Making Junk Journal Letters at Pumpjack & Piddlewick

What a lovely weekend. The creative bug stung me and time was spent cutting, pasting and making junk journal letters.

What?

Alright, I can hear you ask, ‘Just what are Junk Journal Letters’? Well, junk journals are the initial concept. This is making journals or diaries out of old books, even cereal boxes, from scratch. Adding in your own (scrap) papers and then embellishing them with all sorts of stickers, ribbons… really whatever your imagination and clutter drawer can come up with.

The principle idea is to use up odd bits and bobs, old envelopes, paper, really any sort of ephemera. Hence the name ‘Junk’. It’s a waste not concept for diary keepers and crafters out there. (I have included a favourite video below on how to make one.)

Junk Journal Letters

My junk journal letters are similar in concept, but instead of being journal thickness and used for writing diary entries, they are more card like. Smaller, thinner, less pages, with spaces and places for writing a letter. I even use up old cards sent to me (especially from Christmas).

I collect together pieces with a theme. Choose a larger piece for a cover, fold and then start taping in odd other pieces of paper. Sometimes, if pieces are larger, I sew them in. Then pockets are added, usually using windows of old business envelopes received. A card or nice piece of paper is pocketed in it for writing. Tags, stickers and other embellishments are then added. Some purposefully to cover writing or some thing not in fitting with the theme.

Here’s an example of a card themed on flowers…

Handmade is Easier

As a letter writer, these days it is getting harder and harder to find stationery. So, it became easier to actually make my own. I used to call them Book Cards, as they were designed like thin books, with pages to write in between a cover instead of printed pages. (I even sold a few when I first opened my shop – and am thinking of doing so again. Someday. Soon. Maybe.)

By creating my own cards, I can make as much or as little space to write as I wish. The real trick is making sure there is enough blank space somewhere, usually on each page, to write something. The fun is in the pockets, and sometimes even hidden flaps that open. It means the reader not only gets to read a letter, but also has to find the next part to read.

All in One

Junk journal letters are both fun to make, and then fun to write in. They can even be both present and birthday card in one. When it’s a birthday card, I sometimes use it as my gift wrapping as well. Hiding a little notion in one of the pockets.

I make these cards as part use up bits and scraps, an opportunity to feel creative, and fulfil the need of some nice stationery. The additional hope is that their uniqueness makes them stand out for the recipient and may be hung on to for awhile. And then, maybe, reuse some of it for their own projects. Maybe even a revised, return Junk Journal Letter. (Need a beginners guide to junk journal making, check out this tutorial.)

Printables

If you do like to work to a theme, I can recommend printables. Printables are designs that you receive as a digital file and can print on your own printer. I often use these when I wish to add to a concept or if I simply wish to be inspired with the basics.

One of my go to designers is Vectoria Designs. They have an amazing selection of beautiful artwork and themes.