Junk journal recycling efforts for Earth Day

This Earth Day, April 22, I decided to turn the week’s recycling into something worth keeping. Making junk journals lets me do “creative recycling,” support sustainability, and practice my hand bookmaking skills—coptic binding, in particular. I’m also getting a jump on future journal projects, like Junk Journal July.

Two new junk journals made from recycled papers.

Using found materials 

The paper recycling box provides great fodder for my junk journals. What looks like a hot disheveled mess of cardboard, scrap papers, grocery bags, and old mailers, became colorful, handmade journals—full of character—by way of a little cutting, folding, waxed linen thread, and coptic binding. 

And, they didn’t cost me—or the planet—anything extra. 

A recycled paper bin that is geared toward junk journals.

Sifting through the boxes of recycled paper materials, I pull the sturdier boards for journal covers. The inside pages are a mix of papers—old catalogs, packaging, envelopes, etc. The cacophony of papers brings patterns, character, and imperfection to a journal that store-bought notebooks rarely match. Each journal is totally unique! 

Sorting various papers for book signatures.

The random marks, colors, torn edges and misprints serve as a start to a new story, or the first layer in a mixed media composition. Instead of facing a blank page, these pages have a little piece of rescued history—or a spark of inspiration—that a blank page doesn’t offer.  

Prepping a stack of folded signatures for book binding.

On the flip side, I also like to incorporate a sheet or two of conventional artist papers—drawing, mixed media, watercolor—for techniques and mediums that require a better surface to work on for a successful outcome. With this wide variety, the pages of my junk journals provide opportunity for any technique I’m inspired to try.

I incorporate a sheet or two of drawing paper, mixed media paper, or watercolor paper in my junk journals.

Making junk journals this way is a reminder that supporting sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated or require new materials. Sometimes it’s just about seeing potential in what otherwise is discarded. From sorting and choosing papers to the binding, these two journals took me about 3 days to complete. I like to attach a coordinating fabric closure to the journals. An added finishing detail.

These journals are about sustainability, individuality, embracing imperfection, and a lot about creativity. Creating something meaningful… one page at a time. 

Handmade, coptic bound journals.

Happy Earth Day!

#EarthDay #SustainableLiving #Upcycling #DIY #JunkJournal #Upcycle #CreativeReuse

 

Progress made in threes on charity projects

There’s been a lot of progress both on and under my needles lately. Under the needle—or more accurately, under the presser foot—I’ve finished the three cuddle quilts that were sandwiched at the guild workshop a few weeks ago. 

Three completed charity quilts.

The first quilt (above left) uses a fabric panel. Using fabric panels is a great shortcut when you want a quick, but polished result. The panel—a scene of colorful dinosaurs, trees, mountains and a volcano—needed no extra patchwork. The quilting design was a modified concentric circle motif and the quilt came together in no time.

Circle quilting motif on the dinosaur panel quilt.

The second [triangles] quilt is from a pre-cut quilt kit. The patchwork runs from edge to edge and there are no borders for more contemporary style. The triangles showcase the various colors and patterns of the fabrics. The large, free-motion spirals contrast with the geometric design of the patchwork.  

Swirls quilting motif on triangle quilt.

The third quilt was made from discontinued fabric samples and scraps. Being that the prints were mostly florals, the free-motion quilting has flower, leaf, and vine motifs. 

Free-motion quilting flower, leaf, and vine motifs.

Binding by machine

The bindings for these quilts were attached by machine for a clean, durable edge… and a fast finish.

Bindings attached by machine.

At the workshop, the quilt tops were measured and lengths of pre-made binding were cut. The lengths were right on the money! The remaining pieces will find their way into future scrappy bindings. 

Very little binding remained after the quilts were bound.

Quilt stats:

• Dinosaur quilt: 34.5” x 41.5” (finished size); 1.5 hrs free-motion quilting.
• Triangles quilt: 34.5” x 41” (finished size); 1.5 hrs free-motion quilting.
• Floral patchwork quilt: 41.25” x 45.5” (finished size); 2.25 hrs free-motion quilting.
• Binding for all three quilts: 3.75 hrs.

The backs of the cuddle quilts are colorful, too.

Backing fabrics for these cuddle quilts.

Mitten Knitting

On the knitting front, three more pairs of mittens came off the needles. I continue to try new patterns to use up orphan balls of yarn and fill small pockets of time. 

Three more pair of knitted mittens off the needles.

It’s good to see these charity projects move to the finish line. Each one feels like a small, cozy accomplishment.

New mittens in progress. This is the “Elf Fit Mitten” pattern.

Easy knitted mittens for kids are fast scrap yarn projects

Besides working on the last few pages of my 100 Day Stitch Book (today is Day 87), my take-along handwork project has been all about knitting mittens. 

Five pair of knitted mittens.

I’ve just finished knitting these five pairs, and one of the fun parts has been the hunt for patterns. I’ve been happily pouring through Ravelry searches for designs that are easy and quick to knit, but still have something fun and interesting. That sweet spot—simple construction with a little something extra—is exactly what I look for.

Make Nine 2026 tracker with a “Yarn” prompt.

A Mittens-per-Month goal

When I set my prompts for Make Nine 2026, “Yarn” was again one of the project prompts. My parish has a mittens charity project during the Christmas season, so I considered to pair my Make Nine “Yarn” prompt with the mittens project and set a goal to make one pair a month.

After finishing these mittens, I must admit that this “mitt’n knittin’ thing” had been quite addictive! Pulling out the orphan balls of yarn—from previous projects, stash, and swaps—and applying different color combinations and stitch patterns has been fun. I suspect the fun will continue, so I’ll likely (hopefully) have more than 12 pair by year’s end.

Orphan yarn balls and leftover scraps are perfect for knitting smaller size mittens and knitting colorwork.

Experimenting with techniques 

It’s been fun rediscovering yarn I’d forgotten about and experimenting with mitten patterns that look intriguing—in techniques, construction, color combinations, and stitch patterns. I’ve tried patterns with:

• color blocking 
• round and pointed mitten tops 
• stripes in garter stitch 
• stripes in ribbing  
• corrugated ribbing 
• knitting in the round
• two-needle flat knitting 

Using small balls of left-over yarn for color work on a knit-flat pair of mittens.

It’s been enlightening to compare the pattern designers’ mitten construction approaches, especially when it comes to working the thumb. Some of the flat-knit patterns have surprisingly clever ways of forming and joining the thumb. It’s almost like solving a little origami puzzle as you work through the pattern.

Techniques I want to try are:

• after-thought thumb 
• stranded colorwork
• a no-gap mitten pattern 
• magic loop
• two-at-a-time

Maybe I’ll pair a colorwork pattern with the after-thought thumb technique. This seems like a great combination, especially for colorwork, since it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the pattern.

Have knitting, will travel

Mittens have lately become a favorite take-along project. They’re small, portable, and just the right balance of engaging and relaxing—easy to pick up for a few rows whenever I have a spare moment. Those little bits of time add up quickly, and before long, another pair is finished—especially using DK or worsted weight yarn and the smaller child sizes. 

Two colorwork mitten sets. Flat-knitting (left) and in-the-round knitting (right).

For now, I’m happily staying in “smitten with mittens” mode. I like exploring the different mitten styles, and with so many patterns saved and plenty of yarn left-overs waiting to be used, I see mitten-making continuing through the year.

Celebrate National Handmade Day: make something with your hands

Did you know the first Saturday in April has be designated as National Handmade Day?

Make something! Reverse collage using recycled papers, catalogs, and acrylic paint.

There’s something quietly powerful about making something with your own hands. In a world driven by automation, speed, and convenience, National Handmade Day invites us to slow down, tap into our imagination, and reconnect with the simple joy of making.

A little history behind National Handmade Day 

Observed on the first Saturday of April each year, National Handmade Day was initiated and registered by Amy Bierstadt of From Scratch Farm in 2017. It was adopted as a national holiday in the US in 2018. 

The day was created to honor and celebrate artisans, crafters, and makers of all kinds—whether they knit scarves, piece quilts, carve wood, paint canvases, throw clay, or bake from scratch. The day also shines a spotlight on the importance of supporting small businesses and independent makers who dedicate their time and skills to produce unique, handcrafted goods.

From: the National Today website 

The focus on the work of artisans and craftspeople stems from one of the first “advocates of the handmade,” William Morris, who spurred the Arts and Crafts movement in the 1860s because of his concerns about the effects the Industrial Revolution had on craftspeople and their direct connection to the creation process of manufactured goods. 

In recent years, the rise of handmade goods is also closely tied to a growing focus on sustainability, individuality, and quality over mass production. Platforms that support independent sellers have fueled a renewed interest in handmade items, turning what was once considered a hobby into an expanding and prosperous global movement.

How to celebrate? Make something!

You don’t need to be an expert to take part in National Handmade Day. The beauty of this celebration lies in process, not perfection. Here are a few simple ideas to get started:

Creating collages with recycled papers in a junk journal.

Try a new craft
Always wanted to learn how to knit, crochet, paint, or bake bread? Today is the perfect excuse to begin! Start with something small. Pick up a kit at a local quilt shop, sewing center, yarn store, craft store, or from online makers. Or take a class—in person or online. Let yourself enjoy the learning process.

I’m experimenting with knitting mittens and finding the knitting patterns I like.

Upcycle or mend 


Turn something you already have into something functional. Sew fabric scraps together to make a mug rug. Give new life to a pair of jeans or work shirt with embroidery. Make fabric rope for baskets or placemats. I use my fabric scraps to make charity quilts. And I recycle papers and cardboard to make junk journals.

Fabric twine made with fabric scraps and trimmings from quiltmaking.

Scrappy kitty quilts for the Cat Clinic.

Making art journals or junk journals with recycled paper and card board.

Cook or bake from scratch


Handmade doesn’t just apply to crafts. Making a meal or baking cookies from scratch is a deeply satisfying way to celebrate. Every year, we drag out the 94 box of crayons to color Easter eggs.

Coloring Easter eggs.

Create a gift

Instead of buying something, make a gift for a friend or loved one… a hand-lettered card, a decorated frame for a photo, a hand-painted postcard. I love to make pillow cases. I personalize them with fabric in the recipient’s favorite colors or with motifs they like—cats, dogs, flowers, fishing, etc. These items can be personalized and carry a unique touch that a store-bought item can’t replicate.

Watercolor postcard.

Support local makers

Purchase items at craft markets or small online businesses that focus on handmade products. Every purchase helps sustain creativity and craftsmanship and supports an independent artist.

Share your work

Show off your own handmade creations and inspire others to join the fun and creativity on social media using #NationalHandmadeDay. Also tag the small business where you purchased the kit, supplies, and materials.

A page from this year’s 100 Day Stitch Book.

Why It Matters

Taking the time to create something by hand is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to be present in your own life. It encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. I try to do something with my hands every day and use a Create Daily Tracker to document my progress.

Create Daily Tracker for 2026.

Handmade items also have a special meaning to the maker and the recipient. These items carry stories, connections, and memories that mass-produced goods simply don’t have.

National Handmade Day reminds us that not everything has to be instant or perfect to be valuable. Sometimes, the most meaningful things are the ones we take the time to create ourselves.

Stan Leigh, one of our outside cats, has to check out my crafting supplies.

So today—or ANY DAY—grab some fabrics, needles, thread, yarn, paint, paper or any material of choice, clear a space, and make something—anything. 

Craft with a kid, craft with a group, or enlist a “fuzzy friend supervisor” to keep you company. You just might discover that the act of making is the most rewarding part of all.