What REALLY is a Junk Journal? An Altered Book? A Smashbook? A Gluebook? Different Types Explained

#junkjournal #artjournal #alteredbook
Giveaway time woohoo. Winner will be picked in one week :)
So what REALLY is a Junk Journal? An Art Journal? An Altered Book? A Smashbook? A Gluebook? A Scrapbook? I discuss the purpose, process and materials of each category (according to me of course) with thorough examples/journal flips for visual clarification.
Note: ‘rules’ and ‘definitions’ are not the same. Rules are ‘you can/can’t do this’ and definition is literally just a way to describe what a thing is. Some people are misinterpreting my giving a definition and as declaring rules but I say if definitions restrict your creativity don’t use them, if they help you understand, learn and create easier then use them. The latter is what I was trying to cultivate in this video (as with anything I do, it’s to try and inspire creativity). It’s down to the individual to decide if definitions help or hinder them, it just doesn’t really negate the fact that there ARE differences - just like Daisies, Gardenias and Roses are all different types of flowers. I’m just pointing them out, and my preference is still to mix every single one up so…it doesn’t mean that we can’t do whatever the heck we want just because you have knowledge of their differences! My intention is to spread knowledge, not restrictions.
If you don’t want the full explanation but just want the quick fire round of all definitions and examples skip to 22:50.
I’m not trying to start any drama here. And I know most of you will understand as to why I’m also talking about respecting others opinions in this video, but, if anything being a creator online for so long has taught me is that people can (and will) take offense to A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G! Your nail polish colour/your voice/your eyebrows can deem whatever you are sharing totally irrelevant to some, because they can’t see past it, and they have to make sure you know all about why what you’re sharing sucks/why they can’t stand you. And all this still comes WHEN YOU DON’T SHARE ANY OPINION AT ALL LOL. So again, most of you will understand why I’m sharing about not taking what someone else does/says as a personal offense (and thinking ‘well obviously, why is Jennibellie thinking she needs to tell me this?’) but as I AM actually sharing opinions here I wanted to put it in - because anything any of us can do to help make the internet a more tolerant and understanding place for one another now, can only help going forward.
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[@zynzane9680]

I think the whole point of "junk journaling" - and I was around at the beginning too, before KZbin if you can imagine - is that it is something you can do for free. It was pushback against crafting becoming big business and people thinking they had to buy a lot of expensive supplies to make things. By using things you already have around (free stuff)- cereal boxes, junk mail, packaging, etc - you can create functional and wonderful journals you love, to fill however you see fit - by writing, drawing, collaging, painting, whatever. There are still people doing exactly that - but creative people take things in many directions and before you know it many offshoots have formed. It's all wonderful and creative, but influencers do tend to emphasize tools and supplies too much. If you don't have a big budget or even if you just like making something from "nothing", junk journaling is a wonderful hobby.

[@BelindaShort]

The problem isn't the crafters/other teachers/etc, the issue of course is that once marketers have figured out what we like, they started marketing to that sensibility, so those of us that have been doing it to save money just kept doing it how we were doing it, but many journalers/etc got supplies/ideas and sometimes even money/sponsorships from these craft companies. It shifted from making things from junk to buying as many things as you could.

[@gemmaro1073]

Lol. Yep. I’m over 40!!! So I to remember days well before KZbin! OR CELL PHONES!!!! Lol!!

[@Scorpio-me1028]

Queen of Swords Tarot I remember Party Lines on the phone! how’s that for old😝

[@gemmaro1073]

FAVAof4 LOL. ME TOO!!!! Me too!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@AndreaCrisp]

💯

[@sheristephens4567]

Absolutely adore you and your videos. I've been saving junk 'stuff' for a couple of years and am ready to make my first junk journal. I've painted and crafted over 50 years (obviously, I'm a senior) and am inspired to use up some of my junk. Scrapbooking and card-making have been my main emphasis, but I'm ready to dip into my paints again and create new art. I have plenty of new supplies, but am looking forward to using merchandise tags and normal throw-away stuff to create a junk journal. Wish me luck!!!

[@jennibellie]

Good luck, you'll do great!

[@sherfinds]

Love the clarifications. At the end of the day they’re simply our journals where we create, vent, play, explore, express, sort out, learn, unwind, and relax. The tools and resources can be tweaked to any income and skill level. That’s what I love about my journals. They serve my greatest need... to be me any way I choose when I choose. Thank you for sharing your pages and for the opportunity to win the Remedies class. Your classes are great!

[@glendacox6540]

I’m with ya. It’s easy peasy....words matter, right. Junk is junk. New bits are new bits. 😍. Love your work❤️

[@sadheart24]

Just adding that the definition of ephemera is stuff that was meant to be used for a short time and then thrown away. So another kind of junk. Also, I made altered books for 15 years and I never tore the innards out to put new pages in it. It was a book that was altered with paint or glued in papers etc but the book was left intact. I also made my first junk journal 8 or 9 years ago from a class I took, REMAINS OF THE DAY and yes, it was made of junk and garbage and ephemera that wasn’t necessarily vintage but stuff that was rescued before it hit the garbage. I do agree what is going around as Junk Journals these days is far from junk. There should be general definitions but it’s an art and even junk could be considered not junk by someone else. I mean isn’t a Smashbook basically a junk journal.

[@patylunamar9087]

Qué buen video. Yo empecé a hacer junk journal porque tengo un taller de costura, amo leer y tuve un taller de manualidades. Resultado: un montón de material suelto que he podido usar. Pero me daba cuenta de que muchas utilizan imprimibles, y empecé a buscarlos, ahora me doy cuenta que tengo mucho que usar!! No es necesario!!!. Gracias por hacerme reflexionar y volver al principio esencial de crear de la basura, reciclar y disfrutar ❤❤

[@pollydale1674]

Thank you for this! It’s great that you make it clear that a junk jornal is just that! Also it’s good to know what the rules are so we can ignore them!

[@joofark]

Thank you! As someone who is just beginning, it's good to know what the various books are called. That said, I never planned to follow rules anyway. My plan is just to do something for myself alone rather than sharing it online.

[@Geekabibble]

I've just done a dive down the rabbit hole of journals and all these new ones I've never heard of. Okay...they're "new" to me 😆 (other than scrapbooking) I'm a total noob and have never made a homemade journal (other than taking a notebook and making a Q&A slam book in the 80's). But I'd consider anything an average person would throw away, something that would go into a junk book. Like those papers you collected, they were something most people would have just thrown away. Kudos to you for keeping them and making something cool with them! Really old books whose bindings have come apart, pages are falling out and that most people would just toss, I'd say those would be considered junk and could be used for a true junk journal. I keep Christmas cards sent to me and if they are particularly pretty I put the whole card into my Christmas tree behind the lights to hide the gaps. The other ones I'll cut the pic of a snowman, Santa, reindeer etc and use as a tag on a Christmas gift. But even so, I would also consider those as something most people throw away and they'd qualify for the junk journal. 😃 Just my layman's junk journal opinion though of what logically makes sense to me. I'm so glad I saw this video! I was trying to get a handle on what a junk journal was, as when I saw people buying beautiful things to put in them, I thought it looked like vintage "looking" scrap booking to me. Very upscale and bougie looking to me. Shabby Chic does sound more like what the junk journals I've seen should be called. They are beautiful and have gorgeous things in them.

[@Annie-eMM]

I have watched many videos on journaling, and this is the first time I have gotten a clear definition of the different types of journals and how they can blend together and be confusing. Thank you for this video, and I look forward to your tutorial.

[@randigerber1926]

Very informative! Your long-term perspective informs this lesson in the history of modern analog journaling. I appreciate hearing how it evolved. The Internet and KZbin in particular have opened up papercrafting, collage, bookmaking, etc. I also love your attitude about listening to others. So many times someone else’s ideas spark new methodology, technique, or idea for me! Thank you!

[@Cherokeegirl63]

So happy to have you giving your definitions on different kinds of journals. I started this adventure with you a “few years back” and I’m still growing and learning with you today! Bunches of love and blessings all around!

[@saffanna26]

This was the first of your videos that I have seen. I enjoyed your definitions of each style of book, and find that many of mine are a blend of one, two or more types. I never know what to call them so I hyphenate often. Going to want another of your videos now, as I love to expose myself to a range of techniques and styles. Thanks Regards from Tampa Florida!

[@marymogck3321]

Thank you for the total breakdown on what is and what isn’t a junk journal, as well all the other types of journals we create.

[@blogmomjones]

Had a professor who said don’t miss the message for the messenger. ( You don’t have to like your teacher) especially valuable with him. Stood me in good stead.

[@paulaneary7877]

Jennibellie, thank you for clearing some things up. Thank You for saying multiple times, that it is your opinion, I think many people must have missed that? Communication is difficult for humans at times. I completely believe you are not trying to upset anyone. Thank you for having the courage to do this video. I think people need to stop quarrelling about relatively inconsequential things. People are dying out there. Not sure why people would have the time to get so upset about terminology. Lots more important things going on. Thanks for the video. Good Job, hopefully people will listen.

[@sassyslsgrl]

New subscriber 😁...used to do scrapbooking,then when the world went digital and I went minimalist I cut that and many other particularly stuff dependent crafts and began to focus more on things like drawing that I could enjoy without having a lot of stuff to rummage through and deal with. KZbin brought me here in response to my recent exploration of bible journaling, and I feel like you just opened a whole new world or collection of worlds for me to explore without necessarily having to fill my tiny apartment with arts and craft supplies 😁 Thanks so much for this video, glad I found your content, I'm off to explore the rest ❤️

[@jennibellie]

Welcome aboard! 😊

[@juliescase5105]

This video has been such an eye opener for me, I definitely have too much stuff. Time to go back to basics x.

[@KayleyAnneM]

I found this really reassuring and informative. My junk journals are definitely not all made from junk but I also don't go out and buy brand new things for them and I felt like that wasn't good enough because of the way junk journals are portrayed on here. 💞

[@jennibellie]

However you make your journals is *always* good enough...they're yours, and should reflect that ❤️

[@liha810]

I used to be into scrapbooking about 17 or 18 yrs ago. It was fun and therapeutic.

[@ttirella5608]

Helpful. Just what I needed to understand where I’m hoping to go on my journal journey.

[@cynthiahamm48]

I wish I had seen this video last week, but Thank You so much for explaining the different types of journals. I've been crating and really didn't understand the types. I know that in the art world rules can be broken, but understanding the rules makes it clear which rules you want to break and which you want to live by.

[@redscott4706]

Finding this video (and you) has been a real help to me in my journey of understanding the JJ. I am a watercolor person, also love to do digital artistry. I have worked in altered books and bound my own journals meant for w/c or mixed media. HOWEVER, recently while on Etsy I discovered the JJ artists and their lovely works. I've always wished for myself that I had the mindset to be able to do heavy "layers" whether in my digital or mixed media works like the artists I admire in all media. The JJ folks tickled that itch in showing me what layer upon layer can look like in a book form. Of course, being somewhat minimalist in my own work I found the idea of creating my own JJ's somewhat overwhelming. More so, because I'm an "art supplies-aholic" very susceptible to suggestion and all. All this to say looking at the "kits" being offered by various creators I thought "Oh no, I feel a fresh sin coming on" as Dorothy Parker (I think) once said. Seriously, I just can NOT afford a whole new bunch of "junk" needed to pursue this new direction. I spent a couple nights trying to figure out how these beautiful journals are considered to be "junkie" journals. However, I just watched your video and WOWZA! what a relief. I can consider that all my detritus can go in a JJ and should I choose to make a "pretty," lots of layers and doo-dads kind of journal-well, that is a WHOLE 'nother creation, indeed. Thank you for your clarity, and help in this. I look forward to more viewing of your musings. Creatively Inspired, Red :)

[@jennibellie]

Wonderful welcome in Red ❤️

[@rainbowflowerfairy4369]

Thank you so much for this video It was exactly what I'd been searching for The opinion of an experiment artist to give definitions of the different types of "journals" with examples of the evolving variations plus the permission to just mix it all up Now to remove a large number of creative blocks that sabotage my even starting the process. I've been buying/collecting supplies for years and what have I actually created??? Nada not a vegan sausage!!!! Thanks again You're an inspiration :)

[@lizonluckystreet]

This is SPOT on! Thank you so much for sharing! I mentioned a similar topic in a junk journaling group and the reaction was less than pleasant 😏 my definition of junk journaling is very different than others and it sucked because some of those comments were just baffling. Can't tell you how great it is that you did a video and detailed some of the differences! 👍

[@jackiesmith1325]

I love your videos. Yours was the first video I saw for junk books. I love them because as a child I always collected stuff other people would throw away so I was called junkie and a pack rat. I also think people have gotten away from the true quilts of my grandmama’s days. They were not all the matchy matchy quilts that have to be symmetrical and if they aren’t then they are not thought of as beautiful. Don’t get me wrong I think those quilts are beautiful but that was not what quilting was originally. Quilting was a way for poor people to keep their families warm period. I love watching your videos the best still. Have a great day.

[@ginapady6411]

Finally! I have thought about this many times. It has always baffled me. Your definitions follow much of how I have thought.

[@mixedmediamess2607]

Thank you so much for this video! I've always heard there are no rules, but many people seem to get all caught up in them. For me, the only rule really is does it make me happy? If it does it is going to get used. If it's something anyone else would throw away, imho it's junk. :)

[@Faithfilledcabin]

I can understand needing this video, I’m someone who has Never made any type of journal, but someone interested in journal making and getting ideas to make other projects I may want to do. Or I think someday maybe I will make a journal. I personally see this journal making community fun and creative, also a tad confusing, also a bit argumentative. I see people defending themselves, I see people do videos explaining what junk journaling is to them, I see sometimes a community that does not agree on things. But for the most part I see creativity, inspiration and a tight nit community, other journal makers share other peoples videos, they show support. That part of it fascinates me and I watch. I person have never cared why someone makes them, or what the proper name is for each journal. I think it’s a personal choice and feeling, if someone uses new stuff to make a journal and calls it a junk journal then it is, to that person.. as someone who don’t make them, when I hear the term junk journal, I personally do not think of junk I’m going to throw away, I don’t see it as junk. For years in my home, and maybe other people do this, but we have a drawer in our kitchen that we call a junk drawer, we toss odds and ends in it, sort of a place to hold things that we didn’t put back in a proper place, or things that don’t have a place. We toss pens, paper, paper clips, rubber bands, batteries and other small items. We call it a junk drawer, but I don’t consider anything in it junk, nothing in my junk drawer is trash. So when I hear people say junk journal, I’m seeing a journal filled with odds and ends, things that may mean something personal to someone, something they don’t want to throw away, so they can store it in their “junk journal” and those who use knew stuff, maybe they just want it pretty.. I love seeing peoples work and what they do, I don’t worry too much about what someone is calling their journal, it is what it is to them. As an outsider looking in on this community for inspiration, I love it all.. I do love learning what they all are, but I have learned everyone has their different views on what a junk journal is to them, or art journal or other journal. In the end I’m just happy to watch videos and admire all the journaling and show support.. and I did enjoy this video very much, just sharing what I think of when I hear junk journal. To me it’s not just using junk, I see it different. But I haven’t done one so maybe my opinion or 2 cents don’t really matter. Either way to all who do these journals, keep doing them because I do watch and enjoy them all 😊.. thanks for your video, very interesting:)

[@alemapretsof]

I love it! Truth in journaling! lol I do make differing types of journals because people ask me to make themes, desire certain contents, etc. I usually make them myself with whatever strikes my fancy. We do junk journaling because we like to reuse, reconfigure, upcycle, and reimagine "stuff" into new "stuff" I have compiled a lot of supplies from the recycle bin. My husband gets a bit testy that I save these items, but you know, who might it possibly injure?

[@czntrm]

Less than 10 minutes into this video and I already like her! 😆 Growing up poor, we tried to use as much as possible (recycle, upcycle, etc.) back before it was chic. 😉😆 I like how she breaks down the various styles and I've learned new names that I'd like to start using now.

[@Justme_247]

I use bits and pieces from all genre of journals when I make a journal.

[@IO-nt9kx]

Me too. And I call it my quality time journals. I use junk, old stuff, things I found at the flea market, throw away stuff from other people, .. But I never use expensive items. I love to create with basic things.

[@Justme_247]

@@IO-nt9kx I even use composition books taken apart and use the paper for writing since they are already folded in half. I may have to cut to size.

[@corfukefi]

To me art comes from what you create from what is available and around you and just using basic bought supplies like paint, glues, tape etc.! I throw little away and use what I have and that way more creativity comes out. I've had presents bought for me, mini die cut machine and dies, hoards of stamps, and embellishments and no matter how hard I try I just find myself at a loss with them and draw a blank. Give me scraps and junk and I'm happy. You don't have to go out and buy all the latest stuff to be creative, all expensive stuff as well, I've been messing with arts and crafts since a very young age, had to use what my parents could afford to give me, usually paints and crayons .... no fancy stuff back in them days !! No disrespect to anyone but anybody can stick cut outs and use fancy papers on paper , you are a true artist when you use any thing without buying all the time!! Glad to seen you back here Jennie,nlove your videos!

[@roxyfur]

Example of something you'd throw away: JUNK mail. Thanks for the Smash book explanation!

[@tindy602]

Always enjoy your videos and your opinions! Many in the world need to just relax, listen to others opinions, and decide what speaks to them. 😊

[@jennibellie]

Well said!

[@brendaacuff4537]

Just subbed and I'm so glad I did !!!! I'm with you on the junk journaling but I'm new at it and wasn't sure. Thank you for sharing and keep up the sassiness ( Love it )❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️🤗🥰👍👍👍👍

[@jennibellie]

Lol Thank you & thanks for subbing!

[@PatWalden]

Thank you for the explanation. I've wondered about the differences.

[@sindu3]

I just started pen paling and would like to collect all the goodies they send me including stamps and bits and bobs from their mail or envelope and combine it into a journaling format. I’m not so artsy. What would you call that type of journaling so I can search for just those videos because I’m getting overwhelmed by the endless amount of ideas on the internet

[@amethystmoonlight4792]

I've subscribed, liked and leaving a comment. I'm glad you are posting regular videos again. I've been following you here on KZbin and at your journal workshop for over six years. I enjoy every minute of it. Thank you for artsiness.

[@phyllisbowens4175]

Hi Jenni, I’ve watched you videos from the beginning and I’ve missed your stand up as say it like it is attitude. Lol. I too, have noticed that the definitions for the different types of journals. I noticed that the current ideas of Junk Journals are now including just what you shared in this video. I was a bit put off with the idea of creating using pretty papers/vintage papers. I used to like that style, but it’s not what I’m interested in. I’d love to be included in the giveaway.

[@sherrimakesstuff3112]

Just found your youtube channel. It's so weird, I did altered books and art journals in college. I won't say how long that's been, but let's just say it was before the scrapbooking books you showed were on bookshelves :) For some reason It's never occurred to me to look for other artists on youtube until about a year ago. So, here I am - all liked and subscribed up! Thanks for your point of view

[@hakantacrafter813]

I make all different journals and I just call all of mine journals. if i'm talking about them or in my head I use names for what I use them for like my sketch journals, my gardening journal, art technique journals etc. Most of my journals contain some kind of junk. I'm not really fussed with names, I think everyone should just do what they want to. Take elements and ideas you like from everywhere.

[@charlenesims9063]

everyone has a way of making journals. make it your own way no one will know but you. but all in all i do like doing art journaling. i find it relaxing, it is good to hear about other opinions about this subject. i am not offended by what you say about different journals. sometimes we need it to understand what the difference is. good video :)

[@sarahmariakuipers3967]

Love you journal's. Can I use and old book to make a jounal

[@janedoe1790]

A memory and imagination. Junk makes you think, it’s challenging , our ideas are sometimes clever and silly 💜🙏 I love that, stimulating minds to discover more.

[@suestrano1452]

I was first introduced to junk journals by you:). I made your card journal with the beads for my daughter with all of her sweet 16 party cards and photos.

[@jennibellie]

Wonderful!

[@lolagreen6865]

Oh my gosh and I thought I had a lot of journals. Crazy! That greeting card journal video was actually how I found your channel!

[@wombleplatt]

Could you please explain to me, junk journals, is it just putting junk together or do people actually journal in them ie writing , is a smash book just items put in that has memories etc like receipts ticket stubs photos, I’m so confused about how to use these if I decide to make them

[@jennibellie]

hi Janet, I shall be addressing this in an upcoming video...stay tuned

[@khursheedtuli5931]

im a new subbie....thk u so.much for this video...it cleared my hazy notions of what journal.is what！！Exactly as i seem to have thought...if its a junk.journal we should be using junk /upcycling /recycling..then how come apart from.nec supplies....one sees a glut of expensive albeit pretty new stuff being bought to make junk？！！ This comprehensive lecture on the different types of journals....smash,junk,altered,glue,etc has truly cleared the confusion that prevailed earlier on......I now feel I would.like to.incorporate a little of each type into.1 single journal..I wonder what type of a journal would that be called？！！

[@dorisdonnerstagq9436]

Thank you for this!! Not P’ed off at all! ❤️

[@r.c.miller6161]

P-off??? You certainly ARE throwing shade. Admit it. Splitting hairs over semantics.

[@jennibellie]

I certainly didn’t intend to throw shade because I don’t think there’s anything wrong with journaling with kits or new things, I’m just sharing the differences between types of journaling. I wonder if people would get so triggered or angry at me splitting hairs over semantics if I was sharing the differences of watercolour, oils, gouache & acrylic? They are still all paints after all.

[@yvethemetriccrafter688]

Great video, I love what you do and its great your encouraging people to be creative.

[@yvethemetriccrafter688]

Also I have to say I like the sound of the remedys journal as I am going through councelling and its something I need to do. Looking at your link right now.

[@JunkJournalideas]

i can totally see why you said this is gonna peave a few off lol not me my lovely lol, ha ha i totally get you hugs Donna PS thank YT for showing me your great thumbnail!! as i tottle off and finish my brand new "junk journal" can i say, it's a great keyword but lol ♥︎♡☆ 🦋

[@joellen6105]

Absolutely fascinating! You are so talented. You cheered up my day at this difficult time.

[@jennibellie]

I'm so glad! Much love

[@stephaniealex1852]

Love seeing all your books! I love doing these with you.

[@agnete-sagalindrnning7556]

At least You gained a new friend. I loved your message!!

[@caroricbreton]

Thanks for the giveaway! I'm already suscribed and yesssss I love your video! Have a great week.

[@TheRustyPalette]

I believe we label things as individuals so each of us can connect the dots to the CORE MEANING of what we are doing.... We all have different meanings for different words and can ONLY connect to certain familiar words to us... Like a color blind person cannot understand red if they don't SEE red so you can tell them red is a maple leaf of a red maple tree. Red is a traditional firetruck. Perhaps to them red looks different but they can still identify it by its other attributes that maybe we don't see. Do you understand what I am getting at? I only know this because I have always quite a difficult time communicating with some of my students and even my own children. I've found it is because you need to teach in concept with no rules for some (AUTISTIC spectrum is like this... lol sounds a lot like like ARTIST doesn't it?) and for the other learners.. aka those trying to follow us and understand what it is we see and they don't are desperately trying to stick the invisible pieces they don't see together so they need a bit more guidance and labels is how we do that for their synapses to grab our concept. I am now viewing labels as little bridges for their synapses that need a small jump to see the other side of our concept.

[@rhondajo7822]

💗💞.... 🌹🌹🌹 "a rose by any other name is still a rose"

[@ladymary7146]

I’ve always wondered about the definitions, I think there could be better name for these channels who make journals with paper and supplies rather than junk for example ‘creating decorative journals’. Probably not the greatest name!! However there are so many definitions it gets confusing for a someone new. Some people journal through art and no writing. I couldn’t get my head around that concept to start with until I tried it myself and realised just how relaxing and helpful mentally it can be, particularly as I’m not the greatest at actually writing in a journal. 🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️ I guess it’s just a process to find what works for yourself

[@ShellWotton]

All of the journal diversity was beautiful, My personal faves are messy, intuitive though 😁👍

[@janelorenzen3770]

I'd like to enter the drawing. I subscribed (months ago), clicked Like (before I knew there was a drawing), and enjoyed your take on the different forms journalling can take. Mine is a hybrid journal and planner (to throw yet one more variation into the mix). I use a 3-ring binder rescued from the trash at work, print my own "layout" on the backs of invoices and other things I've printed for work, and use it as my daily planner and thoughts-catcher. No fancy gel pens or stickers -- my supply kit is pretty much a number 2 pencil, a glue stick, and whatever junk mail, product packaging, and magazines I've finished with. The supply is never-ending. It's a smashy junky scrappy gluebooky planner and diary. I'd love to take one of your classes and use up more of my stash.

[@MicheleEngel]

I loved this! As a writer, I appreciate your sensitivity to the way we use words to communicate with clarity. Words do matter. I'm new to this thing that is called "junk journaling" on KZbin. Thanks to you, I now have a much better understanding of the trend and its history. I love what you are calling, correctly, a shabby chic style. I've recently discovered that I like to make journals out of items (materials) that I would otherwise have thrown into the trash, especially the promotional paper mailers I receive in my mailbox and the paper inserts in packages and certain mailing materials. So, going forward, I will enjoy creating junk journals in a shabby chic style as well as non-junk journals (made with pretty materials I buy for that purpose) in a shabby chic style. I agree with you 100% about what an altered book is and a scrapbook, but I never understood what a smash book or glue book is. So now I know, and I know which of all of those books I prefer to make. Thank you so much!!!!

[@jennibellie]

Wonderful! You are welcome ❤️

[@stephanieprice8247]

Yes! “Using words to communicate with clarity”. “Words do matter.” Words have definitions. We wouldn’t call a car, a boat, plane, bicycle, etc. it is a car. I personally don’t care what people call their own creations but for sharing/searching purposes each term has its own unique definition. Maybe “junk” is what’s tripping people up? Maybe trash would be better. 😂

[@ritabjerstedt7386]

Thank you for sharing ,

[@jcee2186]

In the end, what does it matter as long as you enjoy the process?

[@annharris4955]

I totally agree with you, what does it matter? If someone loves what you made who cares what it's called.

[@Denita_Wishart]

Agree completely! I call mine junk journals because I truly fill them with junk 🤷‍♀️

[@mariep-MAPAT]

Agreed

[@christinescreationsespinos8062]

I agree

[@maramakesjournals2319]

She’s saying to use correct terminology when teaching. Certainly you can name your kitten “Dog,” but if you’re teaching veterinary medicine, you should call a cat a cat.

[@bodyofhope]

I hear you. I'm a mixed media artist who only uses recycling, but here's the thing... Art evolves. Art journals, junk journals, and smash journals are synonymous- and becoming very popular. That's a GOOD thing ❤ Every field moves forward and the terminology adapts with it. You can be very proud that you were among the first who began the junk & swaps, and planted seeds of interest in others to explore their creativity through something as accessible as junk journaling. Helping the planet, one little journal at a time. And for those who complain about buying supplies... well, I doubt they did any research in the first place, bc they would've figured out that you don't need anything special, except for maybe a stick of glue. I'm making a junk journal right now as we speak, and turning it into an activity book/mental health journal for a friend.

[@AtlDibuja-Productions]

Love the video and your explanation. Honestly I couldn't care less what's called. I love this kind of outlet and how it allows people to express themselves and to find joy in creating and feeling uplifted when they create. Names are irrelevant, I think the sky is the limit with these kinds of journals. Greetings from the US. Love your videos! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@bangbangkisskiss007]

I completely agree 👍🏻

[@bizzylizzysmith7163]

Yes, agree totally. It’s the style and creativity I enjoy. Don’t care what they are made of or what they are called. Many beautiful creations I have seen labelled as this are neither junk or a journal.

[@letsmakeamesstoday]

E. Guerrero I agree! Creativity is a lovely thing no matter what its called!!!

[@murielwhite9472]

Hi Jennibellie, For the past 50 or so years I kept scrap books where I would stick photos, airline tickets, birthday cards and anything that I wanted to preserve. Then along came scrapbooking which really didn't interest me at all. I kind of now make junk journals which I construct out of stuff that is going to be thrown out or going in the recycle bin. I am quickly turned off of channels where you need to buy kits or supplies. As you say, it seems to defeat the purpose of it all. I also get stuff from the charity shops and use those things as well. Are they supplies or are they junk? Who knows and really who cares. For me it's all about using stuff that others discard and when I sell my stuff (100% profit goes to mostly animal charities). If I start watching a channel and its all too pretty and formal I usually just stop it and find channels which I enjoy. There are some really good ones out there. Thank you for your wonderful channel and really good tutorials . Best wishes from Australia

[@carriethompson4171]

I call my Journals... MY happy place. Book Open and Closes right? Book is very big wide variety. Glue Book, art journal, Diary is a journal with a lock. Still books. My Junk Journal so to speak is everything.

[@susanjane4784]

[LONG post. Please be patient] Years ago I did a survey of what artists and critics considered collage to be. The category is huge when you start digging. In general, artists define their own work and market it that way. There are well know, high $$$ artist who sell paintings that have significant collage elements. MY POINT: I DEFINE COLLAGE AS STICKING STUFF DOWN. Sticking can be a stapler or sewing or glue. Stuff can be paper or cardboard or candy bar foil. Down can be canvas, watercolor paper, tags, artist trading cards, art journals, etc. If you look at historic art movements like cubists or impressionists they were not copy-machines -- different artists created within the very large envelope of a theory or theme. The idea of a junk journal is an envelope as well. I do think junk definitions need to be large enough to encourage creativity rather than limit it. One person's trash is another person's treasure. I've made junk journals only out of things from our recycle bin and glue. I've also made junk journals using watercolor paper, collected scraps from other projects, and a bit of dress-up stuff from my stash. I DEFINE A JUNK JOURNAL FOR MYSELF AS LACKING STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE WITH A SERIOUS RANDOM VIBE. My junk journals aren't pretty. Nevertheless, I've seen junk journals that were pretty. One of my favorites was a "journal" made out of fabric with collage glued or sewn onto the "pages." I seriously doubt anyone is going to read this far, but I strongly believe that the artist needs to provide their own definition -- however they arrive at that. A number of years ago I was screaming out loud at a KZbin artist who was being a @#$%& about THE ONLY WAY TO DO art journaling. That kind of thing is poison, evil heartbreaking poison. THERE IS NO ONE WAY TO DO ANYTHING. People even breathe differently.

[@AurorasJournals]

💯

[@ReHatchedDesignsTinaWilliams]

SusanJane I think your 100 % right. While intentions may be to allow people to be more creative with less. The fact is any limitations or trying to define junk journals so stringently are actually harmful in my view. Some people actually need to purchase stuff like digitals or supply’s to help them along the creative process. It’s the process of putting things together in this haphazard free form manner that to me makes it a junk journal. I don’t think how you get there is all that important. I am against saying it must be pretty made with kits etc. as well as saying it must be all things that you would throw away. I think any limitations at all is exactly the problem that she is trying to highlight. She is creating the issue in reverse and limiting others by doing so.

[@jennibellie]

@@ReHatchedDesignsTinaWilliams Re Hatched Designs Tina Williams your comments are stating that I’m telling people not to journal with kits, or that they can only journal with kits or only with junk. I NEVER said that, please stop taking it out of context in that way, because I certainly don’t want to limit people in any way (or ever, at all). I am providing definitions for those that WANT them (especially those that are new or confused by all this, and if you look through the comments there are a lot) that journaling with something new/put together is not the same thing as recycling with what you find to make a journal, BUT YOU CAN MASH IT ALL UP AS MUCH AS YOU WANT, yes I’m overly using caps lol because I what to emphasize that knowing the difference doesn’t mean you can’t do what the heck you want…just like knowing the difference between watercolour and acrylic doesn’t mean you can’t use them as you want. But if you’re not one that wants to define it as such that’s okay….and though you don’t like my opinions I am sending you love and blessings, & I still value you and your input. Thank you ❤️

[@KimberlyCreates]

Exactly!

[@BelindaShort]

Completely agreed. We have a lot of issues with people continually trying to separate fine art and craft and it's kind of...just awful. I do my art journaling in my own 'junk' journal made from my old drawings and art and bits of things. Junk, just like art, can be anything we decide. Any kind of gatekeeping is really just ruining art for people. I've been teaching both art journaling and general 'junk' thought processes and trying to break things down so that people can not feel so alienated. Like Jennibelle, I've been doing this for a long time, even before Junk journals started to incorporate scrapbooking elements, or making your entire journal from that. I don't mind that people do that at all and of course I don't call it junk but people can certainly call it that if they want to.

[@Keywekid]

I thought I would give junk journaling a try so I started watching videos. Oh my! Nothing looked like junk. Beautiful material, paper, ephemera, bobbles and more. How is that junk? Then came the subtle pressure. I seriously do not care what people put in their journals but please do not dazzle me with beautiful journals made with silk covers with beautiful charms and call them junk. I was under the impression that "junk journals", the bones, the structure came from JUNK. Bill envelopes, cookie boxes(American), old bills, socks with holes if you wanted to! Those plastic doodads that are around pop cans i.e. Pepsi, Coke, etc. I ramble but thank you for the clarification! Now I can bind my actual junk and fill the junk journal with more junk!!!!! Stay safe!

[@KarlafromOZ]

EXACTLY i'm from the the school of original, it has changed, to bought stuff, i get into a few conversations about it, it's not JJing when its bought , its just Journal making...... it really annoys the hell out of me......

[@jennibellie]

Yay! So pleased you will now make your journal! x

[@pennykilby2837]

Right on !

[@julieruann]

I agree!

[@RunninUpThatHillh]

Yeah. I call what I do scrap booking. I use scraps of random shit I find. Some of it is junk. Some of it isn't. It's all scraps though.

[@kellyro77]

It's interesting watching how we all get so caught up on terminology / names / definitions, etc. I respect your opinion, and to a degree get why you feel there needs to be clarification. I'm not comfortable with the strict "rules" people give creative processes, however. It doesn't support individuality, which especially should be nurtured among creative people and their works. Call it whatever you want, but so long as you're getting joy out of making it - be it made from newspaper scraps and cereal boxes, or from a kit you purchased because you just loved the materials in the kit. The point is you're doing something that makes you happy, so at the end of the process, is what you did "wrong" now because what you thought you put together was an Art Journal has now been "corrected" because someone came along, rolling their eyes, and told you "No! That's Altered Book." Just my .02¢, which may in itself end up being unpopular. In any case I love seeing any sort of book/journal created and put together, They're fun, and as you pointed out, many end up just being hybrids of all the different definitions you've provided.

[@gedartcreations2869]

You spoke my heart! Way too caught up on terminology.

[@jennibellie]

Tbh I don’t think it’s an unpopular view, I think it’s valid and I don’t disagree with it. That’s why my answer to does it matter if you label is both yes and no lol. If definitions restrict your creativity don’t use them, it they help you understand, learn and create easier in an area then use them. The latter is what I was trying to cultivate in this video (as with anything I do, it’s to try and inspire creativity). It’s down to the individual to decide if definitions help or hinder them, but that doesn’t really negate the fact that there ARE categories. I’m just pointing them out, but my preference is still to mix every single one up so…that doesn’t mean we can’t do whatever the heck you want just because you have knowledge of their differences. And I wonder if those that don't like that I am pointing them out (I don’t mean you, I’m enjoying this conversation just speaking generally) would say the same if I was talking about something like Abstract Art & Surrealism instead? Or calling a paintbrush a paintbrush rather than a shovel? Lol it’s interesting isn’t it? Thanks for your two cents x

[@helensalo9810]

jennibellie very interesting indeed 😊

[@debbiebrewington7635]

Well said, thank you! I just create because I enjoy it, right or wrong - it’s mine.

[@tortagialla]

I agree, call your own work whatever you want! The important part is to have fun and keep creating 👍🏻

[@pattimoose1]

I think years ago, we collected bits and pieces of junk. But the craft industry jumped on our wagon. They started to create stuff we looked at as old and kinda junky but we wanted to use it for art. I never used Tim Holtz ink to make my stuff look old. I used tea bags and coffee and shoe polish. Suddenly all these supplies were trendy, and expensive. And it all got out of hand! I was junk journaling, art journaling and glue booking back in the 1970's. And I can see the progression of where it has gone! I support you and what you're trying to do in defining it, so others don't make it a huge Michael's/Hobby Lobby let's buy more junk Journal.

[@ladylibrum7145]

Well said 👍 the craft retailers know how to get us to buy a bunch of expensive stuff we don’t really need

[@kalamity_spice]

Does it really matter what type of journal you call it as long as people are creating?

[@jennibellie]

I don't know if this is rhetorical or not but if you're actually asking I have a 40 min vid to answer 😄

[@kalamity_spice]

jennibellie I didn’t mean it in a nasty way I just think we get so confused by labels. I love your work regardless of what journal you do it in x

[@jennibellie]

@@kalamity_spice I didn't take it as such no worries ❤️ and I do agree with you, creating is the most important (as I've always tried to impress/inspire through all videos).

[@cathyputtick8235]

Im just learning about journals, art journals, junk journals, etc. And I really appreciate this video. Thank you so much!

[@SusiesCrafTeaCorner1]

My thoughts exactly 💯

[@marekabrown2427]

I’ve never heard of them just this week I’ve been learning can’t wait till I start thanks for your info

[@sirensong3556]

On persons junk is another’s supply, everyone’s definition of what is junk is personal. I don’t care what the “proper”definitions are. I do art for me. All you in the Art Journaling community can fight it out. Personally these types of videos take away the joy of creating. Talking about proper definitions of journals , the art process, what is junk, who is wasting their supplies, I only uses scraps. Ugh- just create and enjoy.

[@Emberchariot]

But that's what she's saying, she's saying junk is junk and it's also treasure in the journaling community for junk journaling, being able to junk journal is beautiful cause your recycling so someone using brand new shop brought things is not really junk journaling cause its not recycled, its the cardboard and make up products, bottles and jars, scraps, it is important cause someone making a beautiful journal out of brabd new cardboard is not junk journaling and not helping in the recycling process, so people shouldn't miss inform people when they are starting a new hobby or want to help in recycling and turn it into art.

[@BEATRIZMAG1111]

Yes indeed! Let’s love Art✨

[@sharonolveradesign3403]

Things I have laying around that could be considered junk (as in could have been thrown in the trash can) are things like metal soup can lids, plastic bottle caps, those air filled plastic box fillers - those I have recently started deflating and painting them. I have 12 so far. I kinda like the idea of taking things from out of the throw away environment and turning them into some kind of art - including can tabs, 😂. I was born to craft, born for art. Love all kinds.

[@marisamoeller1718]

I absolutely love that you explained that one does not need to purchase things, neither new nor old, to be creative!! Creating is really the point!!

[@jennibellie]

So true!

[@mzsarable]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! I started watching "junk journaling" videos a few months back, and as someone who has very little money I definitely got caught up in the way it is advertised. I keep feeling like I need to buy new kits and better glue and it really started to be more stressful than fun. I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear somebody actually describe a junk journal the way that you do. It makes me realize that I can do a perfect junk journal without purchasing anything. Thank you for giving me back my inspiration and taking away my feelings of inadequacy as an artist. I'm going to go shed a few happy tears and get back to it!

[@leannemassari4378]

I think the term Junk Journal is more a generic term for paper craft these days. I personally don’t like actual ‘junk journals made from rubbish you’d throw away’ I recycle as much cardboard and paper, fabric, buttons, etc. I even tore an old make up bag apart because the fabric under the plastic was beautiful. I don’t agree tools and gadgets don’t make people creative. Some people are inspired to create simply because they bought a fancy new gadget. Bottom line is, it’s about creating. Creating makes you creative regardless of what you use. Your arguing semantics It’s your channel so it’s your opinion as you said. That’s fair enough but sticking to a rigid definition is a choice too.

[@anjakritzelkram5544]

English is not my native language but when I looked up the translation for „junk“ there was much more than just „trash“. I understand that you want to help those which feel a pressure to buy special supplies, download plenty of vintage digitals etc. but defining that junk journals have to be made out of cereal boxes and „real“ junk is still gate keeping. Everyone has a different opinion of what is junk or what is precious, antique shops, flea markets and good will shops wouldn’t exist when everyone would follow the same rules on that topic. I watched a lot of the vintage themed junk journal ladies lately and I guess, they define their material like old books and book text, sheet music, old doilies, vintage photos, postcards aso. as junk as this items wouldn’t be very precious to most other people. And stuff can turn into junk just because it is old... And everything turns into „supplies“ when used, it doesn’t matter if it is fresh from the shop or rescued from the trash bin. So instead of offering definitions, putting people and their journals into drawers ( by the way, am I allowed to call my selfmade books journals although I usually don‘t do journaling?) I think the most important is to enjoy making these journals, to enjoy filling them with whatever we like no matter if you like to use all kind of fancy stuff or supplies or if you like to reuse and recycle or both altogether.

[@AurorasJournals]

👏

[@jennibellie]

I respect that. As I do say in the video does it matter what you call them? No...and also yes when you are restricting people into thinking they need new supplies to be creative. My intention for this video was to help people who haven't been feeling this, provide definitions to those THAT WANT THEM and will assist in their creativity and boost inspiration generally across the board...and if you look at the comments I think I've done that. Sometimes being a 'gatekeeper' gives others a gate they can actually walk through!!!

[@anjakritzelkram5544]

Thanks for your answer! I think, it is really helpful to promote „back to basics“ from time to time and I guess it is nesessary to spread the word that you can do junk journaling without Art Glitter Glue, Vintage Photo Distress Ink and 3 copies of Edith Holden books. And I am really looking forward to learn new (or old or traditional) ways of creating a journal.

[@SusiesCrafTeaCorner1]

@anja ...well said⚘

[@ZsuzsaKarolySmith]

I totally agree with you Anja! It's a bit unnecessary to compartmentalize all these terms, especially that most of us use a bit of everything in our journals, whatever we call them. There's no authority about this - it's just what people do! We should be descriptive about these things (describe what the trends are/used to be) - not prescriptive and tell people what it should or should not be! I felt this video was prescriptive and judgemental.

[@DevonLass]

I’m now scared to call my creations anything!! 😢😢 One person’s definition of junk is completely different to someone else’s! You can’t compare a hoarder to a minimalist! I guess a hoarder can’t make a junk journal because hoarders don’t believe anything is junk. Does it matter what it’s called? As long as the creator is happy and enjoying what they are doing… that’s what matters.

[@ReHatchedDesignsTinaWilliams]

While you say it is only your opinion and people are entitled to their own. You seem almost angry with others definitions and opinions. I think rather than be so stringent in your opinions of what “junk “ is or is not. One mans junk is another mans treasure. I think several things you described as not junk are most certainly junk in a lot of people’s definitions. I get your point you want people to be creative without feeling like they need to purchase a lot to make a junk journal. I made a shabby chic journal 100% from things I had laying around in my home that I would have thrown away. Old cloths, old copy paper I did use, scrap book paper that I no longer use because I don’t scrap book anymore. Old jewelry I don’t wear anymore. Every single thing I mentioned would be trash If I didn’t use it in that journal. An old book that would have been thrown away is junk. Why would you assume someone would not throw it away? Many many books get thrown away all the time. Many cloths get thrown away all the time. Jewelry get thrown away all the time. Old scrap book paper that people no longer use get thrown away all the time. While it can be a supply if you plan on saving it for sure. But it can be trash very easily if it’s something that person would not be using it for it’s original purpose. I think your opinion is extremely narrow minded.

[@jennibellie]

I am a passionate person but I get angry over very little - human trafficking and animal cruelty may be but paper? No way lol. ‘Why would you assume someone would not throw it away?’ because I’m speaking to my audience (who usually like to use anything and everything they get their hands on) not everyone under the sun. Unfortunately youtube doesn’t work that way so I’m aware when the video goes beyond that I’m going to trigger people for calling a spade a spade, even though I state it's subjective as it's opinions. Hey ho. Much love to you.

[@r.bennett4970]

Wow, it's a craft... People get so uptight about opinions and calling her narrow minded sort of puts you in that category. I can't understand why people have to be so "name calling" righteous when all you have to do is don't watch the channel and move on.... Wow... By the way... Your point was moot... Trash, jewelry etc...blah... Blah.. Lol!!!

[@ReHatchedDesignsTinaWilliams]

Yes that’s my point it is a craft and people do get to hung up on their opinions of what it is and definitions. You actually agree with me. I don’t think defining it narrowly helps people be creative at al. I think it limits them which in my opinion is not constructive.

[@maramakesjournals2319]

I read and passed by, but then felt I had to comment here even tho it is an old conversation. People are looking for tutorials re junk journals. They find tutorials that show journals made with digital-kits, vintage documents bought online, vintage linens bought in antique stores, paper punches and deckled edge tools, hand-made beaded dangles and charms, etc. That’s where people are becoming overwhelmed by imagining how much all that stuff costs. What they wanted was instructions for a DIY no-cost craft project: a journal made of junk. That’s why the correct words matter (because beginners are being turned off by the bait and switch).

[@bevybee2012]

Welcome home Jenny belly this is where you belong missed you glad you are back

[@jnordfors]

OK, this is brilliant. My favorite line “It does not matter.” It only matters that I enjoy what I’m doing. Thanks for sharing. I have liked and subscribed.

[@jackthecat4924]

I adore you, and in a way, you saved my life, by re-igniting a huge piece of my creative soul, when I was working a physical job that sapped my energy and took a toll on my body!! I sooooo sooooo wish you could see how far I've grown, since I first saw one of your wayyy baaaack journal videos. I didn't have much extra money, especially for expensive paints and inks. You opened world of creativity for me using mail and cereal boxes and inexpensive paints and supplies. I've had to learn not to save every empty food box, every piece of mail, and that's a learning curve, however, I like doing thing the way you do. Anyone can make something beautiful from a kit, or from preprinted beautiful papers. I owe you so many hours of gratitude and growth. Thank you.

[@jennibellie]

Haha I'm now the same, re: not saving every single little thing lolol I would if I had the room. Thank you for your kind words, if you want to show me your journey there is a gallery section on Journal Workshops where you can share your work with your creative soulmates if you feel comfortable: journalworkshops.ning.com/photo. I understand if not, not everybody wants to but it's a friendly, supportive environment if you do want to post pics showing your progress. Much love to you x

[@sherrypatterson3097]

Love you dear heart. You are back and as ever delight ful. Nice to explain the different kinds. I think my writing journals are that just writing. What I seem to do is have a combination of all the styles of pages. No real focus. A mixed mash of styles of journaling although writing goes in writing journal. My jumbles of pages that are more artsy may have small amounts of writing or just affirmations. My message is as unfocused as my creative journals. I have my writing journal which is focused. Daily activity and how I feel about that. Working on remedies journal right. Have been doing most of your classes. Unfocused. :-)

[@bohemiangypsy99]

WOW Jenni this is one of the most informative videos on journal books I have seen on YT. Well done!! You managed to succinctly tell us what each category was. I think my journals are a combo of all of them so I have now titled them JASSAG Books which includes Junk, Altered, Scrapbook, Smash, Art, and Glue lol. I would love to be included in the giveaway please Jenni. Michelle

[@AnneMilnesHoward]

Oh Jennie, you always inspire me. I have to say I do find journaling difficult at times and have been like you say a little confused about what a junk journal was as so many use supplies either they have bought or have printed out. I have thought many times but that isn't junk! So you can imagine how I felt when you in your video said the same, so bless you for clearing that up. Thank you for your joyfulness, your positivity and your inspiration.

[@jennibellie]

Thank you x (& you are so welcome!)

[@BeezersTeasers]

My art teacher in h.s. taught us that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, which is real! Thank you for your clarity!

[@sassymimisandysue3997]

I agree with you about the term “Junk Journal”. As I understand it is about things that people would normally throw away. I do love the many pretty journals many “Junk Journal” makers create . They are gorgeous and made from creative papers. I like all of the different journals all these creators are making. I have made altered books, some with junk inside and some made from scrapbooking papers. I have made some so full you really have to”smash” them down and fasten them to keep them shut. But thank you for sharing the difference between the different types of books because I too have had a problem with a lot of these beautiful books people are creating, because to me they aren’t really made from “junk”

[@lyllydd]

Thank you for this. I have always loved the idea of pulling items out of the recycle bin to make books. I've been put off of junk journaling b/c most of the videos I've seen make junk journals look like an explosion in a lace factory paired with an entire etsy shop's worth of printables. I could never see the purpose of those kinds of books. I'm the person who prefers the K.I.S.S. rule for crafting, even though my personal style is vintage. I also like journals to have a use - sketching, writing, painting, brain dump, etc. I really appreciate your take.

[@maryogan215]

Could you detail the K I S S please?

[@microdot153]

Not sure of what K.I.S.S. rule is ? I agree with you on the lace thing. There isn't any room in most for any type of writing, momentos, ........ so to me it doesn't have a function. Sure they are pretty in their own right, but not junk.

[@HowcrossCastle]

Ah, Jenni, so good to see you back on KZbin. I'm a longtime subscriber. Ya know, scrapbooking as we know it today -- "traditional scrapbooking" you called it in this video -- is a long way from the original meaning of "scrapbooks." Back before the scrapbook "industry" existed, scrapbooks were actually the original junk journals, made from SCRAPS that would otherwise have been thrown away. It was a way for people, usually women, to create a container, a book, for thoughts, writing, art, photos, and so on. Literally, a book made from scraps. How far we've come, eh? I love that you encourage the use of things that would otherwise be thrown away. Thank you.

[@vickiechandler3112]

i just recently came across a traditional scrapbook from the year 1891. (was in a bunch of stuff from my other half's dad's estate ..it was his great great grandmas. ) And it was a true scrapbook. She used an old tailors sample book and glued all kinds of things that interested her into it..no ryhme nor reason , just what ever she liked ....poems from the newspaper, cards she recieved, letters written to her, lots of really cool diecuts that the victorian vintage JJ people that post videos would probably give their first born for . Beautiful book and a really awesome look into someones life as a young lady from that era. (we estimated she was between 17 and 20 when she made it ..it is very large and full) . We also found a book among the stuff that was from maybe 10 years later that had pressed flowers (even imprints of them..neat) and some more poems and loose vintage diecuts that those ppl up there would probably add their last drop of blood to obtain. We figured it had to also come from the GG Grandma. I think i would have like Lottie. Her and i would have been buds...LOL

[@HowcrossCastle]

@@vickiechandler3112 How cool! What a great find.

[@TreasureBooks]

"Junk Journal" has evolved. People still call them 'junk journals'. I prefer the name Treasure Books, as its a book to hold our memories and snippets of our lives - treasures. However "How to make a Treasure Book" is not a very searchable term on KZbin. People know the term Junk Journal, but now it means a lot more than what it used to. It's simply a term holding a lot of different kinds of books under its umbrella - it has evolved, expanded, which is a beautiful thing. It has reached a wide range of audiences and creative souls, and its the healing 'properties' of making a journal and using the journal that matters. Not the term we collectively use. I personally don't use printables and never have. I use a lot of recycled materials etc, but I don't mind the term junk journal being used for all the different beautiful creations we see, including shabby chic, altered books, and glue books etc.

[@PinkOddBird]

I'm with you here in everything you said Natasa. All things evolve and traditionalists don't fancy the changes that happen over time. The beauty of KZbin is there is a wealth of knowledge out there and anyone who has the time or will can hop on, quickly search and see a plethora of different types of books under the umbrella of "junk journals". This allows people to explore and discover what really appeals to them and their creative preferences. I started making books several years ago - and I've (mistakenly???) called my (not junk) journals junk journals, I have used kits, I have also opted not to use kits - and by Joe I've even got books made entirely out of junk. A whole series in fact. While this is my first time seeing this channel in particular, I am appreciative to those people whom I watched when I was learning and figuring out what I like. I enjoyed them sharing their projects and knowledge without putting a boundary on what it could be. Everyone has an opinion yes, but I tread lightly when it's under the guise of gate keeping. At the end of the day it's like you said, what goes into the book, WHATEVER book that may be - that is the therapeutic part.

[@KarlafromOZ]

I already made a comment, but geez i could still go on and on about this debate, and how snobby and judgy the craft world has become, what happened to Craft being a release and fun, it's a new world, don't like it :( :(

[@laurenhowarth8708]

This is so true Karla

[@laurenhowarth8708]

This is so true Karla

[@LepGold]

Agree 100%. Such snobbymcsnobersons out there these days! People have to have their two cents worth no matter whether they were asked for it or not. It really does take the fun out of it. Or worse, it makes people not want to share their work.

[@laurenhowarth8708]

@@LepGold haha had to laugh at snobbymcsnobbersons

[@CheleinSF]

I love this❤️ I used to call my early journals my “Trainwreck Journals”. True junk that inspired me to paint and collage and play. Nothing was precious so no fear

[@zannido3125]

It’s funny you use an opinion for a definition.... not disagreeing but this it isn’t a definition and your making too much out of it lol

[@ZsuzsaKarolySmith]

Yep, prescriptive instead of descriptive. Junk journalling has evolved over the years - that doesn't mean traditional junk journalling is of less value, but it also doesn't mean you can't use any shop bought or digital supplies in your journals. Descriptive explanations instead of prescriptive definitions would have been more useful! Nobody is an authority on this - we just observe what people do - some people follow trends, others are more loyal to traditional ways - one is not better or more authentic than the other. I think she missed that point entirely.

[@KittehNow]

Hi Jennibellie...This was quite an interesting video. I LOVE how you made it clear from the beginning that this was YOUR opinion, but we have to agree that there ARE different kinds of journals .... but, a TYPE is TYPE. ... whether someone agrees or not. Junk IS junk. Smash IS smash. Glue book IS glue book. Yes, I think most all of us mix a lot of it all up too, but I think you did an EXCELLENT job differentiating WHAT is WHAT. I think if people watch this with an open mind and really listen to the content, they might learn a lot just as I did. You are a wonderful TEACHER and artist, and I'm so glad you decided to come back to cyberspace (KZbin) where some folks can be a little mean/rude. LETS ALL ART JOURNAL, SHARE, LEARN AND HAVE FUUUUUUN!!!!!!!!!!!!😁😀😂🤣😃😄😉💟💗

[@jennibellie]

Haha i love it, thanks Sassi 💗

[@bangbangkisskiss007]

Yes , wow. I left a comment under someone’s, a long one. But this is exactly what I was trying to say!!! Well said ! ♥️🤘🏻♥️

[@denisesettles1126]

Thanks for the giveaway - sounds like an interesting class. What folks call their art doesn’t much concern me, but I appreciate your point that consumerism shouldn’t drive the process and can actually stifle creativity. I’m actually happy that there is a sort of fluidity between memory keeping, journaling, and art. I come from a scrapbooking background, but I’ve always been more interested in the intersection of composition, art, techniques, and creating than the finished product. I still do various forms of memory keeping that integrates journaling and experimentation with different media.

[@Aeronwen813]

Thank you for your explanations and personal definitions. I am truly an 'Old Lady' in years - very much older than you. Being so long in the tooth means I might use any one of these techniques/definitions/creative bursts on any one page in my JOURNAL (let's define 'Journal' - originally meant to be a daily thing but not now necessarily done daily). I don't have time and creative energy to worry about what to call the pages I create, or how to categorize them, I just enjoy them. Admittedly, I don't have the equipment or technical skills to make recordings of my creativity and I wouldn't entertain the thought of calling myself a teacher, though I know friends who have seen my 'stuff' have felt inspired to go and try something like it themselves. Mostly, it's all paper, paint, ink, pencils and plastic!!! Some of that is left overs from my grandchildren's materials - is that JUNK? By your definition probably not but unless I use it, it would be chucked in the bin (become junk!). Definitions cramp your style and enjoyment so why give them a name at all? If they were called ENJOYMENT BOOKS someone would say they 'can't be called ENJOYMENT coz I didn't enjoy it'. We can allow ourselves to do anything we like, with any medium we like, inspired by any generous artist, like yourself, on KZbin or in books and magazines. I am very grateful for all the time and effort given by all the inspirational people whose videos I have enjoyed. Keep calm and journal on! :-))

[@ButtercupK]

Haha, I too am an old lady in years, but I just started making a collection of “pleasure books” about a year ago. Each book may be inspired by an event or special occasion and I may or may not use junk, but every book I make is intended to bring someone a little happiness, even if it’s just “me” experimenting for the pure pleasure of it. I pretty much simply refer to what I do as paper crafting, although I have always wondered what exactly others are talking about when they use terms like “glue book” “altered book” or “smash book” etc. So I am very grateful for this wonderful video, because now I have a lot more knowledge than I did before I watched it. And yes… I do agree… just craft on… for the pure pleasure of it no matter how you choose to describe it.

[@jrm2716]

I'm so glad you clarified junk journals, etc. It confused me why they call journals using printables, dyed papers and stuff from my stash would be considered junk. Tfs.

[@beckyb4074]

Only 31 seconds into video and I just had to tell you, "you are awesome". Thank you so very much for your realness and your honesty. Take care young lady and God bless you and yours. Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas

[@jennibellie]

Wow, thank you Becky! xxx

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

That's what I thought.

[@YayaBolender]

Thank you for doing this video, I was very confused about all these definitions even though I am never wondering what I am doing when I am doing it. I suddenly understand why I have sometimes the feeling to live in the middle of my trash... :-) I think that I am doing everything except for the scrapbooking part and I am not really a book “alterer” because I always see the value of an antique book, so it’s really hard for me to kind of destroy an antique object. But beside these two things, I think that I do everything else and I mix them all. When I was younger, I obviously was making a lot of glue books without even knowing this name, I still do that sometimes. Just the name: “glue book” makes me want to glue everything. Conclusion: thank you for clarifying the situation. I will continue as before but at least, now I know what I am doing.

[@UnderstandBlue]

I agree with you - vocabulary is so important for great teaching - after that, students can do what they want. Learn all the rules so you know how to break them. I appreciate your candor.

[@jazlucy]

"Junk is Junk" so love this! Been watching you create and inspire for years! I already bought the remedies journal workshop and it is/was awesome (cause you know have to make a second one with some twists), So many empty cereal boxes n tissue boxes turned into journals, tags, bookmarks, atcs, color theory, dashboards. Had to laugh when zines popped on the scene again and so many thought it was a new thing, I am a woman of age lol we have seen lots n lots of old ideas coming back, but i'm most thankful you are healthy and happy, still creative, still smiling, much love thru all the many supplies and junk lol HA! best definitions ever. I always know when someone screws up their face and says, "what are you saving that for"...I've found gold lol