Vintage French Folio Junk Journal
My Inspiration
Two French tapestries I purchased at my local thrift store were my what inspired me for this junk journal. These two beauties measured approx. 10″ x 10″ each. I knew I did not want to cut or fold them in half, so it took me a while to come up with a folio style junk journal. This way each image was able to be viewed in its entirety, showcasing their beauty.
Front side of both tapestries 
Back side of tapestries – made in France
What is a folio? Basically, a folio is a journal that folds over from the left side then the right is folded back so that it partially overlaps the left. The base of this journal was an amazon box that was very close to the dimensions of my tapestries.
Journal cover
I have gathered quite an assortment of fabric over time, particularly anything vintage or Victorian. It so happens there was some upholstery fabric that complimented the tapestries in my stash. This was perfect for the base layer that covered the exterior of my journal. For the interior of my journal, I chose vintage scrapbook paper in coordinating colors.
Upper right cover of cover with flower and lace cluster embellishment 
interior of front cover with fabric pocket
Interior pages and embellishment
The pages of the journal were attached to the spine on the left hand side of the folio using a three hole pamphlet stitch. The middle of the folio was bare so I decided to create a waterfall journaling booklet which I attached to the cover using a thick black ribbon threaded through two grommets (as shown below).
back of journal showing upholstery fabric base and black ribbon used to attach waterfall booklet 
Waterfall booklet with wedding trim and stamped pages 
right interior of folio with belly band holding a bookmark and gold trim embellishment
Here are just some of vintage book images that are in the journal. Aren’t they just gorgeous??
Using various vintage graphics, I constructed several embellished envelopes to hold journaling cards, ephemera and tags.
Other pages I included featuring vintage maps.
Lots of tags, laces, collage and ephemera in corners and tuck spots.
Finishing Touches
The closure needed to be strong due to the thickness of the combination of upholstery fabric, tapestries and the cardboard box. I added a thick black ribbon to each side of the folio using a grommet. Pulling the ribbon together and tying it with a bow completed the journal.
A full flip through is on my YouTube channel if you would like to see more pages:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM_Sr9Y2EZU
Happy New Year to everyone!
Glitter on friends,
Pamela
I am a self proclaimed junk journal fanatic and creative crafter. If it is vintage, I am in! I recently retired from the corporate world and now have more time to devote to my love of creating one of a kind treasures. Besides junk journals my hobbies include thrifting, flea market outings, fashion, cooking, hanging with my girlfriends and daughter and golf with my husband. I currently live in the mountains of beautiful Colorado.
