8 Creative Ways to Incorporate Vintage Lace in Your Junk Journal

I’m so excited to dive into one of my absolute favorite embellishments today – vintage lace! There’s just something magical about the delicate patterns and soft texture that instantly adds a touch of elegance to any journal page.

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for new ways to use your crafting supplies. Well, buckle up, because I’m about to share 8 creative ways to use vintage lace in your junk journals that’ll have you itching to raid your grandma’s sewing box!

These ideas range from simple accents to more complex techniques, so there’s something for every skill level. Let’s get started!

1. Delicate Page Borders

Let’s kick things off with one of my go-to techniques for adding a touch of vintage charm to my junk journal pages – delicate lace borders! This is such an easy way to elevate the look of your pages, and it never fails to make me feel like I’m flipping through an old-timey photo album.

To create these dreamy borders, I like to sew strips of lace along the edges of my pages. Make sure you’re using a needle that’s appropriate for delicate fabrics.

One of the things I love about this technique is how versatile it is. You can use different widths and patterns of lace to create totally different vibes. I’ve found that narrower lace works great for a subtle, elegant look, while wider, more intricate patterns can become a real statement piece on your page.

Pro tip: try combining your lace borders with vintage paper for a really cohesive look. I once used some lace that I’d tea-stained (another happy accident – I spilled my tea on it!) along with some old book pages, and the result was absolutely swoon-worthy.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with placement, either. While I usually stick to the outer edges of my pages, I’ve seen some amazing journals where lace borders were used to divide the page into sections. It’s like creating little vignettes on your page – so cute!

**One thing to keep in mind is that lace can be a bit delicate, especially if you’re using genuine vintage pieces. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally ripped a beautiful piece of lace my great-aunt had given me. Now, I always make sure to handle it gently and reinforce it with a bit of fabric glue if needed.

Delicate lace borders are an easy and effective way to add some vintage charm to your junk journal pages. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked!

2. Layered Pocket Embellishments

This technique is a total game-changer, and it’s perfect for those of us who can’t resist stuffing our journals full of little treasures and ephemera.

The first time I tried creating a layered lace pocket, it was a complete disaster. I used way too much glue, and everything ended up a sticky mess. But hey, we learn from our mistakes, right?

To create these textured pockets, start by choosing a base – I like to use sturdy cardstock or even thin chipboard. Then, the fun begins! Layer different patterns and widths of lace over your base material. The key here is to create depth and interest. I love mixing delicate, fine lace with chunkier, more textured pieces. It’s like creating a little fabric collage!

One of my favorite tricks is to use lace as a decorative pocket edge. It adds such a pretty, feminine touch to your pockets. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those smaller scraps of lace that you might have lying around. Once you start collecting vintage lace, you’ll find yourself hoarding every little piece!

To really take your pockets to the next level, try combining your lace with other embellishments. Vintage buttons are my go-to – they pair so beautifully with lace and add a nice tactile element. I once found a jar of old pearl buttons at a garage sale, they’ve been a staple in my lace pocket creations ever since!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pocket shapes, either. While rectangular pockets are classic, I’ve had a lot of fun experimenting with scalloped edges or even circular pockets. The lace helps to soften any harsh edges and gives everything a lovely, romantic feel.

One thing to keep in mind is that these pockets can get a bit bulky, especially if you’re using multiple layers of lace. Try to balance out my lace pockets with some flatter pages to keep things manageable.

Layered lace pockets are a fantastic way to add texture, interest, and storage to your junk journal pages. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll be amazed at how quickly these pretty pockets become a staple in your junk journaling repertoire!

3. Elegant Photo Mats

This technique is a game-changer when it comes to displaying photos or special pieces of ephemera in your journal. Once you start framing your pictures with lace, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

I remember the first time I tried this – I was working on a family history journal and wanted to do something special with an old photo of my great-grandparents. I had this beautiful piece of ivory lace that I’d been saving for a “special occasion” (you know how we crafters are!), and I decided to use it as a frame. The result was absolutely magical! It added such a soft, romantic touch to the photo and really made it pop on the page.

To create these lace photo mats, start by choosing a base – I like to use cardstock or thin chipboard for stability. Then, carefully glue your lace around the edges, creating a frame.

Pro tip: use a thin, clear-drying glue for this. I learned the hard way that regular white glue can seep through the lace and leave marks – not cute!

One of the things I love about this technique is how versatile it is. You can use different widths and patterns of lace to create totally different looks. Narrow, delicate lace creates a subtle, elegant frame, while wider, more intricate patterns can become a real focal point on your page.

For an extra special touch, try layering different lace patterns. I once created a mat using three different types of lace – a wide, scalloped pattern on the bottom, a medium floral lace in the middle, and a delicate, narrow lace on top. The result was absolutely stunning, and it added so much depth and interest to the page.

Now, here’s a little secret that took me way too long to figure out – vintage book pages make an amazing contrast with lace photo mats! The text adds visual interest without competing with your photo, and the aged paper pairs beautifully with vintage lace. I now keep a stash of old book pages specifically for this purpose.

Oh, and don’t limit yourself to just photos! I’ve used this technique to frame all sorts of ephemera – ticket stubs, postcards, even pressed flowers. It’s a great way to elevate any special item in your journal.

Elegant lace photo mats are a beautiful and easy way to add a touch of vintage charm to your junk journal pages. Give it a try!

4. Romantic Journal Tags

To create these dreamy tags, start with a basic cardstock tag as your base. Then, simply wrap your chosen lace around it, securing it with a bit of glue.

I use a thin, clear-drying glue and apply it sparingly.

Pro tip: use clothespins to hold the lace in place while the glue dries. It’s a game-changer!

One of the things I love about this technique is how customizable it is. You can wrap the entire tag in lace for a full-on romantic look, or just add lace accents to the corners or edges for a more subtle touch. I’ve even experimented with layering different types of lace for added texture and interest.

But why stop at just lace? I love combining these lace-wrapped tags with other vintage elements. Old buttons, charms, or even tiny keys can add such a lovely, nostalgic feel. I once found a bag of vintage mother-of-pearl buttons at a thrift store, and they’ve become a staple in my lace tag creations!

Vintage images pair beautifully with lace tags! I’m talking old postcards, cabinet cards, or even images cut from vintage magazines. The combination of the aged image with the delicate lace is just chef’s kiss.

One thing to keep in mind is that these tags can get a bit bulky, especially if you’re using chunky lace or adding lots of embellishments. Try to balance them out with some flatter elements to keep things manageable.

Oh, and don’t forget about the practical side of tags! These beauties are perfect for journaling on the back, or you can use them as tuck spots for smaller ephemera. I’ve even used them as bookmarks in my chunkier journals.

5. Dreamy Window Overlays

To create these magical overlays, start by selecting a piece of lace with an interesting pattern. The key here is to choose something that has some open areas – you want to be able to see through it. Then, simply layer it over your journal page or a piece of ephemera. Voila! Instant dreaminess.

I’ve found that using small, strategically placed dots of fabric glue works best. It holds the lace in place without making it stiff or ruining the see-through effect.

One of the things I love about this technique is how versatile it is. You can use it to create soft, romantic veils over photos or text, or even use it as a full page overlay.

Pro tip: try using your lace overlays as a vellum alternative. It creates a similar soft, diffused effect but with added texture and interest. I love using this technique to create little peek-a-boo windows in my journal – it’s like a little surprise for anyone flipping through!

But here’s where it gets really fun – try layering your lace overlays over other elements. I’m obsessed with using them over vintage ephemera or pressed flowers. The combination of the delicate lace with these other vintage elements is just magical. You can try creating a spread where you layer lace over some dried lavender, and the scent wafted out when you open that page will be divine!

One thing to keep in mind is that not all lace is created equal when it comes to this technique. I’ve found that finer, more delicate lace tends to work best for overlays. Chunky or heavily textured lace can be beautiful, but it doesn’t always create that dreamy, see-through effect we’re after.

Oh, and don’t be afraid to experiment with color! While white or ivory lace is classic, I’ve had a lot of fun playing with colored lace for these overlays. A pale pink or soft blue can add such a lovely, subtle tint to your page.

6. Textured Collage Elements

To incorporate lace into your collages, start by selecting small pieces of lace with interesting patterns. Don’t be afraid to cut up larger pieces – sometimes the most interesting bits are hidden in the corners or edges of a larger piece of lace. Then, simply layer these lace snippets in with your other collage elements.

One of my favorite ways to use lace in collages is as a backdrop for other elements. Try layering a piece of lace behind a vintage image or a journaling card. It adds such a lovely softness and depth to the background.

But don’t stop there! Lace can also be a fantastic element to journal on. I love using small pieces of lace as little journaling spots. The texture of the lace adds such an interesting element to your handwriting.

Pro tip: use a fine-tipped pen for this to avoid any snagging.

Lace pairs beautifully with fabric scraps in collages! The combination of different textures is just chef’s kiss. I now keep a little stash of coordinating fabric scraps alongside my lace bits for collaging.

I’ve used lace to create little pockets in my collages, perfect for tucking in small bits of ephemera. I’ve even experimented with dyeing lace to match specific color schemes in my journals.

One of my favorite things about using lace in collages is how it can completely transform the mood of a page.

Pay attention to the scale of your lace when using it in collages. Try to match the scale of your lace to the other elements in your collage for a more cohesive look.

One thing I absolutely love about this technique is how it allows you to use even the tiniest scraps of lace. You know those little bits that are too small for most projects? They’re perfect for collages! I keep a little jar on my craft desk specifically for these tiny lace scraps.

7. Dainty Belly Bands

Creating these lace belly bands is super easy, which is great for those of us who sometimes bite off more than we can chew with complicated projects (guilty as charged!). Simply cut a strip of lace to fit around your pages, overlap the ends, and secure with a bit of glue.

One of the things I love about lace belly bands is how versatile they are. You can use them to divide sections in your journal, bundle loose ephemera, or create tuck spots for smaller items.

I love embellishing my belly bands with vintage buttons or ribbon. It adds a little extra something special and can help tie your journal’s theme together.

You can layer different types of lace for your belly bands! I love using a wider, more substantial lace as a base, then layering a delicate, narrow lace on top. It creates such a beautiful, textured look.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your belly band placement! While they’re traditionally used horizontally, I’ve had a lot of fun experimenting with vertical belly bands or even diagonal ones. It’s a great way to add some unexpected visual interest to your pages.

8. Lace-Wrapped Signatures

This method not only looks absolutely gorgeous, but it also adds a lovely tactile element to your journal.

To create lace-wrapped signatures, start by cutting your lace to the right length – you’ll want it a bit longer than your signature height. Then, simply wrap it around your signature and secure it with a few stitches.

I slightly stretch the lace as I’m wrapping and stitching, which gives a nice, snug fit.

I love combining lace with other materials for the signature wraps. Fabric strips, ribbons, or even thin cords can add interesting texture and color variations.

You can dye your lace to match your journal’s color scheme! I use tea or coffee for a vintage look, but fabric dyes work great too. Just be sure to let the lace dry completely before using it to wrap your signatures.

Wrapping it up:

Wow, can you believe we’ve explored eight different ways to use vintage lace in your junk journals? I don’t know about you, but I’m itching to get my hands on some lace and start creating! From delicate page borders to lace-wrapped signatures, there are so many beautiful possibilities.

One of the things I love most about using lace in junk journals is how versatile it is. Whether you’re going for a soft, romantic look or a more eclectic, layered style, lace can help you achieve it. And the best part? There’s no right or wrong way to use it! It’s all about experimenting and finding what works for you.

Remember, these techniques are just starting points. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things! Maybe you’ll combine lace belly bands with photo mats, or use lace overlays in your collages. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes junk journaling so much fun.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with using lace in your journals. Drop a comment below and let’s chat!

Happy crafting, everyone!

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