I’m asked if I use my junk mail to make a junk journal. Today I decided that I would make a Mixed Media Junk Mail Journal Tutorial to show you how I use junk mail. One of my friends texted me so we could visit. On that visit, she gave me a stack of junk mail. It seems I don’t get that much junk mail, or Henry throws it out. So this was a perfect opportunity for me to create using junk mail.
Mixed Media Junk Mail Journal Tutorial Video.
What is fun about using junk mail for a junk journal is that no two will be alike. Each piece will be unique. In my case Using some thick cardstock ads and postcards works great for mixed media painting.
Supplies Used for the Mixed Media Junk Mail Journal Tutorial.
- Junk Mail
- Acrylic Craft Paint
- Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Electric Blue, and Blarney
- Circle Stencil and Lace Stencil Leaf Stencil made on Cricut Explore Air
- Paint Brush
- Old credit card or gift card
- Sewing Machine
- Black Thread
- Flower Stamp
- Pencil with eraser
- Watercolor postcards
- Foam brush
- Plate or pallet to mix paint
- Scribble Sticks
- Distress Crayons
- White oil base Sharpe
- Black Sharpe
- Pitt Pen
- Paint Brush
- Vintage Photo Distress Ink
- Ranger Blending Tool
- Heat Tool
- Aleene’s Tacky Glue
- Fiskars Scissors
- Fiskars Rotary Paper Trimmer
Gather some Acrylic Craft Paint and something to apply it to the junk mail. An old credit card, key card or gift card is a great tool to spread paint very thin on paper. It is easier to dry when it is thin. The first layer of paint is to help cover what was printed on the junk mail. If you like the colors and images you may skip this and go into the next portion.
Applying media with stencils is a lot of fun and a great way to change up the look of junk mail. Layering those stencils help gives depth to the project.
Rubber stamps can be a great help for adding a shape if you don’t want to freehand paint the images. If you don’t have the stamp you want, try cutting a piece of fun foam into the shape and mounting it to an object for the “handle” and see how it looks. Heck, you can even use a potato that you carve. Look up Potato Stamps for ideas. 😉
Adding outlines helps to define the images and makes these look finished. My paint was still a little wet and some of the pens were not working. Soon I’ll share another solution I found after I was done with this project. 😉 So make sure to come back to see it soon.
Since I covered up all the surfaces it was time to add something to write upon. This is where I used Canvas Corp Brands watercolor Postcards. Adding distress inks and stitching around the edges gives these a cute look, don’t you think?
Using Aleene’s tacky glue I attached the postcards where I wanted in the journal.
Since this was a pretty simple journal it went quick and I was able to attach the “pages” with my sewing machine. That took no time at all. 🙂
Take a look at that junk mail and see what pieces would be good to do some Mixed Media.
Make sure to check out the Friendly Junk Journal People Facebook group. Of course, you are welcome to join the Friendly Junk Journal People Facebook group. The group is growing daily and we are a friendly group willing to help each other and encourage each other.
Interested in any of the journals I created? Please feel free to contact me through my Facebook Page. Here is my shop, I have a lot of items uploaded and add more weekly.
My hope is that I have inspired you to look at those papers in your stash and make your own junk journal.
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Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today for the Mixed Media Junk Mail Journal Tutorial.
