What is a junk journal? What is it for?

What is a Junk Journal anyway? What's the purpose? Are they for writing in? Or are they just for looking at? The quick answer is they're whatever you want them to be. Write in it, or don't. Decorate it, or don't. There really aren't any hard & fast rules, and in my opinion that's part of their appeal. Got more questions? I encourage you to ask. ❤ #lovelyvillaindesigns #junkjournal #junkjournaling #whatisajunkjournal
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ko-fi.com/lovelyvillaindesigns

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Just thought I'd let you know that I've just added the blue fabric blank junk journal in this video to our ko-fi shop. It's the one with a lot of recycled and vintage book pages. It's perfect for someone who maybe isn't sure how to construct the base journal but would enjoy the decorating process. I'll make sure there's a shop link in the video description.

[@cherylwilliams42]

I think of it as scrapbooking journaling. It’s a great combination of the two.

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

That's a really good description

[@maureennochannel]

I love art and junk Journaling. I can't draw and writing takes concentration so when I want to be creative and relax this is perfect ❤

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Yes, exactly! I love doing something creative without worrying about whether or not it'll be "good."

[@sandydawes6597]

It's been an interesting find and ive added ny sub When my husband passed from Parkinson's last fall, i found myself grabbing a couple of composition books and doing a journal of our memories of our 47+years. Since then , I've repurposed catalogues and scrap papers into signatures for additional journals. Your channel has justified my saving odd bits and finding new purpose for my newfound creative outlet. Having been a stamper and card maker, there's a renewed use for all my inks and papers . Thanks for the reaffirmation 😊

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

This is the perfect reason to make a junk journal. Yours will be beautiful keepsakes. I love this, thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@GigiHanna]

It’s a combination of many things. I agree that there is a journal style for everyone ❤

[@jackieo8693]

Looks like a great way to use up cards/notes/scraps that you don't want to throw away. And it would make a really unique gift.

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Yes, they're perfect for that! Some of my favorite journal decorations are made using scraps. :)

[@user-py1xt3kp8v]

Finally a very informative yet simple explanation. I'm so happy I found you!!!

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Thank you so much, and welcome! 🥰

[@marjoriewright5808]

I agree with others...a great explanation of different kinds of journals!!!!

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Thank you so much! I'll be very glad if it's helpful for someone 🤗

[@junkjournalsbysarah]

I love making and using junk journals and buying from other creators too. Its an art form, a hobby and some of us will love it and get it, and some won't. And that is ok!!! Just do what you enjoy and makes you happy!

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Exactly ❤

[@luwandaartrelle4250]

I just started making journals this year. I had so much fun making them and the people I gave them to seem to enjoy them.

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

We agree! It's a fun way to explore your creativity, without being concerned with "perfection." The freedom of that is priceless, and I really think that joy shows in your work. 🥰

[@luwandaartrelle4250]

Yes. I agree with you.

[@miarenee6703]

I’m brand new to making junk journals too. I’ve been enjoying it so much … maybe too much 😊❤️

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

@@miarenee6703 It has taken over our living room... hahaha 😆

[@lauras4472]

What do the people you give them to do with them ?

[@yvonnekelly1345]

I still don’t get them. You say there’s space to write but little tags and small spaces don’t give you much room. Even the one where you have a number of pages. Still only gives you about 10 pages or so. I get that they are fun to make and flip through but I don’t get why you would buy one. People who make them tend to put so much stuff in that there’s no space to put photos or cut outs without totally overloading the journal.

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

That's a really great point, and I'm so glad you've asked. I think a lot of people have similar questions, and I love to talk about this. 🤗 For those who want extra amounts of space for writing, they could look for journals with that design in mind - they're out there. Just like there's a wide range of ways people want to use them, there's also a wide range of journal styles being created. I've made one that was specifically designed to hold holiday photos, for example, even though I realized only certain people still make physical prints of their photos. It was perfect for the person who bought it, though. Some of the journals we've made with lots of little tags and small spaces are being used as "gratitude journals" - where the owner just randomly jots down a quick thought about something they're grateful for. Most handcrafted journals will appeal to a certain niche of people. Some will have more space for writing than others. Most (if not all) will have lots of pockets to hold extra paper that the user has written on, if they feel like they'd like more writing space. The other thing though, is to remember not everyone wants to write in them at all. Maybe they buy one just because they like the design. They see it as art and really do only want to flip through it and enjoy it that way. Or maybe they want to use those pockets as a place to put their memorabilia. We've made travel journals which were used for that purpose. Another thought (can you tell I've thought about this a lot? 🥰) is that some people might be overwhelmed by a huge blank journal, and would prefer the cozy feeling of writing in one that they can fill with their thoughts more quickly. A holiday journal that's used for a few days or weeks of thoughts. A little journal to write your observations from a weekend road trip. A journal that sits on your shelf because it's pink & you think it's pretty. So many different styles, so many different reasons people enjoy them. ❤

[@henrietta9206]

Hi Yvonne (hey to Lovely too!) My 2 cents - sometimes I have ten, or 15 important words (from my day) example "you have done enough" or "it is ok" etc..having 'tiny spaces' means I get to use a fat marker (and a reeeally fat one) to pen those few words. Mostly when Life gets overwhelming personally (at current point of my life) penning just few words...steadies my world much more than waffling on..which I still do. But I try to go ten words or less....thats when small spaces really work, for purposes like mine. Just putting it out there. Dont mind my chiming in! Happy Holidays yalls!💙

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

@@henrietta9206 Excellent perspective ❤

[@junkjournalsbysarah]

It really is a matter of how you like to craft, journal, write etc. The same question could be asked to many creators. Junk Journaling has endless possibilities and I've made some with mostly all blank (not embellished pages) and some that are more scrapbook like and the embellishments are receipts, ticket stubs ect. It can be a form of scrapbooking too. Its a matter of art and what you enjoy and love making using. Someone could say to a knitter "why don't you just buy a sweater. Scarf ect" The best part is you don't have to understand it or like it. We all like different things. ❤

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

@@junkjournalsbysarah I appreciate your input very much. I was just thinking the other day that so many other art forms are bought and valued simply because someone likes them or what they represent. For me, the same goes for various styles of journals. They generally also have a somewhat practical "function" in that there is usually some amount of space for writing - but they can and should be able to provide joy simply for the art they are.

[@TheElly76]

Great explanation thank you. I have been watching some of craft hauls on KZbin & I had never heard of it - sounds therapeutic ❤

[@SD-nh5yr]

Thank you for your advice...im just getting into making junk journals and i appreciate any tips and knowledge! ❤❤🙏✌️

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

You're so welcome! We're happy to share 😊

[@newlifeaj]

I've just discovered your channel because, of course , I LOVE MAKING JUNK JOURNALS! LOL LOL and everything involving journals. Your explanation is perfect, very well done!!!! I made my first 'junk journal ' when I was about 9 years old and I'm 56 now...lol. I was making them for years , to give as gifts, before there was a name for them.Its definitely not well known in my area, so I'm constantly explaining what they are to people....not that I mind...at all.Thankyou for your video! It was awesome!😊

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Wow, do you still have any of the early ones you made? That's soooo rad! ❤ Sounds like you're like me - I love any opportunity to talk about journals, and making them is incredibly satisfying 😌

[@newlifeaj]

@lovelyvillaindesigns yes I do...I have the very first one!

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

@@newlifeaj That's so cool! 🥰

[@lorisanford1967]

Great video you answered all my questions😊

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Fantastic! I appreciate your feedback 🥰

[@newlifeaj]

PS...I just subscribed!😊

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Thanks! 🤗

[@cindycarmichael9768]

Hey enjoyed your video. I like to refer to my junk journals as my (drug of choice). I enjoy escaping into them, while letting my creative impulses flow. 😊

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

I couldn't agree more. I've finally found a creative outlet that truly suits me ❤

[@lindasnyder5048]

Love your journals all of them they are so cool and different designs..which I like..been doing journals for years now I just enjoy doing small things like make tags and journal cards not into writing either...its all about the art part for me being creative...

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Thank you so much! 🤗 That's what we love, too ❤

[@darlenesmith7154]

Great !!!!!

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Thanks! 🤗

[@mkaysartfuljourney1239]

Great description I also create these journals it’s so addictive ❤🙏🏻🕊🌈💯

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

It's so fun, isn't it? 🥰

[@mkaysartfuljourney1239]

@@lovelyvillaindesigns For sure I’ve been creating for 8 years, but not so good with editing 😉❤

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

It's a challenge for sure! Sometimes I enjoy it, sometimes I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing haha 😅

[@gailneedham9930]

I have been confused by them too. But lately I’ve been trying to find a fun artistic way to present a timeline. And I believe this is it. I may have to put it together slowly because things would have to be in sequence. And there may be new information I would want to insert, so all the little envelopes and mini pages will be great to add information without taking apart the whole book, which wouldn’t be reasonable. I tried just making the timeline by hand and it was just too boring. I am not as computer savvy as I was at one time so making a presentation could eventually happen, but I’m not finding the examples I’m looking for. So as I see how many people make their journals and show their tutorials on KZbin I’m seeing each one has something different to offer that I can use in putting my project together. I think this will be so fun for me and something I will enjoy for a while as this is a historic timeline.

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

I love this! I agree, this would be very well suited to a project like that. Maybe consider elastic binding to give you a lot more flexibility to add pages and move things around. Also, check out tutorials for adding extra pages to a sewn-binding journal if you need more room. I could do a quick video on how to do it if you'd like- they're surprisingly easy. :)

[@gailneedham9930]

@@lovelyvillaindesigns that would be great!

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

@@gailneedham9930 I just uploaded a video on an easy way to add pages :) Here's a link if you'd like to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGOap6mardOZZs0si=Gh8XEkbd2NWDHf8_

[@TheCelestialhealer]

Excellent explanation, 🎉

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Thank you! ❤

[@kathyflanagan1808]

Hi, I'm a newbie with art journaling. I just came across your channel and decided to check it out. All your journals are beautiful. I've also decided to subscribe adding you to my list of channels to watch for creative ideas, information and helpful tips. Thanks for sharing 📚 🎨🖌️🖍️🧵

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Welcome, and thanks for subscribing! We hope you'll continue to find our videos useful & a source of inspiration. 🤗

[@kathyflanagan1808]

Thank you 🦋

[@kaulisparks7347]

I am totally new to junk journals and love your description of different types of journals!! I’ve been collecting all sorts of beautiful embellishments and mementos and want to create the same look, but really want it to be more like a scrapbook/photo book/memory book!! What are your thoughts and ideas on that? Thanks ahead of time for any help!😊

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Welcome! You can absolutely make yours a combo like that. Where there's space to write (on tags, blank spaces) you could still write memories, but you could also add plenty of pockets and tuck spots for holding loose keepsakes. You could glue them in too, but some things you want to protect (and not glue) or be able to take out & look at both sides. For photos, you could get or make photo corners. We made photo corners for a Christmas Journal we made last year, and then I think we made a little envelope to store them & tucked it all into a pocket. There are some pretty good tutorials on how to Origami fold them, too. They turn out so cute!

[@janemack8852]

Sort of a combination journal and scrapbook.

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Yes! That's a good way to describe them

[@Morningglory7513]

You don’t seem to have much imagination. A negative attitude holds back imagination and creativity. It is also an opportunity to express oneself.

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

I think I understand what you're intending with this comment, but please remember we're trying to build a community of positivity here. Go in peace and have a lovely day.

[@hazelarmstrong8204]

I was puzzled as to what their function was,and I could see that it would be a good way to give your personal information to your children as a keepsake for when you are no more. But I just don’t feel that filling it up with all sorts of stuff would be of any interest to others. I still find it a lovely way to express myself by making a cover to put a plain journal in for notes or as a place for photos or as a diry. .

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

What I love is that different journals appeal to different people for different reasons- and I think individual perspective has everything to do with that. You see it's purpose one way - which is valid - and someone else may see the purpose completely differently. Personal notes and memories for some - no extra writing and just appreciating it as an art form for others. I guess this versatility is part of what attracts me to them so much. Thanks for the input! 🥰

[@OnlinePaintingSchool]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I just subscribed to your channel. Love the inside of your journals and would love to see a video where you show all the beautiful pages you created. Could you share where did you get those beautiful pages with roses? Especially the ones that have space for writing a the lined one" Thanks!

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Thank you so much! A lot of the pages and elements for that journal were free printables generously provided by Anna Thompson in her Facebook group. I'll see if I can grab a link to the group for you. She does beautiful work! Here's a link to the video of my flip through for that pink journal if you'd like to take a closer look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGbakp1nosZno5Isi=wTDAY1gXEf-65mzy

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Here's the link to Anna's FB group: facebook.com/groups/749248143180413/?ref=share&mibextid=WOdcs6

[@user-ee2yi2bh8z]

I would love to get a journal as a gift

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

I love making them for people

[@adelaidebeatricelaing4498]

As a new subscriber may I ask where you got the vintage women images showcased in your 'Pretty Pink Journal?' I loved every journal shown and made by you. Thank you, and 👋 hello from Australia. 😊

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Yes! I believe the majority of the printables in that journal were from Anna Thomoson on Facebook. Her group is "Anna Thompson Designs Group" - this link may work: facebook.com/groups/749248143180413/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT She's super sweet and her designs are fantastic!

[@aliciassstuff721]

Where did you get the digital printables for the undecorated travel journal?

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Isn't that gorgeous? It's a printable kit on Etsy called "Travellers Memories" from the seller bylullabelstationary

[@fatimasajid1546]

Thanks for the explanation. My question is, what do you do with already printed pages in the journal? I mean like book pages or heavily printed ones. Cause you can’t write or do art on them even magazine pages. What do you do with them? Are they just there to make the journal look like it was made of reused paper that had no use?

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

So glad you asked! There are still a lot of ways to use them. You can glue or clip things onto them, like photos, letters, art, keepsakes, etc. Even the heavily printed ones can also be embellished with mixed media. For example, you could doodle on a dark page with a white paint pen, or add some Gesso and stencils or rubber stamps. Make a collage on them. Or honestly, sometimes it's just nice to have those pages in there simply for their aesthetic appeal. :)

[@fatimasajid1546]

@@lovelyvillaindesigns Many thanks. I did make a journal and thought it a way of spreading knowledge. So I made it pink. Put in all the info about pink flowers, the remedy in the colour. The aromatherapy in essential oils etc. Gave it to my daughter before her wedding. Also why moms always like pink colour dresses on their baby girls, lol. I want my journals to spread knowledge as well as give me a chance to be creative. In that way when I research I satisfy the journalistic WRITER in me. Your input was really helpful, God Bless

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

@@fatimasajid1546 That sounds beautiful! What a lovely gift 🥰

[@fatimasajid1546]

@@lovelyvillaindesigns I am truly humbled and encouraged by your praise. Thank you.

[@trinyenbienestar426]

desde Argentina, muchas gracias. He visto varios videos en los que hacen los diarios. te dejo una pregunta. Este tipo de diarios, nació en alguna "tradición local" o época en particular?

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Hola! :) Es una pregunta muy buena. He visto videos de personas que han hecho diarios muy similares hace años y años. Como veinte años o más. Me imagino que el aumento de la popularidad coriente se debe en parte a social media. Me gustaría saber más también - me interesa mucho. ❤

[@jayneweathers]

So, it is an anything goes booklet that Iets your imagination go wild in a creative way. Is that what you mean? Almost sounds like a scrapbook for your artistic journey. How does one start? How do you or why do you start a new one? Just pick a random topic or theme? How do you know when your finished? By the way, I love the lacey romantic style. Thank you.

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

That would be a pretty good description, yes. 😊 There are various ways to get started, and I think a lot of it is personal preference - because there's no "wrong" way to do it. We usually put together a blank journal then decorate it as the mood strikes us. We'll often start with a specific theme and gather or print elements that we think we may want to include. Unless we're making one for a custom order, then we have a more structured approach to the process. Sometimes I'll set aside a journal I'm working on until I find inspiration to pick it back up and continue. Sometimes I'll start a new one because I'm in the mood to work with a specific topic. As far as knowing when one is finished, personally I just work until it reaches the level of embellishment that I envision for it. I've made some that are very sparsely decorated with lots of extra blank space for writing, and I've made some that are so full of decorations that they bulge even when I tie them closed. If I had to really pin it down, I'd say just keep working on it until you're happy with it or you feel like it's "done." This might be a good topic for a video - showing you the process of how we get started, etc.

[@jayneweathers]

Thank you so much! I'm a new widow looking for things to do. I think I may see how I can incorporate into this stage of my life. Thank you again. Your work is lovely.❤

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

@@jayneweathers You're so welcome. I hope you find that it brings you as much relaxation and enjoyment as it does me. 🥰

[@tobinsuke]

Great explanation/overview!

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Thanks! Because junk journals are such a relatively new thing (outside of the community of crafters who make them), I've encountered a lot of people who are curious about what they are, which has given me a reason to really think through the whole concept in a way that (I hope) explains it fairly well. 🤗

[@anniemcclure]

Very helpful. Thank you! ❤

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

@@anniemcclure I'm so glad! 🤗

[@jaynelawing9531]

How much

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

We have some of our journals available in our ko-fi shop here: ko-fi.com/lovelyvillaindesigns

[@pamelatheado6484]

I wish I had an explanation.

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

I wish I could help - maybe check to see if your KZbin needs updated? I've noticed some glitches lately too

[@Vintagevanessa99]

I think they are just to look at They are pretty but I don't like the idea of ripping up books

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

Yes, I know some people don't like repurposing books. I think both sides of the issue have valid points. Thanks for your input!

[@lovelyvillaindesigns]

I almost forgot to add - they can also be made without using book pages! No rules, just fun, creativity and relaxation 💗