Paper Bag Mini Album or Junk Journal Insert

I’ve got a fun paper bag mini album or junk journal insert to share with you today. One of the things my husband and I love to do is visit the local HodgePodge Lodge and thrift stores. The HodgePodge Lodge is a place where people donate their items but it’s free for others to take unlike a thrift store. The purpose is to decrease the items going into the landfill.

Since I started junk journaling I love looking at all things paper. Whether it’s games, books, magazines, gift wrap, cards, office papers, files, notebooks – anything really. I’ve found some pretty amazing stuff in there that before beginning my junk journaling journey, I would have considered junk.

The other day I came across a few paper lunch bags and I thought they’d make a great little album or insert. So I combined it with some fun new products for a bit of a sneak peek to share with you today.

Let’s take a look…

Before we get into the details, I want to point out that it opens backwards lol. I accidentally started putting it together upside down so I ended up having to have it open this way in order to make it work. In the video that I share walking you through this project, it’s created with the latch on the right side.

The closure is a piece of pattern paper that tucks under one of the layers. There are several different ways that you could close this album – you could wrap fibres, ribbon or twine around it, use a magnet or velcro dot or you could leave it without a closure.

The dies that I used to cut the pattern paper are some new ones called Branching Out… my new favourite! And the other new items you’ll see included in the album are the Gathering Moments bundle, Gathering Together DSP, irregular weave trim and espresso & olive linen thread.

Here’s a video walking you through creating this project.

The Details

To create the album, I started at the bottom and folded it in on itself to create 3 panels. This will make more sense if you watch the video. After it was folded I trimmed a sliver off the top length of the bag to create some pockets, and any overhang on the right side. I also trimmed a few extra pieces on the inside and added adhesive to create my pockets. There are two top pockets and one side pocket.

You’ll notice that I used a combination of new and old items to decorate the journal. I love to combine new supplies with some old items that I’ve collected. This is my way of junk journaling.

I’ve used some old book, music and ledger paper, kraft coloured tissue paper and the little foxes are a piece of old gift wrap.

Everything has been inked around the edges with some pecan pie ink to give it that vintage feel.

I love, love, love how this turned out. Wouldn’t it be perfect to document some of your favourite thanksgiving photos, or to use a a gratitude journal. The white spots could be for photos or you can use them as journaling spots.

I hope I’ve inspired you to pull out some items from your stash and make one of these fun little albums! And if you’re looking for more fall inspiration, check out my upcoming Fall Frenzy event.

Until next time,

Shopping List

Click on any of the images to shop my Canadian online store or to find out more information about any of these products.

In addition to the supplies listed below, I also used the following supplies that will be available to order beginning September 3rd, 2025: Gather Together DSP; Irregular Weave Trim; Early Espresso & Old Olive linen Thread; Gathering Moments Bundle and Branching Out Dies. I also used the Vanilla & Black Gingham Ribbon (retired) and some of the junk journal supplies I have collected: music paper, notebook paper, book paper, tissue paper, gift wrap and ledger paper.