Scrap Journals

These are just some of the scrap journal I have been making. I starting making these about four or five years ago. First it was because of a move and then I realized how much I accumulated in a year or so. Then I decided to make it a yearly tradition. I love all the uses for these things. Also, they are great fun to make with a bunch of arty girlfriends.

With the new year everyone is always cleaning and sorting through their things. This year I believe this particular project has become even more relevant. It is a great way to recycle and the end product is something you can actually use or even give as a gift.

First, I start with the box of scraps I have been collecting all year from previous projects. I also save the return envelopes that come with my bills - I pay everything on line so never use them - art work that I junked, old tags, postcards from art shows, etc. I have a box I throw all this stuff into, whatever I haven't used in a year goes into making these journals, or is given to other artists, or tossed.

Next, I find a large area in my house that won't be disturbed for a day or two. Usually the bonus room floor. Then I start sorting. This years I sorted by color. Pinks and red, blues, black and white, yellows and creams, greens, etc. Then I added envelops, tags, postcards to these piles. I even use text or music from old books that I might have torn out for a collage.

After you have an assortment of piles you have to determine how large of a journal you will make. I usually find the average size piece of paper in each pile and work from there. [Remember the charm of these journals is that you are not having each page the same size.] I then get my paper cutter and start cutting the scraps to make the pages.

A roll of Scotch removeable tape is in order now. I use this tape to hold the awkward small pieces in place when I punch the holes in the pages. Now you can do this with a rubi coil binder like the ones I am showing you or with your zutter binder. Both work great. I get the big coils from Kinko's for 25 cents a piece. They come in five different colors. Just alternate your page sizes and what you want in your book. It can be a whole smorgasboard of things. I like to put the envelopes in to put things into. The ones with windows are cool.

The covers are made of scrap chipboard covered with scrap papers. I try to make about 10 or 12 of these to last around a year. One I put quotes in. Another I put buisness cards and reciepts from artwork in. I have one that is for grocery lists and dinners. So go get a box, throw your scraps in it and start making a few scrap journals.

Here I have used scraps and some arty postcards.

I have used small envelopes, tags, wallpaper pieces, and scraps here.

Tags, old projects, some envelopes.

More scraps and arty postcards, etc.

A basketful of finished scrap journals waiting to be filled.

A couple of people have asked me about the zutter binder and the rubi coil. They both are good machines, I have both. I like the rubi coil for these for two reasons - the large coils are cheap, and here by the coast plastic doesn't rust. I have to be real careful about metal here. I often leave a journal in my car and metal doesn't do well here.

The other question that came up was cutting the holes in the pages. Each machine will only cut a certain amount at a time. Smaller signatures are better, then just combine them when you bind. Feel free to email me with any other questions.