How to Make a No-Sew Junk Journal

Looking for a sweet and sunny DIY project to brighten your day? In this tutorial, I'll walk you through how to make a gorgeous no-sew junk journal using my "Summer Lemon" Junk Journal Kit. This cheerful, citrus-themed project is perfect for beginners and a fun way to use up your stash. No sewing machine needed! This journaling kit is full of pockets, tags and background papers.

Supplies Needed:

• Summer Lemon" Junk Journal Kit (printable)

• 2 pieces of cardboard (4.75" x 6.75")

• Yellow cardstock (12 x12)

• Scoring board and bone folder (or eyeball it!)

• Glue stick or adhesive of choice

• Decorative scissors or deckel edge ruler

• Distress ink (Gathered Twigs used here)

• Ribbon, lace, doilies, and embellishments

• Utility knife and cutting mat

• Printable pages, music sheets, vintage paper, coffee-dyed paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step One - Cardboard Cover

• Cut out two pieces of cardboard for the front and back cover. Mine covers are 4.75" x 6.75". You can make this journal any size you want.

Step Two - Accordion Spine

• Score yellow cardstock every 3/4 inch to create an accordion fold.

• Alternate folds: valley, mountain, valley, mountain.

• This creates the no-sew insert system for your pages.

• HELPFUL HINT: If you have more paper than the folds, just add another folded accordion to the first strip making sure that you keep the mountain and valley folds.

Step Three - Cut and Cover the Chipboard Covers

• Cut two cardboard covers to 4.75" x 6.75".

• Use glue stick to adhere printed covers from the kit (or your own design).

• Optional: Wrap edges around the covers to create a clean look (like a present) so that the inside cover sheet will cover the entire cardboard.

Step Found - Decorate the Covers

• Add lace, ribbon, and layered embellishments from the kit.

• Sentiments like "When life gives you lemons, get creative" to add charm.

• Use precision glue for delicate items like doilies and lace.

Step Five - Prep the Inside Pages

• Print the included pages front and back.

• Add variety with music paper, scrapbook paper, magazine paper, vintage and/or coffee-dyed pages.

• Use dececkle scissors or tear with a ruler for texture your inside pages to the size of your journal.

• Fold all pages in half and slit the center crease about 1/4” larger than the accordion folded cardstock.

Step Six - Assemble the Journal (No Sewing!)

• Insert the mountain fold of your accordion into the page slits.

• Use glue to secure accordion to the inside covers.

• HELPFUL HINT: I did find that it’s easier to attach the accordion folded paper to the front and back covers before adding the pages.

Step Seven - Embellish the Inside

• Decorate the pages with pockets, belly band and add word phrases and tags. There is plenty of extra items for your to create a small journal.

Once assembled, your journal will have a charming handmade feel with lemon-bright pages, pockets, journaling space, and interactive elements. The no-sew binding is sturdy and stylish. It’s the perfect summer craft!

Grab your "Summer Lemon" Junk Journal Kit and get crafting!

To watch a video tutorial, please check out my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Je941r_bh3w

Tag me on Instagram with your finished project and don’t forget to share this tutorial with a fellow journal lover.