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
Inkssentials Mini Ink Blending Tool & Foam Refill
5 Comments
What a gorgeous and fun to look at journal. I definitely need a good junk journal, made from nice watercolor paper and file folders. Thanks for the inspiration, Barb.
That looks like a lot of fun to make, could be a good summer project to work on when I have less time to be in my studio. Thanks for the inspiration!
Is this a great idea or what! I haven’t got a lot of stuff done yet (just starting out), but I can see all sorts of things I can do. Thanks Barb for all you share with us.
Finally a solution for my combination writing journal and my one a day”art” journal. I journal 2 hand written pages every morning. I have tried every kind of journal known to womankind! I can no longer bear to write on a white page, and most journals for writing are not good for wet medium! Voila! Watercolor file folders to my rescue. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! Jenny S
Thank you for the wonderful blog and YouTube tutorials. Your presentations are very useful to me. I appreciate your projects and experiences with the products you are using. You pack great content, ideas, and you make me laugh too. I appreciate your teaching skills. Many thanks!
Jackie