9 Ways to Upcycle Old Comic Books

If you have any old issues of comic books lying around the house, it would be best to upcycle them into comic book crafts.  

Why Upcycle Old Issues of Comic Books? 

For environmental and practical reasons

Upcycling helps reduce one's ecological footprint. Instead of old comic books piling up in a clutter at home or ending up in a landfill, upcycling can be a productive way to minimize waste paper.

Issues of low-value comics can be put to good use. Modern comic books and "filler" issues have low market value. Instead of selling them for a dime adozen, upcycling them into aesthetic crafts can be a better way of giving them value.

For creative and artistic expression 

Crafters can take advantage of black-and-white and colorful matte pages, and glossy comic book covers.

For uniqueness and novelty 

Pages from old comic books can be a good (and cheaper) alternative to paper craft materials like scrapbook paper. Comic book illustrations come in bold and bright colors. Pages can potentially rival scrapbook paper and printed cardstock. Even black-and-white pages can be made to look aesthetically appealing when used for DIY crafts.

Comic book crafts can be customized and tailored to suit one's tastes and preferences. It doesn't matter if you patronize superhero comic book powerhouses like Marvel and DC, or you used to be just a casual reader of the comics page of the Sunday morning newspaper.

Or, you may have preferred and collected timeless pop culture favorites like Archies, Peanuts, Garfield, or Disney.

And how about those copies for which you have lined up during Free Comic Book Day? 

A few of the comic book crafts below can be tailored to suit your friends or colleagues. They can also be customized for your child's homeroom adviser, her best friend, a grandmother, an aunt or uncle, or a cousin.

Moldy, crumpled, or torn comic book pages can still be used. Lest you think that such pages are worthless, think again! 

PLAID Mod Podge
(Water-based sealer, glue and finish
in assorted variants) by pocketsavers

There are reasons crafters swear by certain tried-and-tested techniques like papier mache or decoupage. With the help of a jar of Mod Podge and an old paintbrush, your only limit to creating is your imagination. 

For frugality 

Comic book crafts can be given away as attractive yet inexpensive gifts. And I'm not just talking about stocking stuffers or gifts for Secret Santa for your neighborhood block parties or church get-togethers. 

You can DIY comic book crafts to give away as presents for occasions like birthday, anniversary, a housewarming, or a farewell party.  

Should all of the reasons I have cited to upcycle convince you to try comic book crafts, here's a list of 9 DIY projects that are guaranteed to provide you with hours of fun:

(**DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, which means I'll be collecting a commission each time you click on those links and make a purchase.)

Preloved comic books
Justice League (50% off)
from The Mint Garage

(1.) Decorate a wine bottle. Forget about spending a ton just for a style upgrade for your home this holiday season.

Image from Karen Kavett
Click here for tutorial.

Imagine having a quirky-looking vase next to a stack of randomly arranged books on your coffee table.

Just take an empty bottle of wine or champagne and old copies of black-and-white or color comic books, click on the tutorial above, and you'll have a worthwhile conversation starter at home in no time.

Pre-loved Spider-Man comic books
by Roland's Comics, Roland Komiks

(2.) Make a set of coasters. You probably have more than a couple of people on your gift-giving list who enjoys a warm mug of hot chocolate or coffee, maybe with a batch of pancakes or a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast before heading off to work. 

A hot beverage can be the best companion while reading a good book, or during an afternoon of knitting or needlework. 

Men who crash out on their couch to watch a ballgame or Netflix on weekends, or tinker with their gaming equipment may wish to grab a cold beer nearby. 

So why not make a dozen or more of these comic book coasters for them? 

Since this upcycling project requires ceramic tiles, you should also plan a trip to the hardware store.

(3.) Are you too cool for school? Is note-taking in biology or algebra turning into a real bore? Are your notebooks and binders looking drab? 

This tutorial from Autodesk Instructables utilizes
old issues of fashion magazines. Feel free to
substitute magazine covers with comic books.

Put some attitude into your school supplies by turning glossy comic book covers into notebook covers. 

You can also arrange photos along with your selected comic book illustrations into a collage to decorate the front of your binder and its dividers. 

Add embellishments like washi tapes, stickers, and die cuts, and school days will never be the same again.

(4.) Tote your own comic book clutch. 

Have you run out of ideas on how to accessorize that little black dress or cocktail dress? 

Also, think about those random or spur-of-the-moment errands, like a quick trip to the cafe to grab coffee and a sandwich, or the grocery store, or the salon for a trim or touch-up, where you only need to take small bills, a credit card, and your phone?

Make a comic book clutch (or 2, or half a dozen) to match a formal attire, or even an outfit that's semi-formal or business casual.

You can further modify this DIY project to decorate similar or larger clutch-style bags that you have thrifted, or rescued from going straight to a landfill. 

In no time, you'll have the convenience to choose among several clutches for your next errand.

(5.) Make decoupage containers. 

As a crafter, I swear by the wonders of a technique called decoupage. 

Even if you ended up with a pile of comic books with low-market value, or you're trying to figure out how to make good use of moldy, dusty, crumpled, or torn pages, you can turn to decoupage to use up and clear away your clutter.

Photo from Crafts by Amanda
For full tutorial, click here.

While the tutorial above involves round containers, you can just as easily take an old shoebox or empty gift box and apply the same technique to decorate it.

(6.) Jazz up a plain picture frame. Since we're on the topic of decoupage, here's another upcycled comic book craft that shows how it can be done, but this time, to a plain picture frame.

Image from
Autodesk Instructables
Click here for full tutorial.

And don't even think about rushing to the store to get cheap frames. Why not take any old ones you have around the house, and make them look brand new with this comic book craft?

Archie's Pals 'n' Gals Double Digest comics (priced
per piece) from Roland's Comics, Roland Komiks

(7.) Hold off on buying loot bags for your next party. You may wish to stock up on inexpensive loot bag items like sticker sheets, notepaper, or craft materials as giveaways for birthday parties, or any kind of party.

But wait! Refrain from shelling out extra cash for loot bags, and settle for paper bags crafted from comic book pages instead. 

Whenever there's a need for loot bags for guests for any kind of party, the colorful and bold illustrations on comic book pages are more than enough to suit the bright and festive mood of your celebration. 

Image from Red Ted Art
For full tutorial, click here.

And why limit yourself to upcycling comic pages into loot bags? You can DIY your own gift tags, and even make party invitations and place them inside comic book envelopes.

(8.) Delight your bookworm buddies. Whether your friends are heavy on the classics, prefer self-help or inspirational bestsellers, go from contemporary page-turners one day to poetry the next, or lean towards graphic novels, surely they'll appreciate a bunch of old comics turned into bookmarks! 

To add a personal touch to your bookmarks, you can tie a ready-made tassel, a strip of plain satin or printed ribbon, or utilize leftover yarn or embroidery floss. 

Want to learn other styles of DIY bookmarks? Read -- 

Handmade From the Heart: 5 DIY Gifts for Bookworms

(9.) Turn them into a pair of earrings. 

Turn heads every time you go out, or jazz up a plain jeans-and-T-shirt combo by putting on a pair of colorful, artsy earrings made from comic book pages.

The video tutorial above shows how to make a basic pair. You can modify and shape your comic book earrings into diamonds, hearts, teardrops, fir trees, snowmen, top hats, and animals like cats, bunnies, bears, etc.

9 Ways to Put Together A Scrapbook-in-A-Jar (Part 2)

I have cited several reasons scrapbooks-in-a-jar can be better than traditional scrapbooking. It's not too far a stretch for dedicated hobbyists. And as crafters, they'd get to recycle more and use up the excess supplies from their craft stash faster. 

Here are the remaining 4 scrapbooks-in-a-jar DIY themes: 

(**DISCLAIMER: I have kept my local readers in mind for this 2-part blog post. I have inserted affiliate links to products that are easily accessible for the list of DIY scrapbooks-in-a-jar I have curated. I will collect a commission each time you click on those links and make a purchase.) 

(6.) KPop-inspired Scrapbook-in-A-Jar 

KPop-inspired scrapbooks-in-a-jar are so fun to make. Each group has its own official logo and colors, and lots of KPop-inspired merch, both official and fan-made, are available out there.

You Name It
group stickers
by heydef2u.ph

And even if you don't stan a group or aren't really into this genre of music, you can DIY a couple of these scrapbooks-in-a-jar as gifts for your KPop-loving friends. 

Photo cards can also be bought at relatively cheap prices. You can then insert extras, like miniature stickers or flatback charms of popular Korean food and snacks.

Consider the group's official colors and logo, and let them be the focal point of your scrapbook-in-a-jar. 

(7.) Spring-Themed Scrapbook-in-A-Jar 

Painting flowers or incorporating insects like ladybugs or bees is perfect for this spring-themed DIY project.

This recycled spice bottle may be too
small for a scrapbook-in-a-jar. You
can take a bigger jar to accommodate
a photo and other embellishments.

Gather any photos you have of your family enjoying nature. It could be your kids tending to a flower bed, or your latest visit to the zoo. 

You could be having a picnic at the park, fishing by the lake, or enjoying s'mores or roasting marshmallows by a campfire. 

(8.) Special Interests Scrapbook-in-A-Jar 

100 pieces cotton fabric for
multiple sewing projects by
Lucky Loops Sewing Supplies

Think about your friends who enjoy sewing or baking. For sewing enthusiasts, embellishments will come in the form of craft buttons, a piece of colorful fabric, a cute pin cushion, and needle minders. 

Printed liners of cupcake molds and miniature baking equipment as embellishments, on the other hand, will suit the scrapbook-in-a-jar for baking enthusiasts. 

Miniature cake making
tool kit by RQING.ph

Cupcake/muffin liners
(100 pcs.) yky999.ph

(9.) Ideas for Christmas Scrapbook-in-A-Jar

Since the holidays are fast approaching, make sure to have at least a dozen of these handy for Secret Santa and stocking stuffers. Think pine cones, fake snow, artificial snowflakes, Christmas balls, and red and green ribbons.

You may have a family photo taken, where all members are decked in funny-looking pajamas or ugly sweaters. You may also have your child's picture taken with Santa Claus at a nearby department store.   

The good news is while you may need to buy some of the craft materials, a lot of the ideas in the videos require everyday items that can be recycled instead of thrown away.

9 Ways to Put Together A Scrapbook-in-A-Jar (Part 1)

What often comes to mind when someone mentions "scrapbooking" as a craft or hobby? 

You probably think of 6" x 6", 12" x 12", and 24" x 24" scrapbook albums and paper, photos, die cuts, and embellishments. 

But have you ever thought about the elements of scrapbooking, and maybe a little more -- all put together in a jar? 

The Uniqueness of the Scrapbook-in-A-Jar 

A scrapbook-in-a-jar lends novelty to the craft. 

Imagine not arranging photos and elements on the pages of a scrapbook album. Instead, you'll take an empty jar, choose a theme, add a photo, and choose embellishments based on your theme. 

Selecting the appropriate jar can be just as much fun as deciding on the size of the scrapbook album. Putting together a scrapbook-in-a-jar can truly be an exercise in creativity.

Scrapbooks-in-a-jar can be frugal.

While different sizes of mason jars can be bought in bulk for a cheaper price, you can choose to recycle empty jars of peanut butter, mayonnaise, pickle relish, or fruit preserves to create your scrapbooks-in-a-jar. 

Also, you'll most likely need to use only excess supplies from your craft stash, including bits and pieces of scrapbook paper, ribbons, yarn, and twine. 

You can also incorporate random items like tassels, lace, paper doilies, and a strip of pom pom trim.

So if you think resorting to crafting gift tags and bookmarks just to use up your stash has gotten old and boring pretty fast, putting together several scrapbooks-in-a-jar can be a new and exciting way to get rid of your excess supplies. 

You can incorporate 3D elements better in a scrapbook-in-a-jar.

Unlike traditional scrapbooks with a flat, 2D surface, you can incorporate 3D elements better in a scrapbook-in-a-jar. 

You can use multi-purpose glue to attach a small toy or figurine on your jar's lid, or attach oddly shaped craft buttons in strategic areas of your scrapbook-in-a-jar.

Scrapbooks-in-a-jar can have a decorative effect.

Because of their size, you can place a scrapbook-in-a-jar nearly anywhere -- next to a lamp on your bedside table, or the pencil holder on your desk. 

Scrapbooks-in-a-jar can also be an eye candy, and serve as conversation starters in your home. You can randomly stack up books in various sizes and thickness on top of a coffee table and place a scrapbook-in-a-jar next to it.

So if you want to brighten up a rather threadbare space or room, why not place several scrapbooks-in-a-jar wherever appropriate.

A scrapbook-in-a-jar can be customized to be given away as a gift.

If you're looking for a unique present for loved ones or friends, a scrapbook-in-a-jar is a fool-proof handmade item that no one can resist. 

All you need to do is keep the recipient's interests in mind, and tailor the jar accordingly. It could be a hobby or interest, or her favorite colors or styles. It could be a movie, TV series, or pop culture icons.

Putting together scrapbooks-in-a-jar can be frugal, so these items can also be excellent stocking stuffers.

(**DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, which means I'll be collecting a commission each time you click on those links and make a purchase.)

(1.) Pop Culture-Themed Scrapbook-in-A-Jar

Pop culture-themed scrapbooks-in-a-jar can be given as presents to anyone whose tastes are influenced by particular characters from cartoons, comic strips, video games, movies, or TV shows. 

Photo from Bluey
Click here for full procedure.

If you have children on your holiday gift-giving list, they might appreciate anything related to anime, Sanrio, Disney or Warner Bros. characters.

Likewise, you may know adults who are into Marvel or DC superheroes.

(2.) Shabby Chic Scrapbook-in-A-Jar 

Think flowers, lace, whimsical and cozy cottages by the countryside, and lots of plaid and gingham prints.

Wedding, anniversary, or vacation photos usually suit shabby chic scrapbooks-in-a-jar.

Gentle Wind series
vintage flower pattern paper
from jianwustationery

The video tutorial above features 3 kinds of jars decorated the shabby chic way. They're easy and simple enough to modify according to your tastes and preferences.

(3.) Beach-Themed Memory Jar 

Set of 10 pieces
Blue Wave washi tapes
by jenny540118556.ph

The focal point of this DIY scrapbook-in-a-jar is to take your latest photo at the beach (it could be with your family or a group of friends) and place it inside a jar, and choose embellishments that give off a beach-y vibe.

Photo from Mom 4 Real
For full tutorial, click here.

For this DIY project, sand, artificial moss, and seashells are a must. You can then incorporate a color or black-and-white photo. 

Opt for teal, aquamarine, or sky blue washi tape for the lid of your jar. You can further add a rustic vibe by tying a piece of jute twine around the lid with a seashell attached.

(4.) Sports-Themed Scrapbook-in-A-Jar

Most guys would appreciate this DIY project, so I expect crafty girls and women to come up with one for their sweethearts, husbands, brothers, nephews, or sons.

Image from Mason Jar Crafts Love
For entire procedure, click here.

Wrap a jar with sports-themed scrapbook, and tie a string around it and attach a miniature coach's whistle. 

Take photos and tickets from a recent ballgame, cut out miniature jerseys, basketball courts and basketballs from cardstock, or try football-shaped accents if football is what the recipient prefers. 

Whatever your guy's favorite sport is, you'll find countless ways to satisfy his fanaticism.

(5.) Jar-Shaped Holiday Scrapbook 

Image from Artsy Albums
Click here for full tutorial.

Deviating slightly away from the use of mason jars or recycled jars of mayonnaise, fruit preserves, or pickle relish is the holiday-themed, jar-shaped scrapbook. 

Crafters will have a lot of fun with this DIY project, since it requires the use of a lot of scraps of scrapbook paper with bright and bold patterns. 

You can also recycle greeting cards and gift tags you may have accumulated throughout the years. Be generous with embellishments like stickers and washi tapes as well. 

A Curated List of DIY Felt Projects for Christmas

If you've tried crafting with a type of fabric called felt, you may have realized by how versatile it can be. 

Felt is an easily accessible craft material, and more affordable when bought in bulk. 

Photo from freepik

Available in a multitude of colors, felt fabric can easily be cut or trimmed into shapes, and sown together using needles in several sizes, and yarn or embroidery floss. 

While you may need to master basic sewing techniques to finish your felt projects, you can also use fabric glue for felt crafts.

Another advantage of felt is you can use a lot of craft materials to serve as accents: buttons, ribbons, cloth patches, twine, pom poms, tassels, and even miniature Christmas balls. 

In this blog post, I have curated a list of a total of 7 Christmas-themed felt projects. Taking crafters' skills from all backgrounds into consideration, the level of complexity of these DIY projects range from easy to moderate. 

You can create these felt crafts and keep some to yourself, and give the rest away as stocking stuffers, or as a present for your next Secret Santa. Just make sure to plan ahead, and you'll finish these felt crafts in no time.

(**DISCLAIMER: I have kept my Filipino readers in mind for this blog post, so I embedded affiliate links from Shopee for easier access to materials. These DIY projects were made with craft materials from North American brands.)

Durable, non-woven felt fabric sheets;
available in 15 x 15 cm and 10 x 10 cm 

Snowman Hoop Ornament 

Image from Crafting Cheerfully
For a full tutorial, click here.

10 yards plaid, grosgrain
Christmas ribbons
from grace88.ph

First among our list of felt crafts is a pair of snowmen hoop ornaments, in which you'll get to use buttons and strips of polka-dotted and plaid ribbons.

100 meters/roll baker's twine
(available in red-and-white and
green-and-white) by liehuo.ph

Button and Felt Ornaments 

Photo from Cutesy Crafts
Click here for full tutorial.

Mixed wooden buttons
(50 pieces) from
women's clothes

If you're a fan of wintry scenes, then this is the perfect felt craft for you! Using wooden buttons would give off a rustic feel, giving you visions of a snowy Christmas in the countryside.

Felt Ball Ornaments

Photo from
Better Homes & Gardens
For full tutorial, click here.

Instead of store-bought Christmas balls that usually come in red, gold, silver, or green why not craft a bunch of these felt ball ornaments? 

If you're the type who prefers a silver fir tree, using these colorful accents as contrast will truly put the "Merry" in your Christmas. 

Felt Gnome Ornaments 

Image from Cutesy Crafts
Click here for full tutorial.

Who can resist these wonderful little creatures? Try something different this year by hanging felt gnome ornaments on your  Christmas tree instead of Christmas balls.

Santa Claus Felt Ornament 

Photo from Revista Artasanato
For full tutorial, click here.

Will Christmas ever be complete without the fat, jolly man with rosy cheeks, hauling his sack of gifts and trying to fit into a chimney? This Santa Claus felt project will get you saying "Ho ho ho!" in no time.

Felt Pine Cones 

Photo from Lia Griffith
For full tutorial, click here.

You can make a bunting or garland with a bunch of these pine cone ornaments. 

Or, you can make your dinner table look more festive by gathering around a dozen of these felt pine cones on a platter and placing it beside a red candle as a centerpiece. 

If you have a long table, cover it with a plaid red-and-white table runner and place two platters of these on opposite ends with a red candle each.

Felt Reindeer Drawstring Bag

Image from Stubbornly Crafty
For full tutorial, click here.

Rounding up our list of Christmas-themed felt crafts is a pair of reindeer drawstring bags from Stubbornly Crafty. 

You can follow the tutorial and store small items inside, like candies or trinkets. Or, you can modify the template and create a larger bag for items like a bottle of perfume, lotion, cosmetics, or sewing supplies. 

Furthermore, you can replace red felt with a large button for the reindeer's nose.

Junk Journals Repurposed From Pre-loved Sesame Street Books

As a blog, Crafty in the City advocates frugal crafting. And as a crafter, I swear by repurposing pre-loved children's hardbound books into junk journals as a way to thrift this creative hobby. 

Why Repurpose Children's Books?

• Aside from the thrifting aspect, children's books give a wealth of colorful pages, matte or glossy. 
• If you're fortunate enough to find pop-up books, you can alter them as well and have fun with 3D effects. 
• You can give your junk journal a theme (for this blog post it will be journals repurposed from pre-loved Sesame Street books) and look for products (e.g. stickers, washi tapes, excess wrapping paper, etc.) that adhere to your theme. 
• You can incorporate generic materials like ribbons, index cards, ephemera, scrapbook paper, cardstock, etc. 
• You can DIY die-cuts and other materials (e.g. lamp post, school bus, Cookie Monster's eyes and cookies, Elmo's piano, etc.) to replicate the Sesame Street characters and stuff for which they're known. 
• You can use a multitude of techniques to decorate your junk journal, giving you the ultimate, unhinged, no-hold-barred experience.
• Repurposing pre-loved books causes us to cut back on clutter and come up with something "brand new." In the long run, repurposing can be more sustainable, leading to less harm on the environment.  
• You can personalize and pass on your junk journals as gifts to children. 

(**DISCLAIMER: Affiliate links to products are provided in this blog post. Each time you click on those links and make a purchase, I'll collect a percentage from your purchase as a commission.)

A Little Golden Book Sesame Street
children's picture book from
treasuresbyheylittlebuddyz0.ph 

Secondhand Sesame Street book
from happychildbookshop.ph

Materials 

• pre-loved Sesame Street books
• paper ephemera (manufactured or accumulated) 
• cardstock
• washi tapes
• scraps of ribbons and scrapbook paper 
• index cards (ruled or unruled is fine)
• stickers
• color sticky notes
• sheets of notepads
• keychain, pendant, or charm
• pens (ballpoint, felt-tip, calligraphy, gel) for writing and decorating
• printed fabric
• fabric or multi-purpose glue 
• (optional) scrapbook scissors, craft punches, manufactured die cuts

Procedure

• Take a look at your materials and decide what types of pages to incorporate on your Sesame Street junk journal. You can create pockets from cardstock and decorate them with stickers and washi tapes. You'll now have convenient places to insert mementos like postcards, notes, letters, and greeting cards.
• You can wrap the back cover with printed fabric, glue wavy ribbons or pom pom frills on the pages' edges, or use two wide strips of polka-dotted ribbons as closure.
• Attach a couple of colorful metal binders onto your journal pages. Take a bookmark (or two) and tie the tassels around the clasp of the metal binders. 
• Let loose! Go crazy! Experiment with various techniques for layouts and spreads. 
• Have photos developed in black-and-white and arrange them to serve as a stark contrast to the colorful pages. 
• Use ruled index cards to copy favorite recipes, quotes, jokes, poetry, etc. 
• For ideas and suggestions, four video tutorials have been embedded onto this blog post.

Sesame Street book
(pre-loved copy)
from BRILYO

Sesame Street
pre-loved books
from o4j9ui4sy

o4j9zui4sy

yanbao_shop's
colorful metal binders

Pom pom fringe ribbons
from ukible.ph

Printed polka-dot ribbons
(22 m/roll) by ashleysilk.ph

Wavy lace ribbons (5 mm wide)
from ashleysilk.ph

Sesame Street stickers
by kidstickerstore.ph

mr.paper's washi tape set
(available in four styles)

Sesame Street board book
from saturasibooks.ph

The Best Resources for Journalers and Memory Keepers From Shopee

Before curating a list of resources for today's blog post, let me differentiate a diary or journal and junk journal from a scrapbook and visual diary. 

Diary or journal -- A diary or personal journal is a place to record one's thoughts, dreams, or everyday account of one's life. 

Image from freepik

People who maintain the habit of keeping a diary or journal can also set goals and keep track of their progress, like those related to fitness and weight loss, career advancement, ticking off to-do or reading lists, or craft projects. 

Since keeping a diary or journal requires writing more, one only needs to invest in a composition notebook of good quality and a ballpoint pen.

For more about different types of journals, read -- 

Types of Journals: A Comprehensive Guide

Junk journal -- A junk journal is a safe space for a journaler's paper scraps, mementos, and other ephemera.

Examples of what usually goes into the pages of junk journals are -- 

• tickets to concerts and other events 
• bus and train tickets
• cutouts from magazines and catalogues 
• notes from friends and loved ones
• gift tags 
• embellishments like stickers and washi tapes

Since junk journaling is a more freeform, creative craft using accumulated and upcycled "junk," those who are into the habit occasionally incorporate pop-up and 3D elements into their junk journals. 

Junk journaling is frugal in a sense that one can "thrift" materials for junk journals. One can fill out and get creative with the pages of an old, hardbound children's book, storybook, or illustrated book, or even alter a pop-up book instead of buying a blank journal.

Themed scrapbook -- While junk journaling is a freeform, no-holds-barred form of creative expression, scrapbooking often involves documenting or arranging photos and enhancing them while adhering to a theme. 

A theme could be a color template (autumn or fall colors), achievement- or goal-oriented (weight loss journey), life milestones (wedding or baby shower scrapbook), an occasion (Halloween or Christmas), celebration (birthday parties), and even family trips or vacations (to the beach, a camp site, or amusement park). 

While photos and images are the focal point of scrapbooks, written text or entries and even calligraphy can also be incorporated. 

Some scrapbookers prefer to write on fancy notepads or color sticky notes for their aesthetics. Others use ruled or unruled index cards.

Visual diary -- Also called the art journal, a visual diary is specifically made to record the progress of artists and illustrators.

So bottom line? The item to resort to depends on your purpose or goals. 

But regardless of whether you need a journal for writing or a junk journal, or a scrapbook or visual diary, here's a list of resources I have curated to serve as references to help you in your creative journey:

(**DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links. I'll be collecting a commission each time you click on those links and make a purchase.)

(1.) No Rules Rule! Your Friendly Guide to Art Journaling 

No Rules Rule!
Your Friendly Guide
to Art Journaling by
Anvil Publishing Inc.

This user-friendly guide is filled to overflowing with tips and tricks. 

There are art guides that suit newbies to begin their journey toward art journaling, while those who are already years into the practice can get inspiration from fun prompts. 

So whether you're an artist who can express himself only through sketches, or more of a writer wanting to decorate his journal, this quirky (and highly affordable!) book can spark your creativity and let your imagination run wild.

Buy this along with --

Tokyo Finds
watercolor journal
from Art Bar PH

(2.) The Odd 1s Out Journal

The Odd 1s Out Journal
by NBS Warehouse Sale

Imagine having a lot of fun with a collection of thought-provoking prompts, for a price that's less than your gourmet coffee! 

Whether you're a serious journaler or have only started recently on journaling, you'll have more ideas on what to write about than ever before. 

The Odd 1s Out Journal is also perfect for journaling groups. Buy it along with -- 

Amybalala's Stationery Shop's
Snoopy gel pen (6 pieces)

(3.) A Year of Junk Journaling

A Year of Junk Journaling
from Art Bar PH

The number one rule of junk journaling? 

There are no rules! 

Since keeping junk journals is a freeform creative expression, junk journalers are allowed to be as unencumbered and unhinged as possible when selecting "junk" that will go into their junk journal pages. 

In Martina Calvi's book, readers will be guided each week on a creative journey, prompting them to -- 

• collect every memento or ephemera that inspires them, or reminds them of things or special moments. 
• reflect; take a mindful moment for themselves, making them aware of what they're creating. 
• be practical in trying new crafty techniques on their junk journal.

(4.) The Art of Memory Collecting

The Art of Memory Collecting
(Hardcover edition)
by ozmabook2w.ph

This is another book by Martina Calvi that's sure to delight those who wish to wax nostalgia and occasionally escape by going down memory lane. 

A hardcover edition, The Art of Memory Collecting is filled with a total of 15 projects -- from scrapbook spreads and collages, to trinkets and zines. 

So while A Year of Junk Journaling can help you get started and build momentum, The Art of Memory Collecting suits you better if you're a busybee and can only block out time here and there throughout the week to engage in something creative.

(5.) Books by Abbey Sy

Enjoy the Journey from Art Bar PH

As an artist, constant participant in art conventions, published author, and avid traveler, Abbey Sy has attracted quite a following among paper, stationery, and journaling enthusiasts in the Philippines. 

All of Sy's works have received glowing reviews and testimonials from readers and bloggers, proving that writing isn't a dying art.

(7.) Special-interest journals 

Wreck this journal

For anyone who's had trouble starting a journal or filling out a page or an entire spread, guerilla artist Keri Smith advocates letting go of perfectionistic tendencies through quirky and downright unusual practices -- poking through pages, sticking photos and defacing them, painting with coffee, and coloring outside the pages.

Wreck This Journal
by strawberry.ph

Gratitude journal

 

I Am Grateful
Gratitude Journal for Kids
by april&co

As the name implies, this gratitude journal aims to promote positivity among kids by encouraging them to see the bright side of life, and to be thankful, even for the little things.

The journal will help kids acknowledge that mistakes and mishaps happen, but they don't need to resent them or beat themselves up for them. 

(8.) Scrapbook kits 

Scrapbookers fall into 2 general categories -- those who buy scrapbook essentials and a few other extras piece-meal, or those who pay upfront for an entire scrapbook kit. 

There are pros and cons regarding starting a scrapbook from scratch versus buying scrapbook kits. 

Scrapbooking from scratch 

Pros

• Scrapbookers get to choose the theme or color template they like. 
• Blank scrapbooks come in a variety of sizes -- 8 1/2" x 11", A4, 6" x 6", 12" x 12", and 24" x 24", so scrapbookers are free to select which size suits their envisioned layout.
• Leftover materials like cardstock and scrapbook paper can be turned into greeting cards, bookmarks, and gift tags.

Cons

• Buying scrapbook essentials and extras can get pricey.
• Unless purchases are well-planned, there's a tendency to have a stash of leftover materials that may not be used for a long time.

Scrapbook kits 

Aesthetic scrapbook kit
(contains 348 items)
by dafashengyi.ph

Pros

• Paying for an entire scrapbook kit can be cheaper upfront. 
• Old supplies can be incorporated into a scrapbook kit.

Cons

• Scrapbook companies and brands usually sell kits that come in "traditional" colors based on theme (e.g. blue or pink for baby shower scrapbooks, red and green for Christmas).