Ephemera is anything that can be added to a junk journal. For a true junk journal, it is a bunch of old or recycled bits and pieces such as receipts, bits from old newspapers and magazines, and other pieces of memorabilia. This post focuses on ideas for making DIY ephemera for junk journals.
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Junk journals have become very popular in recent years and making them is quite addictive. Even though junk journals were originally intended to be made and filled with ‘junk’ they can actually be filled with whatever you like. If you don’t have old stuff or don’t want to use it, you can make a journal from scratch and create DIY ephemera for junk journals.
1. Envelopes/Pockets
Envelopes and pockets are dual-purpose DIY ephemera for junk journals. They add a lot of interest and intrigue to a page and they create more room to add lots of others bits of ephemera. From corner pockets to mini pockets, there are so many ways to make pockets, and they can be made with several materials creating lots of different textures in a book.
2. Mini Notebooks/Notepads
If you are reading this there is a good chance that you like making books. Me too. The great thing about junk journals is they give us further opportunity to make even more books to stuff inside. You could create a variety of notebooks, some with just a few pages, as more of a visual treat, and larger ones with the purpose of writing.
3. Journalling Spots
Journalling spots are any piece of ephemera that has the purpose of writing. You could cut out images with plain backs and pop them into envelopes. Add a plain piece of paper on top of a busy page to create an easy journalling spot. You could rip and/or ink the edges to create some contrast.
4. Mini Folios/Folders
Mini folios and folders are great because, in a way, they act as a mini junk journal in themselves. You can add lots of things to mini folios, such as pockets, tags, folded papers, and even tiny notebooks. It is such a nice surprise when you are going through a journal to find lots of little things to open and look at.
5. Stickers
You could buy stickers ready-made but they are a very easy DIY ephemera for junk journals. All you need is some self-adhesive sticker paper and you can get as creative as you like. Print off full-page designs and cut them up, or print a page of smaller images and fussy cut them out. Stamp on or even draw on the sticker paper if you don’t have a printer. Create a collage with the stickers or pop some in secret pockets for someone to be delighted by later.
6. Tags
Tags are great because you can make them as big or as small as you like and they are perfect for popping into pockets. Add teeny tiny ones to mini pockets or make a large one to cover a whole page. They are really easy to make. You can use a tag punch or cut them out by hand. They can be made from pretty or plain paper and make nice journalling spots. If you pop a hole in the top and a bit of ribbon they look even more fabulous. If making a large tag you could even pop a pocket on the front or back for more of a surprise.
7. Bookmarks
Just like tags, bookmarks are super easy to make. Jazz up your bookmark by laminating or add some gems and ribbon to the top that pokes out of the top of the junk journal.
8. Cards/Postcards/Letters
Cards, postcards and letters are beautiful additions to junk journals. If you are making a junk journal as a gift you could add lots of handwritten notes in pretty envelopes. Print a postcard and leave the back plain to make an interesting journalling spot. Add a cute stamp on the front of the postcard. Re-use old cards by cutting off the front or make and print your own designs. You can create cards in so many sizes like mini cards for mini pockets. Scatter cards, postcards and letters throughout a junk journal to add lots of opportunities to surprise the recipient.
9. Library Cards
Library cards are adorable and such a cute DIY ephemera for junk journals. You could draw out a quick library card design on to card or create a digital library card and print it out. Use a stamp to add dates and handwrite book titles for extra cuteness. If you were making a reading junk journal you could make a few library cards and scatter them throughout your book. Ink the edges or dye the card to create a vintage feel.
10. Dangles/Book Jewellery
Dangles and book jewellery can enhance a junk journal. For a vintage junk journal you could add some old vintage charms and beads. You can even make your own beads and charms from paper and polymer clay. They can hide the binding on a spine as well if that’s something you like.
This is just a few ideas for DIY ephemera for junk journals. The only question is what will you make first?