Using your Junk Journal - Memory Collages - Journal with me #1

[@cherylpesutimassie5010]

Nik, your page speaks to my very being. It looks like the perfect vintage treasure I might have found in my grandmother's attic had I ever been allowed up there. That was my favorite thing to do as a young elementary school aged child - root around up in the dusty old attic. Your page took me back to that time. I lived during the time where all the furniture, clothing, and ceiling lamps were new then and vintage today. Your page again took me back to that time. My grandmother has long since passed away and my mother too. So the joy of going through those attics will never be. But before my mother passed she gave me all of her old photos and most importantly - all my grandmother's old papers. Land deeds, marriage certificates, birth certificates. I never knew what to do with them. And now I do, it even has a story. It will be the book I found in my grandmother's attic. The one she left behind with all those precious memories for me to find. This entire idea was all yours and I thank you for sharing your journals and stories behind them with me. And most of all how to make the journal and make it look like it was in an old dusty attic...;)

[@rneustel388]

I really don't understand why someone would give this a thumbs down. Thanks for giving us your grandmother for a bit. She really sounds like my nanny who was born in 1902, stood barely 5 foot, sewed and cooked amazing creations.

[@angelaem205]

Yay to your firecracker grandmother, such a cute photograph! Wonderful page you made. The thread is such a cute idea! The stamps are so cute and it looks so balanced, that is probably because you loved your grandmother so much. Thank you for a very inspirational video! 💗💖🧡😄

[@scotishcovenanters]

LOVE YA, NIK! I am housebound (for years) and you super cheer me up! I am doing a journal with David Brainerd (America's great missionary to the American Native Indians), and I am so excited. I wouldn't know HOW TO DO THIS without YOU, and other people's journals are not as beautiful and as classy (not even close!) as yours. Thank you, Nik. Love your personality.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Nik, love 💖 that page with your Grandma Virginia. It’s such a special tribute to her. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all and for sharing your amazing sense of humour 😂🤣🤪😂😅 with us too. xxx Mags

[@chrissiegermann]

You speak directly to my heart. I dicovered for myself how helpful it is to make collages besides the journaling while using my first junk journal. It`s another or an additional way to express and work on your feelings. I`m very thankful that my parents who already passed away left so many fotos. It`s just love.

[@beachydayz]

Lovely tribute to Grandma Virginia! I feel the same way about my grandparents. Hope to start a junk journal and add my own memories of growing up. Thanks so much for sharing 😀

[@dianeanderson8933]

I love that you are giving tribute to your grandparents! They shouldn't be forgotten! It was a beautiful page, and I liked everything about it.

[@elisanilsson1101]

So beautiful and interesting when u tell about the "stuff" "bits and pieces" about your granny 😊🙏💗🧡

[@rachelm7525]

Wow, that's amazing. My grandmother was called 'Nana', she used to love sewing -she made a lot of little dresses for my sister and me when we were growing up. She also travelled a lot, and inbetween used to read a lot and knit. She kept an autograph book when she was a girl. The tradition was to get your friends to sign it, write a poem, or draw a picture. Thanks for sharing about your Nana. 🙂

[@melsloan4904]

Thank you for sharing. Now I'm thinking about a book... a BIG book about family, complete with collages, photos, and memorabilia. Finally a place to put all the bits and pieces collected over the years.

[@shirleymccullough2515]

Hi Nik ... love your project !!! Just the best way to Honour your grandma, you’re so lucky to have had her along with other grandparents. Can’t wait for more videos, you add such great flavour to my Can be boring days !

[@yippersmom]

This is such a fun expression of you celebrating your grandma! I hope you keep doing these pages! TFS .. you are beyond awesome!

[@MBelleDutton]

I absolutely love this! I must make another junk journal so I can do this with pictures of my dad and his family! LOVE

[@lynnharrell303]

Lovely. Your quote really hit home today since I was thinking a lot about my mom. All I have are photos and memories of her now. Your love for your grandparents is admirable.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

🤗

[@patsagrillo6975]

Love your collage honoring your grandmother Nik. This will be a great series of tutorials. I've been including a lot about my grandmothers in the journal you made for me last year.

[@MarcyCoate]

Thanks for the great ideas! My grandma is the first person I want to do pages for in the junk journal I'm planning. She was very important to me, and I want to do some really special pages about her. Your ideas sparked quite a few more of my own, so I'm very glad to have found this video.

[@Erintube360]

Your Memory Collage says so much to one that looks...and you didn't write one word. Tear inspiringly beautiful!

[@melissafleming2812]

Loved your idea. I feel like I just met your Grandma. Your quote about the photos is so true. It seems we take so many pictures, but never print them out anymore. I'm make little photo books for my 4 grandsons and will add that quote to the back. TFS!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I would be honored if you added it in, thank you, Melissa =)

[@lisajmascord8183]

Thanks Nik for sharing that part of your life. That’s great stimulus to think about and find appropriate elements to put in such an assemblage.

[@JoAnneMOwens]

Great ideas! I thought I would mention it, but you might already know this...if you store your ink pads upside down, it will keep the ink more to the surface and keep your pads from drying out so quickly. Also, they do make re-inkers for them, which saves having to buy new pads as often. Thank you for that quote too, it is very true...

[@juliesantos3656]

Loved your collage, it shows how just a handful of snippets can say so much. Thank you for sharing Nik. Looking forward to the tutorials.

[@anita4291]

Beautiful page and tribute. The quote is so true. The green ticket is special, my Grandparents came from Amsterdam.

[@verajackson1849]

I lost my mom it'll be 2-yrs this August and I have been trying to figure out some way of keeping the trinkets and stuff I have and now I can do it thanks to you and your inspiration and time to share with all of us. Very lovely work. Thank you

[@sharonrazmzan8097]

It can’t be said too much-I love it! I too would love a series of how to journal in these beautiful keepsake journals. Thank you for sharing. Truly inspirational.

[@chauntecavanaugh5840]

This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing! My grandmothers were both a huge part of my life as well. I love this idea! ❤

[@leegoulter514]

It does look great! Thanks for sharing. What sweet memories you have of your grandma.

[@niftythriftybits3727]

What a sweet tribute to your grandma. Thank you for sharing!

[@anhaddad]

Thanks for sharing not only how you plan to use your journal, but also about your life. Your Grandmother sounds like a wonderful person.

[@arkansasfamily6088]

“I thought everybody’s grandma was named Virginia.” 😂 I have always appreciated your wonderful sense of humor. Lol

[@lorigordon1970]

Such a wonderful idea. I love how it turned out. Such a great way to be creative.

[@thebudgetbee9694]

So the standard unit of measure when trimming stuff in a junk journal is "a titch." LOL. This was an excellent video. I enjoyed watching your thought process and the assembly and gluing, etc. I'm starting to 'get' the whole junk journal craze. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm sure your Grandma would approve. :)

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

I have probably less than 50 pictures of my nuclear family over my 60+ years on this planet. They are all gone now. Even my younger brothers. Your quote is resonating in my brain right now. I think I need to do a large wall collage featuring my family. Then place the original documents in a junk/memory journal. From there I can add pages for my friends/events throughout the rest of my life. What a special way to save memories. Thank you, Nik. ❤️

[@nohemyramos234]

I love it! I wish I would of met my grandma. I love all your beautiful work.

[@1888starz]

A lovely page of dedication to your grandmother. I didn't really know either of my grandmother's (only one when I was 3 years old) so I missed out on that special bonding they say you have with them. Very fond memories displayed on your page for keepsake. TFS

[@jessjtadesigns]

Funny I watched this today- my Gram raised me and today is her birthday 💕oh do I miss her! But kinda was a hello from her too, your the best Nik! Thanks 🙏

[@LisaMyEclecticLife]

I really love this idea. I have been wanting to do a memory book but not sure how to get started. Now I know, just start with one page and enjoy it and then do another one. I somehow felt like it should be done is some kind of order. I like the more organic approach you have taken. Thank you for sharing.

[@michellebrown7000]

Loved this collage tutorial. So many ideas going through my head. Thanks for sharing.

[@naidacreations4472]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful work. Love how the page turned out. God bless you take care..

[@maryellenking6017]

you are so blessed to have had your grandmas in your life ididnt know mine very well what amoving tribute

[@lizfox4679]

I loved the Grandma spread - I'm going to do two....

[@ebonysanders2192]

Nik, I love this video. That would be amazing if you could continue providing the public with these great ideas for memory keeping. I have never thought of this before now.

[@thevictorianedge5465]

Anna damma bread reminds me of my grandma's molasses bread...it was heavy and different lol but it was something she grew up on. She was born in 1930, right at the end of the great depression. I called her Nanny and loved her dearly. I miss her. I think i will make a nanny page. Thanks for sharing.

[@alethialovetosew]

Hello, I found this video this morning and interestingly enough, yesterday I was thinking about my grandmother. She was a big part of my life. Thank you for doing this video, I can used the video to help me create a memory page in my journal about her. I've subscribe to your channel.

[@SDQuilter]

This was exactly what I needed. I do similar things but not in as much detail. You are a great inspiration. I wonder what your self speak sounds like when we aren't along for the ride? I am really looking forward to more of these. Thank you so much.

[@kayhammock]

Hi Nik. What a great tribute to your grandmother. Can't wait for your next video!!!

[@loriritchie7124]

Hi Nik, you could use Press N Seal to pick up the entire collage and then put it back down again when ready to glue down. Great page, I was really close to my Gran as well and I miss her everyday!

[@dreamyMMnails]

Thank you so much for this video. Last year on Mother’s Day I lost my beloved mother... She was very young and it was very sudden... I wanted to make a memory book for her but didn’t know how to start... Words don’t come out easy when you’re into pain... and your way here makes it so much easier for me to start it cause I want to keep all the memories alive... Thank you with all my heart, you have no idea how much you’ve helped... You’re an amazing artist and I appreciate all your videos... I’ve found you recently and watching all your fab videos! I love vintage shabby chic too so you’re my kind a girl! Many likes... huge fan (subscriber)... thumbs up to all your videos! And Big hugs... xoxo Mary

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Dearest Mary, I am so sorry to hear about your momma. Its like your heart has to learn how to beat again. I hope you can find some calmness of spirit and peace of mind in making your memory book. Big, huge bear hugs to you and thank you for such a sweet comment! 🤗💕

[@karenstone4675]

You come up with the greatest ideas, I just love watching your videos thank you for sharing with us

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I had a wonderful great grandma and grandma and I will do a memory journal!

[@tracywestby2231]

This is beautiful! I am thankful for this series that you are starting since I too am new and wondered how to continue the beautiful look of these journals.

[@annettetrent539]

Love the video and the memory collage. I'm working on a heritage book and memory collages would be a wonderful addition to it. Thanks for sharing.

[@thegypsy1968]

Brilliant! Great Ideas! Thank you so much Nik!...so grateful to you for doing these videos...I never tire of watching your channel..and you inspire so many ..don't ever forget that! Love and Hugs From North Carolina

[@NiktheBooksmith]

awww thank you, Gina, you made my day!

[@cara-lenefarmer1347]

Oh I just loved that page and so happy you found a beautiful place for it!!

[@patriciacclark7563]

What a wonderful idea. Love this page.

[@tfntexas]

Your quote brought tears to my eyes...nice collage.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I hear ya, me too =)

[@alilbitshabbyjubri6942]

I just love this page! Thank You for sharing.

[@danafaber922]

Thank you for sharing! Definitely inspired me to do a collage about my Grandmother!

[@laurazachary2132]

Loved this! It does make me think about my own family members and I'm going to go journal now. Thanks! for the great idea...again!

[@janawilliams5808]

This is such a good idea!!!!! I love how every piece you added has a story !!! Wow,,, I wished I could think half as good as you,,, really awesome ideas !!!!! love it !!!! TFS

[@sunflower2850]

WOW! I LOVE THIS PAGE OF YOUR GRANDMOTHER. A GREAT INSPIRATION TO KEEP LOVE ONES MEMORIES ALIVE. THANK YOU FOR SHARING. LOVE IT! SO THOUGHTFUL.

[@connieanderson211]

Thank you for this, I lost my youngest son in 2003 he was 23 and that quote really means a lot to me because that is all I have left of him,

[@406annie]

Lovely collaged journal page, Nik. Yesterday I opened an old book my dad had given me several years ago, and found my grandma had written her name on the inside front cover. And the one next to it had my grandfather’s name scrawled in it. Can’t use THOSE for junk journals (yet!). I also have several of grandma’s recipe books which I’m planning to scan for my journaling. I had forgotten about blackout art - I’ll be using that in the wedding registry/album I’m making for my son’s wedding in April. Thanks for the inspiration; I’m looking forward to your weekly series!

[@curlyhappy-ju5cn]

Hi Nik what a lovely idea thanks for sharing i look forward to next weeks thanks have a lovely weekend

[@hoosierhippie5789]

An awesome way to express the love and memories to keep them alive of your grandma 😍 I had tears running when I seen your quote, oh so true. Thank you for sharing your sweet grandma with us and love how your creative mind works, you always give me so much inspiration 😘 I would love if you would share the recipe please? I have never heard of Anadama Bread before??? I love recipes & if you would do a cooking video of making it that would be even better???? Thank you for sharing and bringing many memories come alive in my mind of my grandma today 🌺🌹🙏 Hugs & Blessings from AZ 🌞🌴🌵🌺

[@katniks92]

So good to start my morning off with the booksmith. love this

[@evasvensson8521]

How strange, we seem to bee peas in the same pod! I have just finished my grandmother journal. I had kept a lot of little things and I think for this without realising.....she has begone for many mny years, born as she was in 1900........ Thanks from Sweden

[@kitsala1]

Wonderful way to remember someone special. Thank you.

[@jeanthobaben]

Love this idea! I am more of an artist than a writer so this opens up new directions.....

[@cathyforbes2856]

Such an inspiration! Love all of your tutorials!

[@LedgerAndLace]

Daaaaang! How many of us are thinking about our grandmothers?! REALLY BEAUTIFUL tribute, Nik! :-)

[@NiktheBooksmith]

uuuuuuuuuuuuugh....right??? really missing her lately, all that sass =)

[@anhaddad]

It made me think about doing one of these for my youngest daughter and my grandkids.

[@LedgerAndLace]

GOOD IDEA!!!

[@babesmixedmedia]

What a beautiful dedication to the memory of Grandma Virginia

[@LeximbueJournals]

I have been meaning to start one for each of my grandmothers. Beautiful thought 🌹

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I love your words! I his is something I must do.

[@42FalconX]

You uploaded this on my birthday. That makes me really happy.

[@lenellamaxwell6934]

Thank you for the process vid. I love your thought process. Thanks again!

[@CraftingVicky]

so beautiful! I would have never thought of working off the page 1st.

[@corinnecurtis5145]

Love watching your process! Thanks for sharing!

[@dodipc]

I look forward to your weekly collage pages!

[@moonlightcabin9395]

This page is so beautiful! And I loved hearing about your grandmother and getting to know her through your memories! :) lovely video

[@AzaleaLala]

This is beautiful and fits perfectly. I haven't started yet but I plan on dedicating my journal to my Mom who passed away a couple years ago. I want to try and make it all fit the style of the journal like you've done with your collage. Thanks for sharing Nik.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

what a wonderful tribute that would be, thanks phennec ;)

[@linnfowler3825]

Just lovely. Thank you so much.

[@TERIGREGO60]

My grandmother her Name was Virginia ! She smoked Virginia Slims, we called them Skinny grammas ! They did not name her Right Away so her Name was Baby Collier Until later .. just found your page ...I made a book so after I made one I wanted to learn more and poof .. here you showed up on my you tube ! Watched about 6 of your videos all in a row! Haha I can’t wait to start a book using your Techniques. Also love that you talk just like me 🤪

[@lindadonald5905]

What a great idea for remembering special people in our lives! Looking forward to this series, Nik, tfs :)

[@GmaReezScrapShack]

LOVE love LOVE THIS! I have made two for my grands that have already left this world... love this style. YOU are so creative and inspiring sweet Nik! this video was so relaxing, thanks for sharing Nik! LUVnHUGZ to you my sweet friend.- Rita

[@kimsilva4400]

I really enjoyed this! Very inspiring -- I'm looking forward to watching more of your memory page ideas!

[@pdh8447]

Love this and definitely need to start doing that in a book about my dad, my grandparents and add maybe a page for each of those who are still here and active in my life now. Thanks, PatriciaD

[@tnmama1217]

You can get re-inkers for those pads. I've been using the same pads for years.

[@debbiesjournals4550]

Love how the page turned out and hearing your memories!

[@kmwwrench]

what a wonderful photo! and a beautiful page.

[@gabriellewhite9607]

My family love anedama bread. We always get like five loaves when we go up to Maine

[@frostedbramble6266]

Hi Nik I loved this I too had a very special grandmother I love your videos they always make me smile you have a wonderful personality look forward to more videos 🙂x

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

Beautiful, I just love how your brain works, how you think things out and then make them real! ~~Leslie

[@lovewisdomgrace]

Such a lovely way to record memories.

[@ItsTammy]

I love your videos and just subscribed. I am starting a memory journal for my mother. I have terminal endometrial cancer and am doing palliative chemo to hopefully extend my life for a couple of years. I want to make this journal for my mom so she will always have a part of me with her when I finally go home to be with Jesus. I love this idea. Is there some sort of exchange group where u can get things like old book pages etc. Or websites where u can print some of these things to add to a memory journal. I can’t get out easily to hunt for vintage items but would love to add some of these to my memory journal for my mom.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hello miss Tammy, so nice to meet you! I just looked up "palliative chemo", its a term I was not familiar with. I hope the treatment is giving you some relief. Your momma must be beside herself, what a sweet thing to do in making her a journal with your own hands. I usually get my old books from thrift stores or off amazon. Sometimes when you look up a book, there is a spot where you can choose to look at "used" copies and there have been times when Ive paid 99 cents for a book with 2.99 shipping...which is better than searching through a dozen thrift stores! Another good resource is Archive.org. It is FULL of pdfs you can download of complete books. Then you can print those out, too! Thank you, Tammy, for taking the time to write your sweet comment. If you ever have any questions or are looking for something in particular, don't hesitate to holler at me. I will try my best to steer you in the right direction! 🤗💖

[@carolblue9945]

Dear Tammy, you are such a brave woman. Nik has wonderful stuff in her shop, that you can buy and some free on flickr. If you google for it, you will also find old books. You can print the pages, tea or coffee die them and you are good to go. Just want to hug you. You are awesome.

[@joydavis3089]

Thanks for another lovely video.

[@junkjournalgirl]

Thanks Nic, just saw this :) I am doing a Binder Journal Memory Book for my mum who was an avid sewer. She didn't quite get to 80 :( I miss her everyday :( My middle name is Virginia :) Hugz x

[@shariidriggins3686]

Loved the journeling.❤️

[@DenisePoole-Closet-Crafts]

This was nicely done, would never thought of that.😀

[@tuthillg]

Love it! I'm using my mom's old passport to create a journal dedicated to her life. It's great fun! TFS!