What REALLY is a Junk Journal? An Altered Book? A Smashbook? A Gluebook? Different Types Explained
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- #junkjournal #artjournal #alteredbook
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So what REALLY is a Junk Journal? An Art Journal? An Altered Book? A Smashbook? A Gluebook? A Scrapbook? I discuss the purpose, process and materials of each category (according to me of course) with thorough examples/journal flips for visual clarification.
Note: ‘rules’ and ‘definitions’ are not the same. Rules are ‘you can/can’t do this’ and definition is literally just a way to describe what a thing is. Some people are misinterpreting my giving a definition and as declaring rules but I say if definitions restrict your creativity don’t use them, if they help you understand, learn and create easier then use them. The latter is what I was trying to cultivate in this video (as with anything I do, it’s to try and inspire creativity). It’s down to the individual to decide if definitions help or hinder them, it just doesn’t really negate the fact that there ARE differences - just like Daisies, Gardenias and Roses are all different types of flowers. I’m just pointing them out, and my preference is still to mix every single one up so…it doesn’t mean that we can’t do whatever the heck we want just because you have knowledge of their differences! My intention is to spread knowledge, not restrictions.
If you don’t want the full explanation but just want the quick fire round of all definitions and examples skip to 22:50.
I’m not trying to start any drama here. And I know most of you will understand as to why I’m also talking about respecting others opinions in this video, but, if anything being a creator online for so long has taught me is that people can (and will) take offense to A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G! Your nail polish colour/your voice/your eyebrows can deem whatever you are sharing totally irrelevant to some, because they can’t see past it, and they have to make sure you know all about why what you’re sharing sucks/why they can’t stand you. And all this still comes WHEN YOU DON’T SHARE ANY OPINION AT ALL LOL. So again, most of you will understand why I’m sharing about not taking what someone else does/says as a personal offense (and thinking ‘well obviously, why is Jennibellie thinking she needs to tell me this?’) but as I AM actually sharing opinions here I wanted to put it in - because anything any of us can do to help make the internet a more tolerant and understanding place for one another now, can only help going forward.
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I think the whole point of "junk journaling" - and I was around at the beginning too, before RUclips if you can imagine - is that it is something you can do for free. It was pushback against crafting becoming big business and people thinking they had to buy a lot of expensive supplies to make things. By using things you already have around (free stuff)- cereal boxes, junk mail, packaging, etc - you can create functional and wonderful journals you love, to fill however you see fit - by writing, drawing, collaging, painting, whatever. There are still people doing exactly that - but creative people take things in many directions and before you know it many offshoots have formed. It's all wonderful and creative, but influencers do tend to emphasize tools and supplies too much. If you don't have a big budget or even if you just like making something from "nothing", junk journaling is a wonderful hobby.
The problem isn't the crafters/other teachers/etc, the issue of course is that once marketers have figured out what we like, they started marketing to that sensibility, so those of us that have been doing it to save money just kept doing it how we were doing it, but many journalers/etc got supplies/ideas and sometimes even money/sponsorships from these craft companies.
It shifted from making things from junk to buying as many things as you could.
Lol. Yep. I’m over 40!!! So I to remember days well before RUclips! OR CELL PHONES!!!! Lol!!
Queen of Swords Tarot
I remember Party Lines on the phone! how’s that for old😝
FAVAof4 LOL. ME TOO!!!! Me too!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣
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I hear you.
I'm a mixed media artist who only uses recycling, but here's the thing... Art evolves.
Art journals, junk journals, and smash journals are synonymous- and becoming very popular. That's a GOOD thing ❤
Every field moves forward and the terminology adapts with it. You can be very proud that you were among the first who began the junk & swaps, and planted seeds of interest in others to explore their creativity through something as accessible as junk journaling. Helping the planet, one little journal at a time.
And for those who complain about buying supplies... well, I doubt they did any research in the first place, bc they would've figured out that you don't need anything special, except for maybe a stick of glue.
I'm making a junk journal right now as we speak, and turning it into an activity book/mental health journal for a friend.
[LONG post. Please be patient] Years ago I did a survey of what artists and critics considered collage to be. The category is huge when you start digging. In general, artists define their own work and market it that way. There are well know, high $$$ artist who sell paintings that have significant collage elements. MY POINT: I DEFINE COLLAGE AS STICKING STUFF DOWN. Sticking can be a stapler or sewing or glue. Stuff can be paper or cardboard or candy bar foil. Down can be canvas, watercolor paper, tags, artist trading cards, art journals, etc. If you look at historic art movements like cubists or impressionists they were not copy-machines -- different artists created within the very large envelope of a theory or theme. The idea of a junk journal is an envelope as well. I do think junk definitions need to be large enough to encourage creativity rather than limit it. One person's trash is another person's treasure. I've made junk journals only out of things from our recycle bin and glue. I've also made junk journals using watercolor paper, collected scraps from other projects, and a bit of dress-up stuff from my stash. I DEFINE A JUNK JOURNAL FOR MYSELF AS LACKING STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE WITH A SERIOUS RANDOM VIBE. My junk journals aren't pretty. Nevertheless, I've seen junk journals that were pretty. One of my favorites was a "journal" made out of fabric with collage glued or sewn onto the "pages." I seriously doubt anyone is going to read this far, but I strongly believe that the artist needs to provide their own definition -- however they arrive at that. A number of years ago I was screaming out loud at a RUclips artist who was being a @#$%& about THE ONLY WAY TO DO art journaling. That kind of thing is poison, evil heartbreaking poison. THERE IS NO ONE WAY TO DO ANYTHING. People even breathe differently.
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SusanJane I think your 100 % right. While intentions may be to allow people to be more creative with less. The fact is any limitations or trying to define junk journals so stringently are actually harmful in my view. Some people actually need to purchase stuff like digitals or supply’s to help them along the creative process. It’s the process of putting things together in this haphazard free form manner that to me makes it a junk journal. I don’t think how you get there is all that important. I am against saying it must be pretty made with kits etc. as well as saying it must be all things that you would throw away. I think any limitations at all is exactly the problem that she is trying to highlight. She is creating the issue in reverse and limiting others by doing so.
@@ReHatchedDesignsTinaWilliams Re Hatched Designs Tina Williams your comments are stating that I’m telling people not to journal with kits, or that they can only journal with kits or only with junk. I NEVER said that, please stop taking it out of context in that way, because I certainly don’t want to limit people in any way (or ever, at all). I am providing definitions for those that WANT them (especially those that are new or confused by all this, and if you look through the comments there are a lot) that journaling with something new/put together is not the same thing as recycling with what you find to make a journal, BUT YOU CAN MASH IT ALL UP AS MUCH AS YOU WANT, yes I’m overly using caps lol because I what to emphasize that knowing the difference doesn’t mean you can’t do what the heck you want…just like knowing the difference between watercolour and acrylic doesn’t mean you can’t use them as you want. But if you’re not one that wants to define it as such that’s okay….and though you don’t like my opinions I am sending you love and blessings, & I still value you and your input. Thank you ❤️
Exactly!
Completely agreed. We have a lot of issues with people continually trying to separate fine art and craft and it's kind of...just awful.
I do my art journaling in my own 'junk' journal made from my old drawings and art and bits of things. Junk, just like art, can be anything we decide. Any kind of gatekeeping is really just ruining art for people. I've been teaching both art journaling and general 'junk' thought processes and trying to break things down so that people can not feel so alienated.
Like Jennibelle, I've been doing this for a long time, even before Junk journals started to incorporate scrapbooking elements, or making your entire journal from that. I don't mind that people do that at all and of course I don't call it junk but people can certainly call it that if they want to.
I think years ago, we collected bits and pieces of junk. But the craft industry jumped on our wagon. They started to create stuff we looked at as old and kinda junky but we wanted to use it for art. I never used Tim Holtz ink to make my stuff look old. I used tea bags and coffee and shoe polish. Suddenly all these supplies were trendy, and expensive. And it all got out of hand! I was junk journaling, art journaling and glue booking back in the 1970's. And I can see the progression of where it has gone! I support you and what you're trying to do in defining it, so others don't make it a huge Michael's/Hobby Lobby let's buy more junk Journal.
Well said 👍 the craft retailers know how to get us to buy a bunch of expensive stuff we don’t really need
I absolutely love that you explained that one does not need to purchase things, neither new nor old, to be creative!! Creating is really the point!!
So true!
THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! I started watching "junk journaling" videos a few months back, and as someone who has very little money I definitely got caught up in the way it is advertised. I keep feeling like I need to buy new kits and better glue and it really started to be more stressful than fun. I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear somebody actually describe a junk journal the way that you do. It makes me realize that I can do a perfect junk journal without purchasing anything. Thank you for giving me back my inspiration and taking away my feelings of inadequacy as an artist. I'm going to go shed a few happy tears and get back to it!
It's interesting watching how we all get so caught up on terminology / names / definitions, etc. I respect your opinion, and to a degree get why you feel there needs to be clarification. I'm not comfortable with the strict "rules" people give creative processes, however. It doesn't support individuality, which especially should be nurtured among creative people and their works. Call it whatever you want, but so long as you're getting joy out of making it - be it made from newspaper scraps and cereal boxes, or from a kit you purchased because you just loved the materials in the kit. The point is you're doing something that makes you happy, so at the end of the process, is what you did "wrong" now because what you thought you put together was an Art Journal has now been "corrected" because someone came along, rolling their eyes, and told you "No! That's Altered Book." Just my .02¢, which may in itself end up being unpopular. In any case I love seeing any sort of book/journal created and put together, They're fun, and as you pointed out, many end up just being hybrids of all the different definitions you've provided.
You spoke my heart! Way too caught up on terminology.
Tbh I don’t think it’s an unpopular view, I think it’s valid and I don’t disagree with it. That’s why my answer to does it matter if you label is both yes and no lol. If definitions restrict your creativity don’t use them, it they help you understand, learn and create easier in an area then use them. The latter is what I was trying to cultivate in this video (as with anything I do, it’s to try and inspire creativity). It’s down to the individual to decide if definitions help or hinder them, but that doesn’t really negate the fact that there ARE categories. I’m just pointing them out, but my preference is still to mix every single one up so…that doesn’t mean we can’t do whatever the heck you want just because you have knowledge of their differences. And I wonder if those that don't like that I am pointing them out (I don’t mean you, I’m enjoying this conversation just speaking generally) would say the same if I was talking about something like Abstract Art & Surrealism instead? Or calling a paintbrush a paintbrush rather than a shovel? Lol it’s interesting isn’t it? Thanks for your two cents x
jennibellie very interesting indeed 😊
Well said, thank you! I just create because I enjoy it, right or wrong - it’s mine.
I agree, call your own work whatever you want! The important part is to have fun and keep creating 👍🏻
I thought I would give junk journaling a try so I started watching videos. Oh my! Nothing looked like junk. Beautiful material, paper, ephemera, bobbles and more. How is that junk? Then came the subtle pressure. I seriously do not care what people put in their journals but please do not dazzle me with beautiful journals made with silk covers with beautiful charms and call them junk. I was under the impression that "junk journals", the bones, the structure came from JUNK. Bill envelopes, cookie boxes(American), old bills, socks with holes if you wanted to! Those plastic doodads that are around pop cans i.e. Pepsi, Coke, etc. I ramble but thank you for the clarification! Now I can bind my actual junk and fill the junk journal with more junk!!!!! Stay safe!
EXACTLY i'm from the the school of original, it has changed, to bought stuff, i get into a few conversations about it, it's not JJing when its bought , its just Journal making...... it really annoys the hell out of me......
Yay! So pleased you will now make your journal! x
Right on !
I agree!
Yeah. I call what I do scrap booking. I use scraps of random shit I find. Some of it is junk. Some of it isn't. It's all scraps though.
In the end, what does it matter as long as you enjoy the process?
I totally agree with you, what does it matter? If someone loves what you made who cares what it's called.
Agree completely! I call mine junk journals because I truly fill them with junk 🤷♀️
Agreed
I agree
She’s saying to use correct terminology when teaching. Certainly you can name your kitten “Dog,” but if you’re teaching veterinary medicine, you should call a cat a cat.
Love the video and your explanation. Honestly I couldn't care less what's called. I love this kind of outlet and how it allows people to express themselves and to find joy in creating and feeling uplifted when they create. Names are irrelevant, I think the sky is the limit with these kinds of journals. Greetings from the US. Love your videos! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
I completely agree 👍🏻
Yes, agree totally. It’s the style and creativity I enjoy. Don’t care what they are made of or what they are called. Many beautiful creations I have seen labelled as this are neither junk or a journal.
E. Guerrero I agree! Creativity is a lovely thing no matter what its called!!!
Hi Jennibellie, For the past 50 or so years I kept scrap books where I would stick photos, airline tickets, birthday cards and anything that I wanted to preserve. Then along came scrapbooking which really didn't interest me at all. I kind of now make junk journals which I construct out of stuff that is going to be thrown out or going in the recycle bin. I am quickly turned off of channels where you need to buy kits or supplies. As you say, it seems to defeat the purpose of it all. I also get stuff from the charity shops and use those things as well. Are they supplies or are they junk? Who knows and really who cares. For me it's all about using stuff that others discard and when I sell my stuff (100% profit goes to mostly animal charities). If I start watching a channel and its all too pretty and formal I usually just stop it and find channels which I enjoy. There are some really good ones out there. Thank you for your wonderful channel and really good tutorials . Best wishes from Australia
I call my Journals... MY happy place. Book Open and Closes right? Book is very big wide variety. Glue Book, art journal, Diary is a journal with a lock. Still books. My Junk Journal so to speak is everything.
On persons junk is another’s supply, everyone’s definition of what is junk is personal. I don’t care what the “proper”definitions are. I do art for me. All you in the Art Journaling community can fight it out. Personally these types of videos take away the joy of creating. Talking about proper definitions of journals , the art process, what is junk, who is wasting their supplies, I only uses scraps. Ugh- just create and enjoy.
But that's what she's saying, she's saying junk is junk and it's also treasure in the journaling community for junk journaling, being able to junk journal is beautiful cause your recycling so someone using brand new shop brought things is not really junk journaling cause its not recycled, its the cardboard and make up products, bottles and jars, scraps, it is important cause someone making a beautiful journal out of brabd new cardboard is not junk journaling and not helping in the recycling process, so people shouldn't miss inform people when they are starting a new hobby or want to help in recycling and turn it into art.
Yes indeed! Let’s love Art✨
Things I have laying around that could be considered junk (as in could have been thrown in the trash can) are things like metal soup can lids, plastic bottle caps, those air filled plastic box fillers - those I have recently started deflating and painting them. I have 12 so far. I kinda like the idea of taking things from out of the throw away environment and turning them into some kind of art - including can tabs, 😂. I was born to craft, born for art. Love all kinds.
Im just learning about journals, art journals, junk journals, etc. And I really appreciate this video. Thank you so much!
My thoughts exactly 💯
I’ve never heard of them just this week I’ve been learning can’t wait till I start thanks for your info
Does it really matter what type of journal you call it as long as people are creating?
I don't know if this is rhetorical or not but if you're actually asking I have a 40 min vid to answer 😄
jennibellie I didn’t mean it in a nasty way I just think we get so confused by labels.
I love your work regardless of what journal you do it in x
@@kalamity_spice I didn't take it as such no worries ❤️ and I do agree with you, creating is the most important (as I've always tried to impress/inspire through all videos).
Ah, Jenni, so good to see you back on RUclips. I'm a longtime subscriber. Ya know, scrapbooking as we know it today -- "traditional scrapbooking" you called it in this video -- is a long way from the original meaning of "scrapbooks." Back before the scrapbook "industry" existed, scrapbooks were actually the original junk journals, made from SCRAPS that would otherwise have been thrown away. It was a way for people, usually women, to create a container, a book, for thoughts, writing, art, photos, and so on. Literally, a book made from scraps. How far we've come, eh? I love that you encourage the use of things that would otherwise be thrown away. Thank you.
i just recently came across a traditional scrapbook from the year 1891. (was in a bunch of stuff from my other half's dad's estate ..it was his great great grandmas. ) And it was a true scrapbook. She used an old tailors sample book and glued all kinds of things that interested her into it..no ryhme nor reason , just what ever she liked ....poems from the newspaper, cards she recieved, letters written to her, lots of really cool diecuts that the victorian vintage JJ people that post videos would probably give their first born for . Beautiful book and a really awesome look into someones life as a young lady from that era. (we estimated she was between 17 and 20 when she made it ..it is very large and full) . We also found a book among the stuff that was from maybe 10 years later that had pressed flowers (even imprints of them..neat) and some more poems and loose vintage diecuts that those ppl up there would probably add their last drop of blood to obtain. We figured it had to also come from the GG Grandma. I think i would have like Lottie. Her and i would have been buds...LOL
@@vickiechandler3112 How cool! What a great find.
Oh Jennie, you always inspire me. I have to say I do find journaling difficult at times and have been like you say a little confused about what a junk journal was as so many use supplies either they have bought or have printed out. I have thought many times but that isn't junk! So you can imagine how I felt when you in your video said the same, so bless you for clearing that up.
Thank you for your joyfulness, your positivity and your inspiration.
Thank you x (& you are so welcome!)
My art teacher in h.s. taught us that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, which is real!
Thank you for your clarity!
Thank you for your explanations and personal definitions. I am truly an 'Old Lady' in years - very much older than you. Being so long in the tooth means I might use any one of these techniques/definitions/creative bursts on any one page in my JOURNAL (let's define 'Journal' - originally meant to be a daily thing but not now necessarily done daily). I don't have time and creative energy to worry about what to call the pages I create, or how to categorize them, I just enjoy them. Admittedly, I don't have the equipment or technical skills to make recordings of my creativity and I wouldn't entertain the thought of calling myself a teacher, though I know friends who have seen my 'stuff' have felt inspired to go and try something like it themselves. Mostly, it's all paper, paint, ink, pencils and plastic!!! Some of that is left overs from my grandchildren's materials - is that JUNK? By your definition probably not but unless I use it, it would be chucked in the bin (become junk!). Definitions cramp your style and enjoyment so why give them a name at all? If they were called ENJOYMENT BOOKS someone would say they 'can't be called ENJOYMENT coz I didn't enjoy it'. We can allow ourselves to do anything we like, with any medium we like, inspired by any generous artist, like yourself, on RUclips or in books and magazines. I am very grateful for all the time and effort given by all the inspirational people whose videos I have enjoyed. Keep calm and journal on! :-))
Haha, I too am an old lady in years, but I just started making a collection of “pleasure books” about a year ago. Each book may be inspired by an event or special occasion and I may or may not use junk, but every book I make is intended to bring someone a little happiness, even if it’s just “me” experimenting for the pure pleasure of it. I pretty much simply refer to what I do as paper crafting, although I have always wondered what exactly others are talking about when they use terms like “glue book” “altered book” or “smash book” etc. So I am very grateful for this wonderful video, because now I have a lot more knowledge than I did before I watched it. And yes… I do agree… just craft on… for the pure pleasure of it no matter how you choose to describe it.
Thank you for this. I have always loved the idea of pulling items out of the recycle bin to make books. I've been put off of junk journaling b/c most of the videos I've seen make junk journals look like an explosion in a lace factory paired with an entire etsy shop's worth of printables. I could never see the purpose of those kinds of books. I'm the person who prefers the K.I.S.S. rule for crafting, even though my personal style is vintage. I also like journals to have a use - sketching, writing, painting, brain dump, etc. I really appreciate your take.
Could you detail the K I S S please?
Not sure of what K.I.S.S. rule is ? I agree with you on the lace thing. There isn't any room in most for any type of writing, momentos, ........ so to me it doesn't have a function. Sure they are pretty in their own right, but not junk.
I’m from the old days when I was given a scrapbook as a child and it had blank sturdy pages that I could add stuff to as I went along in life. Little memories, school pictures of friends, little dittys I would write, drawing, stuff I’d glue in that grabbed my eye, greeting cards and so on. Now the journals I make have no distinction. So you could open one up and see a glue book page, a junk page, an art page and so on all in the same book. I never gave it a second thought until I saw beautiful well made journals that sell for tons of $$ being called junk journals. That’s when I got confused. So thank you Jennibellie. I love your videos, old and new. I don’t know how I missed this one but am glad I saw it. You have been such a great inspiration and your tutorials are fun. Now if someone could tell me what a hobinichi is I will feel complete!😂 Have a Happy New Year and be safe🥰!
I'm so glad you clarified junk journals, etc. It confused me why they call journals using printables, dyed papers and stuff from my stash would be considered junk.
Tfs.
I’m now scared to call my creations anything!! 😢😢 One person’s definition of junk is completely different to someone else’s! You can’t compare a hoarder to a minimalist! I guess a hoarder can’t make a junk journal because hoarders don’t believe anything is junk. Does it matter what it’s called? As long as the creator is happy and enjoying what they are doing… that’s what matters.
I cannot remember when I found you...it has to be close to 7 years ago now. I knew absolutely nothing about art journaling. Then...you introduced me to gesso. Gesso? what is gesso? It does what? This stuff is awesome! You also introduced me to making journals from recycled materials. I still make the majority of my books from recycled materials. I've learned to keep so many scraps and bits and pieces..buttons, broken jewelry, pieces of cloth, lace, string, etc..and they all end up being that one finishing piece that makes this or that book perfect. Give me all the junk!!!!
'Gesso? what is gesso? It does what? This stuff is awesome!' lolol I dont know why, but this made my evening lol
@@jennibellie hehe, happy to oblige :D
To me, any journal, thrown together with anything I would have thrown away is a junk journal. You are obviously very passionate about definitions, but it does come across as a bit of a lecture with some good information thrown in. Journaling is an amazing portal to self discovery, mindfulness and creativity. Don’t let definitions ruin it for you. There are always new ways of doing things that don’t have or need any definition at all ☺️
I agree with you about the term “Junk Journal”. As I understand it is about things that people would normally throw away.
I do love the many pretty journals many “Junk Journal” makers create . They are gorgeous and made from creative papers.
I like all of the different journals all these creators are making.
I have made altered books, some with junk inside and some made from scrapbooking papers. I have made some so full you really have to”smash” them down and fasten them to keep them shut.
But thank you for sharing the difference between the different types of books because I too have had a problem with a lot of these beautiful books people are creating, because to me they aren’t really made from “junk”
I love this❤️ I used to call my early journals my “Trainwreck Journals”. True junk that inspired me to paint and collage and play. Nothing was precious so no fear
Hi Jennibellie...This was quite an interesting video. I LOVE how you made it clear from the beginning that this was YOUR opinion, but we have to agree that there ARE different kinds of journals .... but, a TYPE is TYPE. ... whether someone agrees or not. Junk IS junk. Smash IS smash. Glue book IS glue book. Yes, I think most all of us mix a lot of it all up too, but I think you did an EXCELLENT job differentiating WHAT is WHAT. I think if people watch this with an open mind and really listen to the content, they might learn a lot just as I did. You are a wonderful TEACHER and artist, and I'm so glad you decided to come back to cyberspace (RUclips) where some folks can be a little mean/rude. LETS ALL ART JOURNAL, SHARE, LEARN AND HAVE FUUUUUUN!!!!!!!!!!!!😁😀😂🤣😃😄😉💟💗
Haha i love it, thanks Sassi 💗
Yes , wow. I left a comment under someone’s, a long one. But this is exactly what I was trying to say!!! Well said ! ♥️🤘🏻♥️
Just adding that the definition of ephemera is stuff that was meant to be used for a short time and then thrown away. So another kind of junk. Also, I made altered books for 15 years and I never tore the innards out to put new pages in it. It was a book that was altered with paint or glued in papers etc but the book was left intact. I also made my first junk journal 8 or 9 years ago from a class I took, REMAINS OF THE DAY and yes, it was made of junk and garbage and ephemera that wasn’t necessarily vintage but stuff that was rescued before it hit the garbage. I do agree what is going around as Junk Journals these days is far from junk. There should be general definitions but it’s an art and even junk could be considered not junk by someone else. I mean isn’t a Smashbook basically a junk journal.
I’m with ya. It’s easy peasy....words matter, right. Junk is junk. New bits are new bits. 😍. Love your work❤️
I'm glad you aren't afraid to voice your opinion. These days people can be attacked viciously for doing so. Your descriptions made lots of sense to me. Thank you.
Jenni, that is what made me attracted to your channel/workshops in the first place was by the way you’d get a cereal box, etc and turn it into an journal and that in itself is creative. I also like that you encourage people to use what they’ve got instead of feeling that they’ve gotta go out and buy the latest art supplies. Not everyone can afford that and it shouldn’t stop people from making things. Haha at the hauls I have seen on RUclips that suck me in easily (especially during quarantine). My husband is always saying “you don’t need more art supplies” lol.
OK, this is brilliant. My favorite line “It does not matter.” It only matters that I enjoy what I’m doing. Thanks for sharing. I have liked and subscribed.
Welcome home Jenny belly this is where you belong missed you glad you are back
You are my original inspiration. I think the first video I saw was using old greeting cards. I was drawn to it because you were reusing stuff. Then I created a Junk Journal with a UPS envelope for the cover, cereal boxes, tissue boxes. But when I started to look for other videos on JJ I was confused by all of the beautiful brand new scrapbook paper and the digi journals that were popping up. They are beautiful, but I never got into scrapbooking because the perfectness fed my perfectionism. I tried, but gave up early. Junk journaling & mixed media Jenniebellie style freed me up to experiment and be creative and learn to trust myself and the process. So I appreciate your video, because years ago I was one of the people totally confused. I still gravitate towards RUclipsrs who are using at least some junk in their creations. Thank you for all of your sharing over the years, for the inspiration and the space for people to grow and be true to themselves. Your authenticity shines through everything you do. I so appreciate you. 💖
Thanks for the giveaway - sounds like an interesting class. What folks call their art doesn’t much concern me, but I appreciate your point that consumerism shouldn’t drive the process and can actually stifle creativity. I’m actually happy that there is a sort of fluidity between memory keeping, journaling, and art. I come from a scrapbooking background, but I’ve always been more interested in the intersection of composition, art, techniques, and creating than the finished product. I still do various forms of memory keeping that integrates journaling and experimentation with different media.
I watched you years ago and your version of junk journaling had always stuck with me. When I start watching a junk journal video and they start using new or bought stuff I’m like that is not a junk journal and usually I quit watching it.
"Junk is Junk" so love this! Been watching you create and inspire for years! I already bought the remedies journal workshop and it is/was awesome (cause you know have to make a second one with some twists), So many empty cereal boxes n tissue boxes turned into journals, tags, bookmarks, atcs, color theory, dashboards. Had to laugh when zines popped on the scene again and so many thought it was a new thing, I am a woman of age lol we have seen lots n lots of old ideas coming back, but i'm most thankful you are healthy and happy, still creative, still smiling, much love thru all the many supplies and junk lol HA! best definitions ever. I always know when someone screws up their face and says, "what are you saving that for"...I've found gold lol
I think you are absolutely spot on. People have become closed minded and don't want to honor other people's opinions if they are different from their own. They don't want to learn anything from someone who has more knowledge. They have little respect for "the old ways". I admire you for addressing the truth because so many people just enable these behaviors and we lose the value and beauty of the old ways that are sold as cheap imitations (for a lot of money). Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent. I have a lot of respect for you. I also love your style and talent. You are not old, you have a lot of experience and I appreciate learning from you.
This made me smile because years ago when I first found out about Art Journalling, Junk Journalling and Smash Books etc I spent ages searching RUclips trying to get definitive Definitions of each Type of JJ... and you seemed to be the only one who knew!! I have a long list somewhere that i wrote after watching one of your You Tube vids that explained it all...just so i could get it all straight in my head.
After that followed an even longer list of all the ideas I had for repurposing Booths Xmas supermarket catalogues as they are so beautifully made ...and for all the Gok Wan books I intended to alter and create girls faces ala Jane Davenport. Phew....
Now I dont care that much for myself but my explanations to others do still follow your definitions which I agree is very important to define if you plan to teach classes to others.
FYI.. from what i could gather from videos of people who make Journals from junk and old book covers/pages; its my understanding that Little Golden Books were/are a series of children's books in N. America from a bygone era, much like the Ladybird books in Britain. ...but maybe you already knew that, lol. Thanks for this video, I personally Love it when you go ratching through your old journals, nosy old lady that i am! I used to be obsessed trying to work out the layout of your 'inside the house' craft room and that wonderful cupboard that you have in it!
Your really polite even when p-ing off, I like how graceful and lady like you are, you never shout nor belittle, and it's great your bringing this topic up, love this thanks for all your hard work. 😊
I've been following you for many years. I'm so glad to see you back doing videos more regularly again. Looking forward to seeing more of your creativity.
A clear concise explanation of the concept of junk journals. I love knowing the definition of something. Definitions do not offend me at all. As a person who does many art forms, I cringe when I hear someone use the incorrect definition. Every art form has it's own terminology, supplies and tools. What gets me most is how the hobby industry will prey on hobbiests by making them think they need every new tool, gadget, glue or paper under the sun. Shopping for these things take up valuable creative time and money when I could be making things with what I have on hand.
Hear hear to the it taking time, sometimes we can trick ourselves into thinking we are being creative because we are doing such things when actually we're not. Thanks for commenting 😊
I love your videos so much! I’m so glad you’re getting back in to posting regularly again, I’ve been watching for years!
There are very few people on RUclips who are truly “junk” journal makers. Sunnyside Journals is probably one of the few ladies I know who does not use anything but stuff she finds in thrift stores, second hand shops, rummage sales, etc. My hats off to all those who have the patience to accumulate things that could be used in a journal. It does take patience and a lot of creativity to turn junk into beautiful things. Although it seems that people are more inclined towards the esthetics of a journal that has a cohesive and thematic look to them, nothing wrong with that, I prefer journals that are unique and almost impossible to replicate.
I understand what you’re saying, for the most part. I have a problem with using junk mail-we barely get any real mail, much less junk mail. It’s not like it was 20 years ago. Can’t use what I don’t have. Plus at the age of 62 my definition of “junk” is totally different than yours and anyone else’s. Things that others would not throw away, I would throw away in a heartbeat….to me it’s junk, doesn’t matter what it is. It is what it is, my guess is there are dozens of definitions for the term “Junk Journal ”
I’ve been following you for years, love your style as your journey has progressed. The reason I started following you was because you made things out of throw away stuff.
Love that! TY x
It does get very confusing! I'm new to junk journaling. It was a rabbit hole I fell into due to making miniature books for a kit diorama. The first video I watched was someone assembling a book with recycled packaging. I thought, wow! That's so cool! And I became obsessed with learning as much as possible! But then I found that people were using digi kits (and peddling them on their channel through "tutorials" which you couldn't even do unless you had the fancy paper, and if you tried making it with your own paper it looked weird), fancy Tim Holtz paper, extensive amounts of luxury washi tape (which is absolutely gorgeous! But out of reach for many of us), all the distress inks, the hundreds of fancy rubber stamps and stencils etc. etc. I just wanted to create and have fun! Not end up spending hundreds (or thousands of dollars on Temu!) I fell victim to buying things, because as I was new to this I didn't have anything! However, I"m now at a point where I want to just get back to the basics and try to make things that mean something to me, that aren't just exact replicas of what everyone else is making, and ideally, not breaking the bank.
Only 31 seconds into video and I just had to tell you, "you are awesome". Thank you so very much for your realness and your honesty. Take care young lady and God bless you and yours.
Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas
Wow, thank you Becky! xxx
That's what I thought.
Love the clarifications. At the end of the day they’re simply our journals where we create, vent, play, explore, express, sort out, learn, unwind, and relax. The tools and resources can be tweaked to any income and skill level. That’s what I love about my journals. They serve my greatest need... to be me any way I choose when I choose. Thank you for sharing your pages and for the opportunity to win the Remedies class. Your classes are great!
I have been a Belliet for years and years. Since your first video explaining all the different types of journals. I completely understand why you wanted to clarify the differences because I completely agree that with all the supplies and downloadable kits and everything that the price of everything itself can deter a person from creative journaling. And money, printables, new fancy supplies(stamps, ink sprays etc) shouldn't hold someone back from being creative, well not having those things rather. I've taken many of your classes but not in years and I would absolutely LOVE to take the Remedies class with you so please enter me. Thank you
I’m new to junk journaling and I very much concur with you.
I enjoy using “junk” items from things like junk mail, Kleenex boxes, wrappers, fortune cookie fortunes, the plastic backing that stickers come on and the clear plastic covers on things like planner stickers books.
Even things like a deflated, ripped Mylar or latex balloons makes amazing pockets and inserts. Those junk mail envelopes with the plastic windows are great and all of the amazing left over packaging from bits and pieces.
For instance, I buy a lot of things like tim holtz pieces and the little backings and plastic covers are so fun for making confetti and glitter shakers.
Those zipper contraptions from snacks, cookies, coffee etc are neat to glue onto something to make pouches and pockets.
I even like using aluminum cans. I’ll cut one up and run it through an embossed or make a pocket or tag out of it. The inside of Aluminum cans make amazing things.
I can go on for hours :)
There is something so satisfying about making something one-of-a-kind about using unwanted junk.
I’m not sure of all of the items i mentioned would be considered junk to everyone but I love using these items.
Very interesting! Actually scrapbooking started in the 1800"s but they were actually just glue books from the actual definition. All the Victorians did was to glue in "scraps" of advertisements that apparently were too pretty to throw away. I'm old so I remember when "photo albums" turned into "scrapbooks" just because people were adding scraps of paper and structuring their pages. So the term "scrapbook" came about. Again! People used old envelopes and scrap junk paper to their journals and suddenly we have "junk journals!" Which, by the way, are less about photos since we now have them all on our phones and computers, and more about writing. Crazy how we turn things into something else just by a name. But at the end of the day guess it is what it is. A rose is a rose is a rose...As long as it makes a person happy to create.
Bingo. I took a workshop with the local historical society a few years ago, and they showed old 19th and early 20th century scrapbooks. One was from a local seamstress, who literally kept a book with scraps of dress fabrics, along with notes about the customer for whom each dress was made. Another was from a student at the local college, who one one page, glued in a glove, an invitation, and a printed balloon from a formal dance. I wonder what those books would be called today?
I have an opinion on this too. I’ve noticed people who have pre made books and I said “doesn’t that take away the whole purpose of junk journaling..?” Also it doesn’t challenge you in any way to be creative..
but at the same time I’m glad that people are doing anything even close to being creative. That’s the first step to becoming more creative and using your imagination.
Absolutely adore you and your videos. I've been saving junk 'stuff' for a couple of years and am ready to make my first junk journal. I've painted and crafted over 50 years (obviously, I'm a senior) and am inspired to use up some of my junk. Scrapbooking and card-making have been my main emphasis, but I'm ready to dip into my paints again and create new art. I have plenty of new supplies, but am looking forward to using merchandise tags and normal throw-away stuff to create a junk journal. Wish me luck!!!
Good luck, you'll do great!
I've just done a dive down the rabbit hole of journals and all these new ones I've never heard of. Okay...they're "new" to me 😆 (other than scrapbooking)
I'm a total noob and have never made a homemade journal (other than taking a notebook and making a Q&A slam book in the 80's).
But I'd consider anything an average person would throw away, something that would go into a junk book.
Like those papers you collected, they were something most people would have just thrown away. Kudos to you for keeping them and making something cool with them!
Really old books whose bindings have come apart, pages are falling out and that most people would just toss, I'd say those would be considered junk and could be used for a true junk journal. I keep Christmas cards sent to me and if they are particularly pretty I put the whole card into my Christmas tree behind the lights to hide the gaps. The other ones I'll cut the pic of a snowman, Santa, reindeer etc and use as a tag on a Christmas gift. But even so, I would also consider those as something most people throw away and they'd qualify for the junk journal. 😃 Just my layman's junk journal opinion though of what logically makes sense to me.
I'm so glad I saw this video! I was trying to get a handle on what a junk journal was, as when I saw people buying beautiful things to put in them, I thought it looked like vintage "looking" scrap booking to me. Very upscale and bougie looking to me. Shabby Chic does sound more like what the junk journals I've seen should be called. They are beautiful and have gorgeous things in them.
I got into JJ as a way to use up all sorts of leftovers from my many crafts/hobbies to use them up. Scraps of quilt fabric, scraps of cardmaking papers, garden catalog bits, etc.
Most of my main journals are made from old books I alter. I see a lot of people calling then junk journals. Though I don't agree they are. Sometimes I make journals out of mail, food packaging and things you would throw away. That's junk. Lol
I'm a mixed media artist so I usually do a blend of things with my journals. Mostly collage, adding junk, scrapbooking supplies and my own art in them.
I’ve been paper crafting for more than 20 years now and I feel like the books/journals/albums I create start with one type in mind - for instance my cover is made from a recycled noodle box... but then I cross the lines..I will collage from magazines, add in scrapbook papers, add in recycled junk or whatever supplies appeal to me.. I’ve learned over time the trends change and we grow in new directions and it’s all ok as long as we are enjoying the process.
Thank you for making things a bit clearer. I felt it was blocking my creativity because I did not know what I was doing as new to the game!!
Thank you for doing this video, I was very confused about all these definitions even though I am never wondering what I am doing when I am doing it. I suddenly understand why I have sometimes the feeling to live in the middle of my trash... :-) I think that I am doing everything except for the scrapbooking part and I am not really a book “alterer” because I always see the value of an antique book, so it’s really hard for me to kind of destroy an antique object. But beside these two things, I think that I do everything else and I mix them all.
When I was younger, I obviously was making a lot of glue books without even knowing this name, I still do that sometimes. Just the name: “glue book” makes me want to glue everything.
Conclusion: thank you for clarifying the situation. I will continue as before but at least, now I know what I am doing.
Qué buen video. Yo empecé a hacer junk journal porque tengo un taller de costura, amo leer y tuve un taller de manualidades. Resultado: un montón de material suelto que he podido usar. Pero me daba cuenta de que muchas utilizan imprimibles, y empecé a buscarlos, ahora me doy cuenta que tengo mucho que usar!! No es necesario!!!.
Gracias por hacerme reflexionar y volver al principio esencial de crear de la basura, reciclar y disfrutar ❤❤
It’s just “journaling” period. How one does it doesn’t matter and doesn’t need a distinctive different title. You really didn’t need to explain in such detail in my opinion, you seem bothered a bit by people distinguishing them. Just do your thing and call it “journaling any way,untitled” or along those lines.I’m happy with you and your style. Just found you and subscribed.
I am the one distinguishing them lol thanks for commenting
jennibellie and you felt you had to distinguish them because.... (not Said in a snotty tone hard to convey when typing, I really am curious why you felt you wanted/had to do this)I wonder if just bringing up the topic restricts SOME people from even trying to create one, whatever it’s called?
@@helensalo9810 Well if you look at the comments that’s why really. 95% saying thank you for clearing up their confusion. Other reasons too but main one to help those that were saying they some were paralysed into not creating because they thought they needed to buy things in order to make a junk journal. It has always been my intention to help people be creative, NOT limit them, but I see what you’re saying. Here I am giving definitions though, not ‘rules’, and those are different. I didn’t think as I was filming it people would be quite so hooked up on that I was defining alone, and totally ignoring the fact I was also saying ‘but you can still mix it all and do what you want’. I thought those that didn’t agree would still be able to hear tht point/other points too rather than only focus on that one alone (or misinterpret that as giving ‘rules’). If I’d have known I MAY have filmed it differently, because I was truthfully intending to speak to my audience and those that WANTED this info not trying to start a thing with those that don’t, so I may have spoken more with everyone in mind also - but then still having my opinion would have triggered some people because, well, giving an opinion always does. Thanks so much for your comment I appreciate you taking the time to write it ❤️
love how you pull no punches and are straight up with explanations
Very informative! Thank you for explaining the differences....and I’d love to spend a day looking at all your creations!
I may do tours of all my Journal Trunks in the future...will take a lot of work though coz they really are in difficult to get to places so not looking forward to that part lol
Me too!
I came across your this video a while ago and this morning it popped across my screen. It was perfect to see again and re-educate me about the different journals out there. I never classified my journals (I'm a novice at making them), anyway I refer to my works as journals. I make my journals in all sizes using any package box I can get my hands on. My husband says I'm becoming a hoarder, to which I respond "it's not hoarding if I turn it into a journal"' which I do. Thank you for your information and explanations. -- Francesca
Thank you for this! It’s great that you make it clear that a junk jornal is just that! Also it’s good to know what the rules are so we can ignore them!
I am so over the moon to see you on YT again...been a big fan since back in the day🤓 and you most certainly are not an old lady🙃
I am a scrapbooker which I have some what retired from it. I just started a glue book. I like to call it a visual journal because i use pics and letters from magazines but that tell a story or share a view point. Thank you for the info.
Thank you for this! You really cleared up alot of confusion, especially when I see digi kits being used and I don't want to use them. Somehow felt I wasn't making a journal if I didn't use these. I like combining vintage papers and gelli print, painted papers and stitching. You speak so well snd with such passion and conviction! Thank you again! -Monica
You are so welcome!
I finally hear someone define the different between all kind of journal! I really love the idea when I first heard about junk journal. Because I am someone who never throw away anything haha. And I think making junk journal can finally put my "collection" in use. But when I search tutorial videos. Most of them use supply that you can buy in the store instead of using a cereal box or an empty tissue box. So I was so confuse and don't really know what to do. And end up with a whole house of supplies. I love beautiful things (who doesn't?) But it just add up so quich that I don't even know what yo do with them. I definitely will watch more of your videos. Thanks for sharing.
I may not agree with all your opinions but I do find your views really interesting. I love making journals and my next one will be a blend of junk journals, ephemera, and that upcycled book idea too. Thank you for the insight and happy journaling/journal making. 🖤
Finally someone explains the difference!!! It's sad that you had to constantly stress that it's your opinion and try to avoid an unnecessary backlash. Seems people are looking for anything to fight about. I love your videos and your ideas. I make all kinds of journals, junk, glue, smash, digi, unfinished, finished, and such. I love them all.
Exactly, me too x
Such an interesting take from an "old lady" to the journal scene. And it has become a "scene" that I am very late to! Only became aware over the last couple of years so your definitions are helpful and even cross over as you describe your take on each as "opinions" do. I also agree that so many take unneeded offense at posts that do not match their thoughts - sadly some are just so rigid in their thinking that there is no room for growth. Love this video and am a subbie. I am a true old lady at 74 yrs young and learning every day!
Hello lovely lady. Continuing to learn every day is one of the most important things in the world (just another of my opinions obviously 😊)
Ha, Cheryl. I thought I might be the oldest old lady, but I’m only 69. Ain’t it grand to be an old lady? You know who you are. Others can take it or leave it. No apologies necessary. We’re old and experienced and wise, and what didn’t kill us made us strong. Maybe we’re national treasures. (Hey Boomer - not!)
I have been looking for junk journal videos but it's hard to find what i am looking for because each person seems to think junk journal is a different thing. This video helped me a lot, I think it will be much easier to find inspo now! Thank you!
This is why i love you the most, you haven't changed, and buy everything, that's NOT JJ's, its just making journals.. I now find it VERY hard to find actual JJ's on YT anymore, this whole world is getting boring, because it's all the SAME vintage style with bought stuff Aaarrgh don't like it....
Karla Downunder I agree!
I totally know what you mean, Jennie's channel is the only one left with real junk journal's and although she mentions her classes she's not pushy with us either about buying this or that. Many of the JJ channels I have seen lately are all about buying kits that are vintage style papers and ephemera from the same old stock photos and ugh that's not junk journaling! I love taking images from magazines or tags from items I buy and distressing them and making them look vintage then plop them in my handmade from a cracker box journal! I use old buttons and clothing material to make laces and trims and ephemera bits. The only thing i use storebought items for are my cards but journaling is all junk and I love it! :)
Karla Downunder I use actual found stuff and make it pretty
It's just that it's evolved. Junk journal means something different now. Simple as that: the craft has evolved to include more than junk.
Junk is an opinion. One man's junk is another man's treasure. Its all opinion. Art is about enjoying and creating. So Art however makes you happy!
As a total newbie, it looks to me like junk journals shouldn't just be junk- but my junk. Like ephemera is MY ephemera. My movie ticket that I saw, my mail, my wrappers of things I ate- not just garbage I found outside. The point I would think is too look back on it in the future. I have an m&m pack from when I was 8 or so. I kept it to see the if the label changed over the years. Now some people may call that scrapbooking- the old kind- and they probably were the same right? I've started a diary that I decorate and glue things in. It looks like a junk journal. I write in it. I do a tad of art in it. Its kind of a memory book or a combo smash, glue, junk journal. But to me- its just a diary with stuff- usually garbage (stubs, wrappers, pics,) and a few new things (stickers only really). Voila. Its a diary :D
YES! I agree with everything you've said in this video!!! Thank you!! The term 'Junk Journal ' has lost it's meaning over time. Digi-Kits and scrapbook papers are not Junk .. I make true Junk Journals, as well as Recycled Journals, to me there is a difference between those as well. I always, ALWAYS use recycled items in my journals as well as supplies like beads and charms that I've had laying around forever, as well as old broken jewellery from Op-Shops. I use old advertisement pamphlets that you get in the mail and old magazines for my Art Journals.
What you said about supplies is really part of what is happening too-
I posted this elsewhere too but we have all of these teachers who like you and I have been making art from whatever we can find for years (probably out of necessity at first). I'm not a big youtuber or anything, but I've seen a lot of people go down the hole of starting with DIY stuff and getting a little money or a few sponsorships and the next thing you know, you've got a teacher telling you that you should buy all of this stuff. I saw a video by a really well known art journaler that was pooing on cheap supplies and she had still made a beautiful piece. I was kind of livid tbh. She complained about the products the whole time.
I saw some artists go from making things from junk to creating entire assemblage pieces from store bought baubles and while the work was gorgeous, it sets a dangerous precedent for anyone who wants to get into that, it was easily 200.00 worth of products that she sifted through to use between the 'found objects' and specialty pastes/gilding/etc (sponsored of course).
On the other side of that, you've got marketers playing directly into what they know we'll do. We will see youtubers using new products that do things easily that we were doing in the past with techniques that we came up with or taught. The more and more we get sold, the more we think that we need.
I love that you say everyone has their opinion, because honestly I throw out a lot things that many people consider supplies, but I consider it junk. I also have writing journals, that I call junk journals, because they are for writing all the junky thoughts, that hinder my positivity.
I have no idea what to call the journals I make. I agree that that is not the point. I just enjoy the process of creating with the “supplies” I find around. Would love to be a part of this journey.
Thanks for your explanation. For those of us that are creatively and artfully challenged, like myself, we need all the help we can get. Junk is easy to come by for me. Also, I used to think I had no business trying to be creative with junk journaling or art or anything like that, but because of you and your videos I have fallen in love with journaling with junk. So thank you for helping to unlock my inner artist.
So glad to hear this! You are so welcome ❤️
Jenni, I'm so happy to see you back on YT! You've been inspiring my creativity for years now. I first came across your channel around 2012 and was in awe that there was a fluid, creative way to journal vs traditional scrapbooking. I had my mom and friends save all their food boxes! You also made an excellent video on binding. You, my friends, are a very talented young lady!!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for making this video. I am new to journaling, and was really struggling understanding what the junk journal was because of all the different things that come up when you search it. This video is exactly what I have been looking for. Now I understand completely. Someone below commented what does it matter. When you are looking for that creative outlet like I am, it matters a great deal to me to know exactly what it is I’m doing. I hope that made sense. I appreciate this video a great deal. Thank you.
Hello sweet girl. Thank you for sharing your beautiful, artistic thoughts. I’m so thankful for your ideas. You are truly amazing. I’m so grateful for you. So thankful for your help. I’m a new 🐝 . And too unwell to create, for the last 8 months. Two weeks ago I made some Manila folders for your amazing ideas. I found something I’d chose with 10 folders. You have just got another follower. &
You are truly amazing. I imagine this video will go viral. Thank you, for your sweet teaching message for those who are new 🐝s like me. Happy to have found your wonderful ideas. They are truly inspiring.
Happy scrappy🌷
You're a beautiful soul! I'm glad you've managed to start creating again. I hope you feel better soon x
jennibellie, it is without a doubt the happiest day I’ve have had in a long while. I just got my folder ready with your name. 🤗 hugs
@@TheJournalCottage lol I'm so happy for you!! Enjoy the rest of it love xx
Thank you so much for this definitions video! I'm new to the whole "junk journaling" world and initially got the "mash up" definition. This clears it up wonderfully!
Last year I started to get a lot of envelopes, and it can be recycled, it literally garbage, so I decided to use this junk and make a journal out of it.
The cover was not junk, it was supplies that I finally found a purpose for them and decorate them with whatever I want.
I still have envelopes to fill at least 5 more books and I still get a lot of mail. And I keep ripping apart packages because I like the pattern on it and glue it somewhere and recycle the parts I don't use.
But my first teacher in this hobby was you and the video you keep refering to about the different types of journal was the first video I watched, so my options about junk journal came from you, I just also have the Swedish recycle filter too.
I already made a comment, but geez i could still go on and on about this debate, and how snobby and judgy the craft world has become, what happened to Craft being a release and fun, it's a new world, don't like it :( :(
This is so true Karla
This is so true Karla
Agree 100%. Such snobbymcsnobersons out there these days! People have to have their two cents worth no matter whether they were asked for it or not. It really does take the fun out of it. Or worse, it makes people not want to share their work.
@@LepGold haha had to laugh at snobbymcsnobbersons
🤔 If I store my supplies in a bin I can call anything a junk journal and I won't get confused 😁
Love your work, whatever you call it💜
Haha! love it 😊
Oh, sweet Jenni, would you please consider showing how you made those junk journals with the tissue boxes, the ones you had to dig deep to find. @25:10 of video I think. Pretty Pretty Please. You are such a breath of fresh air. Take care, God bless. Becky B
PS. Sorry so chatty, but everything you say just speaks to me.
Hmmmm I have made several kinds with tissue paper boxes and toilet paper rolls tbh so hmmmmmm I may just stick that on the JB to do list xx
@@jennibellie thank you. When I get the chance today, I'll go through all your videos to see if maybe I missed that video. I have a private playlist for both of your channels. You have an amazing heart for one so young. God bless you. Becky B
I just call them all…. Journals (gasp) 😱
Exactly! 🙄 As long as the creator is having fun does it really matter! X
You gave me the true meaning about developing a junk journal. You taught me wise. Thank you so much!!
"One mans trash is another man's treasure." What I consider "junk" may not be what you or someone else would consider junk. To your point, we all have our opinions. Personally, I don't care what it's called. I just throw stuff together and just have fun!! I'm just here for the art!! Love your channel and can't wait for more. AND yes , I am subscribed.😂😂😂 ❤️
Debbie Lee exactly, I enjoy watching videos showing so many creative people doing the wide variety. As I am making a gift for someone who will be thrilled if it literally is stuff headed for the landfill bc no one would think to use it, these distinctions will make that gift more special. I love crafting, buy lots of stuff, save, reuse, etc...to me it’s not about judging but since I only heard of “junk journals “ last week, this is awesome! Keep creating everyone!
I agree with you 99%. If we were to get technical, "junk" isn't trash. So junk is not relative only to what you would throw away. Junk is described as something old that you would discard, or of little value. Therefor, old books, magazines, and bits and peaces that you no longer want to keep and would discard, give away, or trash could be considered as junk. This means that a journal made out of an old book could be called a junk journal. I believe altered would be only relative to a book or anything else that you keep in its actually shape but restyle. I mean, you keep the structure (the skeleton if you will) intact, but you restyle or upgrade, that would be altered. Either way, altered is anything that you take from its original form and make it into something extra from there. So... if we were to get technical, junk journals are altered junks, and altered old books could be described as junk journals.
I don't mean this as an opinion, but by simply going from the definition of the words.
This is I guess the 1% I did not agree with, which would be what you considered to be junk.
My husband, as an example, If I were to ask him to make me a junk journal based off only those things he would discard (throw away) he would make it out of magazine papers (those pretty Daphne magazines) and embellish it with wedding invitations we might get in the mail, and/or birthday invitations. None of which would be junk to me. LOL
In the end, I just want to point out that junk is relative to the person based on many factors like, age, gender, and cultural background, and that if I was to define my journal where I glue, smash, paint, and keep junk, I would just call it a "journal" and not anything else as I do all those combine (as you stated in the video as well).
Really enjoyed this video, you are correct in stating that in order to make a junk journal there is ZERO need to spend money. But then again, those things we will discard (with the exception of certain mail) are things we did buy or brought into our home at one point, and were not junk, but treasures.
Will be subscribing!!
I love that you are putting your opinion out there and clearly stating it is just your opinion. I also love saying that a junk journal is made of junk, but then one person's junk is another person's treasure, isn't it, so your definition of a 'junk journal' may actually match that of another person, but if your definition of 'junk' doesn't match, you still end up using a completely different basis for your journal :)
I think all this is very subjective. Making it clear to people they don't need anything precious or special to make a junk journal though is very valuable. Any barrier to making art is one barrier too many in my opinion!
Speaking of my opinion ;), to me a junk journal is just a journal (or book) made of stuff that is not precious to me. Similarly to you, it would be made of things I might have otherwise put in the bin. In my world, that may include scrapbook papers out of a collection which I didn't like and haven't used and don't think I would use without altering it in some way. I love the paper you made out of scraps, and am inspired to try that, but I would have classed left over bits of paper as 'junk' or possibly 'collage meterial'. It is no longer a traditional 'supply' to me, as I would not use it for its traditional purpose. So it may become junk in my eyes, even though in your eyes it might still be a supply. When you strictly look at your definition, the things you use for a junk journal are actually supplies in the end, as you kept them for a specific purpose (making junk journals), so they are no longer junk... LOL! So junk is subjective, therefore junk journal can be subjective. And I totally agree with someone down here in the comments that the artist is the one really who defines that for themselves.
The junk journal to me is just the journal (book) made with junk; it can later be turned into an Art Journal or a Smash Book or even a Photo Album. The junk journal is just the initial base, the book that you started that 'thing' with. That's just my opinion. An Art Journal is not an Art Journal until it has some art in it ;)
So I think it is great to know how you as an artist defines this and that you open doors for people who might have thought they need something special, so that their barrier to entry is lowered or maybe removed altogether. Thank you for putting this out there and allowing us to join in your discussion :)
I’ve really missed your videos. I’ve been subbed for sooooooo long and really I have moved away from art journaling much because everyone really is the same out there.
I’m literally only still subbed to you and Mirami art. I do do your art swap from your website here and there when I have time but it’s really a breathe of fresh air to have you uploading again. I’ve always loved your style of artwork, your point of view and how it’s so easy to follow because you don’t use all the newest most expensive product of this and that just to do a project.
I don’t even watch anyone because of that. You end up spending tons for products to do one project and then hoping you’ll use the product again sometime in the future or feel you have to come up with tons of ideas to use the products because you don’t want your money to go to waste.
I agree a junk journal is from junk. I’ll have to pull out my tub (that I started because you taught me soooooo long ago to save junk) and make me a junk journal. Hope you’ll be posting more videos. God bless
Of course I liked the video. Already was subbed
I don’t know why Mirami Art is so popular, I first found her because of a video on using up packaging which was really great, but since then am just so uninspired. I guess it’s just down to the fact we are all so different which is no bad thing.
Oh, and I would also like to say, that things evolve over time, so what might have been classed as one things years ago can actually change for example the English language is constantly changing. Just look at the word 'gay', it used to mean something quite different to what we use it for today. Another thing that has completely exploded over time, to what it was originally made for, are our mobile phones. What are they today? A small computer, an address book, a pager, timer, clock, recorder and a camera, but we still call it a phone yet it can do so much more. So, the same has happened to junk journals and what people use to make them, they are no longer just junk because they have evolved. People decided to make them look old and others created papers and different styles and themes for them. So, even though they might not necessarily be made entirely out of junk or no junk at all the name has stuck.
Hi Kaya. I completely agree with you. In hindsight I wish I’d have spent more time discussing this in the video, I only touched on it super briefly. The difference with this subject though to technology/society etc is that it didn’t evolve as a whole. There are still people doing it the original way too, who I think are feeling forgotten/even pushed out of their craft/or worried they are doing it the ‘wrong’ way etc, it was for these folks I made the video providing my definition so hopefully giving them permission to have their own for what they are doing too. Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it.
I have more frustration over what to use my journals for than what they’re made from. I have more ideas for journaling than I could possibly use. I’ve given journals to family and friends. At this point the journals I make are for me. I argue with myself about why am I making another journal when I don’t have a use for it. I have to give myself grace. Journaling is my creative outlet so it does not matter if I ever find a use for my creations. It makes me happy and keeps me sane. I have hearing deficits. Noise in the background makes it very hard for me to hear what you are talking about. The music soon became an absolute frustration because I wanted to hear and understand what you were explaining.
I really enjoyed this teaching class and would love to enter the giveaway.
Perfect break down/out and individual guidelines were well explained! I just saw another video where every single journal and the scrapbook album all looked exactly alike and explanations resembled each other.
Wonderful video Jennie! I've been with u for years and remember all the old videos. I think sometimes it seems like the world spins a bit fast 😅, and we do go through evolutions of styles that confuse people, especially those who are newer to the art. The main thing is to be creative.."so what" if we create a hybrid junk smash journal..its the create process that matters. Just a fab video..good on you for putting your thoughts out there. Theres room for everyone in the creative realm.👍🥰
So true! x
How you describe the differences of journal and altered books are correct. Thank you! I remember in the days you and others started junk journals. I was things that you want to throw away and can still use it to make a journal.
Subscribe? Oh, dearest, I've been a subscriber a loooooooong time! LOL! Many years! Like? Oh, yes, done! I agree wholeheartedly with you about the different kinds of journals. There is so much cross-over between "types" but it all boils down to what works for each person. Thank you for sharing your love of creating with us. Your beautiful energy is so inspiring. :)