31 Day Junk Journal Challenge: Day 29- Add a Hidden Message

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Junk Journal Challenge: Add a Hidden Message

One of the most fun and personal aspects of junk journaling is incorporating interactive elements that surprise and delight. Adding a hidden message or journaling space creates a sense of mystery and makes your journal feel even more like a private treasure. Whether you’re documenting a special memory, writing a note to yourself, or sharing a meaningful quote, hiding it behind a flap or inside a pocket adds an element of surprise to your journal.

Why Add a Hidden Message?

  1. Privacy and Intimacy:
    Hidden messages offer a sense of privacy, especially if your journal is filled with personal thoughts. You can write something deeply meaningful or emotional, knowing that it’s tucked away from view unless someone goes looking. It's a secret space just for you—or someone special—when the time is right.

  2. Surprise Element:
    Creating hidden messages adds an element of fun. When you revisit your journal later, you might rediscover that secret note or memory tucked away behind a flap. It’s like discovering a forgotten treasure. Plus, hidden spaces can encourage deeper engagement with your journal, inviting the reader to explore the pages more carefully.

  3. Creative Challenge:
    Making a hidden journaling space is a creative challenge! You get to experiment with different materials, folding techniques, and layers to create secret compartments or flaps. It's an opportunity to be inventive and playful with your design.

  4. Storytelling:
    Hidden messages can be an effective storytelling tool. For example, you could write the main part of your story on the visible page and save the conclusion or twist for behind a flap. Or, you can leave clues throughout your journal for someone (or yourself) to find later.

How to Add a Hidden Message in Your Junk Journal

Here are some fun and easy ways to incorporate hidden journaling spaces into your journal:

  1. Create a Hidden Pocket:

    • How to Do It: You can use a piece of scrap paper, old book pages, or even fabric to create a pocket that hides your note. Simply fold the paper, leaving one side open, and attach it to the page with glue or stitching. Then, slide a small piece of paper with your hidden message inside.
    • Personalization Tip: For a more decorative touch, you can cover the pocket with lace or fabric scraps. Add a vintage button, sticker, or a stamped image to make it look like a hidden compartment, waiting to be discovered.

  2. Use a Flip-Up or Flip-Down Flap:

    • How to Do It: You can attach a piece of paper or cardstock to the edge of your journal page, allowing it to flip open. Write your hidden message on the underside of the flap or leave a space for journaling there. To secure the flap, you can use washi tape, string, or even a small paper clip.
    • Personalization Tip: You can also create a layered flip-up using old book pages or a torn page from a magazine. This adds texture to your journal while keeping the message hidden underneath.

  3. Create a Fold-Out Section:

    • How to Do It: Take a larger piece of paper (or even fabric) and fold it into a small booklet or accordion fold. Attach it to your journal pages so it can open up like a mini-journal. Inside, you can write a longer, more detailed message or include a series of thoughts that you want to keep private.
    • Personalization Tip: You can make the fold-out more decorative by adding a vintage postcard or a map piece to the exterior, making it look like a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

  4. Tuck a Note Behind an Image or Embellishment:

    • How to Do It: If you’re using photos, clippings, or embellishments (like stickers, tags, or labels), you can hide a small journaling note behind them. Simply glue or attach the embellishment in a way that it covers the note, but you can lift it to reveal the secret message.
    • Personalization Tip: Use a vintage photo or postcard as a cover for your note. A little vintage lace or decorative paper can add charm and texture to the page.

  5. Hidden Message in a Paper Clip:

    • How to Do It: Attach a small piece of paper with a secret note to a paper clip or binder clip. Clip it to the edge of your journal, and your message stays hidden until it’s revealed.
    • Personalization Tip: Decorate the paper clip with ribbons, beads, or a small charm that complements the theme of your journal. This adds an extra layer of creativity.

  6. Use a Hidden Pocket Created from an Envelope:

    • How to Do It: Repurpose an old envelope by gluing it to your page, leaving the top or one side open. Inside, you can tuck a letter, note, or even a ticket stub with a hidden message written on it.
    • Personalization Tip: You can decorate the envelope with washi tape, stamps, or fabric scraps to give it a more vintage feel, and to make it look even more like a secret waiting to be opened.

Creative Ideas for Your Hidden Messages

  1. Write a Letter to Your Future Self:
    Write a letter to your future self, filled with hopes, goals, or just a reflection of where you are in life. Tuck the letter into a hidden pocket, and leave a note that says, “Do not open until…” You can even include a date or milestone for when you plan to revisit it.

  2. Secrets and Wishes:
    Add a note with a wish, a dream, or even a secret you want to keep safe. This hidden message can be a personal journal entry that reveals a thought or idea that might not be shared publicly.

  3. Special Quotes:
    Include a hidden quote that holds personal meaning to you. Write it on a small card or piece of paper and hide it behind a decorative element or in a pocket. Each time you open the page, you’ll be reminded of the quote’s wisdom.

  4. Memory Jogger:
    Add a hidden message that ties to a specific memory, perhaps something you’ve been meaning to write about but haven’t yet. It’s like planting a clue for your future journaling sessions.

  5. Treasure Hunt:
    If you're making a journal for a loved one, add a series of hidden messages throughout the journal. These could be little notes, jokes, quotes, or reminders of shared experiences. It could turn the journal into a "treasure hunt" they can enjoy as they go through the pages.

Final Thoughts 

Incorporating hidden messages in your junk journal not only adds a layer of intrigue, but it also makes your journal more personal and interactive. Whether you're creating a space to keep your secrets or leaving notes for future reflection, hidden messages are a wonderful way to make your journal truly your own.

As you experiment with different hiding techniques, you’ll likely discover new ways to add personal touches and hidden surprises throughout your journal. So, go ahead—create those secret compartments, tuck in those hidden notes, and enjoy the magic of a journal that’s full of little surprises!

To start your junk journal adventure head here!


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