My 12 Essentials for Journal Making - Ideas for Beginners and Seasoned Journals Makers

Thanks for watching. Today I am sharing the 12 things that are most essential to me in my journal making. I hope you join me and find this in some small way helpful!!
Special thanks to the following makers who are my go-to's for digital images
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LoveJunk...
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RoxyCrea...
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Medieval...
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ArtyMaze
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TooksCra...
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MrsCogsC...
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TaylorMa...
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/Junkwith...
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ChapterO...
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TripleVV...
Links to some of my most popular videos:
One Page Project - • Washi Pockets - One Pa...
How I Make My Ephemera Holder - • Antiquarian Ephemera F...
How I make my pen holder closure and updated fabric cover - • Pen Holder Closure, Fa...
How I make my double envelope flips - • Quick & Easy Collage E...
How I make my fabric covers - • Easy Soft Fabric Journ...
How I make my circle pouches and Tags - • TUTORIAL - Let's Make ...
How I coffee stain paper - • Tuesday Tutorial 2018 ... T

[@jessicaevans8675]

Book binding kit… perfect! Sure beats hunting down each item every time you need it!

[@Valeri4561]

FYI for anyone in the USA. For the past year Walmart has ticking in their fabric section. Both in blue and red. Hope this helps anyone who may have trouble finding it. Also, I had to edit this to add to it after I got further into the video. LOL I have to tell those of you who have a Tim Holtz pokey tool..... If you find, (like I did) when you apply a tad bit of pressure to poke the tool ends up pushing the pokey thingy back into the handle, it's YOU! LOL not the tool. How do I know this you may ask....?? Well sadly I have had this tool for about three years and just recently I discovered I had been holding it wrong all this time! My fingers were keeping the slider part from locking in. So I FINALLY after ONLY three years realized it the other day. (my eyes are lowered and my cheeks are red) LOLOLOLOL If you have been holding it wrong as well, just quietly adjust your grip on it and it will be our little secret.

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Oh my goodness, you really made me laugh…but it’s easy to miss the latch on the pokey tool so I get it ❤❤

[@gayemiller7643]

Thanks, Wendy, for this much needed video!

[@pamelafoster6410]

Thank you so much for Wendy for taking the time to make that video, it was really helpful ❤

[@buffalban]

Thank you for a fabulous video, I'm sure that many new to journal making will find very helpful. When I started journal making several years ago, I found YT videos so valuable and watching wonderful people like yourself so talented and informative. I would also recommend two additional (there are many more) digital sites are Sam Poole and Ruby and Pearlxo. They are little less industrial, and they both have YT channels that are fabulous. As always, I thank you for sharing your never-ending talent, there is never a time that I watch your videos and learn something new. Pamela A / PA

[@rosalindfeemster8049]

Thank you for sharing. You are so right with the essentials. I feel I have waisted some $$$ buying things that I came to learn I really didn't/don't need.

[@RebaKennedy]

Hi Wendy, Thanks so much for making this video!!!! I've rummaged thru all my stuff and I think I have everything except for a Croc-a-dile (sp?) ... so excited!!!! Well, not a fancy antiquarian book. But an old one that will do. Hee Hee!!!!! FUN FUN FUN Thanks again!!!! You've helped me so much!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Janartable]

All good! I would add washi tape, stamp sets, especially labels and old books with nature pictures or florals to cut out.

[@JannyHaak]

Great list! Thank you so much for sharing, Wendy! I would love to see lists of other makers as well! I would add one or more rulers and a good craft knife.

[@kathleenhoffart1633]

It is interesting how our essentials change as we develop our own style. The makers we follow influence us as we get inspiration from their/your work. We gradually work out what is pleasing to our own eye, a bit of that and a bit of this. That said, I still miss seeing Leo . . .

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Me too Kathleen ❤😢

[@annettedepete4314]

This was really fun. I love the books. Thanks for sharing 💕🌴

[@julielakey594]

Awesome glad you shared this it is very helpful for those of us who are just beginning

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks Julie❤

[@opalpipkin6285]

This was a great video! I have gotten free vintage books at my local library, and I visit thrift shops for items as well. Now to put to use some of the things I've been collecting. That would be good. It is so inspiring to watch you create your journals. I love your list of essentials, I just never thought of it that way, I'm so used to just using them. TFS

[@rneustel388]

I definitely hope some of the other makers share their essential journal materials! Thanks so much for sharing. ❤

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Me too❤

[@KristieBittleston]

I absolutely love this. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@petriekaspardlov7787]

Great video! Fun and helpful to see what the pros use 😊 I have everything you have shown and would have to say, I concur with your list 💕

[@Kayenne54]

A self healing cutting mat was my best first purchase, really (had an old one but.... As long as you never put a hot object on them, they'll last well😉😉 ).

[@carolbeeding4270]

Great video for those just starting out in journal paper crafting. It can't be emphasized enough about keeping your supplies simple until you know that your hobby is something that you will continue with. TFS I have a recommendation for a small channel for you to consider in your series. Her name is Sue and her channel is Crafting by the river. She has a lovely channel with 518 subscribers. I think she deserves a little boost. ❤

[@craftingbytheriver]

Wow! Carol, how kind of you to mention my little channel , I'm blushing down here in Aus.😘

[@ScissorsAndSmiles]

I always appreciate when crafters share their essential tools. Thanks Wendy!

[@shirleyjackson3893]

Thank you Wendy. So many videos seem geared to people who have been crafting for a long time. For newer crafters, it's nice to see videos that are helpful for some of the basics.

[@michelel3372]

Great video, thank you Wendy. I always love to see what others are using and finding helpful in their journal making. ❤

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks Michele ❤❤

[@marymogckmishmashmary]

Thanks for sharing your favorite stuff ❣️

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks for watching!

[@jjjoy7887]

Love the tip about keeping your journal binding templates …. I think I’ve re-created dozens… You definitely hit the essentials. I would need a few more, to add fibers (twine, wire, etc.), my sewing machine/hand-sewing supplies, binder/paper clips (metal elements), ink & paint, my razor knife and cutting/craft board…. You are definitely one of my main resources for JJ inspiration and a positive outlook! Hope you are keeping warm!

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Great additions ❤❤

[@nancygreen1302]

Our library has a used book sale room where they sell donated books and books they retire from the shelves. I have found several books from the 1800's for 50 cents. I realize not all libraries do this, but it might be worth checking.

[@CraftyDad]

Hi Wendy! This is such a great list. I still find myself thinking that I need every little tool and supply in order to create journals. Ha! That is not the case. The only item that I would add to your list is a sewing machine. I know, I know: not everyone has one or wants one. I get that. I am grateful for the machines I have. I just love the extra texture and and look they give my projects. Thanks so much for putting this video together. Looking forward to the next one!

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Yes the sewing machine is a great bonus, it would have been my 13th item❤❤

[@MelissaSue]

Great list of items. You mentioned Amazon several times, so I thought I would tell you about Amazon Warehouse(AW), in case you're not familiar. I have stocked my craft room with so many basics like paper, cardstock, glue, file folders, storage, tools, envelopes, and on and on using this section of Amazon. I do have a Playlist on AW, too, and will do a new haul in a day or so. It's easy to find, in a browser tab on Amazon, in the drop down list at the top center, there is an AW link. Then you just search the categories on the left, like normally. The savings are unbelievable and I find the things are mostly repackaged, like the packaging was damaged. I explain it and show a walk through in several videos. I've saved more since I showed a spreadsheet of my purchases, but the last update was that I saved $2,004 for $2,623 worth of stuff, an average savings of 76%. Just FYI, since you seem to be an Amazon shopper, too. xx

[@juliereilly6308]

Thank you Wendy x

[@caramcnulty8129]

Loved this. Thank you.

[@debraraythompson3126]

Wendy I wished I knew how to get some Uhu safely, ( weather? ) I am not a fan and have 6 or seven large sticks I would gladly gift to you! Your voice and videos are so soothing for me to watch, and you are a great inspiration to me! I also really admire how humble you are and always share works from so many others. Hugs all around, big fan of your fur babies over the years and miss them dearly, as well, Leo was adorable!

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks DebraRay, I really appreciate your kind words!

[@JamieLOVEUMOREJOURNALS]

Thank you for this. It’s great to think of what we really need vs what we think we need. Add what we want to the mix and I know I for one get overwhelmed with where to even begin. So thank you for making me think this through better!

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

You are so welcome!

[@jenniferwatson7118]

Very helpful - thanks!

[@sharonparrish2981]

Very helpful. My essentials are basically the same except I use alot of scrapbook paper. I have a serious addiction to paper of any kind.

[@preciousmemoryboxesjunkjou3642]

Thank you, Wendy! Love that all your supplies are easily accessible. We spend a lot of money on unnecessary tools (lots of fun to use though). Junk journaling doesn't have to be expensive.

[@shirleyhaberle86]

Thanks Wendy, always great ideas. The Recollections craft paper at Michaels have you ever noticed that there's two different colors and one is just a little bit lighter than the other. I had to make sure I got the darker because that's what yours looked like to me. The scissors are great when you recommended them before for arthritis I love them and it's easy to fussy cut with them I thought oh my gosh I don't know how she does that but I can do it and my hands don't get so fatigued so thank you so much for all you share and all you do for us. 💕

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

You are so welcome Shirley! Thanks for always being there ❤❤

[@nancybeebe7622]

Thanks for your Tips . Good to know.

[@shannonpaul6053]

This was great thanks!

[@sandyvaughn59]

Enjoyed. ❤

[@corneliabayley723]

Great video. Thanks.

[@marilynmaker5942]

Great and helpful video Wendy, thank you! I agree with all your tips. Here's one for you: I buy my Uhu gluesticks at Staples (they sell a box of 12 for under $30) 😘

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Great tip! Thank you!

[@LynsAlteredArts]

Marilyn, I just looked on the Staples website and I only found individual glue sticks at $4 a stick. Are you in the U.S.?

[@marilynmaker5942]

@@LynsAlteredArts no, I'm in Canada. And bought in person at my local Staples store

[@quinbee_creates]

I think those are the half-size ones. The 40g sticks are about $4.50 each (in Nova Scotia).

[@claudettemiskell4839]

I purchased an antique train schedule, I think it was around 1912. It came in a bag of items. I finally got around to looking at it a year or two later and was dumbfounded to see that inside was medical advice.(male) hilarious!😂

[@NailsJamieBeeReSeller]

Ty enjoyed!

[@cathymoore1935]

Love your list!! Thanks for sharing!

[@andreastewart5722]

Thanks for sharing

[@sheilamattson7766]

Hi Wendy, your videos are so informative, love them! I don't know if you can get this product in Canada, but you have mentioned before about glue sticks, and my recommendation is Scotch create (permanent) glue sticks. In my opinion they work very well.

[@terrieneilson403]

Another great video! Thank you Wendy!😊

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks for watching!

[@wranglergal41]

thank you

[@sherrydennis2419]

Thank you!

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

You're welcome!❤❤

[@nadianardini7513]

Tfs Wendy. This was very interesting. xx

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Glad you enjoyed it❤

[@laurajean8857]

Love the start of Inspiration, which hits here at home..Rachel's has indeed Inspired me and the Love of her Beautiful Books that I continue to purchase when there availiable..to Make my Journels, following You Wendy who also has the Love of the Old 1800s French or Italian books and has also Inspired Me as well , they make such Lovely Journals... As I have Many of Your Journals I have Purchased as well as Rachels..Thank you for continuing Your Shares, Ideas, and Inspiration..🤗❤

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks so much Laura ❤❤❤

[@blackcoffeeandwildflowers]

Thanks Wendy! I’ve seen a couple of video about top tools. I don’t remember who because when I was starting out, I just did a search by topic. If I recall, most are similar to your list. I know mine pretty much parallels yours as well. I really appreciate videos like this because it helped me so much to get started in this craft. ❤️🤗 Tamara

[@sueproffitt3320]

This was very helpful information especially about printer an digitals.

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Glad it was helpful!❤

[@roseanndeighan5872]

Hi Wendy, This is a great list you have here! I am so eclectic in my crafting and scrapbooking that I do have a lot of supplies. I hope to get more organized this year! Your list will help me remember my list of essentials as well 🥰😍🤩 Be well and safe! Peace to you and yours🕊

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks darling friend!!

[@libbyscott522]

Thank you for this. I am inspired by you and love to see your process. However you left out one of your essentials, washi tape‼️ I also would love to see how you organize your stash, maybe in another video or if you have already done one point me in the direction of where it might be. Thank you.

[@Janartable]

I’d love to see that too!!

[@chaselip]

Wonderful video Wendy!! Love hearing what other people feel are their must haves! Take Cate of yourselg💖💖💖💖

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thank you! You too!

[@nancypyter1511]

Great video for people just starting out Wendy! It can be overwhelming for beginners because they think they need so many supplies!

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Absolutely!!

[@victoriapham5926]

You inspired me to go hunt for antiquarian books! I found a few too! But the corners are all beaten up and the spin is fallen apart. Though I'm still glad to have them. I'm saving on a side to make an ephemera holder like your when im better at sewing. Alway loves your videos, simple and easy to understand.

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks so much Victoria ❤

[@brendagraw3729]

You can add lace or fabric to the beaten corner. Most journal makers on KZbin have videos on how to rebuild the spine. I often buy beaten up books! Price is right.

[@victoriapham5926]

@@brendagraw3729 yes! Just like the lace/ crochet trim. I'm on the hunt for them too. I'm jealous how other found some in thrift store. I'm planing on using book corner for the beaten up corner if I can manage to used them. 😆

[@donadeam2313]

Thank you for sharing your 12 essentials. I must admit i love collecting crafting tools and paraphernalia as much as I do using then. But in reality, if I expanded your list to 15 essentials (inks, stamps and dies and cutting system), I could cover everything I would need to craft journals.😊

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Nice additions Dona❤

[@sassyh154]

Great list and wish I had seen this video years ago... I, like everyone else has gone out to buy all these things we thought we needed... today my supplies are quite simple and I look to use the other supplies in my stash when I can... Cheers for sharing...

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks so much Sas❤️

[@57cparks]

A nice essential video. TY for sharing that. Yeah, its so easy, for sure, to fall into the trap of going out and buying anything and everything because you saw someone use it or feel like you just have to have it to create. Really like your approach, your style, and your creativity. #13 - a sewing machine ;)

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Agree with your #13 ❤

[@Shane-us4ks]

🧚🏻‍♀️Thank you for making this video Wendy! Such a great topic and especially helpful for newbies. I’ve got most of what you have, as I made Nursery Rhyme books for my grandies when they were little. I haven’t got the complete bookbinding kit! However, I do have one reel of waxed thread, needles, awl, etc! I loved your idea about saving the spine templates for various sized journals!⭐️ What I am going to purchase this year are three old books from Rachel to make journals for my three granddaughters! So sorry to hear about darling Leo, I loved it when he appeared in your videos.🐾 Thank you again!😘

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

You are most welcome Shane, I miss him too❤

[@DeniseS-6867]

💜

[@Karen3263]

❤

[@darleneboehm9666]

Great list. Thanks for sharing. I was alarmed by the price increase for the recollections paper over the last year. I also used it exclusively, but I have switched to another one, which doesn’t quite feel as robust as the recollections, but also doesn’t break the bank.

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks Darlene, I agree it has gotten very pricey ❤

[@shirleyjackson3893]

For me, I need a bone folder. Even if I don't use it, I need to know where it is. A little OCD.

[@lorrainedurgee1761]

Thanks for telling us what u buy & where to buy it - antique places are not that pricey so go there-thrift stores also. Your right about others telling us where they get their products - it’s so hard & time consuming…

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks Lorraine ❤❤

[@anitajansen5610]

👍❤

[@lucy7b]

❤❤❤

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

❤❤❤

[@teresa-ux8db]

Wendy I am so sorry to hear about Leo and your other furry family. I did not realize that they had crossed the rainbow bridge. Many hugs and much love and thank you for this video

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks so much Teresa ❤😢

[@louloufabrique]

FISKARS has one witch can be found at Michaels! One of my best buy ever!

[@butterflymalice]

I'm just starting one got sum pages done

[@mariapatriciachavez214]

👍

[@arlenewaddell]

Thank you for sharing your essential items, we can get caught up on accumulating too much stuff but your essentials have really narrowed it down to the basics. I went back and watched the coffee stained video from 2018 and am excited to try this. In that video you mentioned a video about adding a digital image to the corners. I looked back through your extensive video list but couldn’t find one. Did you make one or could you? Thanks from fellow Canadian subbie from Lacombe, Alberta - Arlene

[@junkerryjournals7924]

Lovely update to the essentials. I just did a huge clean up and out in my craft room and found many items that I never use. I have a question about your eco tank. I have the ET3700 so similar category -can you print on tracing/transparent paper? Great video as always

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Sadly I cannot, that’s the only frustration ❤

[@junkerryjournals7924]

@@WendysJournalAdventure I’ll have to resort to sticking it onto a piece of copy paper to get it to pass through

[@louloufabrique]

#3 and #4 are not available for me but I will keep in mind the advice in #4 for the eco thank. The price of card stock at Michals has indeed doubled. When my stock will be empty, I will get some manilla file folders and that will give me double amount of card stock!!! Great idea for this video Wendy. Likewise, I hope that other creators will do the same too! Merci.

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

You’re welcome 😊

[@brendagraw3729]

Second hand stores often have file folders for cheap

[@louloufabrique]

@@brendagraw3729 Merci! Good idea.

[@lisastevens2607]

Thanks Wendy! Excellent list. One question… what kind of paper do you print your digitals on for Journal pages? Thanks for the info. ❤

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

It's Epson paper, 24 pound, thanks!

[@lisastevens2607]

@@WendysJournalAdventure 😊😊😊

[@deborahtrout8821]

Great list. Can I ask what size eyelets you use?

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

They are 4mm❤❤

[@marleneburdett9241]

Great video. I'm a beginner junk journaler. Which corner punch do you use? There are too many to choose from.

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

I have a Fiskars corner punch, but rarely use it ❤

[@brendagraw3729]

Put a coin in the corner, trace, then cut

[@whitneykosters9102]

Do you ever have any trouble selling journals with actual coffee dyed papers? I’ve heard horror stories about customs opening the journals as the coffee smell alerts the dogs or whatever method they use to look for drugs ect in packages & in turn damage the journal

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

No I’ve never heard of that issue 😮

[@janethuckaby5547]

Leo passed??? I'm so sorry.

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

Thanks Janet, I posted on the community tab shortly after his passing. I miss him every day ❤