Junk Journal Terms Glossary
1. Junk journal: A handmade journal created using a combination of recycled materials, such as old paper, book pages, magazines, and other found objects.
2. Ephemera: Collectible paper items or documents that were originally meant to be discarded, such as vintage tickets, postcards, letters, and tags.
3. Signature: A section of paper folded in half and stitched together to form a booklet. Signatures are often used as the foundation of junk journals.
4. Tuck spot: A small pocket created by folding or gluing a portion of a page or envelope. Tuck spots are used to hold additional papers or embellishments.
5. Pocket: A larger space, often created by gluing two or more pages together, that can hold larger items, such as tags or photographs.
6. Embellishments: Decorative items used to enhance the visual appeal of a junk journal, such as ribbons, lace, buttons, charms, and beads.
7. Collage: A technique that involves arranging and gluing various materials, such as cutouts, images, and scraps, onto a page to create a visually cohesive design.
8. Altering: The process of modifying or transforming an existing item, such as a book page or a playing card, to fit into a junk journal.
9. Distressing: A technique that involves intentionally aging or weathering paper, usually by crumpling, staining, tearing, or sanding it, to create a vintage or distressed look.
10. Washi tape: Colorful decorative tape made from a paper-like material that can be easily torn or cut, often used for attaching items or as a decorative element.
11. Gelli printing: A printing technique that uses a gelatin-like plate and acrylic paints to create unique patterns and textures on paper, which can then be used in junk journaling.
12. Fussy cutting: A cutting technique that involves carefully cutting intricate shapes or designs from paper, often used to create themed elements for journal pages.
13. Doodling: The act of drawing or sketching in a freehand, whimsical style, typically done as a form of decoration or personal expression in a junk journal.
14. Theme page: A journal page that follows a specific theme or topic, such as travel, nature, or vintage. The page design, imagery, and text are often coordinated to reflect the chosen theme.
15. Cluster: A group of related items or embellishments arranged together on a journal page, often varying in size, shape, and texture to create visual interest.
16. Flip-out page: A page or section attached to a hinge or flap that can be “flipped out” to reveal additional content or space for journaling.
17. Tea staining: A technique that involves soaking paper in tea or coffee to give it an aged, yellowed appearance, often used in vintage-style junk journals.
18. Wax seal: A decorative seal created by melting wax onto paper, then pressing a stamp or a design into it. Wax seals are often used as a finishing touch on envelopes or journal pages.
19. Dangle charm: A small charm or trinket attached to a journal page or a tassel. Dangle charms can add visual interest and movement to the journal.
20. Smash journaling: A style of journaling popularized by the Smash Book brand, which involves quickly capturing memories, thoughts, and collected items without worrying about a structured layout.
21. Found poetry: A form of poetry created by rearranging words or phrases from existing texts, such as book pages, magazines, or newspaper articles, to create new meaning.
22. Embroidery: The art of decorating fabric or paper using needle and thread. Embroidery stitches and patterns can be incorporated into junk journals for added texture and visual interest.
23. Nostalgia: A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, often reflected in the choice of imagery, materials, and themes in junk journaling.