What is Junk Journal Ephemera for Beginners?
What is Junk Journal Ephemera for Beginners? 🤔
Hey there, fellow junk journal enthusiasts! 👋
Ever wondered what the heck “ephemera” is and why everyone’s talking about it? 🧐
Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Today, we’re diving into the world of junk journal ephemera with some help from our friend Johanna at Johanna Clough.
Let’s get started!
What Exactly is Ephemera? 🤷♀️
Johanna kicks things off by explaining ephemera:
- Ephemera are things you use temporarily in your life
- Usually, you use them once and then toss ’em
- Examples include tickets, receipts, notes, and food packaging
But here’s the twist: instead of throwing these things away, we’re gonna use them in our junk journals! 🎉
Johanna says ephemera is all about those little bits and pieces of life that we normally don’t think twice about.
It’s the ticket stub from that awesome concert, the receipt from a fun shopping trip with friends, or even the wrapper from your favorite candy bar.
Why Should You Use Ephemera in Your Junk Journal? 🤔
Johanna’s got some great reasons:
- It helps document your life
- Makes your journal more meaningful
- Triggers memories and stories
She explains that using ephemera is like creating a time capsule of your everyday life.
It’s not just about the big moments, but also the little things that make up your day-to-day experiences.
How Do You Collect Ephemera? 🗃️
Johanna’s got a simple system:
- Keep things you’d normally throw away
- Toss them in a drawer or box
- Sort through them later when you’re ready to journal
She mentions that she’s trained herself over time to spot potential ephemera.
It’s become second nature for her to ask, “Could I use this in my journal?”
What Kind of Ephemera Can You Use? 📌
Johanna shows us a ton of examples:
- Packaging from online orders
- Thank you notes from sellers
- Food wrappers (like candy or tea packets)
- Seed packets
- Notes and drawings from loved ones
- Stickers from your kid’s lunchbox
- Napkins and cutlery holders from restaurants
- Business cards and flyers
- Wristbands from events
- Gift wrapping and bags
- Paint chips from home projects
- Photos
She even shows us some cool game pieces from an escape room game she played with her family.
Talk about thinking outside the box!
How Do You Choose What Ephemera to Keep? 🤔
Johanna’s got some tips:
- Keep things with strong memories attached
- It’s okay to throw some stuff away later
- Look for items that can prompt more journaling
She emphasizes that not everything needs to be kept.
It’s about finding those pieces that spark memories or have stories behind them.
How Can You Use Ephemera in Your Journal? 📔
Johanna shows us some cool ideas:
- Use packaging to journal about a purchase
- Write about the memory behind a movie ticket
- Journal about a family member using their handwritten note
- Use a paint chip to document a home renovation project
She gives a great example of using a tea packet her sister brought over.
It’s not just about the tea, but about the visit and the relationship with her sister.
What If You Don’t Have “Exciting” Ephemera? 🤷♂️
No worries! Johanna says:
- Even simple things like candy wrappers can spark memories
- It’s not about the item itself, but the story behind it
- Get creative and think outside the box!
She shows us a latte packet she tried.
While it might seem mundane, it could be used to journal about trying new things or a cozy morning at home.
How Does Ephemera Make Your Journal Special? ✨
Johanna explains:
- It adds texture and visual interest
- Makes your journal more personal
- Helps you remember specific moments in your life
She flips through her own journal, showing us examples of ephemera she’s used:
- Pressed flowers
- Cinema tickets
- Newspaper clippings
- Paint samples
- Drawings from her kids
Each piece tells a story and makes her journal uniquely hers.
Ready to Start Collecting Ephemera? 🚀
Here’s what Johanna suggests:
- Start looking at everyday items differently
- Ask yourself, “Could I journal about this?”
- Keep a special box or drawer for your ephemera
- Don’t stress about keeping everything – it’s okay to be selective
She encourages us to train ourselves to spot potential ephemera in our daily lives.
It might feel weird at first, but soon it’ll become second nature!
How to Incorporate Ephemera into Your Journaling Process 📝
Johanna shares her process:
- She doesn’t always use ephemera right away
- Sometimes she’ll journal about recent events and add ephemera later
- Other times, she’ll use ephemera to inspire her journaling
She suggests pairing different pieces of ephemera together, even if they’re from different events.
It’s all about creating connections and telling your story.
Ephemera and Memory Keeping 🧠
Johanna emphasizes that ephemera isn’t just about prettying up your journal:
- It’s a powerful tool for memory keeping
- Helps you remember details you might otherwise forget
- Can trigger memories and emotions when you look back at your journal
She shares how looking at a simple napkin holder from a restaurant brought back memories of a whole vacation with her husband.
Getting Creative with Ephemera 🎨
Johanna encourages us to think creatively:
- Use gift wrap as a background for a journal page
- Turn a pretty envelope into a pocket for more ephemera
- Cut up packaging to create interesting shapes and patterns
She shows us how she’s been using every scrap of some pretty wrapping paper she received, incorporating it into multiple journal pages.
Ephemera and Storytelling 📖
Johanna explains how ephemera can enhance our storytelling:
- Use a movie ticket to talk about a fun night out with friends
- Journal about a home-cooked meal using a recipe card
- Write about a child’s milestone using a drawing they made
She emphasizes that ephemera adds depth and context to our journaling, making our stories richer and more vivid.
Wrapping It Up 🎁
And there you have it, folks!
Ephemera isn’t just fancy paper – it’s the stuff of everyday life that can make your junk journal truly unique.
Johanna’s passion for ephemera is contagious.
She shows us that with a little creativity and an eye for the everyday treasures around us, we can create journals that are not just beautiful, but also meaningful time capsules of our lives.
So, next time you’re about to toss that movie ticket or pretty packaging, think twice!
It might just be the perfect addition to your next junk journal page. 🎨
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to use ephemera.
It’s all about what speaks to you and helps you tell your story.
So go ahead, start collecting those little bits and pieces of your life.
Your junk journal (and your future self) will thank you!
Happy journaling, everyone! 📚✨
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