Some of the projects I create are preplanned; I know what I want to do right from the outset.  Others, not so much, and that was the case with these File Folder Junk-ish Journals.  Since I created the full sized Watercolor File Folders I’ve been thinking about what else I could do with them.

After ruminating on it for several weeks it occurred to me that if they were smaller I could score and fold them as a different (and larger) style of journal cover.  I resized the existing standard Watercolor File Folders into a medium and small size.  They’re proportioned exactly as the standard ones, just smaller.

I used the medium size and played around until I devised a cover that I liked, then I played a bit more and realized that the small ones, if folded in half like a traditional signature, fit inside.  That promoted the “how to attach the signatures into the cover” question and the first thing I tried was pamphlet stitching them.  It worked and I liked it, but it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, so I went back to playing with the pieces.  As I fiddled around I came across a package of the Dylusions Dyalog Elastics that were lying on my workbench and I realized they were the right size and could be used with the cover.  That eureka! moment led me to realize that I could easily bind just about anything that was folded in half with the elastics and before I knew it I was hip-deep in scrapbook paper and a bunch of other stuff that had been languishing in drawers.

It’s that cover, the elastics, and all of the stuff I crammed into the journal that led me to name is a Junk-ish.   My friend Sue has been inspiring me with her junk journals for months now and while this hsd the same general look and feel, it’s different enough that I felt “junk-ish” was a more accurate name.

I really like the way the Dyalog Elastics work with the cover, making it so simple to add whatever you like.  Fold into a signature, slip it under the elastic, and you’re done.  The cover, made to the dimensions I discuss in the video, will easily hold 3 of the elastics, leaving one to use as a closure.  Perfect!

Supplies For This Video:

Joggles Watercolor File Folders – you need a package each of the Medium and Small sizes to mimic Junk-ish Journal

Scor Tape

Gel Press Plates

Brayer

Dina Wakley’s Media Paint

Joggles Dotted Grid Stencil

Inkssentials Mini Ink Blending Tool & Foam Refill

Finnabair Art Alchemy Paint

Dylusions Dyalog Elastics

Aleene’s Tacky Line Runner

Joggles Watercolor Art Parts

Alibabette Cards