My "Once Upon a Time" Junk Journal

Well, this is an exciting time, a first dalliance into the world of blogging! After so many ventures into the creativity of others through their electronic chronicles, I thought it was high time I start to commit my own explorations, creations and musings into pixelated media to add my little patch to that glorious landscape. I sense slightly stormy seas ahead as technology is not my strong suit, but here we cast off nonetheless.

Vintage paper junk journaling. This is a little darling venture of mine. It comes naturally to me as I have long been enchanted by the world of bureaucratic paper - the poetry of postal stamped administrative letters, rubber stamped approved and hand signed pre-printed forms slightly weathered by roughshod handling, filing cabinets of documents gathered into little collections of significance. When studying law I think one of my favourite classes related to shipping contracts - the thought of wrapped boxes including an array of forms, stamps and labelling being sailed over the seven seas was captivating. Junk journals can be unstructured, disorganised, or formed into compositions that give meanings.

This little journal was a special treasure. I loved the Ladybird book inner covers and have turned some inside out to take advantage of their magical illustrations. Aren't these silver horses beauties?

The pages are a combination of vintage pages, collected papers and some card stock and notepaper. I try to minimise my use of bought papers, instead trying to use only repurposed materials. Some of the pictures included those from vintage Enid Blyton books, gardening books, a vintage postcard, a library "return by" slip, a vintage photo, as well as used envelopes. 

The tabbing is a collection of vintage ribbons and lace, in various pastel hues, which I sought to pick up the colours in the cover illustration.

And of course, it was decorated liberally with pockets for hiding treasures, die cuts luggage tags and scalloped circles and handmade luggage tags. The idea is that it's eventual owner should be able to move things around, add their own notes, use the loose luggage tags and other bits to turn it into their own personal collection of inspiration or treasures. 

A tiny little vintage bead nestled in a bow of vintage buttercup and white lace finished the composition.