Junk Journal - Sales Directory of Handmade Books Created By Helene Malmsio

Have you heard about the Junk Journal hobby papercraft trend?

Its amazing... more fun than you ever thought possible for a papercraft using recycled and repurposed materials to hand make journals.

I've been making paper based products for decades now, especially decoupage items, which I love decorating with vintage style images.

But Junk Journals are a whole new take - you can use almost anything in these books, so all my old business stationary, calendars, notebooks, ledgers, wrapping paper, magazines, are all fair game.

And since I've had to downsize my living space I've also chopped up my huge collection of art books, crafting books, posters and such, to help make the books pop with gorgeous illustrated pages.

On top of all this you can recycle your junk mail, especially the envelopes, even better if window envelopes. 

Your cardboard cereal boxes, almost any pantry item boxes, get chopped up and used for book covers or journal cards or tags. 

Old books you no longer want to keep, or that the local Library are throwing out to the tip, can be salvaged and repurposed for book pages and making ephemera like pockets and journal cards.

Everything is decorated with cut out pictures, bits of lace, buttons, ribbon bows, cheesecloth, beads and glitzy things that sparkle, tickets, photos, bits of sheet music - almost everything can be used to decorate the ephemera you make and to create beautiful pages.

Fabric bits are used for making book covers and for fabric flips inside them. You can also make snippets and clusters that combine bits of fabric scraps with other materials that are topped with buttons and beads, to decorate pages.

Copy paper is hand dyed in coffee or tea, or using natural products like avocado pits, onion skins, beetroot juice, or simply using food dyes to create fascinating designs on pages.

And once the Junk Journal has been created, its time to fill it up with your writing and token/snippets that represent your life and special events you want to put down memories about.

Such FUN!

Junk Journals - Made By Me  

I create Junk Journals in a vintage style, with distressed inks to age new papers and images, and also use old book pages some of which are 100 years old.

The old book pages can be in many languages, from encyclopedias or dictionaries, or illustrated manuals, many different types of books and novels. 

The ephemera I make for the decorative elements and pockets, tags, journal cards and so on come from more recent material sources, although some of the music sheets can be 60+ years old as well.

There are usually 3-4-5 signatures, or groups of pages, handsewn into the book cover spine with pamphlet stitch.

I also usually make book jewelry for the spine and dangles to hang from the laced edged pages. Lots of eclectic bling and glitz throughout the book. 

Below is an example of a fully decorated, or 'completed' junk journal ready to use or to give as a gift.

This is a generic example of random repurposing papers that are usually coordinated with the colouring of the book cover, but further down the page I'll show you some examples of themes used for book design, like Goth, or Steampunk, or Unicorns, or generic Romantic Grunge.

Pretty amazing, right?

Who wouldn't love to have a journal like this?

Lots of eye candy to inspire your thinking and writing.  No more ugly blank pages that create writer's block, when you're supposed to be relaxing by journaling!

The feel and sound of these books are something else as well, they are very tactile, and its fun just rustling the pages and fiddling with the ephemera and dangles of the book.

You even get the scent from the coffee dyed pages, and sometimes I put a lavender sachet in a pocket as well!

These are incredibly satisfying to make, but for the beginner it may be a bit intimidating at the start. 

It took me a few months of tying  signatures into the covers with ribbon before I finally became brave enough to start sewing them in - LOL

So for those of you just starting out, I suggest you grab one of the 'blank' journals that I make and list on eBay. 

They are very, very, affordable so you'll have plenty left for more embellishment materials and ephemera!

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Simple Junk Journal 'Blank' books - ready for you to decorate

The fastest way for a new junk journaler to get started, especially if they are nervous about how to sew in the signature pages without making a mess, is to buy one of my 'blank' books.

They are all pre-assembled and sewn together, in a lovely decorated cover that can be further embellished with a cover plate image, and they are just waiting for you to decorate them and make them complete.

A great way to get a quick start on this hobby papercraft with the least amount of stress and the most fun possible from the very first step!

Below are some examples of what my Blank junk journals usually look like, then I'll list what journals I have available for sale at the moment on eBay.

They sell fast, so act quickly when you see one that you like!

So, you get the idea, right?

Although the pages are technically 'blank' or free of embellishments and pockets etc. they are still very vibrant and attractive to the eye.

Lots of hand dyed papers to make interesting journal writing pages, lots of colourful illustrated pages, including street directories, atlas maps, and pretty things like paper doily inserts.

I also usually include at least one colouring in page at the center of a signature, so if nothing else inspires you there is always some relaxing coloring in to do while you ponder what you will be writing about or decorating!

Now, let's see below what Junk Journals I actually have available for sale right now. 

These are listed on eBay, so I have no control of how many are available still, but if you like the look of them just click the link to pop over to eBay and check it out.

Don't delay if you want one of these below, because even when I list a batch of 20 or more blank journals they are usually all gone within a few days!

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FOR SALE: TWO Junk Journal Handmade - Old Book Pages Sewn Ready To Decorate Frangipani -AU

Lovely 3 signature Junk Journals = Over 165 pages each!

- SET OF TWO BOOKS - Frangipani yellow & blue Fabric Cover - each with three Handsewn Pamphlet stitch signatures - HANDMADE - Brand new - Filled with Old Book pages "blank" ready for you to finish and decorate!

Size: 14.5cm wide x 21cm high x 4cm spine

14cm wide x 19.5cm high x 4cm spine

Signatures: Three signatures sewn in with pamphlet stitch - as soon as you fill it with your ephemera you will have a chunky monkey!

Pages: 165 pages each = 42 double folded sheets divided into 3 signatures @ 14 sheets each on average

Cover style: Light cardboard book cover, covered in delightful floral frangipani design cotton fabric, with Blue or Gold cardstock paper lined on inside of cover.

Ephemera: There is some ephemera included and some decoration already done in the book.

Closure/Binding: None.

You can add a variety of styles to the cover to create a closure if you so desire.

Beads & Tokens: None.

Check it out Here at >> My eBay Shop and see more the photos of the internal pages

FOR SALE: Junk Journal Notebook Handmade With Vintage Style Ephemera - Spring Flowers -Aus

Huge 4 signature Completed Junk Journal with Ephemera already loaded - 250+ pages!

Classic Sweet Spring Florals Card Stock Paper Cover - with Four Handsewn Pamphlet stitch signatures - Handmade - Brand new - Filled with Old Book pages decorated with vintage style ephemera!

As is tradition with handmade and handsewn Junk Journals this unique notebook is made with mostly recycled products, including my old stationery supplies, and I have hand dyed new papers with tea, coffee, and food dyes to create truly spectacular effects on the blank journaling pages.

Each signature also features a selection of gorgeous cardstock paper illustrated with vintage and floral designs that you will love. Even a precious illustrated page of Edith Holden "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady" is included!

The journal is filled with handmade ephemera such as Journal Cards, Tags, Notebooks, Scrap Folio, spine jewelry, bead dangles, and filled with laces and other lovely embellishments.

There is plenty of room for your journaling and photos, and you can still add tons of your own embellishments and ephemera.

Size: 15cm wide x 19cm high x 5cm spine

Signatures: Four signatures sewn in with pamphlet stitch - its already a chunky monkey!

Pages: 250+ pages = 60+ double folded sheets divided into 4 signatures @ 15 sheets each on average

Cover style: Doubled Light Cardboard for extra strength, covered in floral design, with paper lined on inside of cover.

Closure/Binding: Silky Ribbons tied from the spine, can be removed if you prefer not to have a closure.

Beads & Tokens: Beaded dangles hang on lace trimmed pages.

And spine jewelry of beads and threads that is removable, hanging on a clip at top of spine.

Note: The recycled stone Heart has a chip out of the bottom as you an see in the photo. Signatures also feature tokens and beads on their signature threads.

Ephemera: Huge selection of cardstock journal cards and tags, as well as handmade folders, folios, notebooks, tucks, pockets and 'hidden' journal spots.

There is also a bonus mini Folio of extra embellishments and a matching mini note book

*** Check it out Here at >> My eBay Shop and see more the photos of the internal pages

FOR SALE: Junk Journal Notebook Handmade With Vintage Style Ephemera - Blue Floral

There is plenty of room for your journaling and photos, and you can still add tons of your own embellishments and ephemera.

Size: 14.5cm wide x 21cm high x 4cm spine  

Signatures:  Three signatures sewn in with pamphlet stitch - its already a chunky monkey!

Pages: 200+ pages = 50+ double folded sheets divided into 3 signatures @ 17 sheets each on average 

Cover style: Light Cardboard, covered in dark pink floral design cardstock, with paper also lined on inside of cover. 

Closure/Binding: Strong Ribbon tied from the cover edges.

Beads & Tokens: Beaded dangles hang on lace trimmed pages.

And spine jewelry of beads and threads that is removable, hanging on an earring at top of spine. 

Signatures also feature tokens and beads on their signature threads.

Ephemera: Huge selection of cardstock journal cards and tags, as well as handmade folders, folios, notebooks, tucks, pockets and 'hidden' journal spots. 

There is also a bonus mini Folio of extra embellishments and a matching mini note book

*** Check it out Here at >> My eBay Shop and see more the photos of the internal pages

FOR SALE: Junk Journal Notebook Handmade With Vintage Style Ephemera - Pink Roses 

Huge 4 signature Completed Junk Journal with Ephemera already loaded - 260+ pages!

Classic Pink Roses Florals Card Stock Paper Cover - with Four Handsewn Pamphlet stitch signatures - Handmade - Brand new - Filled with Old Book pages decorated with vintage style ephemera! 

Size: 14cm wide x 19cm high x 4.5cm spine  

Signatures:  Four signatures sewn in with pamphlet stitch - its already a chunky monkey!

Pages: 260+ pages = 66+ double folded sheets divided into 4 signatures @ 16 sheets each on average 

Cover style: Doubled Light Cardboard for extra strength, covered in floral design, with paper lined on inside of cover. 

Closure/Binding: Silky Ribbons tied from the spine, can be removed if you prefer not to have a closure.

Beads & Tokens: Beaded dangles hang on lace trimmed pages.

And spine jewelry of beads and threads that is removable, hanging on an earring clip at top of spine.

Signatures also feature tokens and beads on their signature threads.

Ephemera: Huge selection of cardstock journal cards and tags, as well as handmade folders, folios, notebooks, tucks, pockets and 'hidden' journal spots. 

There is also a bonus mini Folio of extra embellishments and a matching mini note book

*** Check it out Here at >> My eBay Shop and see more the photos of the internal pages

FOR SALE: Junk Journal Notebook Handmade With Vintage Style Ephemera - Blue Roses

Huge 6 signature Completed Junk Journal with Ephemera already loaded - 380 pages!

Elegant Teal Blue Roses Florals Card Stock Paper Cover - with six Handsewn Pamphlet stitch signatures - Handmade - Brand new - Filled with Old Book pages decorated with vintage style ephemera! 

Size: 14cm wide x 23cm high x 6cm spine  

Signatures:  Six signatures sewn in with pamphlet stitch - its already a chunky monkey!

Pages: 380 pages = 95+ double folded sheets divided into 6 signatures @ 15 sheets each on average 

Cover style: Light Cardboard covered in floral design cardstock, with paper lined on inside of cover. 

Closure/Binding: Silky Ribbons tied from the spine, can be removed if you prefer not to have a closure.

Beads & Tokens: Beaded dangles hang on lace trimmed pages.

And spine jewelry of beads and threads that is removable, hanging on a weighted solid metal Dragonfly clip at top of spine.

Signatures also feature tokens and beads on their signature threads.

Ephemera: Huge selection of cardstock journal cards and tags, as well as handmade folders, folios, notebooks, tucks, pockets and 'hidden' journal spots. 

There is also a bonus mini Folio of extra embellishments and a matching mini note book

Lots of delightful surprises to find as you explore this huge journal!

*** Check it out Here at >> My eBay Shop and see more the photos of the internal pages

 FAST local postage in a Tough WATERPROOF Post Bag with TRACKING! 

You can grab one of these right now on eBay by clicking the link below, or of course you can just Contact Me here and tell me what you would like.

I do take custom orders.

And I can arrange delivery outside of Australia if you contact me first to make arrangements.

Happy to COMBINE POSTAGE when you buy more than one item from me - just contact me!

#junkjournal #TravelerNotebook #handmadebook #activitybook #antiqueCollectible #paperEphemera #craftpaper #papercraft

There are many more handmade junk journals available from my store at eBay, so if you would like to see more just check out my profile here for the latest listings.

Check it out Here at >> My eBay Profile with all listings

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I have more ready-made and available for sale. 

Just check out my eBay profile for other journals listed there, and I'll update this page with new ones as they are created as well.

And drop me a line if you are interested in me creating a custom made journal based on your theme and colour ideas.

Junk Journals Are Thoughtful Gifts For Creative People

Some people can be really hard to buy gifts for if you want something they will love and actually use.

A handmade journal is a super eclectic gift that everyone with a creative soul will love.

Even the fact they are made from recycled/repurposed materials will warm the heart of anyone who cares about the environment.

And that they are an artisan product, a truly unique one-of-a-kind creation that only they own in the whole world, will make anyone feel special and valued.

People can illustrate them, write journal notes in them, use them as scrapbook/glue books, and even leave them out as a coffee table book to show off their eccentric beauty and design.

I can even make custom orders for you, of blanks you or they finish decorating yourself, or get a completed one that is a chunky monkey filled with ephemera and frilly lace!

Below is an example of one custom made order for two Goth style journals as gifts to two daughters, one in red theme and one in purple colourways:

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Pretty In Pink - custom order Junk Journal

And here is another example of a custom order from a client who wanted a pretty pink journal for their 10 year old granddaughter.

It gives you some idea of how a finished Junk Journal looks when it is all trimmed with laces and bling to complete it.

If you have a favourite colour, why not get a journal overflowing with ephemera and pages in that theme?

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Journal Themes to have fun with 

When you make or buy a junk journal you can really let your imagination fly.  

For people who love Unicorns, or Steampunk, or Goth, or any interesting hobby they have, creating a handmade book for the theme is an incredibly thoughtful gift idea.

And for people like myself who like Gardening, what could be better than creating a Perpetual Gardening Planner. 

Have pages for each season, and room to write what you are planting, how well it went, what you would change, and so on. And then keep updating every year as you go.

Same for people who love Wine Tasting, or Cooking, who can keep records or recipes.

What about girls and boys of all ages who love ballet, or pony stories, or fairies, or mermaids or dragons?  

What about cat and dog (or snake and lizard) lovers?

A journal filled with lovely images and quotes about the animals they love... and plenty of room to paste in their pet photos and write medical records and stuff ...  what could thrill them more?

How about creating a Travel Notebook journal for people who have been planning a long awaited trip away overseas?

You get the idea, right?  This is just so fun!

Here are some STEAMPUNK examples:

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Magical Unicorn Theme Journal

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More Goth Theme examples 

romantic grunge journal themes

Seriously, what is there not to love about the Romantic Grunge themed junk journals?

I adore the distressed pages all grunged up, and the beautiful romantic ladies featured on the pages... love, love, love, it.

Can't you just imagine how these blanks will look after their new owners add lace edging to some pages, and a lovely coverplate image surrounded with lace and bling embellishments?

Fill them with your favourite romantic poems or quotes, write down fond memories of Valentine's Days you loved, fill with photos of your loved one.

I had one custom order for a wedding journal blank that I made so that she could fill it up with photos and letters from the couple that she had collected as their courtship grew.  What an amazing wedding present that would be!

See for yourself some examples of how I've decorated some romantic grunge blank books, and they sold quickly, so if you see me posting more for sale at the top of the page, grab them quickly before they go.

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Junk Journal Making Supplies

When I get the chance I'll load some favourite Amazon supplies for when you start to make your own journals.

You can pretty much find most of what you need already just lying around the house, believe it or not!

But there are some tools, and some glues, and some embellishments that really do make it a lot easier when handmaking books, and you do eventually need to buy tools like the awl and wax threads for sewing the signatures into the cover.

So, keep your eye peeled for some of my favourites to show up here

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