Conquering the final boss - transforming a paper bag from the 1930s into an epic junk journal cover!

Today, I want to create a cover for my junk journal dedicated to my move back to Germany and the construction chaos in my new apartment. During the renovation, I found a paper bag from the 1930s, which is now turning into the final boss, as it will become the cover for my journal-a video that could easily be titled "I Have Absolutely No Idea What I'm Doing."
FOUND OBJECT FLORALS - JUNK JOURNAL PAGES: luiseheinzl.etsy.com/listing/...
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PLAYLIST "MOVING MADNESS - A JUNK JOURNAL FROM CONSTRUCTION JUNK": • MOVING MADNESS - A JUN...
Grungy Vintage Junk Journal Playlist @49dragonflies
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[@janieooob]

Luise, to avoid perforating your pages, you have to make your stitches as long as possible; setting 5 or greater, if available. Your grungy journal is super fantastic...

[@donnahurlbut7277]

Wow, it’s been great to watch this junk journal process of yours! Can’t wait to see what happens next. When I make journals it’s not always easy & you shared that. I think it’s important to let people know how challenging it can truly be. Your joy at the end is palpable, wonderful work!

[@kathykeough6598]

I believe you can make spine dangles from some new construction bits when you get to move!! Washers, Wire, Electrical connections. Spine dangles would tell you what the journal is about sitting there on your shelf!! Love this series!

[@kathykiene13]

This series is absolutely one of my all time favorites of yours. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@cathyetter8133]

Just a couple of thoughts......... to avoid perfing your pages when sewing by machine, extend your stitch length and if you want a hard spine, might you sew your signatures by machine to a cereal box weight cardboard and then affix that piece to your heavy weight cardboard? As ever, so love your adventuresome and resourceful spirit!!!!! 🦋🦋🧡🦋🦋🧡🦋🦋

[@veronicaparkerzielinski4973]

Love how grungy but refined the cover is- very cool art.

[@veronim77]

You are a genuine genius artist. You can make any trash look cool, interesting and fantastic . Lots of cool texture. I would never be able to do this on my own. It takes someone like you to show me and explain to me how to do something like this. I still might not be able to do it. Takes very talented crafters like you to make a true Junk Journal like this. Yes, I can make Journal, plain and simple. That’s just me. Yet, I did so many different types of crafts in my life time including I sewed for people when I was young. I sold lots of my crafts back in the day. Think I am getting way to old. Have trouble walking etc. I love your work, thanks for sharing.

[@octavya30]

This junk journal came out fabulous! You’re braver than I would be to use that dirty bag. And it came out great! Cheers!

[@ritaanderson4026]

Your creativity is so inspiring. Even in the middle of moving chaos, you have created this amazing journal. Thank you.

[@snarkycard]

To avoid perforating paper when sewing you should increase the length of the stitches. There's usually a dial to increase and decrease the stitch length. (Digital sewing machines also have a button which does the same.) I absolutely love the look of your journal! I can't wait to see how you design and decorate each page. I love your work, Luise!

[@carolgefre2643]

I will be glad when you get settled. You are managing so much at once and doing it so well. I can hear the frustration in your voice and admire you greatly for sharing this stressful and exciting time with us! You are amazing Luise! Oh my gosh you explaining the German and English process of filming a video. Wow... I love how the sewing turned out. Oh no...not trash ha ha You did such a good job at not freaking out too bad. Ha It's such a WONDERFUL mess and I LOVE it!!!!! It's perfect in every way!!

[@cherylparish1375]

Thank you for taking us along for the ride! Lots of ups and downs and dangerous curves, all without a safety helmet! We arrived safely and the cover is amazing! I really like the fact that we are watching you navigate through real problems that come up.i have been wide awake at night when working on something for an auction or a donation and second guess myself to death! Our instincts just make us better artists. Great job! 😊

[@cheryl7476]

Boy, that cover was something else. I would have been swearing a lot, had that journal and cover was mine. After all that, the cover came together quite nicely. If I ever choose to tackle something like this, I’ll definitely return to this video to see how you managed certain problems. Yes, go take a nap!

[@celieaguayo9000]

Wow, that is really great. I love this to Jean and the brown paper just goes so well together.❤

[@doreethorpe4800]

Definitely an Epic journal cover! I love it! The journal is so wonderful already, I can't wait to see what you add, always blows my mind. ♥♥♥ Thank you so much for sharing with us all!

[@londaedwardsrau3245]

Although I don't speak/understand German, I think I learned a few words today. 😉😂 Thank you for sharing the easy parts AND the struggles. It makes me feel better. I think you were right on a previous video when you said, "When it looks all wrong, just keep going!" Learning how you solved your problem was so helpful!! My "take-away" was this: Take a break if you need to, but don't stop/give up.

[@susananderson8428]

This is such a cool journal. The idea of using things from the renovation of your new home is a great idea. I haven't tried sewing in my journals but have sewed papers before to perforate for tearing. The closer (smaller) your stitches the better the perforation so if you don't want the paper to tear, you need to make your stitches much longer. Zigzag is less likely to tear because the holes aren't in a line but if you are straight stitching they need to be as long as you can make them to avoid them tearing out easily. I am excited to see all you are doing with your moving/renovating finds. keep up the good work. ❤❤❤

[@user-gl3ip3lc8t]

You are amazing Luise. I couldn't help laughing at all the dramas you solved.

[@susietruelove3657]

I love the end result

[@rosemareemclure3227]

That paper was very grubby. I can’t imagine trying to sew through it. The pages of the printable look great in the Journal. I wouldn’t worry too much about your English it’s better than many for who it is their first language. I hope that you are able to take a deep breath soon and move into your apartment and get settled.

[@paulalaird]

Wow what an amazing journal. You are one amazing artist. Thank you for taking time out of a stressful move to share with us this gorgeous journal

[@carolm4094]

This journal is so cool! Love watching it come together and hearing your thinking process. But I just have to say you have way more patience than I do. 😂😂😂. Can’t wait to see you continue to decorate it.

[@elizabethkeeling-carreau1873]

This is one incredible JUNK journal. Sometimes people get rude with artists that create a jj using only new products but I’ve never seen anyone use so much incredible junk in such a truly creative way. Incredible work Luise! 🤗🇨🇦🤗

[@glendajohanson9846]

I just love what you are doing with this journal! You have made my day! I have laughed out loud so many times! Thanks for sharing! Look forward to more videos on this!

[@shiorose1051]

You are such a great tutorial teacher!! I totally love the explanation in such detail. Thank you!!! 🥰💐

[@christinecaronnabeard1369]

It’s a great book! Congratulations on making something so special!

[@elizabethglover5878]

Great video Luise! I was literally on the edge of my seat wondering how you would overcome your challenges. Love the journal!

[@leahwebb9622]

What a great idea a moving journal.

[@joycedugas4550]

😂 Immensely enjoyed this video, Luise! Thank you for sharing your thoughts 💭 and struggles with the cover with us. 😅it, your construction journal is Growing on me and making me a little green with envy. It is Unique and definitely 'you' if you get what I mean. 😊

[@Kim-sd1ft]

Absolutely love this journal. So cool.Love the use of bits and pieces you have found. ❤❤

[@jeannetimme7337]

This is such an amazing project!!! It reminds me of a book my kids (now 45 & 39) loved called Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. The message of the book is that you can always make something out of nothing! You are just the artist/magician/architect who can do just that! I've had that book on my mind since you began and now I have to hunt for a copy of it. Sending prayers for an uneventful move and can't wait to hear all about it!

[@jeannetimme7337]

PS - please have your precious grandma's sewing machine serviced/cleaned after you move! That machine is a beast. Mine would never be able to handle all that!!! Hugs!

[@bkteacherret5548]

Yes!!! That is a wonderful book with fabulous illustrations. I discovered it during my journey as an early childhood teacher. Thank you for reminding me of it. Now I have to go look for my copy of it!

[@jeannetimme7337]

@@bkteacherret5548 Love that book! I think the kids liked the holes in it!!!

[@belindazimmer2107]

What an incredible journal!! I love this so much and seeing the process is really the best part because we can see the trials and tribulations and how you really have to make it ok to have to go to plan B or redo something. I know if the outcome wasn’t as you expected if you really don’t like it now you will really not like it later either so it’s best to make it to your own expectations and to be pleasing to you. Thank you so much and I’m so excited that maybe soon you are moving into your new home…Hugs! 🥰

[@lotusflowerpassion]

aww you are a dear was fun watching you work through and solve problems 💖

[@millennialscribbles]

I absolutely lost it when you set down the Snickers 😂

[@luiseheinzl]

😂😂😂😂

[@donnaarsenoff8399]

Wow! It came out great. This project is amazing, and this video was very suspenseful! ❤

[@user-gw5kb4in6x]

Love watching your problem solving process you am ways just power through with another great idea that works!

[@robinknutson8765]

Wow you really worked it until it worked , for you! Work with it until it works will be my new motto! Hugs. Robin Knutson. CA

[@pilesofparagraphs]

You are amazingly creative! Your process is so encouraging. I love watching you solve challenges. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@tharp769]

I am really enjoying this project with you. It's like an exciting, thrilling journey... "Oh my!... What will happen next?!" 😳 And you are teaching to be more courageous in my creativity, to take some risks... to not be afraid to "try". If we can imagine it, we must try it! 💖 Thank you for bringing us with you on your adventure.🤗 Much love.💗💖💗

[@bl0tt44]

another way to solve the cover width problem is to add a pen holder x

[@theeclecticnest5343]

Learning to curse in German bit by bit!

[@user-bi8xs7pg4f]

It is said that the Germans are the best in the world at throwing the most insulting insults .When you have been cursed at by a German, you know it. There are some words and phrases so foul, they are never used by a woman. To do so can shock everyone in the room to the point of a heart attack. Luise, please keep speaking German occasionally. I know that you are speaking from the heart. Sometimes there is no English word to explain something, but there are words in German that capture your exact feeling or meaning. You are at a wonderful age this year. Its alphabetical translation is Mr Rogers favorite number. 43 at sign off means Love You. I suppose Liebe Dich would be 54. You gave me an idea for a paper bag or packing paper cover. Sometimes the packing paper is packed so beautifully I'm careful on how I remove it from the box and will try to figure out a way I can display it on the wall. How about making a mold the size of the cover you want, pour some clear resin to cover the bottom of the mold, place your crumpled paper in the mold, then brush on more resin. When it is cured, brush on compatible inks or acrylic paints and grunge it up. Mount it to thin board or an old book cover. Or make the mold bigger than the paper so that holes can be drilled to bind it together with ribbon or rings. Please include a page to write something about the age of your ephemera. I can hardly wait to find out what city or Dorf you live in. 1939 was an auspicious year in Germany. Bis spaeter Elaine

[@user-bi8xs7pg4f]

Long stitches, heavy weight needle like one used for sewing jeans. By adjusting the tension you can use #3 or #5 pearl cotton in the bobbin. Wind off some cream color thread and coffee or tea dye it or Distress Ink it. Elaine

[@sherrydennis2419]

This was amazing! I watched it and still not sure how you made this cover. Very cool!

[@joycedemolle4565]

Fabulous video. Luise, you are so funny. Really had fun today. Thank you for making my day. ❤❤😂😂

[@annettegoldberg5126]

Best of luck with your move!

[@pattismith6047]

Can't wait for the next video 😊

[@baltmac3704]

😂😂 You had me laughing with this one. Great problem solving!!

[@MyDjturner]

Great journal Luise, but I am not going to attempt one like this. This is definitely a YOU journal cover and I'm sorry you had such torment on making it work, but it did work fantastically so. I was humming and hawing along with you. It was painful to watch but you are a very strong creative woman....and you got it right in the end. Well done!!

[@alheave]

Your problem solving skills show how wonderful your brain works! Thanks for sharing the process. Your videos are always fun and informative!

[@leahwebb9622]

I really like how you talk out what you are thinking even when you talk in German i can guess as to what you are saying. Also be sure you dust out your sewing machine with all that dust .

[@debraolm7104]

I DO love your process of creating your ART. I LOVE YOUR ART!!! Also admire what you're making during your moving process.... OMG - creating for Tom, for your channel etc + the general chaos from boxes nd stuff of moving -- U R incredible!!!!! TFS all this!. PS: about the perfurations on the papers, I'd use a longer stich. Your second ideas were as mine. S2

[@luiseheinzl]

Thank you so much for your wonderful words ❤️ I would totally miss you if I wouldn't go on here.

[@fabcraftsandmore]

This is super cool!! You crack me up and made me laugh!!

[@suzan1684]

I wonder if the straight stitching was changed to a longer stich if that would help the perforations wonderful job over coming all the problems looks lovely

[@debrak5314]

You are crazy!!! I would have just given up! Glad you didn’t, it turned out nice.

[@hedgerowjournals]

Exhausted and excited at the same time? Yep...I get it! Maybe what I need is a Snickers bar sitting on my desk next to me. Would that help me to be as successful as you have been with your tough move and this fabulous journal? Looking forward to the next video! ❤

[@luiseheinzl]

Well.... I'm not a fortune teller but I am sure it makes every situation better ❤️😂

[@theeclecticnest5343]

I was in my head going, just fold the bottom up and Sew it! Then you did lol.

[@luiseheinzl]

How cool!

[@TheRollmeover]

I love your imagination and the very great ways that you problem solve. This has been a great journey for this journal ❤

[@gaellegrassin6815]

Hello Luise. Can you explain why I préfèr listening and watch to you than French vidéos ? Tu es vraiment unique et je te comprends très bien. Écrire en anglais est plus difficile pour moi, j'ai peur que tu ne me comprennes pas à cause de fautes. Merci infiniment pour tes partages. Bon retour en Allemagne, bon courage pour aménager toutes tes affaires. J'espère que tu pourras continuer à publier régulièrement. Je t'embrasse. From west of France...

[@luiseheinzl]

Thank you so much for your sweet words, I don't have an explanation for that though ❤️

[@mapsandmemory]

This is amazing! Thank you for sharing your creativity!

[@jinxengstrom9850]

Transfer marks to a piece of tissue paper then sew through both papers . Next tear away tissue paper

[@maryannemarais7777]

You make me laugh😂, love your videos❤

[@tharp769]

I'm old... I always have to "pause & comment" or else I'll forget what I wanted to say.😂 Approx 35:00 ish... when you were trying to mark your sewing lines for the spine, it made me think of THE best purchase I ever made. One of the most useful "lifesavers", anyway. Lol! It's an ink pen called "FriXion" by Pilot. It's erasable, but... it also disappears with the heat gun. Woot! Yes!!🤗 I use it often. Ok... carry on... 😉 P.S. I'm back. I use the pen because I'm a freak about measuring.😵‍💫 I just thought, you may already have one... which is probably packed up, waiting to move to Germany... Duh.🙄 lol

[@luiseheinzl]

Holy cow! That's genius, I know those pens. Need to buy one! Thank you so much!!!

[@HandmadeJournalsbyFran2022]

😂😂😂 you are so so cute!

[@lightbulbnirvana]

"So this whole piece BECOMES longer."

[@lightbulbnirvana]

"I made this FOR real" (WRT the stamped designs) or you could say "I made an analog version before I digitzed it"

[@lightbulbnirvana]

I think this journal is most certainly headed to success! I can't wait to look over your shoulder for the next chapter! ❤ Thank you Luise!

[@jeanwilkie5801]

Signatures are too close if you space them by 1/2 an inch you will have more space and less flappy covers and no more overhang

[@angelaarnold4255]

I love that Barbara inspired this Signature Sewing and you even had a few… “Oh no!! Oh no!! Oh no!”s thrown in, kind of as a nod to Barbara. I’m loving this Journal. It was interesting to see how you created Ephemera out of Construction Site junk. But seeing all the pages sewn in together… this Journal is just stunning! Thank you for sharing with us!!♥️♥️♥️

[@poppyandcabbage]

You're the third person I've watched having printer problems this week. Maybe it's the heat or something.

[@user-bi8xs7pg4f]

Sun spots

[@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919]

Such a cool art journal. I am curious if you are concerned about using old paper from an archival standpoint. It's such beautiful work it would be a real shame if it doesn't hold up over the span of time. I have access to a garage full of vintage papers in old trunks and even a deep freezer full of old documents, maps, bills, etc... I want to use them but am concerned they won't hold up. Some of the papers are already crumbling into tiny pieces. I think I could glue them with mod podge onto a fresh paper surface and then use them however I want. Do you think that would work?

[@luiseheinzl]

Well, you could scan them

[@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919]

@@luiseheinzl That's too easy hahaha. *Smacks hand on forehead* Thank you I don't know if my brain would have figured that out eventually. :)

[@sharonromer6606]

What a mess 😅😅😅

[@susanvandermeulen6527]

Wow great work ❤❤ By the way do you know that your shabby chic eco dyed digital is being sold on Temu??

[@luiseheinzl]

Thanks, oh, then there's another of my items on there. Didn't know yet. Do you perhaps have a link? It's so sad and disappointing to see my work there.

[@susanvandermeulen6527]

@@luiseheinzl Yes it's very sad. I don't know where to find the link. It's on Temu under the scrapbook paper. It says that it's from NW paper. I hope this is enough for you to rapport this.

[@susanvandermeulen6527]

I have a screenshot. But I don't know I can send it to you.

[@luiseheinzl]

​@@susanvandermeulen6527 can you please email it to [e-mail]

[@DeniseS-6867]

Fabulous🩷🪻💙

[@cheryllasich9467]

This comment is in regard to a different fabric on the inner spine. Please understand that I am mostly joking!! This is a junk journal, is it not?? You are using mostly trash from the dismantling of the old apartment and making it new, yes?? Junk could be a word that replaces any cuss word that someone, myself included, might think of, right?? So you are making a junk journal out of junk both found and purchased and the junk that happens along the way is just mile markers in the process of trash junk to treasure junk, yes?? no?? maybe so???