Using My Junk Journal

[@lisasexton4727]

Folks need to see how to journal in junk journals; it reduces their “fear” of messing up. Thanks for sharing!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Absolutely!! Thank you Lisa!

[@JournalJourneys51]

I'm SO glad you posted this! I've been wondering how YOU use your journals and once again, I'm totally inspired. As you answered the questions of your subscriber I thought about my answers too. Being in my 70s I often think about how our world has changed during my lifetime and one reason I love vintage ephemera is as examples of how things used to be. In my own journals I use small pieces as places to write specific things I'm grateful for on the days I come across them. I love the definitions, quotes, and affirmation ideas too. Thank you, as always, for your continued postings and inspiration! - Trudy

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh Trudy - thanks so much for your feedback! and for your support of me. I’m glad to inspire you.

[@melissaealy]

You sound so sweet

[@marciamusiak7659]

thank you for sharing.

[@pinky-tl2bi]

so beautiful. i never know what to do with mine tho i so love them. so happy you shared. i plan to leave my notes and planners to my son.

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@pinky-tl2bi He will treasure them, I’m sure!

[@karenkettering1725]

I made a prayer journal for a dear friend and it included lots of tickets. She uses them to write intercessory prayers and when God answers that particular prayer, she gives the ticket to the one for whom the prayer was spoken.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks for sharing that sweet tip Karen!

[@ginaravello]

Wow i love that! Thank you for sharing that ❤❤❤❤

[@jackiesticha6970]

Oh my gosh I love this!

[@Jeannes1234]

Your Covid journals truly were theraputic for you when you see that you filled 2 journals with your thoughts about it. That is one purpose of keeping a journal.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yes, they were Jeanne! I’m so glad I decided to do that. Of course, we had more than enough time then, didn’t we? Haha. Thanks for watching.

[@kellybrush4803]

Kathleen i think this is the first time I have commented. I just started watching your videos in the last couple of weeks. You seem like such a gentle soul and you have such a calm and soothing voice. Your journals are absolutely wonderful and I love your videos and ideas. I am a fan for life! God Bless you!!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Kelly for watching and especially for this wonderful encouragement. This makes me smile! 😀

[@suruha2306]

I made a junk journal and gave it to my son's girlfriend. She's quite artistic, herself. I was surprised when she showed it to me! She had placed photos of the two of them in the slots I had made for such things. She wrote about them on the little cards and tickets. She stuck memorabilia in other pockets and slots. It was fun to make and she had fun filling it up! Win/win!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh yes! that certainly is a win - yay!

[@happyssightspectacle9551]

Kathleen Thank You for sharing your wonderful journals with us. I got so many ideas from this video. I am creating journals as a way to document things and people in my life who made an impact on my life, or things that made me happy. After my Mother died, I looked everywhere for things she had written, I longed for her penmanship.

[@BeAgainBooks]

I know just what you mean! Thank you for your sweet thoughts. I hope you found some of your mom’s handwriting. These little things come up in our memories and are so evocative.

[@bettystychno5723]

I think all of us new to journal making wonder if they are really used for that purpose! Thank you for showing your experiences journaling. I’m 78 and I want to create memory keeping journals as well as loving the process of decorating as an artistic endeavor. I’m inspired by your creative ideas and beautiful journals. You set a very high standard that I’d love to emulate but mostly just admire!

[@WikkedWoman]

I agree. I’m 72 and making junk journals for a year. I leave a lot of space for people to write. Never too late to document our own memories.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Haha - I think you are probably right Betty! It takes a creative eye to see the possibilities right? Thanks so much for watching.

[@dawnklein106]

Not only do you have an artist’s heart it is a tender one as well. Thank you for sharing.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Aw thank you so much Dawn!

[@marilynmccormick1658]

I'm a writer, so I resonate with your style. I've heard others say that they never write in their journals. They tend to have lots of pockets to save pieces of ephemra. Junk journaling can be for everyone. I tend to do a lot of collaging in mine & do a page on what I'm feeling or thinking.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Marilyn!

[@JoansJunkJournalsAndMore]

Beautiful, thoughtful, gracious video. Thank you. I know a lot of people other than Joyce appreciates this. I used to write/journal lots before I even knew about junk journals. I would write in just plain notebooks and sketch pictures along the way. That is, until someone invaded my privacy and got into them and read them,. Then in the heat of the moment, I destroyed them so no one else would do that again. Big Regret. I think it is time for me to start writing again as there are things I would like people to know when I'm gone. I have no kids, but I do have siblings, nieces and nephews. ☺♥

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Joan! Yes, give it another try - there are so many reasons to do it! Thanks for watching.

[@jenan8]

Good idea! I’ve had a similar experience and used my involvement in junk journaling as a way to reclaim and celebrate my writing again 😊 you can even tuck little inspiring notes to yourself in your journal.

[@BeAgainBooks]

What a great idea - I am a firm believer in positive self messages! Thank you!

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

Joan, I completely understand why you did what you did. I will never understand that desire to invade like that. It always comes across as a "burning resentment," if you will, of someone else's mere existence. I don't know about you, but it always leaves me burning with anger that people like that were never taught any manners about privacy. It always comes across as a vibe of "entitlement." But I am glad you are feeling pulled to come back to what your soul loves to do. 😁

[@JoansJunkJournalsAndMore]

@@a.katherinesuetterlin3028 Thank you so much for the words of understanding. I had to let go of that "burning resentment" first as it was hurting me more than him or anyone else. What freedom to let that go. Now, to carry on with head held high(but not a snobby nose high lol ). ☺♥

[@Spiritwood88]

I love the variety of journals that you have. I also admire your lovely handwriting. The beauty of journal making is that you can never have too many! They are fun to write random thoughts, quotes, song lyrics...whatever you want. They are an extension of us, and a treasure left behind. I often wish my grandmothers had written in a journal, what a gift that would have been!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed this video. My grandmothers DID writing in journals and I can testify that it is a gift.

[@Mommyoffive4Him]

Thank you so much for sharing not just your journals but your heart behind them! You are a blessing, Kathleen!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Kerri! That’s so kind and it makes me smile!

[@sherylsantoro]

Thank you to Joyce for asking such great questions and thank you Kathleen for answering them in such great details. Your penmanship is exquisite. I enjoyed seeing all of your themed journals with reasons for making them.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much Sheryl! I appreciate it.

[@WikkedWoman]

This is the most beautiful, thoughtful, thought provoking flip through of such journals with wonderfully creative embellishments. My words cannot express all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh I am so glad you enjoyed this Christine! Thank you very much!

[@dianeruno4942]

Thanks Kathleen for sharing about your personal journaling , and use of a junk journal. The act of creating a journal and then going back and using it is calming, cathartic, and joyful at different times. It was fun to see how you use small ephemera too. Sometimes I use my journal just to save a small piece of paper that has a memory for me- no journaling needed. Thanks again!

[@BeAgainBooks]

I agree Diane! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

[@kathytrakas772]

Great questions and so well responded to. Two of them have been bouncing around in my head for awhile: what to do with all the little bits and how to use my well loved antique and vintage pieces. I thank Joyce for asking them and you, Kathleen, for answering them. I appreciate so much that you shared some of your personal thoughts. ( I’m also a Kathleen.)

[@BeAgainBooks]

Glad it was helpful Kathy! Thank you for coming by!

[@jenan8]

I really enjoyed this video. It’s funny that we don’t discuss actual journaling much, despite loving journals! I really liked how you discussed hidden journaling - it’s one of my favourite strategies, allowing me to incorporate art and fold outs and delightful surprises, as well as tuck away my writing. I mostly use hidden journaling so that when I look in my journal I am not drawn into my own past thoughts and feelings unless I choose to; it makes my journal more of a peaceful place.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much Jenan! 😊 It is kind of odd, isn’t it. I make journals the way I like to use them and it sounds like you do as well! Thanks so much for your thoughts!

[@dedeec3653]

As you were talking about the smaller pieces, it came to mind to create an inspiration book with quotes and affirmations.

[@BeAgainBooks]

The perfect thing - great idea! Thanks for the feedback!

[@mrssanders8047]

Thank you, Kathleen. Great tips and ideas. Your work is always beautiful!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Lorraine24_]

Kathleen, thank you for this lovely illustration and explanation of how journals can be used. I have created and given away quite a few journals and too often the recipients are thankful and appreciative but also unsure what to do with them. This video has helped me to be better able to answer that question.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Hoooray Lorraine! I’m so glad to have helped you. Thanks so much for the support.

[@kerynokeeffe9133]

Wonderful video! Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing so much of yourself and being so willing to open your door to bring us into your personal space. This is such a generous gesture and a true indicator of the beautiful heart and soul that you are! Much love and big hugs, dear friend! 😀💞

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Keryn! It’s easy to share with such a loving community and you are such a steady part of that.

[@Patricia.R.]

Hello Kathleen! I stumbled across your channel during the Dollar Tree JJ just recently. I have enjoyed watching your videos. This one, is a personal favorite! I loved to see how you journal. I do some of the same things. I'm a life long journaler, (auto correct is telling me that is not a word) ...is it diarist? Hmmmm. Anyway, I have often tucked things inside my journals, particularly our holiday book. I save notes, letters, cards, art work from kids and grandkids and often don't know where to put them. Now with junk journaling, I am finding a precious place for all the treasured things and memories. I loved seeing your grandchild's art work honored inside your book. I especially loved your pandemic journal. But want you to be encouraged, that one day that book will be regarded as helpful insight to our life at the time. Don't be afraid to know others might read it. After we're gone, it doesn't matter to us, but it will to someone. Of course you can never go wrong by putting God's word into our pages. Have a wonderful day!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you for the encouragement and reinforcement Patricia! I really appreciate your thoughts! (I think of a journaler as someone who deliberately keeps their thoughts and memories. I think of a diarist the same, only someone who does it regularly, haha.

[@shondra6]

Beautiful video . I’ve enjoyed watching your flip through. TFS 🙏💜🙏💜 junk journaling for me is all those little pieces of time , gathered together. And treasured .

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@buttonsforbrains]

Oh my, this is glorious 🥰 I love to see journals being used like this. I know often we can simply enjoy the decorating process but to see wonderful written entries is a joy, thank you 😊

[@BeAgainBooks]

Absolutely Liz, it certainly is a joy to me. Thank you so much for coming by!

[@estellamagnuson318]

Thank you for answering Joyce’s questions on how to use a junk journal. Excellent explanations.

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Estella! Thanks for watching.

[@lauriekerschner2925]

Thank you, ive been intereted in making a junk tracel joirnal for a friend....but didnt quite understand how to actually use one. This has been fantastic!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Glad it was helpful Laurie! You will have fun making it, I promise!

[@lizardas]

Very well-explained, Kathleen. My husband had the same questions when I showed him a finished journal. I found that numbering all of my pages and tags, journaling cards, etc. makes it easier to write in a continuous flow. That way, I don't have to confine a thought to a small area, although jotting down a random thought on the back of a ticket is fun too. I also use extra note papers in tuck spots to increase the writing space. There are many little ideas that come to you as you write in a decorated journal. As with most things, you jump in and learn as you go.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yes, I so agree. I make my journals to accommodate how I like to journal and I do think those little ideas that come to you are so helpful to journal makers! Thanks so much for watching.

[@rjfaustralia2653]

Thank you Kathleen for taking the time to show us through a number of your journals and how you have gone about using them. I do card making and scrapbooking but am just entering the world of creating junk journals and this is going to be so helpful to me. I have “liked” it and will definitely be watching it a number of times in the future. New subscriber here. Best Wishes, Rebecca in Australia 🇦🇺

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Rebecca and welcome! I hope you enjoy a new journey!

[@mindyrobertson6203]

I'm borrowing your thought about time running faster, and I'm going to write it in my journal too. Thanks! I finally made myself a beautiful journal, full of all my favorite things, and have been using it much like you explained. It's not chronological, just memories of my life, my thoughts, etc. My daughter will receive it when I'm gone. I try to write something in it each week, as I just turned 62, and I'm not getting any younger!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh Mindy! I’m really so glad to hear this - well done! Congratulations on making a journal and even more kudos for writing in it! I’m sure your daughter will treasure your record!

[@lorhen82]

I haven't tried my hand at making a junk journal yet, but I really want to. I wasn't exactly sure how to use them either, other than just having something pretty to look at. Thank you for sharing your journals - it was inspiring, and they are just so lovely! I need to go see some of your other videos now! ~Lori

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Lori! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

[@yoliebean]

This is such a great video! I love your journals and the reasons behind each one. These will be even more treasured keepsakes years from now as they are now. I journaled a little about Covid but didn’t finish. Now I wish I had. We always think we’ll remember stuff. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for watching.

[@daricet.2958]

Beautiful response and share of your journals. You create from your heart, and this video truly shows that. I like to think of a junk journal like a cookbook. It’s more interesting if you have pictures or illustrations, tuck a shared recipe card and write in them. They are my personal collection to do as I wish.😊

[@BeAgainBooks]

So true Darice! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your comment!

[@mindybeveridge8377]

Thank you so much for sharing your personal journals with us. What a gift you have and I love learning from you.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh I am so glad you think so Mindy! Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@anndavidson287]

Thanks for sharing your journals. I have been journalind since I was in my teens..now nearing 70.. moved often..some of pages torn out..and saved.. Also many papers from family to save..I think I'll start a larger journal with your ideas!! Thanks again!! ❤😊 your journals so pretty.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Ann! and may I say “well done” on a lifetime of journaling. I so appreciate you stopping by!

[@Sujowi]

Your video is the most helpful I’ve seen on journaling, and your books are simply beautiful. I’m using one jj for memories. I left home a month after my mother died so a lot of memories seem lost, but they are coming back in bits, so by writing them down I may get more clarity. And then again, I just love old paper, cards and paper things for their own sake, not to use. Making these jj’s became logical when I realised what a stash of old paper I had from my career in publishing!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Sujowi and I really appreciate your thoughts. I’m glad you can recover some thought and memories. Keep after that project.

[@pamhall8475]

I am just so, so HAPPY that I just happened upon your page & this particular post. Thank you so much for doing this post it has helped me to clarify my thoughts to start vintage junk journaling. I am just starting out on this adventure & I just didn't know how to begin & how to approach posting. Now with seeing your incredible journals, I now have a way forward. Thank you again from a grateful knew subscriber, Pam.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Welcome to my channel Pam! This makes me very happy, myself, haha. I’m glad to be of help!

[@jensartyinclinations]

I love making and using JJ's sooo much. Thank you for this video - so inspiring and expresses our love of papers and vintage ephemera. really lovely ideas & oh wow - your covid journal gave me a little catch in my throat. Thank you for sharing.

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m so glad you stopped in Jen! Thanks so very much!

[@Bront-ki2im]

Beautiful journals, beautiful memories, grace records of the soul. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us. Much appreciated. 🙏☺️

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Bront! This makes me happy!

[@leeannsutherland858]

Enjoyed your honest notation in your journal…..I’m not much of a journaled, but when I have made myself do it, I am always glad later. I love junk journals better than plain journals because they are more visually interesting

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much! I think junk journals are so much less intimidating than a plain white page! Thanks for stopping in!

[@celineworotniak4349]

Thank you for posting this. All those questions are on the minds of many. I’m hesitant to give the journals away for this reason as well. This is a great demonstration of how to use a junk journal.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Celine! I’m glad it is useful!

[@Pixieworksstudio]

Thank you for this. I just did not get it until I started journaling. I just love history and old things, I also write so it's great for things like that. I've put some family history in one of mine, and some photos. Some pages are simply just works of art for most of us, and wonderful collage. I laughed when I remembered collage to me was painting pasta in school😂. I also put my art in a journal, and use one for all my vintage cookery and recipes I've written over the years. I love old books and I often find an old envelope, shopping list, or handwritten recipe in them. They can also be themed too. One of mine is old knitting pattern and sewing pattern based.I hope that helps somebody 😊

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and tips!

[@CraftyKittyVintage]

I absolutely love your ideas and so appreciate your thoughts and how you share them with us all. The pandemic journal is a very special idea that I'm envious I didn't think of doing. I'm going to be subscribing and watching more! SO glad to have found you!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much! I am glad you found me also! Thanks for watching.

[@Pattiemarie3]

creativity, artistic and recycling. Fun, fun, fun and cute, as well as often , most often pretty. When coffee dyed, colorful, crinkly or etc all your senses enjoy. Then again a naughty or lovely word hidden (tucked away) maybe someday to be read when you gone lol. Than you for sharing ,it was delightful 🤗🥰

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yes! Thank you Pattie!

[@sherfinds]

Thank you. I have admired junk journals and even collected many things to make one. Yet, I never have because I couldn't figure out how to use it. Some journals I've seen shared are so jammed-pack before ever getting used that I couldn't imagine using it would be satisfying. Now that you've shared your many examples, I have ideas and hope that I get around to making my first junk journal.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Wonderful news! Thank you for sharing that you are inspired to do it! Have fun - you’ll love it.

[@lisavanalen2581]

Thank you so very much for taking the time to share this. I get asked frequently by friends and family about how to use these journals. I actually do write in mine as well. I have had family members tell me that they don't keep a diaries and they don't journal. I try to explain to them that it can be a place to keep memories or jot down your thoughts, inspirations, and affirmations. I have currently made 6 journals for gifts to different family members as of August 2023. The last one I made was for my 7 year old granddaughter who after seeing the poetry journal I made for my son (her father) told me, "Oh grandma, I gotta have one of these as she hugged her father's journal tightly. She lives animals and wants to be a zoologist when she grows up. And she is also very creative and loves art. Her art amazes me. She really has a talent for drawing and painting. So I made an animal, nature, Art journal. She lives it and yes she is using to to glue her own ephemera pieces that she is learning to make. ❤❤❤ My heart is filled to overflowing . So yes a journal can be just a place to keep things that are meaningful . It's not nesarary to even write anything at all. My 7 year old grandaughter understood this. Thank you again so much for sharing❤ Just wants to ask you about the "Layered" prompt you have on one of your journaling page...did you write the paragraph underneath that prompt...I love it! I would like to write that down and use it in my journal if I have your permission. ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

I am so glad this is a useful illustration Lisa and I appreciate your thoughts. I did not write those thoughts - it is a quote by Bernhard Schlink, an author of a book called The Reader. The quote is public and I’m sure you can use it.

[@paperlove5399]

Beautiful, as usual; and I am grateful for your willingness to share these things. (You are so much braver than I am.) But this video actually sparked something in me. I don't journal (just love the old ephemera and use them as something to platform those wonderful things) but I actually sat down and wrote some thoughts while watching this. Maybe it wouldn't kill me to try some journaling . . . Anyway, thanks for the inspiration! And BTW, what beautiful handwriting!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh I hope you will give it a try! There are so many reasons to do it and you will likely realize it when you start. It’s so good for you, haha. Thanks so much for watching and for the feedback!

[@nancypyter1511]

Kathleen, I really enjoyed looking through your journals! They are so beautiful! You have such a beautiful handwriting too! Thank you so much for sharing friend. Hugs!🥰🥰

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Nancy! I always love a visit from you!

[@gardengate1339]

I am so happy you answered all these questions! I have seen so many "journals" that have no place to actually journal.

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m so glad you enjoyed my journals! Thank you for watching.

[@temirafanka4175]

Thank you for sharing your journals.I am impressed with your writing in both senses.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Temira!

[@deborahmcnamer5347]

Met your sister at a craft show that I had a booth in a few weeks ago and she gave me your page info. Love your journals!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Well hello Deborah! I have two sisters, so that means that you live in either Oregon or Idaho. Sisters are such a blessing. Welcome to my channel and I appreciate the visit. Thank you!

[@normafavela3912]

Your journals are amazing! Loved the ones that you created during Covid. I think a lot of us have forgot that dark time where we lost so many loved ones. Those are great! You actually write on them is just awesome! I like to make journals and tell everyone how to use them but I have never written on any of mine. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video! Many blessings to you!!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Norma! I appreciate your thoughts. If you are also a journal maker, I will encourage you to make one to write in. It is interesting the kinds of things you learn about how to make the journal from the perspective of the writer.

[@normafavela3912]

@@BeAgainBooks This is the first time watching your videos. Learned so much from it and the way you journaled is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. By the way this is a video that should be spread and go viral!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@normafavela3912 Welcome to my channel Norma! I hope you will visit again. Thank you for stopping by!

[@sheilaedwards7152]

Your writing is beautiful. It is becoming a lost art!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much 😀

[@MissDaisyParsley]

Love seeing how you use your journals! Thanks for sharing!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Miss Daisy!

[@karenfrase9390]

Thank you for sharing your journals. I found them very interesting.

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m so glad Karen! Thanks for watching.

[@chewie6658]

What a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing this very personal insight in how you use your junk journals. ❤ I love your handwriting - it is so beautiful. I use my junk journals mainly as albums for holding photographs and memory pieces. Therefore I decorate them along while using them. Also I did several junk journals for mothers day and birthdays - but always finished projects and already filled with photographs. One time I gifted a travel journal to friends and I plan to do one to hold all of these memes and pictures I liked and downloaded from fb. I think these will go very well with tags and journaling cards and so on. And then I will put it in the bathroom for my guests to enjoy. 😉

[@BeAgainBooks]

It’s a pleasure to share and I’m so glad you got something out of it. I’m glad you have a plan for your journals!

[@user-ku2xx5yj2e]

I love the way you journal Thankyou for all the inspiration. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Aww-that’s great to hear! Thank you Susie!

[@caroltanzi29]

Kathleen: really nice to look though. A lot of clever ideas. Thanks, Carol from California

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much Carol! 😊

[@amydastrab2638]

I enjoyed watching this! Your journals are wonderful and beautiful. You explained the how-to's of journaling very well and I have to say, you have lovely handwriting. Thanks for sharing!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh I’m so glad Amy - thank you very much!

[@lauragaudry3402]

Thank you for sharing your personal journals. Very inspiring! Hugs and blessings, 🤗❤️🇨🇦

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so welcome Laura! Thanks for watching.

[@jeanettemisaiko9519]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been quite interested in the use of these journals and now I think I’m finally ready to dive into making one!!! I also wanted to thank u for sharing your personal journals/uses and your thoughts and writings. It was very moving. I can see your Covid journals being used in a documentary in the future to show what it was really like to live through that time. I wish I had thought to do it - I’m sure it was quite useful in helping you sort & process your thoughts & feelings.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Jeanette! I hope you will dive in soon! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[@YvonneA60]

Thank you for sharing. This is so incredibly useful to someone new to junk journaling like myself. Your journals are beautiful as are the ways you use them to keep your memories and thoughts.❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m really so glad this is useful. Thank you so much Yvonne!

[@lisawagner6076]

Thank you so much for this video. I also had the same questions Joyce did. I was not sure about all the goodies we put in the journals. I guess it is because I don't journal and I imagine Joyce does not either. But now I can see why we put those goodies into a journal and it all becomes clear. This has made we want to start trying to do some journaling. I have no shortage of already made journals to choose from to begin with. And maybe my husband will quit asking "what are you gonna do with all these journals??" LOL

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh yes! Get started right away, It is another wonderful way of being creative -this time with your thoughts AS WELL as your materials. Try it!

[@jackieo8693]

Wow super pretty! I really like your Christmas journal. A great spot to write down Christmas memories!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Jackie!

[@neverwares]

I think of ephemera as little treasures you get to tuck away to find later ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh yes, very much! Thanks for watching!

[@user-wh2em5mb4v]

I'm glad you shared your gratitude journal. I'm amazed at how focusing on gratitude can change your mood. I decorate a calendar page each month. On the square for that day rather than writing what I did that day I write what I'm thankful for about that day. If I've had a bad day then I write down general things I'm thankful for. My favorite quote: "A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles." 😊 Your journals are lovely and so is your handwriting. :)

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so right! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! …and for watching!

[@diannajohnston4558]

Love making them!!! I do wish however I had your lovely handwriting…penmanship is awesome

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Dianna! My mother would be so proud, haha. Thanks for watching!

[@carolmunford6623]

Your journals are beautiful! Your writing and ideas of what to write notes about are inspiring. Thank you for opening them up for us and sharing your thoughts, dreams, worries and memories!

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Carol - I’m glad it’s helpful!

[@thebadwitch3258]

Thank you for sharing. I do things in a very similar manner or I journal/collage, etc. everyday. I have many used journals. I've kept a journal on/off all my life, but didn't start the junk journal journey until January of 2020. It was a crazy year to start.

[@BeAgainBooks]

It is a grand community, isn’t it? Thanks so much for coming by!

[@gothiccircle4283]

I envy your neat and consistent handwriting and that you were able to keep notes during the pandemic. I, too, wanted to and thought I should, but didn’t. I won a journal in 2022 and try to write at least 3 bullet points about each day. I’ve missed some brief periods, but for the most part, I’ve been consistent in writing every day. My first entry was February 10, 2022 and I’ve been writing on all the bits of ephemera and anywhere there’s space to write. It’s a 3 signature journal and I am getting close to the end of the second signature. So those little writing spaces, like on the backs of tags, really do give you more writing real estate than you’d think. Especially if you write small.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Exactly Bella! Congratulations on writing in your journal. It really does take some determination!

[@TeaandLaceJournals]

I came to the comments to see if anyone else wanted to marvel at her cursive with me! It’s a lost art. I think regular cursive is now vintage! I would definitely love and use papers with this style of cursive. Calligraphy is gorgeous but I think cursive has a vibe all its own. ❤ My own is not as nice.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Aww - thank you so much - my mother would be so proud, haha. I agree about cursive…we’re losing it.

[@TeaandLaceJournals]

@@BeAgainBooks Let us know if you create any digitals! I would buy them;)

[@nancyludlum2646]

Wow--you have such talent for this! Truly, thanks for sharing!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you very much Nancy!

[@viannam5483]

What to include in those journal tags and pockets:? Anything that means something to you: tickets from a movie or show, a receipt for something you purchased or from a stay, a plane ticket, an image from a magazine that you glue onto a tag. I make my journals as I go along (and I journal 3-4 times weekly) so I make pockets sized to hold the 'ephemera' I want to use at the time (for example a postcard or a birthday card I received). I also glue envelopes into the journal if I need to enclose something that is larger but can be folded - a letter maybe? or hidden journaling). Affirmations are GREAT for tags inside your journal. Washi tape is your friend; you can use it to attach all sort of 'pages' where you need to on any specific day. On tags you could write a quote, a Bible verse, a poem, glue a photograph ... so many options! While my journals are handmade, I dont over decorate them when I make them - I decorate as I go along so they serve MY purpose for memory storing

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much for your thoughts and tips Viann! I appreciate you making such useful suggestions!

[@evajordan9167]

This is a great video. I really enjoyed your artistry and your descriptions of how you think about what you write. I write in my journals, too, and am always looking for new ideas for the art part of a junk journal. You work is very inspirational.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you very much Eva! I’m glad you came by!

[@tencraftyfingers]

I agree with all the shared thoughts and comments. And your handwriting is simply beautiful.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much!

[@lindaspaperworks]

Kathleen, this is such an interesting video. I don’t think I’ve seen anything similar before and it is such a great explanation of how to use our journals and why we like all of the interests ephemera in them. I’m only halfway through your video and will have to come back later to watch the rest, but I wanted to say thank you for making this video and to Joyce for being brave to ask the questions that many are probably wondering about. You will likely inspire many of us to actually start writing in our journals more. You are correct that a journal which is written in is more interesting than a blank one even when it is beautifully made.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Linda - I always love reading your comments. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me!

[@elainet5870]

How wonderful of you to share your personal journals! I’ve been wanting to start journaling again, but haven’t gotten around to making journals for myself! This was inspiring. Thanks. 😃❤️

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Elaine! It’s so good for you. I hope you’ll give it another go! Thanks for watching!

[@gaylemunn1011]

I can’t relate to old letters, pictures of unknown people, old ledgers etc. I have to feel a connection with what I include in my journals. It may sound crazy but I often feel like the bits and pieces I gather actually guide me to the journal they want to be included in. ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m so glad journaling can be such a personal thing, rather than an assignment. I’m glad you enjoy the process in your own way! Thanks for watching.

[@terrikimberling4876]

Im trying to understand junk journals also. I just don’t get a lot of the stuff that people put in them. It makes no sense to me. Then you have to store them when you’re done. You are helping me understand a little but I guess it’s either for you or it’s not. They are interesting and pretty. I think the bottom line for me is I wouldn’t want to store them but it might be fun making them.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Terri! Yes, they are truly fun to make, but as you say, they do stack up. Someone, someday will have a hard choice.

[@joandamerow3518]

Thank you!!! You have made me look at writing my thoughts a lot different and I want you to know it is very helpful.

[@BeAgainBooks]

This makes me so happy Joan! I am glad that this video is helpful to you and inspires you to write your thoughts! Thank you for telling me and for watching.

[@irisn3188]

Love your journals and how you use them. They are so pretty

[@BeAgainBooks]

Glad you like them! Thank you!

[@donnanusbaum2991]

Thank you for doing this. I wasn't sure how to journal in my junk journal. This has been very helpful. I do, from time to time , journal in a composition book but it does not bring me joy. I think following your ideas should bring me more joy in journaling. Thank you again.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh I hope so Donna! I’m glad this was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@MarySullivan-zb3pf]

I really enjoyed this video! Thank you for sharing your personal journals with us!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Mary! It’s my pleasure!

[@Rachelatday2dayjoys]

Love you sharing a peek into your journals. Your honest thoughts coupled with beauty. Also, such beautiful handwriting! ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Rachel! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@bettymetz3746]

A very good video. One of a kind, and you were so open and willing to share how YOU use journals. Your covid journal was one I found most surprising and actually the most impressive. Although I wrote my thoughts now and then during the crises, your journal in many years to come will be historical!! Good for you!! Blessings from Ohio.

[@BeAgainBooks]

I wanted it to be historical Betty, but, in the end, I couldn’t remain dispassionate, haha. Whoever reads it will get more than just history, I’m afraid. Thank you very much for the encouragement. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@christy9945]

I’m a new subscriber because of this video. It was so lovely and your explanations and suggestions are so helpful and inspiring. I make journals, but rarely write in them. This makes me realize the importance and value it brings. Thank you😊🫶🏻

[@BeAgainBooks]

Welcome Christy, thank you so much for subscribing! I do hope you will write more often and I hope there is some other inspiration here also. Thanks for watching.

[@bonnielipke1962]

Wow, I'm so impressed. I'm lucky to grab a scrap of paper and scribble something down. My handwriting is hit and miss like my random thoughts are. I can't imagine putting it all on paper. Hugs ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Haha - you are funny Bonnie! All we can do is try! Thanks so much for watching.

[@GwenTheTrashWitch]

Thank you so much for sharing not only your beautiful journals but your sweet personal thoughts. You are so genuine and open to teaching us how to make our journals meaningful and beautiful. Thank you. 💖

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh thank you Gwen! I appreciate that!

[@FromRVtoCrafts]

Wonderful video and how awesome to be able to look back at history in your life and what happened in the world.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Glad you enjoyed it Irma! Thank you!

[@rozalledrude3704]

Hi Kathleen and al the other ladies! Just yesterday i was wondering how do i explain to other people what to do with it. So, i thank you for sharing with us how you use yours. I made two journals already and because i sit with all the school reports, letters, birthday cards dancing and ballet letters and reports of my daughters who are married now, i put it in these books and gave it to them. And so they could share with their children how they were doing at school. What a wonderful way to write down our spiritual journey. We lost our oldest daughter and i so much want to make a journal for her too! The list becomes endless. Thank you so much. ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yes, the list is endless, but we can do a little bit and isn't it fun to spend time with our memories. I love it.

[@Judy-yt3xq]

I love your style and your handwriting!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Judy!😀

[@RaindropLila7]

I really enjoyed your video and seeing how you use your journals! Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh thanks Lidia! My pleasure.

[@DarlaPhillips92]

Thank you so much for this video!! Your journals are so beautiful and gave me so many ideas. You are so inspiring ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so welcome Darla! I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for watching.

[@quiltednestvintage6347]

Thank you for this!!! And for sharing all the little tidbits from your own journals. So appreciative. I'm 'Joyce' that asked the questions... just responding on a different device which has a different log in.. :). One of my biggest hangups was what to do with all the printed pages.. and writing right over them and actually seeing it done was so helpful :). Thanks again for taking the time to share this video. Love all that you do...and your sweet spirit which I know is the work of the Lord in you. Thanks again! ~Joyce

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yay! So glad it was helpful Joyce. The more you use a junk journal, the more you will discover what you like and how to make them to suit yourself. Thanks so much for your support here on my channel.

[@jacquiworthington7116]

Thank you for asking these questions that led to this great video, Joyce. This is so helpful, and I'm sharing it with a friend I recently gifted a journal to.

[@quiltednestvintage6347]

@@jacquiworthington7116 so glad!!! I certainly found it helpful and am so thankful Kathleen was willing to do a full video on these things :)

[@joycemeyer8393]

Hi Joyce, For a minute there I thought she was talking about me and I was racking my brain trying to remember if I asked her all those questions. I am glad you thought to ask them because it turned into such a sweet video.

[@quiltednestvintage6347]

@@joycemeyer8393 oh that's cute. I'm sure you were scratching your head trying to remember when you asked those questions! :)

[@lindabosico835]

Oh my goodness thank you so much for making this video. It was excellent, thank you.

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Linda! Thanks for watching!

[@jacquiworthington7116]

I love your journals, your ideas, your suggestions....and your handwriting! Thank you for sharing and inspiring us ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Jacqui! I’m so glad you came by!

[@viannam5483]

Kathleen, your journals are Beautiful, Inspirational, certainly very useful to your inner life ... and thank you for sharing ideas on how you decorate & use them.

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so welcome Viann! Thanks for visiting!

[@jodymcknight187]

I stumbled upon you today, inspiring at the least to say, thank you for sharing your journaling with me/us your cool toned voice soft and passive was lovely to get lost into. I did wonder what other people put in their journals. Mine are filled with darkness and sorrow. Maybe i should try and make one and call it joy, or happy, or what if, light, the other side of people. Thank you are an inspiration and new for me to follow.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Hi Jody! Welcome here. I’m glad you visited and glad to show off my journals. I can tell you that as I have concentrated on finding joy and light and written about that and happy memories and recorded fun ideas and things I am grateful for, I do feel happy and grateful. I hope you will give a “happiness” journal a try. Keep vomiting the darkness and sorrow - that’s important too, I think. But put these in hidden places. Thanks so much for your thoughts.

[@debif3230]

I wish we were neighbors ❤ I love my junk journals and I wish I could find “my tribe” besides just youtubers. Most people just don’t get it. It’s lovely to hear from people that do. 😊

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh I hope you can find your tribe soon Deb! I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for your thoughts.

[@kimberlyobrien5912]

You have beautiful handwriting. Thanks for sharing how you use your journals.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that Kimberly!