How to Make Junk Journal Signatures for Beginners: Natasa’s Formula Revealed! 🗂️📚
How to Make Junk Journal Signatures: Natasa’s Formula Revealed! 🗂️📚
Ever wondered how to put together those perfect junk journal signatures? 🤔
You’re not alone!
Let’s dive into Treasure Books Natasa’s method and make our journal-making journey a breeze.
What’s Natasa’s Secret Formula? 🧪
Natasa from Treasure Books has a clever system for assembling signatures.
She breaks it down into five main categories:
- Plain paper
- Lined paper
- Book pages
- Specialty papers
- Extras
Let’s explore each one!
What Goes into the Plain Paper Category? 📄
Natasa loves variety in her plain papers.
She uses:
- Tea-dyed paper
- Coffee-dyed paper
- Avocado-dyed paper
- Onion skin-dyed paper
- White paper
Pro tip: Different hues make your journal look rich and interesting!
How About Lined Paper? 📝
For lined paper, Natasa includes:
- Undyed lined paper
- Dyed lined paper
- Ledger pages
- Large tea-dyed sheets
She even uses pages from notebooks, giving her full large sheets to work with.
What Kind of Book Pages Does Natasa Use? 📚
Natasa’s book page selection is diverse:
- Regular book pages
- Quote books
- Poem books
- Illustrated books (like Edith Holden)
- Dictionaries and thesauruses
Remember: Book pages offer less writing space, so use them sparingly!
What Are Specialty Papers? 🎨
This category is where things get fun!
Natasa includes:
- Vellum (plain and coffee-dyed)
- Scrapbook paper
- Gift wrap paper
- Handmade-looking or mulberry paper
- Coloring sheets (tea-dyed for extra charm)
- Vintage maps
- Music paper
- Reader’s Digest images glued to tea-dyed pages
What Goes in the Extras Category? 🎁
Extras add functionality and flair:
- Envelopes (for built-in pockets)
- Paper bags (folded for more pockets)
- Doilies (various sizes for decoration)
How Many Pages Should Each Signature Have? 🤓
Natasa’s formula:
- One signature: 15-20 pages
- Two signatures: 10-15 pages each
- Three or more signatures: About 10 pages each
What’s Natasa’s Step-by-Step Process? 🦶🦶
- Make a template from cardstock (the largest size that fits your journal)
- Choose pages from each category
- Fold pages to match the template height
- Trim oversized pages
- Arrange pages in a pleasing order
- Create pockets from extra-long pages
- Sew, ink edges, and embellish as desired
How Does Natasa Choose Her Pages? 📊
Natasa’s approach is all about balance. She uses:
- Most: Plain paper and lined paper
- Some: Specialty paper
- Least: Book pages and extras
She focuses on providing plenty of writing space while adding character to the journal.
What’s Natasa’s Pocket-Making Trick? 💼
Natasa loves using large pages to create pockets.
She folds them in or up, creating extra storage without losing writing space.
Clever, right?
How Does Natasa Assemble Her Signature? 🏗️
- She starts with a vellum page for the first page
- Follows it with an illustrated page (like Edith Holden)
- Alternates between plain and fun pages
- Places pocket pages strategically throughout
- Ensures writing pages are abundant
- Mixes in specialty papers for added interest
What’s Natasa’s Binding Method? 🧵
Natasa uses a three-hole pamphlet stitch to bind her signature.
It’s simple and effective!
How Does Natasa Finish Her Signatures? 🎬
After binding, Natasa:
- Rounds some edges for a softer look
- Inks all the edges for a cohesive appearance
- Adds decorative sewing to some pages
- Creates pockets by sewing some folded edges
- Leaves some folded pages open for extra writing space
How Does Natasa Embellish Her Signatures? 💅
Natasa adds:
- Paperclips with charms
- Pre-made envelopes
- Magazine images as journaling spots
- Napkins for collaging
- Handmade pockets
- Notepads
- Book page bows
- Tags
- Laminated leaves as bookmarks
- Doilies
- Washi tape decorations
What’s Natasa’s Philosophy on Embellishments? 🤔
Natasa believes in balance.
She doesn’t overdo it with embellishments on every page.
Instead, she focuses on:
- Adding functional elements (like pockets and tags)
- Including movable pieces that can be rearranged
- Providing extra journaling spaces
- Adding visual interest without overwhelming the pages
How Does Natasa Make Her Journals Unique? 🌟
- She mixes different types of papers for texture and interest
- Creates unexpected pockets and foldouts
- Adds handmade elements like envelope pockets
- Incorporates natural elements like laminated leaves
- Uses a variety of embellishments for visual appeal
What Are Some of Natasa’s Pro Tips? 💡
- Use a template to ensure all pages fit your journal perfectly
- Think about functionality as well as aesthetics
- Create pockets from oversized pages instead of trimming them all
- Mix different paper types for a rich, interesting look
- Focus on providing plenty of writing space
- Add movable elements for flexibility
- Don’t overdo embellishments – leave room for the user to add their own touch
How Can You Adapt Natasa’s Method? 🔧
Remember, Natasa’s method is a guide, not a rule book.
Feel free to:
- Adjust the number of pages based on your journal size
- Use different types of papers based on what you have available
- Create your own categories that make sense for your style
- Experiment with different binding methods
- Add your own unique embellishments
Ready to Make Your Own Junk Journal Signature? 🚀
Now you’ve got Natasa’s formula, it’s time to create!
Remember, this is just a guide.
Feel free to mix it up and make it your own.
The joy of junk journaling is in the creativity, so have fun with it! 🎨✂️📗
Start by gathering your materials.
Look around your house – you probably have more potential journal pages than you realize!
Old books, pretty paper napkins, gift wrap, even junk mail can be transformed into beautiful journal pages.
Next, create your template.
This will be your guide for sizing all your pages.
Then, start sorting your papers into categories.
This will help you ensure a good mix in your final signature.
As you assemble your signature, think about the flow.
Mix writing pages with decorative ones.
Create pockets for storing ephemera.
Add foldouts for extra writing space or hidden journaling spots.
Don’t forget the finishing touches! Ink the edges of your pages for a cohesive look.
Add some simple sewing for decoration and to secure pockets.
Then, have fun with embellishments – but remember, less is often more.
The most important thing is to enjoy the process.
Junk journaling is all about creativity and self-expression.
There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
So take Natasa’s tips as inspiration, and then let your imagination run wild!
Got questions?
Drop them in the comments!
And don’t forget to check out Natasa’s tutorials for more in-depth tips and tricks.
Happy journaling! 📔✨
Check out more junk journal tips and tutorials here:
