Botanical Bird Themed Junk Journal

Spellbinders Cathe Holden Vintage Flea Market Finds Junk Journal Kathy Clement Kathy by Design

Bird Themed Botanical Junk Journal with Spellbinders Cathe Holden Vintage Flea Market Finds

Hello, Friends!  It’s the first day of Spring, and I have a sunshiny Bird Themed Botanical Junk Journal to share with you on this Make & Take Tuesday.  If you are a fan of bird themed projects, vibrant florals and a vintage vibe, then this easy to make junk journal is going to make you smile.  It features some fun elements from Cathe Holden’s new Vintage Flea Market Finds release over at Spellbinders.

Songbirds and Sunshine

Here’s how I built the base of this simple 5×7 Junk Journal folio:

  • First, cut (2) 11″ x 7″ panels of extra heavy (110#) kraft cardstock.
  • Next, place 1/4″ Scor-Tape on a 7″ edge of one panel.
  • Now remove the tape liner and using the inner edge of the tape as a guide, overlap one panel over the other to form one long strip of cardstock that is 7″ tall.
  • Then place the long panel on your scoring tool and score at 5″, 5 1/2″ and 10 1/2″.  Fold on the 10 1/2″ score line, and continue to score two more 5″ panels.
  • You will have a short 1 1/2″ panel all the way on the right.  This will be a little side pocket.
  • Now, fold the 5″ and 5 1/2″ score lines to form a front and back cover.
  • Finally, accordion fold the remaining panels so that the side pocket panel winds up on top.

You’ll see how the folio folds in the project share video below.

The Spine and Elastic Band Closure

Line the spine of your junk journal with a bit of crochet lace.  I had this pretty 1 1/2″ wide yellow lace in my stash.  Brush the spine and 1/2″ of the front and back cover with gel medium or Dries Clear Adhesive to attach the lace. Then punch a hole in the center of the spine for the elastic closure.  Here’s how to make the elastic closure:

  • Thread a button with elastic thread (available at most fabric stores) and leave the tails long.
  • Next, run the tails through the hole in the center of the spine so that the button is on the inside. (Make sure the button is not wider than the spine!)
  • Now wrap the thread around the middle of the journal.  You want it to be a little bit snug, but not too tight.  Tie the ends together with another square knot, but leave room to thread another button.
  • Run the tails behind the knot through another button and tie another square knot.  Now you have a cute elastic/button closure for your Junk Journal.
A Peek Inside

Accordion fold journals are the easiest to make.  This photo shows how the journal folds into itself and the small side  pocket page that sits at the front of the journal.  All the papers and ephemera bits are from the Vintage Flea Market Finds release.

Here’s a look at the 3 inside panels.  I opted to go with a pocket/insert format because it allowed me to use up scraps of designer paper on tags and pockets.   You’ll get a full tour of in the video below.

Botanical Bird Themed Junk Journal Tour on You Tube

If you’d like to see all the inner workings and interactive elements in this sweet springtime journal, please enjoy this video project share on my YouTube channel.

 

I hope you feel inspired to give this simple junk journal design a try.  You can find a linked supply list below.

Happy Spring, my friends!

Cheerio,

kathy

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6 thoughts on “Botanical Bird Themed Junk Journal

  1. Helen

    Junk journal away Kathy, love it, all the mediums, texture, layers and the beautiful charms too. The envelope dies have so much potential. I do enjoy how you share your thoughts along the way and see other ways of using the products as you design, it is magic. I must add that base construction you did for this piece to the portfolio! Thanks again Kathy for sharing so much creativity.

  2. Joni E

    Love the vintage vibe of this junk journal! What a great addition the waterfall adds to the journal and love the elastic closure idea. As always thank you for sharing.

  3. Lillian Lumachi

    Really love the look and feel of this Folio…It’s so pretty and vintage, which I love and you work with the materials perfectly! Nice line from Spellbinders!

  4. Isabel Gonzalez

    This is such a beautiful journal, Kathy!!! You just amaze me with everything you make!! I love how you made it into an accordion style. Expect the unexpected with you. Lol! God bless you my sweet friend!!!

  5. Susan Steele

    Kathy …luv your junk journal!!! It’s so different and unique! Luv the papers you used and especially the front with all the laces and how you closed it up using those buttons on the elastic! Perfect! I’d never thought of that! Thanks for all the inspiration and the tutorial! Hugs, Suzy Q

  6. Gena Krannig

    OMG, Kathy! What a gorgeous journal! I absolutely love the myriad of papers and images in this fantastic creation! The accordion design is awesome. I love the surprises on each page as it unfolds. The spine dangles are beautiful and I love the little bee of course. Thank you for sharing! Hugs!

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