If you would like to make your own junk journal there is some basics supplies you will need.
Paper
First thing you will need is paper, it is after all the basis of all journals. You could just use basic 80gsm copy paper if that’s what you have on hand, but my personal preference is 120gsm paper. It’s slightly thicker, and I feel like it is slightly more durable. For printing ephemera I use a 200gsm paper.
You could also use scrapbooking paper, junk mail, magazine and book pages, as well as envelopes for your journal, and not need to buy paper at all.
Digital printables
There is a plethora of digital printables both on Ko-fi and Etsy you will not want for choice. Be aware that you may need to adjust your printer settings to get the paper to print the way you want them to.
Some of my favourite designers are: Ink and Pages, LianaScrap, Angela Kerr, and My Porch Prints, but there are so many wonderful designers out there, and you could easily get lost down a rabbit hole once you start looking. Consider yourself warned, so don’t say you haven’t been. You can choose between purchasing digital printable papers as kits or just papers. You can also buy ephemera kits like this one here separately.
Trimming your papers
You don't need any fancy equipment to trim your papers, a pair of scissors will suffice, but if you want to cut your paper in a straight line a paper cutter is what you need.
I bought this one from Spotlight while it was on sale. My main reason for buying it was because it has a self sharpening blade. I use to own this one, but I got tired of constantly having to replace the cutting blades which can't be recycled and had to go into land fill.
Book binding equipment
Really, you can use any type of thread to bind a journal as long as it has some thickness to it. I have used embroidery thread and an embroidery needle. So easy to match it to the colour of your journal.
I have seen some journal makers use twine, tapestry wool, and even dental floss, but I think the best thing to use is a book binding kit. I bought this one. It was relatively inexpensive, but very good quality.
Glue
If you are just going to be gluing paper to paper, then I would suggest either UHU or Elmer's either will do the job. If you are going to be using thicker cardstock, cardboard or something similar, then I would suggest a PVA glue. For fabric and lace, you will need something like Art Glitter Glue or the one I use, Elmer's Glue-All multi purpose glue, extra strong formula.
These items, of course, are only the very basics of junk journaling needs. There are so many other miscellany you could buy, but that I think will be for another post.
Thank you for visiting, and if you have the time I would love it if you could leave a comment.
Until next time, Janette.
