7 Easy Embellishment Ideas for Junk Journal Beginners 🎨✂️

Feeling overwhelmed by all the fancy embellishments out there?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Today, we’re diving into some super simple and fun ideas that’ll make your journals pop without breaking a sweat (or the bank)!

I recently watched an awesome video by Natasa from Treasure Books, and I’m excited to share her cool ideas with you.

Let’s get crafty! 🦄

What Are Some Quick and Easy Embellishments for Beginners?

Natasa’s got seven fantastic ideas that are perfect for junk journal rookies.

Let’s break ’em down!

1. Lace Snippet Notepad 🎀

Ever wonder what to do with those random bits of lace?

Here’s a cute idea:

• Grab some cardstock for your base
• Layer different lace snippets on top
• Add a doily in the middle for extra flair
• Use a bulldog clip to hold it all together

Voila!

You’ve got a pretty notepad that doubles as a lace storage solution.

Genius, right?

But wait, there’s more! You can totally customize this:

• Try different sizes – mini ones for pockets, larger ones for covers
• Mix in fabric scraps or ribbon pieces
• Use it as a gift tag or a standalone embellishment

The sky’s the limit with this one!

2. Empty Pen Barrel Closure 🖊️

Don’t toss those empty pens!

Here’s how to turn them into a cool journal closure:

• Remove the ink cartridge from an empty pen
• Roll up a piece of paper and slide it inside the barrel
• Thread some elastic through the barrel
• Add beads or washi tape for decoration
• Use it to tie your journal closed

It’s eco-friendly and looks super unique!

Pro tips:

• Keep the pen cap for extra flair
• Try different types of pens for various sizes and shapes
• Use colored elastic to match your journal’s theme

3. Mini Folio 📂

This one’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it before:

• Take a piece of paper and fold it into a pocket shape
• Glue the sides to create a little folio
• Decorate the front if you’re feeling fancy
• Fill it with tags or other goodies

Clip it to a page in your journal for instant organization!

Make it your own:

• Create different sizes for various uses
• Use patterned paper for an instant decorative touch
• Add tabs or labels for easy identification

4. Mini Clipboards 📋

These are adorable and so easy to make:

• Cut thick cardboard into small rectangles
• Cover with scrapbook paper
• Ink the edges for a finished look
• Clip on some tea-dyed papers or other embellishments

They’re perfect for holding bits and pieces in your journal!

Get creative:

• Make a set in different sizes
• Use them as page markers or bookmarks
• Create a mini clipboard journal within your main journal

5. Fold-Out Tags 🏷️

Love tags but want something with a twist?

Try this:

• Take a rectangular piece of paper
• Fold it in half to create a tag shape
• Cut off the corners to make it tag-like
• Decorate both sides
• Punch a hole and add a reinforcer

Now you’ve got a tag that opens up to reveal more space inside!

Level it up:

• Create a mini accordion book inside the tag
• Use it as a secret journaling spot
• Add pockets inside for extra storage

6. Paper Offcuts Notepad 📝

Got scraps?

Don’t throw ’em away!

Make this instead:

• Gather your paper offcuts
• Stack them up, folding some for variety
• Punch two holes at the top
• Tie them together with twine
• Add a cute sticker for a finishing touch

It’s a great way to use up those leftovers and create something useful!

Make it special:

• Group papers by color or theme
• Add a decorative cover using cardstock
• Use different binding methods like staples or sewing

7. Mini Matchbook Notebooks 📒

Last but not least, these tiny notebooks are too cute:

• Use paper offcuts for the cover and pages
• Fold the cover like a matchbook
• Sew or staple the pages inside
• Add some decorative stitching if you’re feeling fancy

They’re perfect for tucking into pockets or using as embellishments themselves!

Spice it up:

• Create themed sets (e.g., nature, vintage, colors)
• Use them as gift card holders
• Add a tiny pencil for an on-the-go writing kit

Why Start with Just Seven Ideas?

Natasa makes a great point about keeping things simple.

Sometimes, having too many options can be overwhelming.

Starting with just a few ideas helps you:

• Focus on mastering basic techniques
• Avoid feeling stuck or indecisive
• Build your confidence as you create

Remember, it’s all about having fun and expressing yourself! 🌈

How Can These Ideas Spark Your Creativity?

The beauty of these simple embellishments is that they’re just starting points.

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can mix and match, combine ideas, or use them as inspiration for your own unique creations.

For example:

• Combine the lace snippet notepad with a mini clipboard for a shabby chic look
• Use the fold-out tag technique to create secret pockets in your mini matchbook notebooks
• Decorate your empty pen barrel closures with strips from your paper offcuts notepad

The possibilities are endless! 🎉

What Materials Do You Need to Get Started?

The best part about these ideas?

You probably have most of the stuff already!

Here’s a basic list:

• Paper (scrapbook paper, cardstock, paper scraps)
• Glue or adhesive
• Scissors
• Pen or pencil
• Ruler
• Hole punch
• Twine or string
• Decorative elements (lace, washi tape, stickers)

Optional but fun:

• Ink pad for distressing edges
• Sewing machine for stitched elements
• Beads for decoration

Ready to Get Started?

There you have it, folks!

Seven super easy embellishment ideas to kick-start your junk journaling journey.

Which one are you gonna try first?

Remember, the key is to start small and enjoy the process.

Don’t worry about making everything perfect – that’s the beauty of junk journaling!

How to Keep the Creativity Flowing

Once you’ve tried these ideas, keep the momentum going:

• Set aside a specific time each week for crafting
• Join online junk journal communities for inspiration
• Challenge yourself to use only materials you already have
• Try combining two or more of these techniques in one project
• Document your creations and see how your style evolves

Final Thoughts

Junk journaling is all about personal expression and having fun with creativity.

These seven ideas from Natasa are just the beginning of your junk journal adventure.

As you practice and experiment, you’ll develop your own unique style and favorite techniques.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to junk journal.

It’s all about the process and enjoying the creative journey.

So go ahead, grab those supplies, and start crafting!

Happy journaling, and let me know how these ideas work out for you! 😊✨

Check out more junk journal tips and tutorials here: