A Simple Fall Journal

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A Simple Fall Journal from Scraps and Stash

This simple fall journal came together almost accidentally. I had some leftover pieces of the Autumn Opulence DSP (from Stampin’ Up!) sitting on my desk from another project, and rather than tuck them away, I decided to turn them into a simple little journal.

This is exactly the kind of project I love—something that doesn’t require a huge collection of supplies or hours of planning. Just a few pieces of pretty paper, some things from my stash and a little bit of creativity.

Starting with What Was Already on My Desk

The starting point for this journal was the leftover Autumn Opulence DSP. I love when a paper collection has enough variety that you can create something interesting even when you’re working with smaller pieces. Instead of worrying about having full sheets of every pattern, I simply gathered up what I had and started playing with the pieces.

I also added a few papers from a thrifted letter writing paper pad and an envelope to mix in. From there, I pulled out a few pieces of vintage lace, ribbon and twine from my stash. Nothing was carefully coordinated. I simply chose pieces that worked with the colours and overall fall feeling of the papers.

Don’t Overlook the Ephemera

One of my favourite things about this paper pack is that it includes a full sheet of die-cut pieces. I love paper collections that include ephemera, because it makes decorating a project so much easier. You don’t necessarily need to pull out a bunch of dies, stamps or embellishments. You can simply pop out a few pieces and start creating. The die cuts are perfect for adding little details throughout the journal. Some can be used as page decorations, while others can become tuck-ins, journaling spots or focal points.

Keeping the Journal Simple

I intentionally kept this journal fairly simple. Rather than decorating every page, I wanted to leave some open space. That gives the journal room to become whatever its eventual purpose might be.

It could be used as:

• A fall-themed journal
• A place to record favourite autumn memories
• A gratitude journal
• A small photo album
• A place for recipes or seasonal notes
• A collection of quotes, poems or favourite fall sayings
• A place to collect little bits and pieces from the season

And, of course, you could add as much—or as little—decoration as you like.

A Few Decorated Pages

While the structure of the journal is simple, I did decorate a few of the pages to show how all of the different elements can work together. I mixed the patterned paper with the thrifted papers and added small touches of lace, ribbon and twine. The die-cut ephemera makes it easy to add interest without having to build every embellishment from scratch.

You could easily recreate this idea using whatever fall-themed papers you happen to have on hand. Don’t have a fall collection? Try mixing a few warm-toned patterns with kraft cardstock, book pages and neutral papers. Add some fabric, ribbon or a few stamped images and you’ll have your own version.

The goal isn’t to recreate this exact journal. It’s to take the idea and make it yours.

A Little Fall Creativity

There was no complicated plan for this journal. I started with a few leftover pieces of patterned paper and simply began putting things together. Before long, I had a little fall journal filled with layers, texture and those cozy autumn colours I love. So the next time you have a few pieces of patterned paper sitting on your desk, don’t put them away just yet. Pull out a few scraps, add some pieces from your stash and see what happens. You might just end up with a little journal of your own.

Until next time,

Supply List

Click on any of the images below to shop my Canadian online store or to find out more information about any of these products. In addition to these items, I also used some thrifted notepad paper, coffee stained cheese cloth, vintage lace, a coin envelope and some scraps of ribbon and twine from my stash.