One activity that was previously on my schedule was to go to a Junk Journaling club meeting with my 4-H Club volunteer-friend, Karen C. I had thought not to go because Dad had died two days before, but I was encouraged to do something to take my mind off my sadness. I'm glad I did. Making these journals proved therapeutic, as I made them for family I saw while in Kansas City for Dad's funeral.
I made six journals. The first one was for myself - top right, with my initial "L." I used a plain aqua 12" X 12" sheet, and glued fabric scraps to it.
Though I've been calling these junk journals, in fact the YouTube video about how to make them is: Quick Journals Using 12 X 12 Paper by Natasha of Treasure Books. Her instructions are excellent.
I have very little in the way of paper supplies, so a couple 12" X 12" sheets from Michael's, a few more sheets from a paper-craft estate sale, and a few pieces from Karen (she was formerly a Creative Memories consultant) gave me plenty of exterior cover stock to work with.
You can see the inside of each journal has a front and back pocket, so it's extra nice if you can make the journal with two-sided stock.
The interior is made with 10 sheets of paper called "the signature." When each sheet is folded in half, then stitched into the ¼"-wide cover spine (your #8 perle cotton stash will come in handy), the journal has a total of 40 pages to write on.
For the signature, I used what I could come up with here at home - several sizes of graph paper, construction paper, transparency paper, and of course printer paper. I didn't buy anything. It was fun to choose papers for each journal.
I recently learned about Lectio Divina, a four-step method for reading Scripture and understanding a "divine reading." It's been helpful during quiet time with God, and my journal is where I'm taking notes.
It is so hard to say goodbye and work through the grief. My big regret is that when the ambulance crew arrived for Robin, I let someone take me into their caravan while he was being worked on. Why did i do that? Guess i was in shock but i really wanted to be close by and see the outcome, however it was going to play out. I may have been able to speak to him and hold his hand, before he passed away.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I've found creating is an excellent way to help process grief, keeping the hands busy and giving the heart space to feel all the feels. Your journals are lovely, and I'm glad the class gave you a reason to be out of the house and around people who love you. Praying for you and your family in this sad season xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anonymous. I wish I knew who you were, so I could thank you directly. You seem to know about grief, and I'm sorry for you too. I really appreciate your prayers. God keeps giving me peace, over and over, every time I break down.
DeleteCondolences to you and your family on the loss of your father Linda. I trust God and your faith will sustain you at this sad time.
ReplyDeleteIt is truly hard to process grief after the loss of a parent or a child, the closest relationship we have in this earthly life. Your journals are a beautiful way to record and process your thoughts after loss. I think that is probably the only time I've done anything like a journal. Didn't do that after the loss of either of my parents or in-laws, at that point in life it never occurred to me. Maybe it's our stage of life and increasing maturity that produces a reflectiveness that wasn't available to us in earlier years.
ReplyDeleteHow like you to find something creative to do with your grief. Good for you, and best wishes during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, just learning about the passing of your Dad. I’m so sorry, I know it’s a very difficult time and God will help you through. I pray for his comfort for you and your family. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pamela. I am certain God is helping me through... every time I break down again. This morning has been rough. I covet prayers for peace, and for my brother and sister who are handling the details (that I can't because I'm so far away).
DeleteI was so very glad to go to the Junk Journaling session with you and learn from you how to make the covers. It was a good distraction from the pain you were dealing with at that time and also so healing to so something creative. The final products came out great, I hope the receivers enjoyed them. See you next month at 4-H. Happy Thanksgiving.
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