Junk Journal Challenge: Add a Pocket
Pockets are one of the most versatile elements you can incorporate into your junk journal, adding both function and visual appeal. They provide a perfect way to store mementos, hidden notes, or ephemera, creating an interactive and dynamic experience as you flip through your journal. This challenge encourages you to create and add a pocket to your journal, whether it’s to hold something special or just to add a bit of surprise and discovery to your journal spread.
1. Choosing the Right Type of Pocket
The first step in adding a pocket to your junk journal is deciding what kind of pocket you want to create. There are many different styles of pockets you can make, depending on the look and function you’re going for:
- Simple Pockets: A straightforward pocket can be made by folding a piece of paper and gluing or stitching the sides, leaving the top open for inserting items. This is a quick and easy way to add a storage element to your journal.
- Tuck Spots: Tuck spots are similar to pockets but smaller, often formed by gluing a small piece of paper or ephemera down to create a little corner or edge to tuck items into. They’re less bulky and great for adding small, hidden surprises.
- Envelopes: Envelopes, whether made from paper or purchased, are a fun way to store mementos like photos, ticket stubs, or personal notes. They can be glued onto a page to add a hidden, secret element to your journal.
- Flap Pockets: A flap pocket is essentially a pocket with a lid or flap that folds over, creating an extra layer of surprise when you open it up. This can be a great way to store things you don’t want to be immediately visible, adding an element of intrigue.
- Fabric Pockets: For a more textured or rustic look, you can make pockets from fabric, such as burlap or linen. This gives your journal an earthy, boho vibe and can hold more delicate or special items, like pressed flowers or lace.
2. Materials for Making Pockets
When it comes to materials for your pockets, the options are endless. You can use virtually any kind of paper or fabric scraps you have on hand, including repurposed items from your junk collection. Here are some materials you can experiment with:
- Old Book Pages: Using pages from an old book gives the pocket a vintage feel. You can fold the page into a pocket or cut out the shape of a pocket and glue it to your journal.
- Scrapbook Paper: If you’re looking for a more polished look, scrapbook paper in various patterns or textures can make a lovely backdrop for your pocket. You can mix and match different prints to create a patchwork effect.
- Vellum: Vellum paper adds a soft, translucent look to your pocket, giving it a delicate, ethereal vibe. It’s perfect for adding a hint of mystery to your journal spreads.
- Envelopes: Pre-made envelopes can easily be added to your journal and are perfect for holding ticket stubs, postcards, or small pieces of ephemera. You can alter the envelope with washi tape, stamps, or stickers to make it fit your journal’s aesthetic.
- Fabric Scraps: Using fabric to make pockets adds texture and dimension to your journal. Whether you use a soft linen, vintage lace, or patterned cotton, fabric pockets bring warmth and coziness to your journal.
- Paper Bags: Small paper bags (like the ones used for packaging or gift wrapping) can be folded into pockets or used as large storage for bigger items like menus, maps, or receipts.
3. Techniques for Adding Pockets to Your Journal
Once you’ve chosen your materials, it’s time to start crafting the pocket. Here are a few techniques you can use to add a pocket to your junk journal:
A. Simple Glued Pocket
- Step 1: Choose your pocket material, such as a page from an old book or a piece of scrapbook paper.
- Step 2: Cut the material to the desired size and shape for your pocket.
- Step 3: Fold up the bottom edge (and sides, if needed) of the material to form a pocket.
- Step 4: Use glue or double-sided tape to secure the sides and bottom of the pocket. Leave the top open for inserting items.
B. Tuck Spot Pocket
- Step 1: Select a small piece of ephemera (like a small scrap of paper, postcard, or decorative card).
- Step 2: Use glue or washi tape to attach one side of the paper to your journal page, leaving the top and bottom free to form a tuck spot.
- Step 3: Tuck small items (like tickets, photos, or journaling cards) inside the tuck spot. You can also add decorative items like a stamp or a piece of lace to make the tuck spot more visually interesting.
C. Envelope Pocket
- Step 1: Use an envelope (store-bought or homemade) as your pocket base. If you’re creating a handmade envelope, fold a piece of paper into an envelope shape.
- Step 2: Attach the envelope to your journal page using glue, stitching, or washi tape. You can glue just three sides to make a pocket, or you can attach all four sides for a fully enclosed envelope.
- Step 3: Decorate the envelope with stamps, stickers, or tags. You can even add a small label to the front with the words “Memories,” “Tickets,” or “Secrets.”
D. Fabric Pocket
- Step 1: Cut a piece of fabric (like burlap, lace, or cotton) to the desired size for your pocket.
- Step 2: Fold the fabric edges inward to prevent fraying, then stitch or glue the sides to form the pocket.
- Step 3: Attach the fabric pocket to your journal using fabric glue or sewing. Fabric pockets can be sewn onto the spine or directly onto the journal page for extra texture.
- Step 4: Embellish the fabric pocket with lace, beads, or other trims for added visual interest.
4. Where to Place the Pocket in Your Junk Journal
Once your pocket is created, it’s time to decide where to place it in your journal. There are a few different places where pockets work particularly well:
- Inside the Cover: Adding a pocket to the inside cover of your journal is a great way to store larger items, such as postcards or tickets, that you might want to keep handy but not necessarily in the main body of the journal.
- In the Middle of a Spread: Pockets placed in the middle of your spreads can hold pieces of ephemera or photos and can be used to house small journaling cards or notes. These pockets can add surprise as you flip through the pages.
- On the Edge of a Page: Glue your pocket along the side or edge of a page, creating a fun “flip” feature. This allows you to add a pocket without taking up too much space on your spread.
- Behind or Underneath Photos: If your spread includes a large photo, you can create a hidden pocket behind the photo to store extra mementos. This makes for a surprise discovery when flipping through your journal.
5. What to Put in Your Pocket
Now that your pocket is created, it’s time to fill it! Here are some fun ideas for what to place inside your journal pocket:
- Photographs: A small photo can easily fit inside a pocket, making it a perfect place for keepsakes.
- Ticket Stubs: Movie tickets, train tickets, concert stubs, or theme park passes are perfect for adding to a pocket.
- Letters or Notes: Slip handwritten letters, love notes, or short journaling cards into the pocket for an extra personal touch.
- Ephemera: Stickers, business cards, stamps, and small tags can be tucked away in pockets for later enjoyment.
- Receipts: If you’re documenting a special experience, such as a meal or a shopping trip, receipts are great mementos to store in your journal’s pocket.
- Quotes or Affirmations: Write down inspiring quotes or positive affirmations on small pieces of paper and keep them in the pocket for daily encouragement.
6. Personalizing Your Pocket
To make your pocket more unique, consider adding some personal touches:
- Stamps and Stenciling: Add visual texture by stamping patterns, quotes, or images onto the pocket itself. You can also stencil over the pocket for a more customized look.
- Dyeing or Painting: Use watercolor or ink to dye or paint the pocket’s surface. This can give the pocket a soft, vintage vibe or a bold, colorful look, depending on your style.
- Embellishments: Use lace, buttons, beads, or charms to further decorate the pocket. These tiny details can turn an ordinary pocket into a statement piece.
Final Thoughts on Adding a Pocket to Your Junk Journal
Adding a pocket to your junk journal is a fun and creative way to make your journal more interactive and personalized. Pockets allow you to store precious mementos, hidden notes, and unexpected surprises, while also giving you the opportunity to experiment with different materials and techniques. Whether you create a simple tuck spot or a fabric envelope, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pocket designs, and remember, pockets are not just functional—they can be an artful part of your journaling journey!
To start your junk journal adventure head here!
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