Hello Everyone!
Finally, this section is getting some love! Today, I’ll be talking about my top 5 reasons you should start scrapbooking or using a travel journal. These books aren’t only a great form of memorabilia, of the things you’ve done and experienced, but they’re forms of a legacy you’ve made for future generations.
I love my junk journal, and if you’ve seen them on social media, most pages are made from washi tape, stickers, and scrap paper, but they don’t just have to be scraps lying around in your stationery box. You can use tickets, maps, brochures, and postcards that you’ve picked up on your own travels, to make your own meaningful spreads. But I’ll get to that in a bit. Let’s start at the beginning!
1. Scrapbooks And Travel Journals Are Time Capsules
Believe it or not, scrapbooks and travel journals are time capsules. They hold the memories of whatever adventure you record there. If you create your scrapbooks, for a specific purpose, it is literally a time capsule, since it’ll have bits and pieces of the event or adventures that you base your scrapbook on.
For example, if you base your scrapbook on your travels in a year, you can stick brochures, tickets, and even postcards into the scrapbook. That’s how they can be a time capsule. They literally preserve the objects that you place in there since they won't be worn out because of wear and tear. They are literally preserved within the pages of your scrapbook. Similarly, if you create a scrapbook for a specific event, like a wedding, it literally encapsulates that moment in time, because your scrapbook will keep the photos or pieces of memorabilia safe from dust, traffic and movement, and the environment.
2. They’re Works Of Art
Even if they are made from scraps, if positioned correctly, and decorated with a theme, your scrapbook or travel journal will be a work of art. A masterpiece, only for you. Of course, it’s all about preference, you can dress up your scrapbook or travel journal however you like. As long as it pleases you, and you think it looks pretty, it can be a piece of art.
If you have a theme in mind, or if you use themed stickers, washi tape, doodles, and paper that match, then you can create a specific theme for each entry you make. So, if you’re making a scrapbook for your travels, then you can use stickers that reflect the trip that you went on, so if you went to Japan, maybe decorate your entries with Sakura, Geisha, or Sushi! If the scrapbook is dedicated to a wedding, then maybe use stickers of a bride and groom, or bouquets and hearts. Whatever theme you go for, make sure it matches the vibe of your entry.
3. Scrapbooking Is A Therapeutic Activity
Therapeutic activities are essentially activities that help you relax and de-stress. So, journaling, scrapbooking and any other crafts should help you release the stresses of the day, especially if you’ve had a long and hard day at work. So, by creating a scrapbook, you’re not only creating art, you’re helping yourself relax, which can be a tough thing to do, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t like sitting still.
Instead of activities like meditating, yoga, or any slow activity, you can try scrapbooking, because it keeps your mind and hands busy, and you don’t need to think too deeply about what you’re doing. You can do what feels right for you, and if you make a mistake, then you can always redo it, or go over the mistake, with something else. The choice is yours.
4. Scrapbooks Are Physical Reminders
Nowadays, it’s easy to take thousands of photos and videos and store them in your phone, or cloud drive. This is great for longevity since you’ll never lose it. It’s online and even if you do lose it, there will always be a trail that you can follow, to get it back. However, that’s just it. They’ll sit in your drive or your phone, and you’ll never really look at them again.
A scrapbook is something physical, and although it can and will be left forgotten in the corner of your closet, you will eventually come across it again, and look through your scrapbook with nostalgia. Of course, they can also be destroyed by flood and fire, but for the most part, a scrapbook will be something you’ll lose and find again because they’re physical reminders of the memories you’ve made throughout your life.
5. They Make Great Sentimental Gifts
When it comes to gift giving, it can be tricky and difficult to buy the perfect gift for that special someone in your life. After all, there are so many brands that make the same thing, each one boasting qualities and functions that the others don’t have. Not to mention, they all have different models and designs. It can be hard to choose. So, make your own gift, by creating a scrapbook that will be unique to you and that person.
You can fill that scrapbook with memories you have of that person, whether you grew up with them, or it’s only filled for one specific event. It not only reminds them of the great times they’ve had with you, but it’ll also show them how much you care. Making a scrapbook does take time, especially if it is a particularly large scrapbook. Not to mention, you’re tailoring the scrapbook specifically for that person, so you’ll need to create themes that they would appreciate. The fact that you’re taking time to create something unique speaks volumes more than buying a gift from a store.
Start Scrapbooking!
Bonus reason! You can do whatever you want with them! Scrapbooks don’t have a set rule, you can make them up as you go, and create something uniquely yours. Yes, there may be some layout and design recommendations online, but that’s all they are: recommendations. You don’t have to follow them. They’re simply there to help you when you don’t know where to start. The only thing you need to do is start. You’ll soon find your rhythm, and your creativity will take care of the rest. So, what are you waiting for? Get scrapbooking!
Well, that’s it from me today, I’ll be back next time with another crafty post all about a craft I’ve taken up, or, or I might explain more about junk journals…who knows! If you do have a preference, let me know, and I’ll see what I come up with. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, share, and follow me here on Feather’s Charm, on my YouTube Channel and on my social media channel.
And as always, be kind, be creative, and be unique!
With love,
