MJS: Create a Magpie Junk Journal USA

The picture above is the very first book I made from watching the videos featured in the swap above. I made my first MJS magpie with it and sent it out for my first MJS swap.

If you are interested in more videos for creating books Click Here for Nik the Booksmith She takes the challenge up a small notch but if your having fun already she is just fun to listen to. Sometimes I just listen to Nik because her days often sound like my days. Heh.

If your worried about not having supplies such as book binders twine. Don't worry! You can use waxed floss! Yep, that usually green stuff that the dentist wants you to use after you brush your teeth. It works perfect. Don't have a punch for the pages? Actually the need you use often punches through easily or you can use an awl. I use just a slightly wider needle and have no issues. Concerned about the cover? Well, made some Rice a Roni lately? That box is about the size you will need for this swap! Most of the boxes I use as bases for my books are Rice a Roni, Suddenly Salad, AuGratin, etc etc.

If you have any questions, feel free to message me.

Actually the needle you use... I wish I could edit my comments! Doh!

Oh, whoops another thought! I made this swap USA and at least over 20 pages because only an 8 page book is needed to qualify for Media Mail in the USA. So please do not fret about mailing costs. Its not going to be a 55 cent mailing cost but it should not be super expensive either. For a book to qualify for media mail in the USA it only has to be at least 8 pages long. That is it. So when asked I just say it is an Art book. Trying to explain Magpie/Junk/Deco etc book just is not worth doing. Art book...yea post officer worker understands that also they tend to put fragile on the box/envelope since it is art.

Click Here for the USPS Media Mail Guidelines

I have a question: I watched the video from the link and another video from that same crafter, and it seems that she makes her junk journals for her own use, and so leaves a lot of blank space for writing in it. I have done the journals that I send out more like scrapbook collections of things that catch my eye, or lists, or quotes, or stories... Not a lot of room for the recipient to write. And most of the junk journals I've received have been similar in layout. I love looking through them, especially if the creator has put comments on the pages. But should the ones we send out be put together with the view of our partner being able to actually use them as a journal? How do other people feel about it?

I would say leave some space for your recipient to have fun with it. Think of it as a collab with your partner in a sense. You start it and they finish it out. See the following from the swap info above, 5th paragraph.

"Do please decorate the front of your journal. Also please add decorations, tuck spots, or pockets to at least one third (1/3) of the book. You will want to leave big blank spots for writing and for your recipient to add in what they would like for fun for the journal you are creating. "

This is a Sender's Choice. Please do read your partner's profile for ideas. However if you receive a journal that meets the requirements on time but is not to your liking, please still rate a 5.