My Junk Journal Part #2 - Envelopes and Paper Clips

Hello my  dear friends!  

Welcome, and thank you for stopping by my blog today.

I am on a very specific creative journey at the moment.  I am in the process of  making some Junk Journals.  Yes, I do realise it's not terrible momentous but, for me, it has become quite a Journey!  I have been working on these for some months now.  'What??'  You say!! .. 'Why is it taking so long??'  Well, firstly, I only work on them once in a while and secondly, I keep changing my mind about things I've done previously.  Consequently it is becoming quite a saga!!  LOL!!  But, I must say, it is a saga I am thoroughly enjoying!!

If you missed Part 1 of this Journey, and you'd like to take a peek, HERE is the link.

In that first Post I mentioned that I would show a few of the envelopes I had made in more detail and might also share how I altered my paper clips and, as a few people showed interest, I am here to show you exactly that.  So, here goes!!

Firstly, the envelopes.
 

In my stash I found some paper that I had already diecut with a Tim Holtz MM die.

 It wasn't a very big piece and I don't actually remember what I had intended to use it for so, after thinking about it, I decided I would create the front of an envelope with it.

 So I cut a piece of card for the back and then created the pocket and the flap with the diecut paper.  Really love how it turned out.

 Used it to hold some journaling cards.

This second envelope was created for the other Journal I am doing.  For this book, I wanted a couple of larger envelopes, but I wanted them to be a stand alone feature.  I didn't want them attached to another page. 

 I used two of my tea stained papers and created a double ended envelope ..

.. and added it to my paper stack.  To add the ribbon closure, I simply cut a small slit in the centre and inserted two strips of torn fabric and also added a strip of washi tape to the fold for some extra strength.
Here's how it looks in the book ..

.. and here it is open and ready for some journaling cards or memorabillia.

Now, onto the paper clips.
Firstly, you need to cut some paper or cardstock to create the base to attach your clips to.  You will need two for each clip.  I decided to use paper because I found cardstock was a bit bulky but you can use whatever you like.  Also, it doesn't have to be circles.  They can be any shape you like.  I found it easier to simply punch out the circles for my clips.

 Then you simply slide one of the paper shapes onto your paper clips.  Make sure the shortest part of the clip sits on the wrong side of the paper and that you slide it over far enough so that the end of the clip sits close to the edge.  The long side of your clip needs to be left free so the assembly can slide over the edge of your page.

 On the side with the short end of the clip, add glue to the paper making sure you cover the clip as well and then attach the corresponding paper piece over the top, wrong sides of the paper together.  I used my hot glue gun but you can use any glue as long as it's fairly strong.
This becomes the base for your embellishments.

And, of course, this is the side that slides onto your page.

 That's it!!  That's all there is to it!! 
With this base you can build up any kind of small collage with which to decorate your page and it also becomes a tuck spot for tags, etc.
Here are a few of the ones I have made.

 This is the back.  I found you can really use any size paper clip and any size paper shape for small or larger embellies.  It really doesn't matter all that much.  Both will hold onto the page but, when I want to make larger, heavier ones, I do prefer to make the base a bit bigger.

Below, you can see that I used a smaller circle for one of my larger pieces.  It works alright but I would have been happier if I had used a bigger  base.
Because I added small bits of lace around the edge, it does looks a little untidy.  I could have covered it with some pretty paper but didn't bother because, once you slide it onto your page, you don't see it anyway.

Here is how they look once they are in a book.

 Here's a very simple one with some tags tucked in underneath.  I've also attached a small piece of ribbon through the end of the clip as well.  Just for a bit of extra shabby chic decoration!

It really is a very simple process and I hope I haven't made it confusing.  I really enjoy making these.  Easy peasy and a lot of fun!! Have made quite a few more of them too!  LOL!!

Thank you so much for visiting.  I hope I have given you some inspiration and that you will come back to see more  about my Junk Journal Journey!! 

Have yourselves a lovely day!!
Take care and God Bless.