Junk Journals Archives - 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.