Junk Journal Pockets and Tucks Idea for Beginners: Side Layered Pockets
Junk Journal Magic: Layered Side Pockets That’ll Make Your Pages Pop! 🎨✂️
Ever feel like your journal pages are missing that special something?
Worried your designs are getting stale?
Well, buckle up because I’ve got a treat for you today!
I just watched an awesome video by Pamela from The Paper Outpost, and she’s got a super cool idea for jazzing up your junk journal pages.
Let’s dive into her layered side pocket technique!
What Are Layered Side Pockets?
Imagine a set of pockets, each one peeking out from behind the other, creating a cascading effect on the side of your journal page.
That’s exactly what Pamela’s showing us how to make!
These pockets are:
- Thin and journal-friendly
- Perfect for tucking in all sorts of goodies
- Easy to customize
- A great way to use up your scrapbook paper stash
Pamela’s prototype has three pockets, plus a fourth when you glue it to the page.
But hey, you can make as many as you like! 🎉
How Do You Make These Pockets?
Pamela breaks it down into simple steps.
Here’s how you can create your own:
- Start with 12×12 scrapbook paper
- Cut it into 6×12 pieces
- Cut four strips: 1″, 2″, 3″, and 4″ wide
- Trim all strips to 6″ tall
- Round the corners (optional, but cute!)
- Ink the edges for some extra pop
Pamela used blue ink this time, feeling “wildly bold and sassy”.
Who says you can’t live dangerously with paper crafts? 😉
What Can You Tuck Inside?
The possibilities are endless!
Pamela suggests:
- Tickets
- Small pictures
- Butterflies (paper ones, of course! 🦋)
- Stickers
- Stamps
- Journal cards
- Tags
- Writing paper
- Poems or quotes
Remember, these pockets are all about adding fun little surprises to your journal.
It’s like hiding treasure for yourself or your readers to discover later! 🏴☠️
How Do You Decorate These Pockets?
Here’s where the fun really begins!
Pamela goes to town decorating her pockets:
- She adds little flowers 🌸
- Sticks on some numbers
- Uses a bit of sorry silk for texture
- Incorporates scraps of colored paper
- Adds bits of handmade paper
- Uses liquid pearls for some shine ✨
Pamela’s all about using up those scraps.
She even dug into her scrap bucket for this project.
It’s a great way to declutter your craft space while making something beautiful!
Any Pro Tips from Pamela?
You bet!
Here are some nuggets of wisdom she drops:
- Use flatties (flat decorations) on the inner pockets to keep them slim
- Go a bit bulkier on the outer pocket if you want
- Don’t be afraid to layer up your decorations
- Use clear gesso to tone down shiny stickers
Pamela even shares her recipe for homemade clear gesso: mix half a cup of white glue, a quarter cup of baby powder, and a quarter cup of water.
Shake it up, and you’re good to go! 🧪
Why Should You Try This Technique?
- It’s super easy – anyone can do it!
- It helps use up your scrapbook paper stash
- It adds a fun, interactive element to your journal
- It gives you more spaces to tuck away treasures
Plus, it’s a great way to add dimension to your pages without making them too bulky.
Win-win! 🏆
Need Some Inspiration?
Pamela suggests making themed pockets.
She whips up a nature-themed one right before our eyes, tucking in:
- A cute bird 🐦
- A vellum squirrel 🐿️
- Some mushrooms 🍄
- An owl 🦉
- Pretty flowers 🌺
But don’t stop there!
You could make pockets themed around:
- Vintage ephemera
- Travel memories
- Favorite quotes
- Seasonal items
- Color schemes
The sky’s the limit!
Let your imagination run wild. 🌈
How Can You Customize This Idea?
Pamela’s version is just the starting point.
Here are some ways you could make it your own:
- Try different paper sizes for larger or smaller pockets
- Use patterned scissors for decorative edges
- Add tabs to the top of each pocket for easy opening
- Use transparent vellum for see-through pockets
- Add strings or ribbons to tie the pockets closed
Remember, in junk journaling, there are no rules.
If it makes you happy, go for it! 🎭
What If You’re Not Feeling Creative?
Don’t worry, we all have those days!
Pamela’s got some advice:
- Just start playing with your papers
- Don’t overthink it
- Sometimes, you just have to “take the plunge” and glue something down
- If you’re stuck, try a color scheme or theme to guide you
The most important thing is to have fun with it.
This isn’t about perfection; it’s about enjoying the process! 🎨
Ready to Get Started?
Alright, junk journal junkies, it’s time to raid that paper stash and start creating!
Here’s a quick checklist to get you going:
- Scrapbook paper
- Scissors or paper cutter
- Corner rounder (optional)
- Ink pad (optional)
- Glue
- Decorative elements (stickers, washi tape, etc.)
- Small items to tuck in the pockets
Wrapping It Up
These layered side pockets are such a fun way to add interest to your junk journal pages.
They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for using up those paper scraps we all have lying around.
Remember, junk journaling is all about expressing yourself and having fun.
So don’t stress if your pockets aren’t perfect or if you can’t decide where to put that butterfly sticker.
Just enjoy the process and let your creativity flow!
Happy journaling, everyone! 🎉📚✨
And remember, in the words of Pamela, “Create with reckless abandon!”
Now go make some awesome pockets!
Check out more junk journal ideas here:
