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This journaling trend is such a smashing idea that it’s taken the journaling and crafting world by storm. And my guess is, you’re probably going to start rustling up all the supplies as soon as you finish reading this. It’s called a smash book or a junk journal. If you ask me (though nobody did), it’s a new form of scrapbooking. However, it isn’t as… fancy. I never got into the scrapbooking scene because frankly, who the heck has time for that? This is more like the business casual version – or garage sale vs boutique. It’s not supposed to be extravagant or take a lot of time. (Though if you want to get fancy, you certainly can.)
So, what the heck is it; and why should you start one? Basically, you take a journal, or even an old book, and use glue, washi tape, stickers, etc. to decorate the pages with (flat or paper) ephemera and pictures. If you’re a ticket stub saver or a junk drawer hoarder, you’re going to love this project. I’m both, which is why I was immediately intrigued, haha. And here, all this time, I thought I was such a magpie for saving all the random stuff… As it turns out, I’m actually a curator of memories and a soon-to-be smash book artist. (At least that’s what I’m going with the next time someone rolls their eyes at me for saving something instead of throwing it away.)
This type of journaling (because of course you can write in it too) is perfect for themes like travel, relationships, babies, kiddos, and everyday life. It’s simply a fun and easy way to commemorate your memories.
Want to get started? Here are some tips and tricks…
- Find a journal to use. I recommend a spiral bound one with an elastic band to keep it closed, because eventually your journal is going to get pretty thick and you’ll have to smash it down.
- Gather your supplies. In addition to the journal, be sure to have: a glue stick or double-sided tape, washi tape, scissors, pens or markers, pictures, flat ephemera and paper memories. Other optional items could include: stickers, decorative paper, stamps, tabs, and envelopes (to create fun pockets). Some memorabilia examples are: ticket stubs, maps, boarding passes, programs, wristbands from events, doodles or drawings, notes or letters, cards, etc.
- Have at it! And keep in mind there are NO RULES. A smash book, or junk journal, is not meant to be an elaborately designed thing. Simply start applying your items to the pages. It doesn’t even need to be organized. And remember that you can use whatever you like. You can glue ephemera, write, draw, paint, whatever you feel like on any given day.
What do you think? Ready to glue and smash your “junk” into treasured memories? As a sentimental sap and creative soul, I can tell you that this project is both fun and satisfying.
PS: My little Fujifilm printer was perfect for this project. Interested in getting one of your own? Check out that post here.
🙂
