Why I'm Suddenly Obsessed with Junk Mail
It has nothing to do with all the freaking political ads.
A few months ago, I was introduced to the concept of junk journaling, a craft movement that’s taking the world by storm. In simplest terms, I’ll borrow the explanation from the Logan City Council Libraries in Australia:
A Junk Journal is a handmade book of recycled and found materials and ephemera. The pages can be used to write, draw, paint or record memories, thoughts, ideas, and inspiration.
After three years of ignoring the pile of boxes filled with clutter we’d moved from our old house in West Virginia to our new house in South Carolina, I was suddenly inspired to tackle the task I’d been dreading. It was time to dive into the boxes and look for my old scrapbooking supplies.
To be fair, I kept the supplies so I could finish my youngest son’s baby book. He’s in his mid-20s at the time that I’m writing this, and he never hesitates to remind me that his brother has at least two baby books. (He says it’s three, but I only remember two. Potato, po-tah-toe.)
Around the same time, Facebook Marketplace showed a listing for a free box of magazines dating back from 1976 to 1993. Score! Looking through those magazines was like taking a trip with Mary McFly in Doc Brown’s DeLorean. I remember the Lenox spice jar collections (like the ones on the right image above, featuring cats), but I didn’t remember the hamster-ball-baby-toy, or the recipe that used dill pickles, shrimp, and whatever the white stuff is. Cream cheese? Cool whip? It was the 80s, so anything’s possible.
I also found some children’s books and a blank 2023, bee-themed planner at a local thrift store. At Dollar Tree and Ollie’s (an awesome close-out store with deeply discounted items), I found supplies that fit my budget. I placed an order from an online company called Journalsay during their spring mega-sale, and I ordered a few extra things (like a pack of reproductions of vintage papers) from Amazon.
In the meantime, I was saving every envelope that came into the house, and a lot of junk mail. I also signed up to get free samples from a couple of companies that sell paper, wedding invites, etc. Armed with my supplies, I dove right in.
These are some of the pages I’ve created. They represent a mix of the items I curated during the first few weeks of my junk journaling obsession. This was a pamphlet that folded out several times. The photos are from the front and back of the pamphlet and, as you can see,
Your Summer Reading List
You don’t have to be enrolled in Kindle Unlimited to enjoy books in the Kindle Unlimited Summer Reading collection! In addition to my book, Myrtle Beach Memories, you’ll also find books by Luana Ehrlich, Jenna Brandt, and Sharon Srock. I’ve added at least a dozen books to my K.U. library. How many are on your wish list? I hope Myrtle Beach Memories is one of them!
Oops, I Did It Again
The list of tragedies from the past six weeks (two of which you can read HERE and HERE) put me in a funk with a side of writer’s block. Jeffery Deaver has said that there’s no such thing as writer’s block, only a lack of ideas. However you choose to describe this phenomenon, the words just weren’t there.
As a result, I’m behind on my deadline for Myrtle Beach Melodies with no chance of catching up in time. It was with a heavy heart that I extended the deadline to July 25th instead. Myrtle Beach Melodies is still 99¢, so click the button below and pre-order so you can start reading in about six weeks.
That's all for now. I hope your day is filled with books and coffee (or whatever it is that you put in your favorite mug). Have a great weekend!
Until next time,
Becky
P.S. Are you a Kindle Unlimited subscriber? If so, then you can read my books at no extra charge with your membership. And if you’re not a member, be sure to grab your FREE trial so you can enjoy a bunch of books at one low monthly fee!
And be sure to check out my books at the links below!
P.P.S. If you enjoyed reading this, please show it a little love by clicking the heart below. ❤️ Thank you!
AutoCrit is the writing tool that has helped me become more productive and raised the quality of my writing. You can try the free version, but you’ll love the pro features.
oooo! loved the page samples you shared! Junk On!
Your junk journal pages are way prettier than mine! Great job.