Whenever I set out to work on a junk journal or art journal page, I often get stuck somewhere. I overthink every element. I hesitate to glue anything in place. It is supposed to be relaxing and fun, but it can become tense and frustrating when none of the arrangements and pieces please my eye.

I want to fill my pages quickly with colors, textures, and images that complement each other and encourage the eye to pause and take notice. To be able to move swiftly and confidently toward executing the idea in my head has always been my desire.

But all too often, the pieces don’t fit together. I shuffle them around. I flip through a magazine or an old book to find inspiration for an image or a word to cut, tear, or clip. I hesitate, am I sure? Of course not, but I need to be because defacing this intact printed material still feels decadent and wrong.

I shuffle the pieces some more.

I walk away. I come back.

Sometimes, I start completely over.

And still, I make pages I don’t like. There are, of course, pages I deem to be successes, but I can always see room for improvement. We are, of course, our own worst critic.

I should probably allow myself to make more pages that I deem unsightly to learn, improve, and grow. Better art appears when we feel relaxed, loose, and at ease.

I see the beautiful pages that other people are creating, and I want to be able to do the same.

But I need to understand my abilities. I am not a skilled painter or sketch artist; therefore, trying to make pages with spectacular drawings is unrealistic.

I need to remember my available supplies. I like to create many things, and I have limited journaling and scrapbooking supplies.

I need to honor my craft. I am an upcycler, and I like to reuse things. Therefore, while I will undoubtedly add to my craft supplies, I never intend to purchase loads of coordinating stamps, inks, papers, and stickers.

The more I rework and struggle with a page, the more tense I become and the less likely I am to like what I am creating. Try as I might, I can’t force my creativity out. All I can do is try to open the door to let it find its way into existence.

So, how do I make junk journal pages that are interesting, coordinated, and enjoyable to examine?

How do I avoid getting stuck and overthinking every page aspect?

Well, I decided to make myself a catalog or library of all the pieces I have to use in my junk and art journals to help me plan and visualize my pages.

It starts with a big mess but ends with a more organized craft room and basic building blocks to help inspire and create pages faster.

This is how I decided to break down the process. Your categories may be different.

Building Block # 1 – Library Of Background Techniques

I filmed 20 different background techniques for my first building block. You can see all the pages here.

Building Block # 2 – Library Of Rubber Stamps

This library is made up of two different parts. The first is a print of each stamp as it looks on paper, and the second is a printed image on a loose card for placing in a design before stamping the finished page.

Building Block # 3 – Edge Techniques and Punches

I also wanted to make a catalog of edge treatments for which I have supplies and skills, and I just happened to have these strips of cardstock that were the perfect size. These cardstock strips were also great for adding samples of all the punches I have.

Building Block # 4 – Library Of Tchotchkes & Trinkets

I used some cardboard and a three-ring binder for my heavier, more three-dimensional items.

Building Block # 5 – Written List Of Supplies

I have some items that are not easy to catalog, like stickers, leaves, dried flowers, watch parts, gum wrappers, etc. So, I added these items to a handwritten list.

Building Block # 6 – Papers

I have a few scrapbook papers but lots of other recycled paper options, and these bins have been great for holding all of them.

Building Block # 7 – Library Of Household Item Prints

For my last building block, I wanted to see what items I could find around the house to make different stamps to add texture and surface interest to my pages.

I used bottle caps and Q-tips for these two prints. Check out the video above to see all of my print ideas, and then search your home for items you have to make fun stamped patterns.

So, how do I plan to use this system? Well, it is twofold.

• 1 – I will use it for inspiration
• 2 – I will use it to help me visualize how the pages will go together

Here is the system in action.

More to come.

Happy Upcycling,

Cindy

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