I have started small...I created a nature themed bookmark with scraps of cards, wrapping paper etc. I made it larger than a normal one and its surprising how enjoyable, having a unique piece of ' art' inside a book feels.
This is a great post Molly thanks for sharing. I am really loving the idea of Memory journalling and following your inspiration, I decided to start one after being on holiday in the Cairngorms in December. My journal is taking shape and building up into some lovely memory pages - I am also enjoying using a Pritt stick again too as this brings back some great memories of early years crafting 😊😀
I have a gardening, cooking and personal journal as well as a notebook/journal for each project I develop.
I also think that doing activities that are not meant to "produce great artworks" is fantastic for creativity, and creative development and free association. I really like the junk journaling idea.
My main hobby is baking and bread making. Some people think there's little opportunity for creativity when you have to follow a recipe but I'm always swapping one ingredient for another! My daughter bought me a lovely colouring book and felt pens for Christmas, reviving my childhood love of colouring-in. I have to say I'd never heard of junk journaling before seeing your journal on YouTube, I'm going to start one of my own as it looks so much fun.
BEAUTIFUL! I love your ideas. They spark some creative juices in me. Thank you for sharing them. I think I'm going to start my own junk journal - just a collection of inspirations, musings, etc. I love this permission.
Hello Molly, I followed your idea and started creating seasonal spreads last year, in a large square art book that I had had for years and never found a use for! I included ideas of what I wanted to do each season, amongst seasonal images and quotes etc. Then I enjoyed a memorable holiday in Perthshire, which I documented in my writing journal, as always. However, felt I wanted a visual reminder, besides my photographs, and so created a 2 page spread in my square aer book, incorporating leaflets, tickets, maps, personal drawings, and written memories...it serves as a stimulating visual reminder of my holiday experience, and is something I will do more of this year. Thank you for introducing me to this joyful passtime. 😊
Loved reading this, and about how you stay creative! I've sort of 'junk journalled' as the kids say since I can remember – my journals that I've kept since I was about 14 are part scrapbook part diary, and it's so special seeing everyday ephemera from those days. It's funny seeing what I felt was worth keeping 😂 Having at least an evening each week to get creative and hands-on keeps me feeling like 'me'.
It's quite the eclectic stack! I loved Snoopy when I was 14 and my notebook reflects that, but my current journal is a little more elevated (the Snoopy stickers are inside) 😂
I have started small...I created a nature themed bookmark with scraps of cards, wrapping paper etc. I made it larger than a normal one and its surprising how enjoyable, having a unique piece of ' art' inside a book feels.
That sounds like such a lovely idea! Good for you lovely :)
Been thinking of making my own book marks too. It does sound very satisfying
This is a great post Molly thanks for sharing. I am really loving the idea of Memory journalling and following your inspiration, I decided to start one after being on holiday in the Cairngorms in December. My journal is taking shape and building up into some lovely memory pages - I am also enjoying using a Pritt stick again too as this brings back some great memories of early years crafting 😊😀
Yes, I feel the same about Pritt stick! :)
I have a gardening, cooking and personal journal as well as a notebook/journal for each project I develop.
I also think that doing activities that are not meant to "produce great artworks" is fantastic for creativity, and creative development and free association. I really like the junk journaling idea.
So inspired to have more creative expression this year! Thank you for sharing. I'm intrigued by junk journaling!
I'm so glad!
I've just picked up watercolour as my 2026 hobby, it's lovely learning something new and a great way to slow down too 😀
This sounds lovely Sophie! :)
I love these tips! I’ve been getting back into watercoloring and it really turns my brain off
It's such a relaxing hobby! :)
My main hobby is baking and bread making. Some people think there's little opportunity for creativity when you have to follow a recipe but I'm always swapping one ingredient for another! My daughter bought me a lovely colouring book and felt pens for Christmas, reviving my childhood love of colouring-in. I have to say I'd never heard of junk journaling before seeing your journal on YouTube, I'm going to start one of my own as it looks so much fun.
I'm the same with cooking as I always like to tweak my recipes, with mixed success!
BEAUTIFUL! I love your ideas. They spark some creative juices in me. Thank you for sharing them. I think I'm going to start my own junk journal - just a collection of inspirations, musings, etc. I love this permission.
I'm so glad you enjoyed!
Hello Molly, I followed your idea and started creating seasonal spreads last year, in a large square art book that I had had for years and never found a use for! I included ideas of what I wanted to do each season, amongst seasonal images and quotes etc. Then I enjoyed a memorable holiday in Perthshire, which I documented in my writing journal, as always. However, felt I wanted a visual reminder, besides my photographs, and so created a 2 page spread in my square aer book, incorporating leaflets, tickets, maps, personal drawings, and written memories...it serves as a stimulating visual reminder of my holiday experience, and is something I will do more of this year. Thank you for introducing me to this joyful passtime. 😊
This all sounds lovely Cheryl! :)
Loved reading this, and about how you stay creative! I've sort of 'junk journalled' as the kids say since I can remember – my journals that I've kept since I was about 14 are part scrapbook part diary, and it's so special seeing everyday ephemera from those days. It's funny seeing what I felt was worth keeping 😂 Having at least an evening each week to get creative and hands-on keeps me feeling like 'me'.
What a lovely collection you must have! :)
It's quite the eclectic stack! I loved Snoopy when I was 14 and my notebook reflects that, but my current journal is a little more elevated (the Snoopy stickers are inside) 😂
Memory journals sound like a great idea and something I might start doing. Thanks Molly 👍
I’ve been filling my creative well by taking peaceful walks in nature. Inspiration needs space. Reading helps, too.