You might be wondering how to use an Art Junk Journal.
The book may be an altered book where an old book has been used to create something new. I might have altered the construction of the book by adding or subtracting pages and building flip-outs. I might have used paint or ink or fabric or lace to dress it up. I might have used hand stamping or stenciling or made little collages on the pages.
I probably created a new cover, but sometimes I use the covers of an old book to create a new cover.
Maybe the book is a wholly new creation filled with papers I have dyed myself with coffee or tea to give it that wonderful old world look. The book might have a theme. The book might be nearly naked, with few embellishments. so you can fill the pages with words and art of your own. Or the book might be heavily embellished with vintage graphics and pieces of fabric and lace. There might be altered envelopes filled with journaling cards or hidden paperclips to hold a favorite quote. You may find pages from old books that have been used to make new pages in your book. Perhaps I have added a tassel or beads to the spine. Pockets and tuck spots might be filled with unique ephemera, journaling cards, tags, little notebooks, or interesting photographs.
Turning each page should be an adventure, a treasure hunt, a surprise — and hopefully bring a smile to your face.
As you turn the pages, please remember, you cannot ruin this book — you can only make it more yours by using it.
Add photos or quotes, recipes or remembrances. Write or art in it. Use it as a diary, a to-do list, a planner. It would make a perfect inspiration book.
Maybe, just maybe, you don’t want to add anything to it all. You just want to enjoy the variety of papers and textures through-out the book. (I totally understand that desire – it is part of what led me to making books in the first place.)
It’s okay to let it sit on your desk or table and just “be” and enjoy it as one might a piece of art.
There is no wrong way to use or not to use this book, because a book, in any and every form, is a precious gift.