Simple Junk Journal & Gift Idea | Beginner Friendly

[@zynzane9680]

OMG, the soundtrack over the sewing MONTAGE made me LOL! Love the hanging file idea. Your eco dyed pieces look perfect on there!

[@tracygarvin2902]

What a fabulous reminder that not all projects have to be super fancy or decorated to the max… I love the simplicity but effective nature of this journal 😊

[@theresewallentin2856]

Great idea making 12 journals for a year and then binding them into a big book and reuse the monthly journals. Love how your stitches made the veins of the leaves on the cover.

[@sweetcurly28]

Maybe make a box that’s open at one side to “hold” all the 12 journals? Keeping them all the way they were all year but a place for them to be. 😊

[@marilynmccormick1658]

Now that's just too clever!

[@melissaoverland692]

Fabulous!!! I love the idea of JUNK JOURNAL PUSHER!!! 😂 YES!!! You make such great videos! Your method of recording when you are sewing is brilliant! Thank you for sharing your talents! I always leave your videos with such great ideas. AND your videos are never too long. 👍✌️❤️😊

[@NorthlightsStudio]

Walks up to stranger on the street and throws open my trench coat and begin gesturing inside “ want to buy a journal? Free scrap sampler to try it out, come on it’s only one, it’s not addictive at all! And my prices are the best” lol😂

[@amivbg]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@twofoursevenbeauty]

👍🏾

[@yobyhenthorn7813]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@cheryldimatteo9046]

Honestly watching you is just as enjoyable as making a journal myself!!

[@RebelSol67]

Love this. Missed you :) Need to get back into journal making

[@susanhigginson3748]

Love this idea for each woman in a small Bible study I’m involved in for prayer, notes,& personal reflections sections. Thank you for the idea.

[@LedgerAndLace]

Oooooh, that sewing on the leaf is AWESOME! I like how you've created a "base" journal that can be added to and expanded on. It also makes it so customizable. Also, you've answered the conundrum of what to do if you don't have Fabri-Whatever. Ha! 🙂

[@JanieAlcove9]

Love these little journals and especially love the idea of binding them into one 12-month journal. Or, if you didn’t want to do 12 months, you could do the four seasons and decorate accordingly…..!!!

[@chrisrasmussen4612]

Tell me about being a JJ pusher, I am so hooked after watching your videos and another bunch of videos from years ago, and I have been so hooked, it is like a drug. So thanks for that, but seriously, I love your ideas and your videos. Thank you for sharing!😁

[@allisonjames2923]

I do enjoy watching a crafty person who creates lovely things & also tosses in the word ‘plethora’ as well 😁

[@heatherreid9787]

Thank you, really clear instructions and some great ideas, I have been journaling for a while but have never tried making my own, this looks like something I can do. I love the inside covers too, a lovely journal.

[@JannyHaak]

What a fun idea to make 12 journals and then bind them all together at the end of the year. Love that! ❤

[@Jackie_249]

Bonjour! what a great idea you're giving me!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤thx💌🌺💖

[@cherylkaltenbach3474]

Love,love,love the paper How did you make you paper?

[@deneanefrost3891]

Love the idea of the file folder and such a quick gift. I need to dye some paper

[@sharonfimpel7447]

1st thing. I like the sound of your voice. It is not irritating. 2. There are not any external noises. Like a dog barking, or child crying. You teach the lesson. You don't ramble. I subscribed. Thank you.

[@marciabonk2533]

Nik is the best teacher for this artform!

[@johnibrazzell764]

Super cool stuff! Looking forward to the next mystery. Lyfs. Be safe

[@TheRubeeRose]

this is a great idea - thanks for sharing!

[@fibergoddess1]

EXCELLENT! This is the perfect gift for my school teacher niece. She can use it to record the kid’s antics that she’s always telling me about that keeps me laughing. TFS 👏🏽💜

[@MrsPatJones]

Love the theme of this eco one. I've been doing some journals for my use for each quarter/season this year. Like your idea of binding them all together at the end of the year.

[@triciat342]

❤️ you are amazing company to watch Nik.Its a privilege to be alongside you as you inspire teach and create in such a fun and smart way Thankyou from across in the UK x

[@tharp2499]

This "gateway" journal is so simple yet, so lovely. The stitching through the eco-dyed leaves is a really nice addition. Thx!💗Not to worry...I'm already an addict. You can't "push" the willing.😁 Love and blessings.💜💜💜

[@jhowell1321]

I've decided to do art/junk journaling to go with the poetry I write (spurred on by a local women's empowerment art exhibit coming up soon!). So I landed here and am learning so much watching your process...and very entertained by commentary like "reeked of effort" and the Wagner 😅 I am not, I repeat, I am not a visual artist really, but have done some easy crafting and really enjoy it. Thank you for the learning and inspiration!

[@joshenyou360]

WOW! how lovely. I'm so happy to have found your channel.

[@kokicherkovalieva1522]

I enjoy watching your videos, Nik!

[@vickiemmerson8374]

Thank you, this was encouraging to a beginner.

[@janetvisochi-baum7572]

yes this has inspired me - after watching your eco-dyed videos - i got addicted lol - now have a box of probably over 200 prints - i love how you created the front cover and now would like to do this to hold - ummm i mean hoard 🤣my eco prints - and what a wonderful idea to include a little scrap pad if gifting - Nik thank you for all you do - your creations are encouraging as well as inspiring and i can't wait for your mystery video - i truly enjoy those - be well and stay safe xx

[@francineh.7825]

I agree, I really like the idea of doing 12 of them ahead of time and having a new journal each month. Looks like I'll be busy 🌞

[@annelenox4140]

Your video editing always gives me a few giggles...thank you! Sorry you're having "that kind of a day"! Love ALL your creations!

[@jam4441]

Like the 12 journal idea to make into book later on. Thank you Nic for offering a simple project that is doable for this tired brain.

[@Cassiopeia52721]

I use a bottle of clear nail polish to seal my ends on bookmarkers or ties. I like the glossy look.

[@patriciarinaldi9390]

Love that 12 month idea and then binding the year.

[@tiantuatara]

I love your "extras" and "unnecessaries" as they are cool ideas and inspiration for creativity. Very fun!

[@kaytournay151]

Helped me a lot! I’m at the threshold… will I become a junkie? Love that u used a sewing machine as I am a sewist ( love that word). Thanks.. will look at more of your vids!

[@jazzie2023]

Love the montage when you were sewing made me laugh I needed that today rough day today but I'm ok. Just wanted to say that you put a smile on my face

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Thanks, Jazzie, I'm happy to hear it was a bright spot in your day. I hope today is a better one! =)

[@angelikagiam]

Brilliant idea as always! I use alteredbooks cause I feel intimidated from the big, empty journals but with this idea i could make monthly, smaller journals and then put them all together as you said! Wonderful! Thank you so very much! Congratulations Nik! You deserve it! 💖

[@secondhandrose6214]

oh you.... you did it again I literally have to make a gift for tomorrow.... and I'm a last minute kinda gal.... now I know exactly what I'm making ! Yay !

[@Sujowi]

I love your diligence even when you “ can’t be bothered today”! Love this project.💕

[@jodiecleman1344]

I have news for you . You are one of my junk journal pushers. I have several you guys have me hooked.

[@sulyco4380]

You always have great ideas . Mine don’t quite look as good as yours but I still enjoy making them ❤

[@sandraterwilliger4879]

Love your precision in all of your works! The best!

[@pamelaburke9250]

Sweet! Love your echo dyed paper and the sewn leaf shape on the front cover. Also, I appreciate that you edit videos to under 30 minutes! Perfect for a morning coffee .

[@marymogckmishmashmary]

Perfect timing for my weekend project for gifts❣️

[@anntowle1706]

I enjoyed watching this today. I love the eco-printed paper, it's just beautiful. I ran across this video today and thought you might enjoy the Tudor-era paper making, printing, and bookbinding. Those segments are between approximately the 25 and 45-minute marks on the video.

[@cityluxesingapore]

This is an awesome video! You have great ideas all the time, and I enjoy watching you create.

[@judyandersen3842]

You are awesome!great journal and great ideas! 🤗

[@mitzieat307junkjournals4]

What a wonderful idea as a gift. I love that cover! ❤ Thank you all you do and thank you for sharing. 💕🥰💕

[@margavanderwel1485]

Love to hear you talk and see you work, as always a great idea, thnx for sharing, be safe and enjoy your weekend, 😘 luv ya

[@smchalk3535]

I made a scrap sampler!! I used it up. I may make another one. Love how beautifully simple this is

[@lori88ish]

Your eco prints are gorgeous, and the sewing the leaf pattern was an epic idea that I think I will use. The idea of making 12 so you have one for each month is fabulous idea too. Mostly I love the inspiration you always provide Nik Take Care Hugs and Smiles

[@lisagreen3778]

Really like this…and your handmade paper on the cover and inside is gorgeous…a perfect pairing with the tea-dyed papers!

[@janice2992]

Junk art and junk journals is the best use of our resources and talents we should have far more compatitions. For real junk crafting. Our innovations should be celebrated more. Thank you for sharing your process of your junk journals

[@bhanani5480]

This whole video was AWESOME, I made my very my own JJ (but standard TN size) from my hoarding clearing up and it turned pretty cool. I love the ideas in this video and I'm gonna have a go at making some tea stained paper for my next journal 👍🥰

[@annaengberg]

Gorgeous journal! Perfect as a gift. :) Thank you for the inspiration! These papers, the eco dyed, they are fab! Looking forward to the next video! :)

[@Valeri4561]

Love the craft time mystery video's. Can't wait for that one. Also want to say even though you may not be a beginner as I am not, you can still be inspired and learn from others. for instance....I am working on a cute give-a-way for Halloween for a few of my friends and family. I was just this morning wondering how to do a quick and cool cover for it. While pondering, I decided to do my morning cruse on KZbin. And.... this video really gave me an idea to use the file folder cover to place the Halloween front I just finished. Thanks for the inspiration and as previously mentioned, you can never think that you can't learn from a beginner's video if you are an experienced book maker. I just learned a lot!!! YAY!!! Thanks for the idea Nik!!!

[@pamelasertich9850]

Well, I guess you will be my Junk Journal Pusher. You just enabled me big time. I have always loved the process of book making but really never had the confidence to make one like this. Thank you so much! I'll be back!

[@ultraviolet13881]

Love the journal! Your idea to make 12 is awesome, too, and I was thinking that it would be a lot of fun decorating each one according to the seasons. TFS :)

[@MsWolvirene]

Exactly what I was looking for ..just something easy and fast to make for a few gifts for friends...thank you

[@fluffyspit]

I love your creativity, inspiration and humour…thank you,x

[@juliannearlene7244]

Such clear and simple insructions.Thanks!

[@randigerber1926]

Dear Nik, Apologies, as I didn't watch this in its entirety yet, but wanted to comment about the cover image you used. I recently learned about Dorland's Wax, which can be rubbed onto paper (particularly water-colored images!) to give it a water-resistant coating, As soon as you brought out the page, I immediately thought of that ... coating it for durability, before sewing on. You're always a treat to watch! Again, I send this with the best of intentions, just wanting to share a tip that I only learned of recently, after years of paper crafting and making bookies ... 😺

[@AlexisQuednau]

I love the idea of a scrap sampler as accompanying gift. I’m totally going to do that as part of a custom journal I’m making for a friend. Thanks for sharing!

[@robingriffin5811]

Such a helpful video for us beginners. Genius in its simplicity! Thank you for the video. I think I may be able to start a journal now without the overwhelm of the fancy stuff (which I love but makes me hesitant to begin).

[@KimGibsonfiberlover]

You know I learn something every time I watch you! You are amazingly talented, and I appreciate your hard work and sharing.

[@anaschulz8084]

You just read my mind about using up file folders that I have tons of and no longer need!

[@mungbean345]

Thank you! My cousin had made a beautiful little junk journal for me over a decade ago, so when I recently got a set of botanical greeting cards, I immediately felt that they needed to be turned into journal gifts... But I wasn't quite sure where to start. Thanks for such a clear and flexible presentation! I'm feeling very inspired.

[@microdot153]

THANK YOU THANK YOU. Such wonderful ideas and can't wait to dive in and do this. Your explanations are wonderful, very easy to follow. Thank you !!

[@tricias1]

Nik!!! My green file folders just arrived today from Amazon! I was just trying to figure out what to make for Christmas gifts for friends! You've read my mind !! ❤️

[@KimberlyInSoCal310]

This is just a lovely journal, and the scrap sampler is as well! You have such great ideas all the time. Love your channel and watching you create!

[@tuthillg]

Love the beauty of nature and the eco prints! TFS the inspiration!

[@caroltanzi29]

Nikki: a real creative easy project. Like it a lot! Carol from California

[@BrendaHowell-e2e]

I'm not sure how I missed this a year ago but it was a pleasure to watch today. I love the audio! Your work always calms me and sparks ideas. Thank you so much! Keep up the good work, Nik 🙂

[@plauditecives]

Thanks so much for not making the video long. I have to say I get somewhat discouraged when I am faced with a many-steps video. And using hanging folder paper is brilliant. People in my city often leave them out on the sidewalk (having obviously digitized their records) so I will definitely pick some up next time I see them.

[@lorraineperry621]

Beautiful and funny, thanks for the laughs and ideas 😊

[@danih7577]

Your videos are my favorite because they’re practical. I love the eco paper so much! I also love the 12 month gift idea. I haven’t made a junk journal yet. I am planning a book for my son’s wedding. I’m going to leave the book cover to last after watching this. I’ve never sewn before , I failed that part of home economics, couldn’t thread the bobbin and kept losing my spools. I have purchased a handheld sewing machine and am procrastinating on instructions. That hone ec teacher must have been mean because sewing machines make me feel like a giant idiot. You make me want to sew and not glue. Today’s goal read sewing machine instructions. Is there anyway to hide the binding knot in the center of the pamphlet?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Good morning! Did I start in the inside and leave the knot/tails there? I thought I did that instead of leaving the knot on the outside of the spine, but it was a few years ago Lol

[@danih7577]

@@NiktheBooksmith inside, but I get it now. Tie it on outside and hide with tape or binding. Thanks much!

[@janetbennell9855]

Such a fabulous idea. I've made a few journals, but your video is so clear and helpful. Easy to watch and listen to. thank you.

[@katmarj2937]

So pretty! Simple, but with some elegant details.

[@MariaRomero-qc1hn]

I like the idea of your journal easy & unique thanks for sharing lots of blessings

[@cheriefruehan]

Love the color palette...the prettiest junk journal I've seen so far! Thanks for sharing! :)

[@bettymetz3746]

I counted 12 great ideas that inspired me in this video Nik. A wonderful dozen eggs I will hatch in the future!! Thanks. Blessings from Betty in Ohio.

[@LamiaFox]

Nik! Thanks again for a great video. What an amazing idea to use this as a year long journal! I’m thinking it would be great to make it with an elastic to hold the pages in so they can be swapped out easily. I think I would also make a master binder, as it were, to put all of the individual journals into as well.

[@christineschmidt1025]

This was my favorite video so far. I’m wanting to get back into junk journaling again.

[@sherelynwhite4130]

Thanks Nik...nice idea! Gateway drug!🤣🤣 Looking forward to your craft time murder mystery!💞🙋‍♀️

[@elizatgilbert]

Love all of this, but I especially LOVE the leaf stitching!!!

[@MichelleB_96]

Gotta love a good gateway journal 😊

[@lisastevens2607]

Excellent idea, making 12 for the year ❤.

[@bansheekate]

I love the way you stitched the cover! Great tutorial! Ty

[@abijahdixon2771]

Oh I can't wait to try my hand at one!

[@maramakesjournals2319]

I enjoyed it very much. Your book came together quickly, and the techniques are easy. This truly is a book anyone can make in a flash. 📸

[@sophiemsmply4you572]

Great tutorial Nik. I've just found you and am binge watching your videos. I love making journals and love your inspiration.

[@junerobbins6871]

Love this journal. It's really nice. The eco dyed paper is fabulous. Ive dyed papers using coffee, tea, a combo of those two, shaving cream, watered down tempra paints and another spray that i found on our give away tab. It drys a kind of lavender. The label has come off, so I don't know what it is, but it has a nice odor.

[@lillyr437]

Like always it was a pleasure watching your video. Great ideas!

[@alicecosta1157]

Loved it, great gift idea for my Grandies, I think anyway

[@lorrainedurgee1761]

Great idea,glad your back.

[@christinecaronnabeard1369]

I love this, thank you, Nik!

[@ramonakearns2101]

Loved this video You kept it simple yet interesting.

[@pamyaun936]

Loved it!!!

[@libra74677]

That turned out beautiful!