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
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
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| 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 --
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| Tokyo Finds watercolor journal from Art Bar PH |
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| 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 --
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| Amybalala's Stationery Shop's Snoopy gel pen (6 pieces) |
(3.) A Year of Junk Journaling
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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.
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| Wreck This Journal by strawberry.ph |
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| 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
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| 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).
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