I loved scrap booking in high school, and then I got to college and my mom stopped buying all of my supplies! That paired with digital cameras made me quit old school scrapbooking. Then, I learned about altered books and junk journals. Literally grab an old book and use it to add pictures, doodles, painting, collage and whatever else you like! I make junk journals for special occasions. Ok, I’ve made 2 in my life, but I’d like to make one a year. If you love junk journaling, be sure to check out more altered scrap booking tips.
What is a junk journal?
There is no wrong way to junk journal. Turn any normal journal into a junk journal by layering in unique materials and creativity. Add painting, collage, doodles, and pictures to any regular journal or bound book to create a junk journal.
Tips for making altered scrapbooks and junk journals
- Out dated atlases are a great choice for altered scrapbooks since you can use the maps to your advantaged!
- I also love using watercolor notebooks since the paper is nice and thick. (This is a great deal!)
- Bring home magazines and newspapers from your travels
- I often use Pic Monkey to edit pictures, one useful feature is the collage button–you can throw a bunch of pictures in a folder and collage the entire folder. Then print the one collaged picture, and cut out the little guys. I’m sure there are many other ways to make mini pictures…
- Scrapbook stuff is expensive, so I cut a lot of stuff out by hand… the plane, watermelons, leaves and branches, letters
- The bottom page is the last page in the book, it is of lots of mini pictures (shocking, right?) I use scrapbook tape to tape on pictures and little things, and Mod podge for the big stuff.
- It is hard to tell in the pictures, but you can also add fun foldables or flaps, or mini books within your recycled book. (“The Job Site” is a flap that opens up, and has 2 secret pictures) Just fold a piece of card stock in half and only glue down one side…
This is a large, super outdated atlas from Good Will.
I used itty, bitty scraps of paper and cut all the watermelons by hand.
Mini pictures are cheaper to print since you can print 40 of them in one 4 x 6 print.
In the early 2000’s we called them altered books, but the term junk journaling is way more fun!
Have you ever made a recycled book or junk journal? How do you collage pictures?
Comments & Reviews
I do the same thing in PIcasa – then I cut out all the pictures & glue them in books I make, using pages from old books bound together with binder clips. I haven’t tried just using the book itself as a scrapbook, but it’s on my to-do-someday list.
Very thrify idea! Thanks for linking up! nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com
Wonderful idea!!
Thanks for sharing and linking up to I'm Lovin' It! Have a FABULOUS weekend!!
That's a great idea!
suchakingdoml.blogspot.com
Wow what a great idea! You are very talented and creative!
What a great idea! The recycled book idea is so clever! Thanks so much for linking up to the Sunday Showcase. I greatly appreciate it! Hope you enjoy your week! ~ Stephanie Lynn
What a fantastic idea! Very clever and the results are beautiful!
What a great idea! I love your blog. It has lots of really cute ideas.
Wow, very creative. You have a lot of talent and patience! Great job! Check out my blog for a free give away. alittleknickknack.blogspot.com. Have a great weekend!