargareteMiller]

It sounds like a nice idea, Marybeth. You can possibly talk to someone at your local library about starting a group. They will probably allow you to meet if they have a space for you. Think about where you can place a notice for your group. Also check your local community center. There may be an existing art group that would allow you to create a branch for junk journal enthusiasts. ❤️

[@connieammerman8302]

Great video. My question is how do you make a page in your signature when it is just half of a sheet so you are not able to sew it in the center do you tape it to another sheet the same size or what?

[@phylliswhitt2124]

Your journals are beautiful. Where do I start?

[@MargareteMiller]

Hi Phyllis, you start by deciding how large you want it to be, how many signatures you would like, and what you generally want it to look like. There are a lot of tutorials for making junk journals, depending on the style you would like.

[@Susys-rx1uv]

Do you use tape to keep the pictures & postcards on the paper?

[@MargareteMiller]

Hi Susy, Often I use double sided tape to place postcards on a page. If a postcard is in a pocket, however, then I don't need to glue it down.

[@susanrichey6039]

What about selling them? Do you think there is a market for them?

[@MargareteMiller]

I think a journal may be the most valuable to the person who made it. I'm not sure. I honestly don't know how a person can put so much time and effort into making a junk journal and then sell it. Of course there are lots of people who do just that. I think it would be hard to let one go!

[@skeletalremains3860]

Are they still considered "junk journals" if you use mostly new products? I recycle book covers but most of what I put in them are new products?

[@MargareteMiller]

Yep, they're still considered "junk" journals. I think it's the concept of of using found and recycled materials, but the practice is something different for sure 😉

[@skeletalremains3860]

@@MargareteMiller thank you for your answer. It's something that's bothered me for awhile. I'm thinking about selling journals but worried if I'm using 50-75% new materials that it isn't technically a junk journal. I love your channel and the whole junk journal community. Thank you for sharing

[@enchanteddreams7166]

Question When did you get into junk journals and what was the 1st junk journal you saw? 🤔

[@MargareteMiller]

Perfect! Thanks!! 👍

[@dellplummer5173]

How do you overcome the addiction to making journals but NOT filling them. Please help.❤

[@MargareteMiller]

I have no idea, Dell. This is not my experience at all. Filling them is my primary goal from the outset. 😉💙

[@dellplummer5173]

@@MargareteMiller I will give it a go....I think once I start it will be okay. Thank you for replying. 🌹

[@hizzins222]

😍😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤❤

[@martiobrien4037]

You know...your books are very pretty but why aren't you mentioning using actual junk? I am an artist...paint and other mediums and I also junk journal. I use actual junk that is bound for the recycle bins. I don't understand how pretty journals are called Junk...They are most often made with purchased papers and emphemra. This is not a put down to what you do, but I just have to question why, why, why don't more people use real junk....I know there is trashy junk journals but they don't look that nice. With mine, I use trash but make each page still beautiful art...and lovely spreads. M. O' Brien...Canada

[@MargareteMiller]

I talk about book arts terminology here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5nXhH1sZciIZ6s including explaining why it's called a "junk" journal.