Junk Journaling for coping with perinatal loss

We will create handmade journals from recycled and found materials. Junk journals typically incorporate items that might otherwise be discarded, such as paper scraps, old book pages, music sheets, maps, and other ephemera like ticket stubs and postcards. The essence of junk journaling is its unexpected and unique personal expression through found objects. There are no strict rules, you will create a unique pieces that reflects your personality and experience.

The tactile nature of junk journaling—handling different materials, cutting, pasting, and creating—can be grounding and therapeutic. Unlike traditional journaling, the creative nature of junk journaling allows for non-verbal expression through colors, textures, and imagery, which can be particularly helpful when words feel inadequate. You can incorporate mementos, photos, and written memories, turning the journal into a personal memorial that can be revisited and shared with others if desired.

I will show you how to build a journal out of envelopes, and lead you in creating some ideas for what you would like to include in your journal.  We will discuss how the journaling process can aid in integrating your loss into your future self.  You journal will not be completed during this event, but you will leave with a good start and a plan for continuing to add to and explore with your journal.

Supplies you will need:

Envelopes- Our journals themselves will be constructed from Seven  A7 ( for 5×7 cards) envelopes.  If you have some old greeting card envelopes laying around, those will work fine.  You just need 7 of the same size. If you want to make your journal with more pages, just have extra envelopes.   These are the envelopes I will be using, (affiliate link) but you can use whatever you have on hand.

Scissors

glue

pens

Any decorative items you may have laying around.  As “Junk Journals” they are intended to be made from found supplies.  No need to purchase anything special, just clean out your closet or junk drawer.

• Old Books: Pages from vintage or damaged books add character and texture.
• Magazines or Junk Mail: Cutout words and images can be used for collage or decoration.
• Envelopes: These can serve as pockets for storing notes or memorabilia. Junk Mail.
• Packaging: Unique packaging from products (like tea bags or candy) can be creatively utilized.
• Printed Papers: Use decorative or patterned papers, including scrapbook paper , gift bags or gift wrap. 
• Memoribilia: Any saved items from your loss that you may want to include.  Copies of ultrasound pictures, hospital bills, obituaries, condolence cards, or photos. 
• ETC. -Buttons, rubbon, stickers, charms, decorative tapes, string,  stamps or any other found objects that can be incorporated into a journal.