Make This Interactive Journal Page With Me 🥰| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 3 @saraleearmstrong

Sara-Lee Armstrong Hi my lovelies 💛 and welcome back to Part 3 of Love Letters & Lace: Come Make With Me.

Today we’re creating our very first interactive journal page, the page YOU voted as one of the favourites to include in our heirloom journal. We’ll be making layered playing-card flaps with hidden magnets, little collage clusters, faux vintage details, and a dimensional specimen-slide style window with beautiful depth and texture.

As always, grab a cup of tea, craft along with your own stash, or use the digitals included in this week’s folder and let’s make something beautiful together. ✨

✨ If you are new here, welcome.
You can jump in at any point in the series and create alongside us, or slowly build your journal one episode at a time.

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is and how the digitals work? I made a little video to explain everything 🤗💛youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

✨ You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

This week’s come make with me folder includes:
💛 The gel printed folio papers used in this video
💛 Typewriter keys digital
💛 An A4 sheet of butterflies (to fussy cut) and postal stamps
💛 Washi Tape Print Page (to be printed onto washi sticker printer paper)

If you have the “Come Make With Me” pack, you’ll find the pieces for this project inside the Part 3 folder 💛

✨ VIDEOS MENTIONED
How I make faux yellow tape: youtu.be/G3kAm5QT_0U
Embellishment dots (the method I used to the typewriter key embellishments): youtu.be/7hXw2zYyGBY

Supplies💛

💛 A lovely commenter kindly let me know that the small label stamp set I used appears to be very similar to the Tim Holtz “Curator” stamp set.

I purchased mine unbranded in a clear bag and genuinely did not realise it may have been a copied version. Had I known, I absolutely would have purchased the original set instead.

I wanted to add the correct set name and link here so you can support the original designer and hopefully avoid being tricked the way I was 😊

Tim Holtz “Curator” Stamp Set:
youtube.com/s/gaming/emoji/7ff574f2/emoji_u1f49b.png
I’ve added the correct set name/link in the description for anyone wanting to support the original designer 💛

Temu
I have listed the titles of the products I used for searchability, rather than direct links, as listings on Temu often vary by country, stock availability, and can disappear over time. Hopefully this makes them a little easier to find in your own region. ✨

Cotton Muslin: 5pcs Soft Cotton Burp Cloths
Magnets: 15mm x 1 mm Neodymium Magnets
Washi Tape Printer Paper: 20 pieces Washi Paper Sticker Paper
Small Label Stamps: Vintage Postmark Decoration Metal Stencil and Stamps
Butterfly Stamps: Butterfly Stamp and Dies for Cardmaking

See you next week, where I have a new idea I've never seen before coming! Stay crafty!
Sara-Lee ☺️💛

00:00 Intro & the page we’re making today
01:35 Starting our first interactive page
24:47 Decorating with collage clusters
28:54 Making the shadow box specimen slide
36:16 Final flip-through & goodbye 💛

#junkjournal
#heirloomjournal
#papercrafts
#collageart
#journalwithme

updated 4 months ago

Make This Interactive Journal Page With Me 🥰| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 3

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-05-16 | Hi my lovelies 💛 and welcome back to Part 3 of Love Letters & Lace: Come Make With Me.

Today we’re creating our very first interactive journal page, the page YOU voted as one of the favourites to include in our heirloom journal. We’ll be making layered playing-card flaps with hidden magnets, little collage clusters, faux vintage details, and a dimensional specimen-slide style window with beautiful depth and texture.

As always, grab a cup of tea, craft along with your own stash, or use the digitals included in this week’s folder and let’s make something beautiful together. ✨

✨ If you are new here, welcome.
You can jump in at any point in the series and create alongside us, or slowly build your journal one episode at a time.

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is and how the digitals work? I made a little video to explain everything 🤗💛youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

✨ You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

This week’s come make with me folder includes:
💛 The gel printed folio papers used in this video
💛 Typewriter keys digital
💛 An A4 sheet of butterflies (to fussy cut) and postal stamps
💛 Washi Tape Print Page (to be printed onto washi sticker printer paper)

If you have the “Come Make With Me” pack, you’ll find the pieces for this project inside the Part 3 folder 💛

✨ VIDEOS MENTIONED
How I make faux yellow tape: youtu.be/G3kAm5QT_0U
Embellishment dots (the method I used to the typewriter key embellishments): youtu.be/7hXw2zYyGBY

Supplies💛

💛 A lovely commenter kindly let me know that the small label stamp set I used appears to be very similar to the Tim Holtz “Curator” stamp set.

I purchased mine unbranded in a clear bag and genuinely did not realise it may have been a copied version. Had I known, I absolutely would have purchased the original set instead.

I wanted to add the correct set name and link here so you can support the original designer and hopefully avoid being tricked the way I was 😊

Tim Holtz “Curator” Stamp Set:
youtube.com/s/gaming/emoji/7ff574f2/emoji_u1f49b.png
I’ve added the correct set name/link in the description for anyone wanting to support the original designer 💛

Temu
I have listed the titles of the products I used for searchability, rather than direct links, as listings on Temu often vary by country, stock availability, and can disappear over time. Hopefully this makes them a little easier to find in your own region. ✨

Cotton Muslin: 5pcs Soft Cotton Burp Cloths
Magnets: 15mm x 1 mm Neodymium Magnets
Washi Tape Printer Paper: 20 pieces Washi Paper Sticker Paper
Small Label Stamps: Vintage Postmark Decoration Metal Stencil and Stamps
Butterfly Stamps: Butterfly Stamp and Dies for Cardmaking

See you next week, where I have a new idea I've never seen before coming! Stay crafty!
Sara-Lee ☺️💛

00:00 Intro & the page we’re making today
01:35 Starting our first interactive page
24:47 Decorating with collage clusters
28:54 Making the shadow box specimen slide
36:16 Final flip-through & goodbye 💛

#junkjournal
#heirloomjournal
#papercrafts
#collageart
#journalwithme

A Little Bit of Charm 😉 | Vintage Fabric Tuck Spot with a Journal Dangle | Junk Journal Tutorial

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-07-18 | Hi my lovelies! 🤗💛

This week in our journal-making series we're creating a beautiful fabric tuck spot... complete with a cute little dangle, because let's be honest... who doesn't love a little journal jewellery? 😂💛 It's a simple project that adds lots of texture, movement, and vintage charm to your pages, so grab your supplies and let's make it together!

Grab a cup of tea, your favourite fabrics, postcards and paper scraps, and craft along with your own stash, or use the vintage postal snippets included in this week's "Come Make With Me" folder. 🥰

✨ New here? 🥰

Love Letters & Lace is a complete journal series where we're building an heirloom journal from beginning to end. You can jump in at any point, use your own supplies, or follow along with the optional Come Make With Me folders.
You'll find the full playlist here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLTguh-FglrCUBJ0lz1vNEjMq

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what "Come Make With Me" folders are? I've made a short video explaining how the folders work:

youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

✨ The Love Letters & Lace collection is here:

saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

(Prices are shown in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can change the currency using the drop-down on the website.)

Thank you so much for spending part of your day crafting with me. I appreciate every one of you. 💛

Stay crafty,

Sara-Lee ☺️

⏰ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction & today's project
00:16 What is "Come Make With Me"
01:21 Aging paperclips for a vintage look
05:58 Making the journal dangle
15:30 Decorating the wrapped paperclip
19:51 Creating the fabric tuck spot
20:12 Making your own magnetic stamp board
23:52 Adding the project to the journal
26:18 Finished project

#junkjournal #junkjournaltutorial #journalmaking #journalideas #papercraft #mixedmedia #vintagejournal #craftwithme #junkjournalcommunity

A Fabric Frame & Hidden Journalling Card | Interactive Journal Page| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 10

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-07-11 | Hi my Lovelies! 💛

In this episode of Come Make a Journal With Me, we're making an interactive fabric-covered frame with hidden journaling space. The journaling card slides perfectly in place behind the frame, leaving a beautiful vintage photo on display while hiding plenty of writing space on the back of the picture. 💛

I'll show you two ways to make it: first using your own stash and favourite postcards or photos, and then using this week's optional template from the Come Make With Me folder.

Grab a cup of tea, your favourite fabrics, postcards and paper scraps, and craft along with your own stash, or use the digitals included in this week's folder. 🥰

✨ New here?

Love Letters & Lace is a complete journal series where we're building an heirloom journal from beginning to end. You can jump in at any point, use your own supplies, or follow along with the optional Come Make With Me folders.

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is? I've made a short video explaining how the folders work:

youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

✨ The Love Letters & Lace collection is here:

saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

(Prices are shown in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can change the currency using the drop-down on the website.)

Thank you so much for spending part of your day crafting with me. I appreciate every one of you. 💛

Stay crafty,

Sara-Lee ☺️

Timestamps

00:00 Here's what we're making today

00:48 Love Letters & Lace journal so far

01:22 Making the frame from your own stash

02:32 Measuring your frame to fit any photo or postcard

10:55 Covering the frame with fabric

23:16 Making the hidden slide pocket

31:03 Attaching the slide pocket to the frame

32:13 Making a simple tab (with or without a tab punch)

41:35 Template version (Come Make With Me)

50:27 Final thoughts

Frankenpaper (Writing Space in Disguise!) 🥸| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 9

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-07-04 | Sometimes a journal just needs a quiet page.

In this episode of Come Make a Journal With Me, we're making frankenpaper - writing space in disguise. 🥸 Using scraps of envelopes, ledgers, vintage/antique papers and coffee-dyed pieces, we'll create interesting journal pages that are a little more special than plain lined paper, while still leaving plenty of room to write.

Grab a cup of tea, your paper scraps, and craft along with your own stash, or use the digitals included in this week's folder. 💛

✨ New here?

Love Letters & Lace is a complete journal series where we're building an heirloom journal from beginning to end. You can jump in at any point, use your own supplies, or follow along with the optional Come Make With Me folders.

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is? I've made a short video explaining how the folders work:
youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

✨ The Love Letters & Lace collection is here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

(Prices are shown in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can change the currency using the drop-down on the website.)

Thank you so much for spending part of your day crafting with me. I appreciate every one of you. 💛

Stay crafty,
Sara-Lee ☺️

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome & what we're making today
01:25 This week's digitals
03:54 Measurements
4:42 The papers I'm using
7:17 What is frankenpaper?
8:15 Making the Frankenpaper: paper choices + gluing
20:50 A simple embossed pocket
28:35 Flip through the finished signature
29:25 Final thoughts

#junkjournal #journalmaking #papercrafts #heirloomjournal #collageart

A Vintage Folio with Interactive Elements | Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 8

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-06-27 | Come spend half an hour with me while I add another unnecessary flap because I can. 🤣

In this video we'll create a vintage-inspired folio featuring hidden pockets, hinged flaps, journaling space, and several interactive elements that are completely functional... but not entirely necessary.

Because sometimes the answer to "Should I add another flap?" is "Probably not."

And then we do it anyway🤣

As always, grab a cup of tea, craft along with your own supplies, or use the digitals included in this week's folder and let's make something beautiful together 💛

✨ If you're new here, welcome.

Love Letters & Lace is a complete journal series where we're building an entire journal together from beginning to end. You can jump in at any point, use your own stash, or follow along with the optional Come Make With Me folders.

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is and how the digitals work? I made a little video to explain everything 🤗💛
youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

✨ You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here:

saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

If you have the Come Make With Me pack, you'll find everything scanable for this project inside this week's folder 💛

Thank you so much for being here and crafting with me. I'm so grateful for this cozy little creative community we've built together.

Stay crafty,
Sara-Lee ☺️💛

00:00 Hi and what we're making today
01:00 If you're new here
02:00 Creating the envelope folio base
07:15 Adding decorative hinged flap
13:55 Unnecessary (but cool) interactive elements 🤣
17:40 Decorating the folio
37:10 thank you and see you soon!

#junkjournal
#heirloomjournal
#papercrafts
#journalmaking
#collageart

An Interactive Flip Page with a Vintage Love Story ❤️| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 7

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-06-20 | Hi my lovelies 💛 and welcome back to Love Letters & Lace: Come Make With Me.

We're back after our one week break so I could catch my tail 🤣

This week we're creating a flip page that I thought would make a sweet addition to our journal. After all, our Top 10 voted pages certainly aren't going to be enough to fill this journal and make her chunky... and let's be honest, we like chunky around here 😏💛

This page has loads of writing space hidden behind simple interactive flips, while still keeping that soft vintage Love Letters & Lace feel. We'll be creating the flip structure, making some typewriter key embellishments, and decorating the page with lace, buttons and a few little treasures from our stash.

As always, grab a cup of tea, craft along with your own supplies, or use the digitals included in this week's folder and let's make something beautiful together 💛

✨ If you're new here, welcome.

Love Letters & Lace is a complete journal series where we're building an entire journal together from beginning to end. You can jump in at any point, use your own stash, or follow along with the optional Come Make With Me folders.

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is and how the digitals work? I made a little video to explain everything 🤗💛youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

✨ You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here:

saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

This week's Come Make With Me folder includes:

💛 Flip page digital sheets
💛 "L O V E" typewriter keys
💛 Music paper (already in the Drive folders)
💛 Background papers (already in the Drive folders)

If you have the Come Make With Me pack, you'll find everything scanable for this project inside this week's folder 💛

Thank you so much for being here and crafting with me. I'm so grateful for this cozy little creative community we've built together.

Stay crafty,
Sara-Lee ☺️💛

00:00 Welcome back & page reveal
01:08 What is Come Make With Me?
04:03 Let's start making the page
10:23 Resining the typewriter keys
15:58 Building the flip page
22:09 Decorating the page
38:57 Adding the tab & final details
42:13 Finished page reveal and see you soon

#junkjournal
#heirloomjournal
#papercrafts
#journalmaking
#collageart

📚 Come See What Followed Me Home From the Book Fair! (Junk Journal Treasures)💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-06-13 | Hi my lovelies 💛

This week I'm taking a short break from Love Letters & Lace and sharing a flip-through of some of the vintage and antique treasures I recently brought home from the Red Cross Book Fair. 📚✨

The Red Cross Book Fair is one of my favourite events of the year. Three halls filled with books and the possibility of discovering forgotten illustrations, vintage maps, old nursery books, gardening encyclopaedias and all sorts of paper treasures destined for future journals.

Don't worry, Love Letters & Lace will be back next week. 💛

📚 Books Featured- I made a list just in case it was hard to see on screen or i missed something 🥰

• The Old Nursery Rhymes
Collins' Clear Type Press, London & Glasgow.
Prize inscription dated 1910. Publication date not shown, likely early 1900s.

• Helmet & Cowl: Stories of Monastic and Military Orders
W. M. Letts & M. F. S. Letts.
Wells Gardner, Darton & Co., London, 1914.

• Alice in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll. Illustrated by G. W. Backhouse.
Collins, London & Glasgow.
Publication date not shown, mid-20th century edition.

• Der Kuchenbäcker von Amsterdam
Carla Hammer.
D. Gundert Verlag, Stuttgart, 1947.

• A Book of Wild Flowers: 160 Plates after Watercolours
Elsa Felsko.
Bruno Cassirer, Oxford, 1956.

• Flowers in Colour: An Amateur Gardening Encyclopaedia
A. G. L. Hellyer.
Illustrated by Cynthia Newsome-Taylor and J. D. C. Sowerby.
W. H. & L. Collingridge Ltd., London, 1955.

• Heidi Grows Up
Charles Tritten. Illustrated by Pelagie Doane.
Collins, London & Glasgow, 1976.

• Collins' New Zealand Clear School Atlas
Physical, Political, Historical and Economic Maps and Diagrams.
Collins Bros. & Co. Ltd., Auckland & Wellington.
Publication date not shown.

📖 A Note About Dates & Editions

I have listed publication dates are listed where known 🥰 Some vintage and antique books featured in this video were missing publication pages, had detached covers, or had limited identifying information available.

Dates and editions have been identified to the best of my knowledge using the information available within each book.

Some book covers shown in this video had already been separated from their book blocks before filming, so publication details for those particular covers were unavailable.

Thank you for coming treasure hunting with me! 🥰💛

If you love vintage books, antique paper, heirloom journals, old illustrations, maps and ephemera, I'd love to have you along for the journey.

#junkjournal #vintagebooks #bookfairfinds #ephemera #papercraft

An Interactive Journal Page with Barn Door & Hidden Writing Space | Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 6

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-06-06 | Hi my lovelies 💛 and welcome back to Love Letters & Lace: Come Make With Me.

This week we're finally creating the page you voted as your number one favourite ☺️

Together we're making a beautiful barn door folio inspired by the original page from our journal plans. Inside you'll find a hidden pocket, a journaling card, vintage-inspired collage details, and one very special little word: Together. The name for this journal 💛

As always, grab a cup of tea, craft along with your own stash, or use the digitals included in this week's folder and let's make something beautiful together 💛

✨ If you are new here, welcome.

You can jump in at any point in the series and create alongside us, or slowly build your journal one episode at a time.

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is and how the digitals work? I made a little video to explain everything 🤗💛youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

✨ You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

This week's Come Make With Me folder includes:

💛 Printable Masterboard
💛 Typewriter Words: Beloved, Together & Devoted
💛 Vintage Photo Scan (Nana & Pop)
💛Coffee-Dyed Lace Pattern #26

Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

Letter scans and vintage ledger papers are already included in their own folders ☺️

✨ Mentioned Video

Grungy Dyed Papers Using the Gelli Plate for Your Junk Journal:
youtu.be/O4W86dusab8

✨ Channel Mention

Crafty by Toni:
youtube.com/@CraftybyToni

✨ Supplies Used
Temu
💛 Label plates
💛 Paper frames (spray painted brown) search: Vintage Cutout Frame Decor Paper Junk Journal DIY Scrapbooking Collage Materials Planner Creative Stationery
💛 Recipe clear stamps
💛 Double-sided rivets
💛 Brown safety pins

Ali Express
💛 Mini brads search: 500pcs/lot antique brass mini diy metal nail brads

Bunnings NZ
Rustoleum- Hammered Metal (Colour- Amber)

Ribbon Rose NZ
💛 Distress Inks (Ground Espresso, Gathered Twigs & Rusty Hinge)

Just a little heads-up 💛

Next week we'll be taking a one-week break from Love Letters & Lace while I share some treasures from the huge Red Cross Book Fair here in Palmerston North. Then we'll be right back to journal-making the following week ☺️

Thank you so much for being here and crafting with me. I'm so grateful for this cozy little creative community we've built together 💛

Stay crafty,

Sara-Lee ☺️💛

00:00 Intro & page reveal
01:03 Preparing the folio base
04:50 Creating the barn doors
15:36 Pocket & writing space
18:26 Making the journaling card
38:28 Journal update & book fair break
40:13 Goodbye 💛

#junkjournal
#heirloomjournal
#papercrafts
#journalmaking
#collageart

A Belly Band Made From Tags☺️💛| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 5

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-05-30 | Hi my lovelies 💛 and welcome back to Love Letters & Lace: Come Make With Me.

This week we're finally tackling one of the pages you voted for, number 5 from our journal plans ☺️

We're creating a decorative tag belly band that gives us a beautiful place to tuck away ephemera while adding a little texture and vintage charm to the page. We'll be making the tags from scratch using simple papers, ledger, book pages, lace, and a few little collage details before turning them into a functional belly band for our journal.

One of the things I love most about this project is that it uses very simple supplies and scraps from your stash, but still creates something that feels thoughtful and finished. Sometimes the quieter pages are just as important as the highly interactive ones, especially in a journal that's designed to be written in and used.

As always, grab a cup of tea, craft along with your own stash, or use the digitals included in this week's folder and let's make something beautiful together 💛

✨ If you are new here, welcome.
You can jump in at any point in the series and create alongside us, or slowly build your journal one episode at a time.

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is and how the digitals work? I made a little video to explain everything 🤗💛youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

✨ You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

This week's Come Make With Me folder includes:

💛 Printable collage/masterboard sheet
💛 Gel Print Background (you already have this one in Part 3 folder. It's the one on the back of the playning card flap page, but I will pop that in here too so it's easy to find if you havent printed it yet!)

Letter scans and Vintage ledger paper are already in their own folders ☺️

If you have the "Come Make With Me" pack, you'll find everything for this project inside this week's folder 💛

Thank you so much for being here and crafting with me. I'm so grateful for this cozy little creative community we've built together 💛

Stay crafty,
Sara-Lee ☺️💛

00:00 Intro & page reveal
01:24 Making the tags
23:49 Creating the tag belly band
28:20 Goodbye & journal update 💛

#junkjournal
#heirloomjournal
#papercrafts
#journalmaking
#collageart

The Labyrinth Bellyband, An “Un”ordinary Bellyband 🧐💛| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 4

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-05-23 | Hi my lovelies 💛 and welcome back to Love Letters & Lace: Come Make With Me.

My crazy little mad-scientist paper brain has been at it again 😅 and I genuinely hope this is something a little different that you maybe haven’t seen before.

Today we’re creating what I’ve called the “Labyrinth Belly Band” inspired by that hidden false-wall scene in *Labyrinth* where nothing is quite what it first appears to be 👀

At first glance, this looks like a normal belly band… but hidden behind it are secret pockets, tucked-away spaces, and little hidden areas for notes, letters, journaling cards, and treasures, all disguised as part of the page itself ✨

We’ll also be making some simple vintage-style tags, little collage details, hidden pockets, stitching, and interactive elements to add another cozy heirloom-style page into our journal.

And don’t worry… next week we *will* be getting back into creating one of the pages you all voted for 😅 My brain just got distracted by this idea and I had to make it immediately.

As always, grab a cup of tea, craft along with your own stash, or use the digitals included in this week’s folder and let’s make something beautiful together 💛

✨ If you are new here, welcome.
You can jump in at any point in the series and create alongside us, or slowly build your journal one episode at a time.

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is and how the digitals work? I made a little video to explain everything 🤗💛youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

✨ You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

This week’s Come Make With Me folder includes:
💛 Water-damaged vintage ledger scan
💛 Vintage music paper pages
💛 “Girls Own” style printable journal pages
💛 A coordinating gel print
💛 A printable collage/masterboard sheet for the tags and pockets

If you have the “Come Make With Me” pack, you’ll find everything for this project inside this week’s folder 💛

✨ SUPPLIES & NOTES

Temu:
I’ve listed the titles of the products I used for searchability rather than direct links, as listings on Temu often vary by country, stock availability, and can disappear over time. Hopefully this makes them a little easier to find in your own region ✨

Small Hinges: Mini Antique Box Hinges
Double-Sided Rivets: 6mm Double Cap Rivets

Gordon Harris NZ
Washi Paper: Awagami Washi Paper

✨ Please tell me in the comments…
Have you seen anything like this before? Or has my gremlin rave paper brain accidentally invented something? 😂

Thank you so much for being here and crafting with me. I’m so grateful for this cozy little creative community we’ve built together 💛

Stay crafty,
Sara-Lee ☺️💛

00:00 Intro & the Labyrinth Belly Band reveal
02:17 Building the hidden belly band mechanism
24:29 Decorating the belly band and creating vintage-style tag toppers
36:12 Final flip-through & goodbye 💛

#junkjournal
#heirloomjournal
#interactivejournal
#papercrafts
#collageart

Is It a Flap? Or Is It a Folio? ...It’s Kind of Both 🤣| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 2

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-05-09 | Hi my lovelies 💛

Welcome to Part 2! Today we’re making something a little bit different for the Love Letters & Lace journal… and honestly, I got a little bit too excited about this idea 🤣

We’re creating a hidden centre-signature folio with a removable sliding insert, tucked right into the middle of the journal 💛

Now, folios themselves obviously aren’t revolutionary, but I realised I hadn’t personally seen this particular pocket folio structure made as a one-piece design before, and I definitely haven’t seen this style of sliding closure used as a centre signature element inside a journal.

So naturally… I had to make one 😂

The main folio structure is made from a single sheet of paper, with the offcuts reusable as pockets or tuck spots elsewhere in the journal.

The removable closure insert is made separately from another piece of cardstock, then slides neatly into the folio to create this little contained parcel hidden inside the signature ☺️

I really wanted something interactive and layered for the centre of the journal, but still neat and elegant when closed.

As always, feel free to craft alongside me, pause when needed, or simply enjoy the process with a cup of tea 💛

✨ If you are new here, welcome.
You can jump in at any point in the series and create alongside us, or slowly build your journal one episode at a time.

✨ VIDEOS MENTIONED

💛 Crafty by Toni
I mentioned Toni’s beautiful D-ring ideas video. She creates some absolutely amazing journal elements and interactive details, so definitely go and check her out if you haven’t already ☺️

youtu.be/RYnOzxafaDg?si=4MvUPuSG-crtQxt_

✨ Resin Charm Tutorial
If you’d like to turn the decorative initials into resin charms or tiles like the ones shown in this video, this older tutorial will walk you through the process 💛

You could also use glossy accents or even clear nail polish if you don’t work with resin.

youtu.be/e5DBkZphblQ

📁 DIGITALS

Wondering what Come Make With Me is and how the digitals work? I made a little video to explain everything 🤗💛youtu.be/dw5yCjW5uEQ?si=mhSJ00LJp4PSyP8B

Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

✨ You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection
and the individual Mayflower Decorative Initials Digital here: saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/mayflower-decorative-initials-digital-download

This week’s come make with me folder includes:
💛 The gel printed folio papers used in this video
💛 Scanned Mayflower cover pieces
💛 Decorative initials used for the resin tile charms
💛 Extra printable elements for decorating your inserts

If you have the “Come Make With Me” pack, you’ll find the pieces for this project inside the Part 2 folder 💛

If you have the Mega Bundle, 3 full sheets of the Mayflower initials (as shown in video) are already in your folder in 3 colourways.

See you next week! Stay crafty!
Sara-Lee ☺️💛

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro and what we are making
3:32 Viewer-voted top 10 pages update
4:05 Materials and cardstock
5:14 Measurements and scoring
7:16 Creating the sliding pocket system
10:27 Cutting and assembly
11:58 Gluing the folio together
13:41 Decorating ideas and tuck spots
17:48 Making the removable insert
19:48 Covering and decorating the insert
22:34 Creating the pull tab
25:34 Alternative pull tab idea with D-rings
28:20 Resin tile charm printables
30:00 Decorating the folio cover
32:33 Design decisions and simplifying embellishments
35:39 Final flip-through and finished folio

#junkjournal #junkjournaling #journalwithme #papercraft #folio #hiddenpocket #mixedmedia #vintagepaper #handmadejournal #slowcraft #creativeprocess #journaltutorial

Layered Gel Print Backgrounds- my favourite technique! 💛| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 1b

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-05-02 | Hi my lovelies 💛

Today we’re making something a little bit different for the Love Letters & Lace journal… and honestly, I got a little bit too excited about this idea 🤣

We’re creating a hidden centre-signature folio with a removable sliding insert, tucked right into the middle of the journal 💛

Now, folios themselves obviously aren’t revolutionary, but I realised I hadn’t personally seen this particular pocket folio structure made as a one-piece design before, and I definitely haven’t seen this style of sliding closure used as a centre signature element inside a journal.

So naturally… I had to make one 😂

The main folio structure is made from a single sheet of paper, with the offcuts reusable as pockets or tuck spots elsewhere in the journal.

The removable closure insert is made separately from another piece of cardstock, then slides neatly into the folio to create this little contained parcel hidden inside the signature ☺️

I really wanted something interactive and layered for the centre of the journal, but still neat and elegant when closed.

As always, feel free to craft alongside me, pause when needed, or simply enjoy the process with a cup of tea 💛

✨ If you are new here, welcome.
You can jump in at any point in the series and create alongside us, or slowly build your journal one episode at a time.

📁 DIGITALS

Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

✨ You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

This week’s Come make with me folder includes:
💛 The gel printed folio papers used in this video
💛 Scanned Mayflower cover pieces
💛 Decorative initials used for the resin tile charms
💛 Extra printable elements for decorating your inserts

If you have the Mega Bundle, 3 full sheets of the Mayflower Initials as shown are already in your folder in 3 colourways.

If you have the “Come Make With Me” pack, you’ll find the pieces for this project inside the Part 2 folder 💛

✨ CRAFTING NOTES

If you make one of these, I would LOVE to see what you create.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro and hidden folio idea
1:25 Why I designed it for centre signatures
3:32 Viewer-voted top 10 pages update
4:05 Materials and cardstock
5:14 Measurements and scoring
7:16 Creating the sliding pocket system
10:27 Cutting and assembly
11:58 Gluing the folio together
13:41 Decorating ideas and tuck spots
17:48 Making the removable insert
19:48 Covering and decorating the insert
22:34 Creating the pull tab
25:34 Alternative pull tab idea with D-rings
28:20 Resin tile charm printables
30:00 Decorating the folio cover
32:33 Design decisions and simplifying embellishments
35:39 Final flip-through and finished folio

#junkjournal #junkjournaling #journalwithme #papercraft #folio #hiddenpocket #mixedmedia #vintagepaper #handmadejournal #slowcraft #creativeprocess #journaltutorial

Looks coffee dyed… but it’s not 😁 Full tutorial here

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-04-25 | youtu.be/UjtczYN5P8U?si=YNi03c3g_eWozaIE

This Looks Like Coffee-Dyed Paper… But It Isn’t 👀| Love Letters & Lace • Pt. 1a

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-04-25 | Hi my lovelies 💛

If you know me, you know how much I love real coffee dyed paper… but sometimes the smell or the unpredictability of stencils gets in the way.

So today I’m sharing a little alternative.

This paper looks like coffee dyed paper… but it isn’t ☺️
It prints beautifully, gives that soft aged look, and behaves itself every single time.

This is a technique I’ll be using as we begin gathering pages and papers for our *Love Letters & Lace* journal, so it fits perfectly into this stage of the series. Whether you’re making along or simply building your own stash, this is a lovely, reliable option to have on hand.

As always, feel free to grab a cup of tea and craft alongside me, or just enjoy the calm creative process 💛

✨ If you are new here, welcome.
You can jump in at any point in the series and start making alongside us, or go back to the beginning and build your journal slowly, one step at a time.

---

📁 DIGITALS + FREEBIE
Please note, prices on my website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can use the currency drop-down to view prices in your local currency 💛

✨ Freebie A4 sample (give it a go ☺️)
drive.google.com/file/d/1VFnt1In4THNsTj0pwt42i1MwHcoeDwJM/view?usp=sharing

✨ Come Make With Me Pack (Love Letters & Lace)
Includes all Coffee Lace Papers (light and dark) as well as elements used throughout the series, and grows each week as we build together:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/love-letters-lace-come-make-with-me-build-along-digital-pack

✨ Light & Dark Pack
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/light-coffee-dyed-lace-digital-paper-pack?currency=NZD

There are also individual Light and Dark packs available if you prefer to choose just one tone, as well as a full Love Letters & Lace bundle, which includes all of the digitals in this collection and access to the Come Make With Me pack 💛

---

✂️ CRAFTING NOTES

For this technique, I lightly dampened the paper, let it dry, then printed over the top to achieve that soft, aged effect.

You can use this method on plain paper, recycled paper, or anything you’d like to give a little extra character. It’s all about creating that gentle, lived-in feel without the mess or unpredictability of traditional dyeing.

If you do have a play with this, I would absolutely love to see what you make 💛

Thank you for crafting with me. Happy making ☺️

---

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro and what this is
0:28 How I created the digital papers
1:20 Why wet and dry the paper and why this works
2:05 Paper prep (wet then dry)
3:05 Ironing and prepping for printing
4:39 Choosing a design to print
5:17 Printing setup (skip if you already know this)
7:40 Printing the paper
8:00 Final result and how I’ll use these in the journal

---

#junkjournal #junkjournaling #journalwithme #paperart #vintagepaper #coffeedyedpaper #printablepaper #slowcraft #creativeprocess #handmadejournal #craftwithme

Which Pages Should We Make? | Pick the Path for Our Journal

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-04-19 | Hi my lovelies 💛

So… this is a slightly different one ☺️

I’ve already shared full flip-throughs of both of these journals, but today I thought we could do something a little more interactive.

As I flip through, you’ll see page numbers appear on the pages that have something we can actually make. I’d love for you to pop your favourites in the comments below… just the numbers is perfect.

It’s a little bit of a “pick a path” moment.

Whichever pages are the most popular, I’ll recreate them in upcoming *Come Make With Me* tutorials so we can build something together that you’ve had a hand in choosing 💛

Some pages won’t be numbered, those are usually simpler backgrounds or pieces that don’t need a full tutorial. But anything with detail, clusters, dangles, or techniques will have a number ready for you to pick from.

You can choose as many as you like ☺️

If you’d like to see these journals in full detail (with everything pulled out and explored properly), I’ve linked both flip-throughs below.

As always, feel free to grab a cup of tea and just enjoy the calm process, or jump in and choose your favourites as we go 💛

---

📎 RELATED VIDEOS

Beloved Journal Flip-through:
youtu.be/qWYXhnrWmds?si=TC-H-DZ5obMBPgfq

Devoted Journal Flip-through:
youtu.be/7Zd3lZMxSSA?si=Q1OqKrmBLBWQFWH2

---

✨ If you are new here, welcome.
You can jump in at any point in the series and start making alongside us, or go back to the beginning and build your journal slowly, one step at a time.

💛 You can find the Love Letters & Lace collection here if you’d like to explore the papers and elements used throughout the series:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection?currency=NZD

Thank you for being part of this with me. I can’t wait to see which pages you choose 💛

Happy making ☺️

---

#junkjournal #junkjournaling #journalwithme #interactivevideo #pickapath #creativeprocess #handmadejournal #paperart #slowcraft #craftwithme

“It has potential…” Junk journalers will understand 😌 #handmadejournal #journaling #junkjournal

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-04-17 | I really tried… I did… but it has potential 🤣

Tell me I’m not the only one with a “this might be useful” stash 🙈

Inspired by @Renoclubb original skit 💛

Love Letters and Lace: Devoted | An Heirloom Journal | sold thank you 💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-04-13 | Hi my lovelies 💛

This journal is part of my Love Letters and Lace collection, inspired by memory, softness, and the beauty of timeworn things. I’ve named this lovely lady Beloved.

She has now found her forever home😊💛

This piece is part of a pair I created as inspiration for my next Come Make With Me series, a full free course where you can build along with me and create your own heirloom journal using your own stash.

If you’d like to make something closer to what I’ll be creating, there are optional digital packs available here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

Meg @megslacepaperalchemy
Cabinet card digital: megslacepaperalchemy.etsy.com/au/listing/4487655137/children-babies-authentic-antique
Meg makes absolutely gorgeous things! You can find her YouTube channel here (she's just started her channel): youtube.com/@megslacepaperalchemy?si=YdWJRt7W-bBniAdU

Jaizella @ Lavish Laces
You can find Jaizella’s lovely laces and ephemera here if you’d like to explore her work:
Etsy: etsy.com/nz/shop/LavishLaces
Instagram: instagram.com/thelavishlaces?igsh=MWpna29nemdmcDFjag==

Videos mentioned
1st Journal flip through Love letters & Lace: Beloved: youtu.be/qWYXhnrWmds
Cover Make Tutorial: youtu.be/RQco523mo7k

Happy crafting! 💛

#junkjournal #heirloomjournal #handmadejournal #junkjournaling #vintagejournal #lacejournal #mixedmediaart #artjournal #papercraft #journaling #ephemera #cozycraft #slowcraft #creativejournaling

Love Letters and Lace: Beloved | An Heirloom Journal | sold thank you💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-04-09 | Hi my lovelies 💛

This journal is part of my Love Letters and Lace collection, inspired by memory, softness, and the beauty of timeworn things. I’ve named this lovely lady Beloved.

She has now found her forever home in New York 🤗💛

This piece is part of a pair I created as inspiration for my next Come Make With Me series, a full free course where you can build along with me and create your own heirloom journal using your own stash.

If you’d like to make something closer to what I’ll be creating, there are optional digital packs available here:
saraleeartdesign.com/love-letters-and-lace-collection

Videos mentioned
Inside cover lace tip-in: youtu.be/jAhjfIxq6gs
Making clusters: youtu.be/8m6nT3KVjys

Jaizella @ Lavish Laces
You can find Jaizella’s lovely laces and ephemera here if you’d like to explore her work:
Etsy: etsy.com/nz/shop/LavishLaces
Instagram: instagram.com/thelavishlaces?igsh=MWpna29nemdmcDFjag==

Happy crafting! 💛

#junkjournal #heirloomjournal #handmadejournal #junkjournaling #vintagejournal #lacejournal #mixedmediaart #artjournal #papercraft #journaling #ephemera #cozycraft #slowcraft #creativejournaling

Want to Make Your Journal Cover Look Like This? 💛 (Heirloom Style)

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-03-23 | In this video I’m decorating and transforming a dimensional journal cover into this heirloom-style piece 💛

We won’t be building the cover from scratch in this one, I’m working on a pre-made cover (I’ve linked the original cover tutorial by Louise Heinzl below), but you can absolutely use an old book cover or one you’ve already prepared, like I’ve done in the past.

Luise Heinzl video "Making a curved spine cover" youtu.be/bTSOJEHHZlU?si=8JMqlrSc7lDP68B1

This is also a little preview of what’s coming in my Love Letters & Lace “Come Make a Journal With Me” series, where we’ll be creating pages, elements, and building something really special together over time.

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know this collection is all about keeping, protecting, and cherishing the things that matter 💛

I’ll be back in 2 weeks with the next video, so in the meantime, make yourself a cup of tea, get your supplies out, and come create with me.🥰

What is cherished is kept.
What is kept is protected.
What is protected is loved.

00:00 Introduction + sneak peek of Love Letters and Lace covers
01:00 What this tutorial will cover, molds, painting, crackle, and finishing techniques
01:53 The cover I am using and the types that can be used
04:31 Step 1: Applying gesso + why gesso first
11:34 Step 2: Moulds how I make my moulded pieces and my top tips
17:49 Step 3: Adhering the moulded pieces to the cover
27:41 Step 4: Paint layer 1 for depth and shadow
32:07 Step 5: Layer 2 Dry brushing + adding highlights to the moulded pieces
35:03 Step 6: Applying the crackle medium + top coat technique
37:21 Step 7: Adding the paint layer on top of the crackle layer
39:54 Step 7: Softening the brown tones + building cream, highlights, and detail
43:17 Step 8: Adding metallic wax
44:04 Step 9: ink shading, and final antique finish
48:34 Final reveal + finished heirloom-style cover

#junkjournal #junkjournaltutorial #heirloomjournal #journalcover #handmadejournal #mixedmediacraft #polymerclaymolds #vintagejournal #antiquecraft #cracklepaint #artjournal #saraleeartdesign #journalcover

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 20 | The Finale | Look What You Made!😊💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-03-14 | Hi my lovelies 💛

Welcome to The Finale of Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me.

This little slideshow is a celebration of the beautiful pages created by our community throughout the series. I absolutely love seeing what you’ve all made. Every time someone sends me photos of their pages I’m amazed by how different they all are. Some people used the kit, others created their own themes and simply followed along with the tutorials, and the originality is phenomenal.

A huge thank you to everyone who shared their work and trusted me to show it here. I know it isn’t always easy to put your creations out into the world, and I’m so grateful to each of you for allowing me to celebrate your pages with the community.

And to everyone who watched, commented, and crafted along with me during this series, thank you. Your encouragement and support truly mean the world.

I’ve had so much fun making this series with you all.
But don’t worry… a new series is coming soon.

Sara-Lee 💛

🌸 COMMUNITY MAKERS FEATURED

• Tina Ivery: The Fairy Bag Lady youtube.com/@tinaivery8962
• Mandy Barclay: Daffodils & Daisies youtube.com/@daffodilsdaisies1932?si=GvU2SDYmdHTecygQ
• Yvonne De Bruin: Yvone's Crafty Corner youtube.com/@yvonnescraftycorner
• Michelle Reeses: Michelle Reese Designs youtube.com/@michellereesedesigns

📁 DIGITAL KIT LINK

Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me kit:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

This pack includes all folders from the series and the papers used throughout the project.

📎 FULL SERIES PLAYLIST

You can watch the full Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me series here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

#junkjournal #ringboundjournal #journalwithme #junkjournaling #handmadejournal #journalmaking #mixedmediajournal #creativeprocess #slowcraft #paperart #craftwithme #journalingcommunity

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 19 | Junk Journal Flip Through | Laurel & Sage- sold, TY❤️

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-03-07 | Here she is! A full flip-through of "Laurel & Sage", the journal created throughout my "Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me" series.

This journal features layered textile covers in soft sage tones, lace accents, and a vintage-style frame with a gathered lace rosette at the centre. Inside you’ll find a mix of hand-prepared and vintage-style papers, interactive and layered elements created throughout the series.

Thank you so much to everyone who crafted along with me. Seeing your journals come to life has been the most wonderful part of this project. 💛

She now has her forever home ♥️

If you would like to make your own version of this journal, the **Come Make With Me digital kit** is available here:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

You can watch the full series here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

**Individual videos in the series**

Part 1:youtube.com/watch?v=f4h3gY3YReA
Part 2: youtube.com/watch?v=p4_IcJYzfB4
Part 3: youtube.com/watch?v=wYb9O73Ceng
Part 4:youtube.com/watch?v=QfjXS7I3ZVI
Part 5:youtube.com/watch?v=UWI6sKIwEko
Part 6: youtube.com/watch?v=D_x_SikZte0
Part 7:youtube.com/watch?v=oCUUnLwvvIA
Part 8:youtube.com/watch?v=eAOpo5N5feY
Part 9 youtube.com/watch?v=JfNzeJsWKVI
Part 10: youtube.com/watch?v=pLuKEbamTxg
Part 11: youtube.com/watch?v=jAhjfIxq6gs
Part 12: youtube.com/watch?v=XzgILiXcUJQ
Part 13: youtube.com/watch?v=0zpVHJmHS4c
Part 14: youtube.com/watch?v=mmcHuPR4pjc
Part 15: youtube.com/watch?v=NNXBhjIDJy0
Part 16: youtube.com/watch?v=2jYK0cqIm4o
Part 17: youtube.com/watch?v=qG738GQmAo4

#junkjournal #junkjournalflipthrough #handmadejournal #ringboundjournal #papercraft #ephemera #junkjournalideas #vintagejournal #craftwithme
Part 18: youtube.com/watch?v=3bJe-uYrrlE

**Shipping note**

At present I’m unable to offer shipping to the USA through my website due to current postage costs and tariff changes.

However, if you are based in the USA and are very keen on this journal, please feel free to contact me at **[saraleearmstrongjj@gmail.com](mailto:saraleearmstrongjj@gmail.com)** and I will happily look into options with you. Please note that any applicable tariffs or import charges would need to be covered by the buyer.

A Little Giveaway Joy 💛 Winners Inside

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-03-02 | ✨ WINNERS & PRIZE DETAILS ✨

🌍 Handmade Mini Journal (ROW, non-USA shipping)
• Kerry Dowdy
Prize: One handmade mini journal
To claim: Please email your full name and a valid non-USA shipping address
📧 saraleearmstrongjj@gmail.com

🇺🇸 Lavish Laces Physical Pack (USA only)
• @thedaverdone5527
Prize: Lavish Laces physical lace and ephemera bundle
To claim: Please email your full name and a valid USA shipping address
📧 saraleearmstrongjj@gmail.com

(Kindly gifted by Jaizella from Lavish Laces. No affiliation or paid promotion.)

💻 $50 Digital Shop Vouchers (Open to ROW + USA)
Each winner receives one $50 digital coupon, valid on any digital products in my shop.
To claim: Please email your YouTube username
📧 saraleearmstrongjj@gmail.com

• @LisaFord-sx6wy
• @brenaaplin2462
• @cyndieross2162

⏰ Winners have 14 days from this video being posted to get in touch.
Unclaimed prizes may be withdrawn and re-drawn.

💛 THANK YOU 💛
Whether you won or not, thank you for being part of this space. You’ve built this community with me, and I’m endlessly grateful.

Happy crafting,
Sara-Lee

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 18 | Make an Interactive Slide-Lock Page 🤗

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-03-01 | Hi my lovelies 💛

This week we start by making an interactive slide-lock page, a four-flap fold-out with pockets and writing space that opens and closes using a simple sliding mechanism. It’s a really satisfying page make and works beautifully in a ringbound journal.

We also add the rings and finish off the back journal closure, so this episode brings together a few key structural steps while still keeping things practical and flat enough for everyday journaling.

If you are new here, welcome 🤗
Settle in, grab a cup of tea, and craft along if you feel like it.

Email me your 1–3 gorgeous photos here:
saraleearmstrongjj@gmail.com
If you can, please take them in landscape format (16:9 is ideal 🤗).

In your email, let me know:
-your name
-your channel (if you have one)
-whether you’d like me to mention if you’re a beginner, or experienced.
-if you’d prefer your name not be mentioned at all

📁 DIGITAL KIT LINK

Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me kit:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

This pack grows each week and includes all previous folders. This week the Part 18 folder includes these digitals:
-2x antique floral plates
-The patterned paper I used (my own creation)
-A ledger page

📎 RELATED VIDEOS

Cover base (patchwork and collage):
youtu.be/NNXBhjIDJy0?si=Gt_BACV05Zjbj-jx

You can find the full “Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me” playlist here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

✂️ CRAFTING NOTES & SUPPLIES

Some materials used here are personal thrift and op shop finds, scraps, and gifted pieces. Please substitute freely with what you have. The focus is on interaction, structure, and usability, not exact supplies.

Temu NZ:
picture hanging D-rings, boot lace hooks, hair ties, single-sided metal rivets, fold-over clasp cord ends

AliExpress:
book rings, antique, 64 mm

Tip: I usually add “antique” to the end of my searches to bring up the aged metal look and avoid bright gold or silver finishes.

If you craft along, I would love to see what you make. Tag me or share in the group so I can cheer you on 😊💛

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:06 Interactive slide-lock page make
19:27 Back journal closure
24:30 How to glue the slide-lock page to the background page
25:51 Organizing our page order for the journal
27:13 Adding the book rings, sizes, why?
31:36 Final look
33:33 Upcoming project
35:36 Call for "show me your project" photos for slideshow of your work!

#junkjournal #ringboundjournal #journalwithme #junkjournaling #handmadejournal #journalmaking #mixedmediajournal #creativeprocess #slowcraft #paperart #craftwithme #journalingcommunity

10K Thank You Giveaway | with a Gifted Prize from LavishLaces- Closed

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-02-22 | 🎉 GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED 🎉
Thank you so much to everyone who entered. The winners have now been drawn and announced. 💛

I can’t quite believe this little creative corner has reached 10,000 subscribers. Most of you tell me you’re crafting through retirement, rediscovering creativity, or simply making time for calm, and that means more to me than I can ever properly say. 💛

To say thank you, I’m running a giveaway with a mix of digital and physical prizes.

Heads up: There’s a bit of admin below thanks to shipping and prize logistics. I’ve tried to keep it as clear as possible. Apologies in advance, and thank you for sticking with me🤣💛

Although postage for the physical journal prize is covered, please be aware that some countries may apply customs fees or VAT. It’s always a good idea to check your local regulations before entering.

✨ THE PRIZES ✨

🌍 OPEN TO ROW + USA
• 3 x $50 digital coupons
Each winner will receive a $50 coupon to use on any digital products in my shop, including kits, folders, or the Come Make With Me series.

🌍 OPEN TO ROW (Rest of World, including NZ)
• 1 x handmade mini journal
A small physical thank-you, made by me and sent with love.

🇺🇸 USA ONLY
• 1 × Lavish Laces bundle

This beautiful physical prize has been very kindly gifted by Jaizella from Lavish Laces.
There is no affiliation or paid promotion involved, just generosity within the creative community. 💛

You can find Jaizella’s lovely laces and ephemera here if you’d like to explore her work:

Etsy: etsy.com/nz/shop/LavishLaces

Instagram: instagram.com/thelavishlaces?igsh=MWpna29nemdmcDFjag==

💛 COMMUNITY THANK YOU 💛
Whether you win or not, everyone can use this $5 digital thank-you coupon:

🎟️ CODE: 10KTHANKYOU
• $5 off any digital product
• Valid for a limited time (until 2nd March 2026 NZST)
• My way of saying thank you for being here

saraleeartdesign.com/shop-8

📝 HOW TO ENTER

To be eligible for the draw, your comment must include ONE of the following words:

• ROW – if you are entering the ROW prizes
• USA – if you are entering the USA-only prize

Comments without ROW or USA will not be included in the draw, so please double-check your comment.

Please enter only one category.

📅 PRIZE DRAW DETAILS

• The prize draw will be filmed and posted on
📆 2nd March (NZST)
• Winners will be shown on screen using a random comment picker.

📧 HOW TO CLAIM A PRIZE

If you see your name drawn, please email me at the email provided on screen

For digital prizes, please include:
• Your YouTube username

For physical prizes, please include:
• Your YouTube username
• A valid shipping address
• A link to your YouTube channel so I can verify the correct account before shipping

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES / DISCLAIMERS

• The USA physical prize requires a valid USA shipping address.
If a USA winner cannot provide a valid USA address, the prize will be withdrawn and a new winner drawn.

• The ROW physical prize requires a valid shipping address outside USA postal regions.
If a ROW winner provides a USA address, the prize will be withdrawn and a new winner drawn.

• Physical prizes cannot be exchanged for cash or digital alternatives.
• Digital prizes will be delivered via coupon codes sent directly to winners.
• Winners have 14 days from the draw being posted to get in touch.
After this time, unclaimed prizes may be withdrawn and re-drawn.

Thank you again for being part of this space. You’ve built this community with me, and I’m endlessly grateful for every view, comment, and bit of kindness here. 💛

Happy crafting,
Sara-Lee

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 17 | Decorate an Interactive Journal Page | Window Pockets 😊

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-02-21 | Hi my lovelies 💛

Quick note: The opening shot is briefly blurred due to YouTube’s blur tool behaving oddly. It clears shortly after, and you’ll see the full project clearly as we go.

This week we decorate the slide writing space we built last time, adding two window pockets to create interest, layering, and functional journaling spots while still keeping everything flat enough for the rings.

If you are new here, welcome🤗 Settle in, grab a cup of tea, and craft along if you feel like it.
Email me your gorgeous photos here: saraleearmstrongjj@gmail.com

📁 DIGITAL KIT LINK

Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me kit:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

This pack grows each week and includes all previous folders.

📎 RELATED VIDEOS

Cover base (patchwork & collage):
youtu.be/NNXBhjIDJy0?si=Gt_BACV05Zjbj-jx

Slide folio construction:
youtu.be/2jYK0cqIm4o?si=AYDn-2C3i2nAWc9J

You can find the full “Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me” playlist here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

✂️ CRAFTING NOTES

Some materials used here are personal thrift and op shop finds, scraps, and gifted pieces. Please substitute freely with what you have. The focus is on composition, transparency, and usability, not exact supplies.

If you craft along, I would love to see what you make. Tag me or share in the group so I can cheer you on 😊💛

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:04 See the project clearly (blur ends)
1:21 Make the windows out of a masterboard- method 1
5:14 Sizing the tag to fit the pocket
6:00 Assembling front layered window pocket and decorating
13:29 Attaching magneted tab
17:09 Inside window, Method 2
24:16 Finish off the tag and add to pocket
28:00 Outro

#junkjournal #ringboundjournal #journalwithme #junkjournaling #handmadejournal #journalmaking #mixedmediajournal #creativeprocess #slowcraft #paperart #craftwithme #journalingcommunity

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 16 | Decorating the Cover: Fabric Flower + Hidden Slide Folio💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-02-15 | Hi my lovelies 💛

Today we finish the front cover details by adding the brads and making the fabric flower focal point. Then we flip the cover over and build the slide folio setup on the back, including the pocket for the hidden tag spot underneath.

Next video we will add the closure and decorate the folio so it looks as pretty as the front. As this is a multi-make video, I’ve added timestamps so you can jump straight to the parts you need below.

If you are new here, welcome. Settle in, grab a cup of tea, and craft along if you feel like it.

📁 DIGITAL KIT LINK

Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me kit:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

This pack grows each week and includes all previous folders.

📎 RELATED VIDEOS
If you would like to make the patchwork and collage cover base, you will find them here (last week):

youtu.be/NNXBhjIDJy0

You can find the whole series "Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me" playlist here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

✂️ CRAFTING NOTES

A few materials in this cover are personal thrift and op shop finds, plus scraps and gifted pieces. Please substitute with anything you have. The goal is texture, balance, and a sturdy build, not exact supplies.

If you craft along, I would love to see what you make. Tag me or share in the group so I can cheer you on.
The hook on the front cover was from Temu. Here is the title for your search: 5pcs Hook Wall Decoration Vintage Hooks, Hanger Holder with Screws for Hanging Towel Clothes Bags Utility Hooks

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro and overview
6:45 Making the fabric flower
19:31 Building the hidden slide folio (back of cover)

#junkjournal #ringboundjournal #journalwithme #junkjournaling #handmadejournal #journalmaking #mixedmediajournal #creativeprocess #slowcraft #paperart #craftwithme #journalingcommunity

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 15 | Junk Journal Backgrounds: Paper Collage & Faux Patchwork💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-02-08 | Hi my lovelies 💛

Today we are working on the base of our ringbound journal cover, using two cozy, versatile background techniques. A layered paper collage on one side, and a faux fabric patchwork technique on the other.

This is a technique-focused video, showing how I build a sturdy, textured foundation. Even if you are not making a ringbound cover, these methods work beautifully for journal covers, pages, masterboards, and mixed media projects of all kinds.

Whether you are already making along with the series, or you have just discovered it, this week’s project is relaxed, adaptable, and easy to apply to your own journals.

As always, feel free to grab a cup of tea and craft alongside me, or simply enjoy the calm creative process.

✨ If you are new here, welcome.
You can jump in at any point in the series and start making alongside us, or head back to Part 1 and work through at your own pace. Each week builds the journal slowly and intentionally, one step at a time.

📁 DIGITAL KIT LINK

The Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me kit includes the elements used throughout the series, along with all previous weeks. It grows as the series continues, so everything stays together in one place as we build the journal 💛

Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal
This pack grows each week.
A quick note for this week:
Because this stage focuses on building the cover base using scraps and fabric, there is a smaller folder update this week.

📎 RELATED VIDEOS

Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me Playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

✂️ CRAFTING NOTES

Some of the fabrics and laces used here are scraps and personal pieces gifted to me. Please feel free to substitute with anything you have on hand. This technique is all about texture, balance, and layering, not exact materials.

If you craft along, I would absolutely love to see what you make. Toward the end of the series, I will be sharing another viewer-makes slideshow. It is always such a joy seeing how everyone’s work evolves from the same starting point.

Thank you for crafting with me. Happy making 💛

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro and overview
0:38 Preparing the cover base
7:46 Sealing and finishing the collage
9:07 Faux fabric patchwork base
13:20 Attaching to the fabric cover to the base board
14:48 Final look and wrap up

#junkjournal #ringboundjournal #journalwithme #junkjournaling #handmadejournal #journalmaking #mixedmediajournal #creativeprocess #slowcraft #paperart #craftwithme #journalingcommunity

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 14 |Making Pocket Ephemera and Tags 💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-01-31 | Hi my lovelies 💛
Today we are starting to fill the pockets in our ringbound journal by making a collection of soft, neutral pocket ephemera, tags, and journal cards.

Whether you’re already making along with us, or you’ve just discovered this series, this week’s project is a relaxed, versatile make that works beautifully for filling pockets in any journal.

I have kept this session relaxed and process-focused, so feel free to grab a cup of tea and make alongside me, or simply enjoy the calm creative time.

A little note on the background noise today. There’s no room at the inn, so I craft in my bedroom at the front of the house on a semi-industrial road. It was 27°C here today, so the choice was traffic noise or a constantly whirring fan. I went with traffic as our "ambient" soundtrack 😂

✨ If you are new here, welcome. You can jump in at any point in the series and start making alongside us, or head back to Part 1 and work through at your own pace. Each week adds a new folder and builds the journal gradually, page by page and pocket by pocket.

📁 DIGITAL KIT LINK

The main Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me kit includes the pocket ephemera and elements used in this video, along with all previous weeks. It grows as the series continues, so everything stays together in one place as we build the journal slowly and intentionally 💛

Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me:

saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

(This one grows every week)

📎 RELATED VIDEOS

Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

Come make a junk journal with me- Ringbound Part 3- Ephemera for Pockets: youtu.be/wYb9O73Ceng - this is where we made the other ephemera mentioned at the end of the video.

You can find the wonderful laces by Jaizella at Lavish Lace on Etsy: etsy.com/nz/shop/LavishLaces
Instagram: instagram.com/thelavishlaces?igsh=MWpna29nemdmcDFjag==

If you craft along, I would absolutely love to see what you make. When we get closer to the end of the series, I will do another viewer-makes slideshow, because it is always such a joy seeing how different everyone’s work becomes from the same starting point.
Thanks for joining me! Happy crafting!

0:00 Intro

2:22 Easy floral cards that look a little like cigarette cards

3:54 Journal card make

6:29 Basic tag make

8:02 Adding tag toppers and tying lace or twine (3 ways)

16:58 Library card and catalogue card make

23:50 Window tag make

30:08 Adding the ephemera into the journal

35:12 Outro

#junkjournal #ringboundjournal #journalwithme #junkjournaling #handmadejournal #journalmaking #mixedmediajournal #creativeprocess #slowcraft #paperart #craftwithme #journalingcommunity

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 13 | Page Make With Our Ephemera + Creating a Specimen Slide💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-01-24 | Hi my lovelies 💛
Today we are building our next page using the shaker tag we made in Part 7 (video link below) as a feature of our next page. This is a soft, layered page make focused on balance, texture, and letting those handmade details really shine.

Because this page came together quite easily, I also had time to make a specimen slide as a bonus project in this video. If you are here just for the page make, feel free to grab a cup of tea and settle in. If you are here for the slide, I have added clear timestamps so you can jump straight to it.

This page-making method is perfect for bulky or heavily embellished tags. Instead of hiding them in a pocket, we use a simple tab and belly-band style system so the tag stays fully visible, secure, and easy to remove. You can use this method with any tag you have made, not just shaker tags.

✨ If you are new here, welcome! You can jump in at any point and start making alongside us, or head back to Part 1 and work through at your own pace. Each week adds a new folder and builds the journal page by page.

If you craft along, I would love to see your version. When we get closer to the end of the series, I will do another viewer-makes slideshow because it is so special seeing how different everyone’s pages look from the same design.

Note: A tiny bit of filming went missing here. The butterfly is held to the acetate with a small spot of glue, then both pieces of acetate are added to the inside of each side of the slide. They are held in place with the double-sided tape already applied, plus a little glue anywhere the tape does not reach.

📎 RELATED VIDEOS

youtu.be/wYb9O73Ceng
Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

📁 DIGITAL KIT LINKS

The main Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me kit includes the snippets and elements used in this video from the individual packs listed below. It grows each week as the series continues, so everything stays together in one place as we build the journal page by page.

Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal
(This one grows every week)

If you would rather pick up just one specific pack used instead, you can find them here:

Butterflies- A Digital Fussy Cut Pack:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/butterflies-a-digital-fussy-cut-pack
Collaged Neutral Backgrounds:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/collagedneutralbackgrounds
Postal Labels:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/vintage-postal-ephemera-labels

In this video you will see:

• How to display a bulky or decorative tag on a page without hiding it in a pocket
• A simple tab and belly-band system to keep tags secure and fully visible
• Ways to adapt this method for any tag or journal style
• Building a soft, layered page using previously made ephemera
• Ideas for balancing texture, clusters, and writing space
• A bonus specimen slide embellishment and how to assemble it

0:00 – Intro and today’s plan
3:00 – Tag belly-band method starts here
(how to display a bulky tag without hiding it in a pocket)
16:08 – Specimen slide window starts here
29:41 – Finished page flip-through and outro

#junkjournal #ringboundjournal #journalwithme #junkjournaling #handmadejournal #journalmaking #mixedmediajournal #creativeprocess #slowcraft #paperart #craftwithme #journalingcommunity

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 12 | A Pretty Page With Lots of Writing Space and a Hidden Twist😊

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-01-17 | Welcome back, my lovelies 💛
Today we are finishing the back of our “naked and lonely” page and making a pretty, practical spread with loads of writing space, pockets, and a hidden little twist that folds out in a way I have not seen before.

This is a slightly longer episode than usual because there are quite a few moving parts and little details, but everything is shown step by step. There is also a brief out-of-focus section, so I have sped it up and voiceover explains what I’m doing, then we jump straight back into focus.

✨ If you are new here, welcome! You can jump in at any point and start making alongside us, or head back to Part 1 and work through at your own pace. Each week adds a new folder and builds the journal page by page.

📁 DIGITAL KIT LINKS:
Come make a Ringbound Journal With Me:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal
(This one grows every week)

Butterfly Fussy Cut Digital Pack: saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/butterflies-a-digital-fussy-cut-pack

In this video you will see:
• A clear acetate window pocket with a pressed flower detail
• A hidden tri-fold belly band that opens out into generous writing space
• Pocket inserts, closures, and easy ways to keep everything sitting flat
• Simple finishing touches to balance the page without adding bulk
• Ideas you can repeat across your journal in different papers and styles

About the vintage ephemera:
The water utility postcard used in this video is a genuine vintage municipal document (public domain). I scanned and lightly restored it for printing, and personal details (name) have been removed.

You can find the full playlist here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

If you craft along, I would love to see your version. When we get closer to the end of the series, I’ll do another viewer-makes slideshow because it is so special seeing how different everyone’s pages look from the same design.

Thank you so much for being here, and for being part of my little crafty family.
Until next time, happy crafting 💛
Sara-Lee

0:00 – Intro, the “lonely naked page” and today’s goal
0:36 – What’s in this week’s folder, papers and ephemera
1:57 – Masterboard base
2:28 – Making the pocket flip out/measurements
5:48 – Acetate window pocket, tracing and cutting
8:08 – Brief out of focus section, voice-over walkthrough
9:21 – Back in focus, washi edging and assembling the pocket
11:07 – Glue pocket onto the page, add washi detail
12:21 – Adding pocket to flip out, and writing space options
13:28 – Belly band construction, scoring, trimming, paper choice
19:18 – Reinforce tears and add faux aged tape detail
20:32 – Constructing pocket to hold bellyband in place
26:55 – Explaining top closure for bellband and glue in note paper insert
29:58 – Making butterfly cluster and top bellyband closure
37:02 – Make label cluster for the bellyband pocket
39:28 – Glue top closure together
41:56 – Fill the pockets with cards, butterfly insert, and options
45:25 – Glueing Pages together and binding.
46:10 – Finished flip-through, slideshow invite, outro

#junkjournal #ringboundjournal #journalwithme #junkjournaling
#handmadejournal #journalmaking #mixedmediajournal
#creativeprocess #slowcraft #paperart
#craftwithme #journalingcommunity

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 11 | Creating Writing Space + 0ne-page-wonder multi-pocket 🤗💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-01-10 | Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me | Part 11

Welcome back, my lovelies, and happy 2026 💛
In Part 11 of our Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me series, we are adding clever extra writing space using flip-ups, pockets, belly bands, and a few little mechanical details that turn the page itself into the feature.

This is a slightly unusual video, thanks to a small filming mishap (we love a learning moment 🙃), but everything is still explained clearly, step by step. The mechanics are exactly the same, and you will see how easily these ideas can be adapted and used throughout your journal.

✨ If you are new here, welcome! You can absolutely jump in at Part 11 and start the journal with us, or head back to Part 1 and work through at your own pace. There are now 11 full folders in the digital pack, each building week by week.

📁 DIGITAL KIT LINK:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

In this video you will see:
• Flip-up writing pages that sit within the page, not just as tip-ins
• Using coffee-dyed paper, eco-dyed paper, dictionary pages, and gel prints
• Creating pockets that can be used in more than one way
• A simple swivel mechanism using layered cardstock and brads
• Turning everyday items into texture tools
• Ideas for maximising writing space without adding bulk

All printable elements shown are included in your Week 11 folder, which is now live.
That includes pattern papers, dictionary pages, printable gel prints, and fussy-cut florals created from antique, copyright-free artwork.

You will find all the videos to this series on the playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

Videos mentioned in this video:
Hand-dying/ Coffee dying:
youtu.be/UWI6sKIwEko
youtu.be/aohPyjUe32k
Dot embellishments:
youtu.be/7hXw2zYyGBY

If you have any questions at all, pop them in the comments.
Thank you so much for crafting with me, and I will see you again next week 💛

Until then,
Happy crafting!
Sara-Lee 💛

0:00 Welcome back, what happened, and what we’re making
1:10 Adding writing space without bulk
1:30 Why flip ups/ tip ins/ flip out?
3:45 Making the page binding for a ringbound page
7:40 Coffee and tea stencil texture trick
8:29 How to make the 2-window flip up
11:33 Constructing the page (order)
12:33 Swivel detail with brads and why padding matters
16:12 Small corner embellishment with cheesecloth
19:10 Pocket make: a one page wonder!
23:50 Bonus way to use the pocket and tuck spots
26:40 Final look, Week 11 folder, and goodbye

#junkjournal
#artjournal
#journalwithme
#papercraft
#slowcraft

👉 Vintage-Style Dot Embellishments for Junk Journals (Easy Tutorial + Variations)

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2026-01-01 | Tiny embellishments, big impact🤗❤️

In this video I share several ways I make small vintage-style dot embellishments for junk journals and art journals, using a variety of options. I walk through multiple methods, what works, what doesn't 😂, and how to avoid common issues like ink bleeding and resin seepage.

We cover:
Using washi tape, printable washi, and paper scraps
Resin vs glue vs nail polish finishes
What papers work best and which ones fail
Tips for layering, curing, and trimming clean edges
Matte vs glossy finishes and how they change the look
These little dots are perfect for clusters, tags, faux brads, charm details, and adding subtle interest without overpowering a page.

I also mention a small digital I created, Vintage Dot Embellishments, which I use throughout the journal examples. It is completely optional, you can absolutely make these using your own supplies.

🧡 Vintage Dot Embellishments (digital)
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/vintage-dot-embellishments

Product links- please note, these work in NZ and are currently in stock at the time this video was published, but this may vary depending on location.

Metal rings:
share.temu.com/kOKhtjL6SxA
share.temu.com/dsqF702RqvA
or try to search for: Round Metal O-Ring Buckles for Sewing Hardware Accessories for Belts, Shoes, Bags, And Clothing.
or: Mixed Round/Heart Square Connector - Zinc Alloy Jump Ring with Bead Pattern, Jewelry Making, Crafts, Bracelet, Necklace Accessories, Closure Ring

More ornate small rings
share.temu.com/miUflW01KDA
or search for: Rope-Style Band Ring Charms, Loose Beads for Creating Fashion Jewelry And Crafting Additions

Washi Sticker paper:
share.temu.com/wTtttPWtBRA

UV Resin: share.temu.com/HgJVwhHaoMA

⚠️ Please always wear gloves and a mask when working with resin. I demonstrate the process, but safety comes first.

Thanks so much for crafting with me. If you enjoyed this and want more slow, practical journal making, feel free to subscribe. I would love to have you here.

0:00 – Intro
3:40 – Comparison of techniques and supplies
9:20 – Technique 1: gloss photo paper and resin
14:22 – Technique 2: washi sticker paper and resin
18:51 – Technique 3: experiment using clear fast-drying acetone glue
21:18 – Technique 1: just cardboard and glue with the option of using clear nail polish
18:50 – Examples of uses in my journal
24:55 – Outro

Quiet Christmas Junk Journal Flip-Through 🎄 no talking, just pages 🤗

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-12-20 | This is a quiet, no-talk flip-through of my handmade family heirloom Christmas journal 🎄
- for those who prefer to watch without the waffling 😉

If you’d prefer the version where I do waffle a little and talk through ideas, processes, and details, you can watch the full flip-through here 💛
👉 youtu.be/-mVcC-Y6LPQ

I hope this gives you ideas for your own Christmas journaling - whether you’re gathering inspiration, or just enjoying a calm, cozy moment.

Thanks for being here 💛

Related projects & techniques:
▫️ Window page make → youtu.be/9yKGj33j8_k
▫️ Hidden paper clip date tabs → youtu.be/9JZXTAfUXFg
▫️ Come Make a Journal With Me playlist → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThYRbBQcAh5OdBT96ym7qqO

#journalflipthrough #handmadejournal #christmasjournal #creativejournaling #artjournal

A Cozy Christmas Junk Journal Flip-Through ✨ Handmade Pages & Creative Ideas

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-12-19 | In this Christmas junk journal flip-through, I’m sharing my family heirloom Christmas journal, a special one I’m keeping and adding to year after year 🎄💛

It’s not “finished-finished” (she’s got extra room to grow!) but she’s ready for me to keep filling with family photos, memories, little notes, and traditions, including a few meaningful pages from years past. The goal is to have a journal I can return to every Christmas, and one day read parts of it as a story.

If you’d prefer a version with no waffling 😉 there’s a quiet flip-through here:
👉youtu.be/mxU_U9xcqAc

Inside this flip you’ll see:
✨ A big chunky journal (20×20cm / about 7.5×8") with 6 signatures
✨ Closure details + how I’ve left room for the journal to “go crocodile” 🐊
✨ Storybook pages kept untouched so the story can be read
✨ Faux washi tape hack (printing your own strips!)
✨ Hidden paperclip year tabs + pockets/tucks for future writing and photos
✨ A few vintage / nostalgic pieces + some little freebies from my Community tab

Related projects & techniques mentioned:
▫️ Window page make → youtu.be/9yKGj33j8_k
▫️ Hidden paper clip date tabs → youtu.be/9JZXTAfUXFg
▫️ Organising a storybook into a journal so that it retains page order →youtu.be/W5dgS2ut9Fk
▫️ Come Make a Journal With Me playlist → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThYRbBQcAh5OdBT96ym7qqO

Thank you for being here — I hope this gives you ideas for your own Christmas journal (whether it’s a full-on heirloom, or just a cozy seasonal make). I love you guys heaps 💛

#junkjournal #journalflipthrough #christmasjournal #handmadejournal #creativejournaling

✨ Make This Magical Opening Window Page for Your Christmas Journal

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-12-13 | ✨ Make This Magical Opening Window Page for Your Christmas Journal

Today I’m sharing how to make this magical opening window page. A little interactive feature that opens up to reveal hidden writing space inside your Christmas journal. ❄️✨
It looks detailed, but I promise it’s not as tricky as it seems, just layers, patience, and a bit of creative chaos.

⚠️ Side Effects Warning:
May cause spontaneous jingles, warm chest feelings, and an uncontrollable urge to sip hot chocolate.
Proceed with festive caution. 🎄☕

✂️ Specific Materials Used
Liquid glue ( I use "Gloo- Rapid dry craft glue: extra strength") Spotlight NZ
Acrylic paints (Liquitex and Chromacry): Burnt Umber, Black, Burnt Sienna, Yellow, White: Warehouse Stationery NZ
Magnetic button clasps: Temu NZ
Window handle brad: Ali Express NZ
Liquitex Acrylic Medium: Flexible modelling paste: Warehouse Stationery NZ
Gel medium- "Pebeo studio acrylics- Gel matt": Warehouse Stationery NZ
Jaquard Pearl Ex powdered pigment: (sunset gold tone): Warehouse Stationery NZ
Crafters Choice White embossing powder: Spotlight NZ

Please note I do not add specific links as this will not be helpful. Links change so often and are country specific.

✂️ Other Materials Used (not all are necessary)
Thin mat board (approx. 1.5 mm / 1⁄16″ thick)
Scrap card or layered cardstock (alternative option)
Acetate sheet (for the snowy window panes)
Craft knife
Metal ruler
Cutting mat
Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing edges)
Pliers (for flattening brad legs)
Awl or pokey tool (for hinges and folds)
Clips or weights (to hold pieces while drying)
Glue rubber / adhesive eraser (to remove excess glue)
Adhesives
Double-sided tape
Paint brushes (including a dry, slightly bristly brush if available)
Finger (for applying gold highlights — highly recommended 😄)
Heat tool / heat gun
Patterned paper (for backing and hidden writing space)
Ledger paper
Washi tape
Washi tape stickers

Measurements are shared for reference, but this project is completely adaptable — simply adjust everything to suit the size of your own journal page.

🌍 A little Southern Hemisphere note:
We don’t get snowy Christmases here in New Zealand. We get summer heat, jandals, and beach weather, but this isn't going to stop me from sneaking a bit of winter magic into my journal!

This window was designed to coordinate with my current Christmas journal cover, but the technique works beautifully for any theme, any season.

✨ Community bonus:
I’m sharing freebies, progress updates, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on my Community tab — if you’re enjoying this project, make sure to check in there too.

Thank you so much for being here and crafting along with me.
Until next time 💛

Warm Christmas hugs, Sara-Lee

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – What we’re making: opening window page
0:40 – Measuring & cutting the window frame
3:27 – Base paint layers (aged wood look)
4:59 – Texture paste & building depth
6:18 – Wood tones & highlights
8:05 – Subtle gold / gilded accents
9:56 – Making the snowy acetate window
13:16 – Hinge, handle & magnetic closure
18:07 -- Putting the parts together
22:06 – Adding the page & final reveal

#junkjournal
#christmasjournal
#interactivejournal
#papercrafting
#journalingideas

Turning Simple Supplies Into a Christmas Heirloom ✨ (Journal Cover Glow-Up)

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-12-10 | A full time-lapse glow-up of my handmade Christmas journal cover 🌲✨
Polymer clay, crackle paste, texture, gilding wax… the whole transformation in 3 minutes!
A longer version is available on my channel, and a "how to" will be coming in January!

#shorts #craftshorts #junkjournal #christmascrafts #mixedmediaart

Creating a Journal Cover That Looks Like a True Family Heirloom ✨ (Polymer Clay Time-Lapse)

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-12-10 | From a pile of supplies… to a fully sculpted, textured, heirloom-style Christmas journal cover.
This whole piece was created using polymer clay, crackle paste, acrylics, texture medium, gilding wax, and a looooot of finger-painting finesse 😂

This video is a full time-lapse of the process, no explanations, just the satisfying transformation from start to finish. The tutorial version (with step-by-step instructions and a more neutral, year-round cover design) will be coming in January if there's interest! 💛

✨ A little seasonal note:
I’ve added some gentle holiday music to fit the festive vibe. If it’s not your thing, please feel free to mute the video, you won’t miss any instructions, because this one is purely visual. 💛

Hope you enjoy watching this piece come to life, it was such a joy to make!
Thank you all for your incredible support this season. 🤗🎄

#junkjournal #mixedmediaart #christmascrafts #timelapseart #polymerclayarts

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

――――

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS (Holiday Magic) by Christmas Music For Kids is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Reworking a Beloved Vintage Christmas Storybook Into a Journal (Page Order Kept!)

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-12-06 | Today I’m reworking a beloved vintage Christmas storybook and showing you how to turn it into a readable journal section while keeping the page order intact. 💛✨
If you’ve ever deconstructed a children’s book and wanted the story to appear throughout your journal , not stuck in one signature, then this method is for you!

I’ll walk you through:
• how to separate the pages while keeping the narrative intact
• how to pair pages with decorative papers without losing the illustrations
• how to avoid all the common layout mistakes I made during my first attempt 😅

It’s a surprisingly fiddly process, but once you see it step-by-step, it all clicks into place.
Let me know in the comments if you’re going to try this in your own journals!

🌟 A Quick Note About the “Come Make a Ringbound Journal With Me” Series

Since it’s December and we’re in full crafty chaos mode, I’ll be taking a short Christmas break from the ringbound series and bringing it back right after Christmas.
This gives us time for a few extra Christmassy junk-journaling videos and the December Non-Daily. 💛

If you’d prefer the series to continue weekly through December, let me know — I’ll go by the community consensus.

🎄 Thank you for being here

This channel truly feels like a warm cup of cocoa thanks to you lovely creatives.
New videos coming soon — plus something special when we hit 10K! 💛✨

0:00 – Intro & why I’m doing this
Keeping the story readable throughout the journal.

0:54 – Deconstructing the storybook
Ripping pages, keeping order, single-signature books explained.

2:55 – Sorting pages into signatures
How to divide the story evenly across signatures.

4:08 – Folding the pages to create a glue spot to connect back into a folio + why we cant just do this the "easy way"

8:26 – Compiling a 4 storybook page signature.

10:39 – Avoiding the blank-page problem
Why this method stops all story pages from ending up at the front.

13:42 – Final structure check
Ensuring the story sits evenly throughout the signatures.

15:26 -- Compiling the remaining 5 storybook page signature for my Christmas Journal.

20:00 – Come Make With Me series break update
Short Christmas break + 10K milestone excitement.

#junkjournal #christmascrafts #journalmaking #alteredbooks #vintagechristmas
#christmascrafts
#journalmaking
#alteredbook
#vintagechristmas

Hidden Paperclip Tabs + Christmas Junk Journal Sneak Peek | December Daily(ish)… Non-Daily 😂🎄

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-12-05 | Needles has officially resigned from her role as Craft Supervisor 😂🐾
Today’s video opens with a very unimpressed feline reviewing the Christmas craft explosion on my bed… before deciding she’s had enough and walking off set entirely.
So yes - we are crafting unsupervised today!

In this video I’m making some hidden paperclip year tabs (perfect for journals, planners, albums, and Christmas projects), and giving you a cosy little sneak peek at my Christmas Junk Journal.
She’s getting huge - and there’s still a whole signature left to pad out!

I’m also chatting through how I’m spacing out the ’Twas the Night Before Christmas story in my journal so one day I can read it to my future grandies as a little tradition. If you’d like a full video on how to split a single-signature book so it’s readable throughout a handmade journal, just let me know.

✨ DECEMBER NON-DAILY is officially happening! ✨
Every day this month I’m posting something fun on my Community tab —
• memes
• freebies
• little wins
• a pocket I made
• or the chaos of dye-stained hands
No pressure, no rules… just crafting when you can and enjoying the season your way. ❤️Join me for the festive nonsense!

These hidden paperclip tabs are such a sweet way to mark each year in your journal and they double as photo holders too! I hope you enjoy making a few with me today.

Thank you for being here, for crafting alongside me, and for sharing this December — daily or non-daily — together. 💛🎄

0:00 – Needles’ utter disapproval of the chaos 🐾
0:13 – What we’re making today: hidden paperclip year tabs 📎
0:27 – Intro & Christmas journal sneak peek + storybook flow idea 📖
2:42 – December Non-Daily & year tab page markers 🎄
4:05 – Supplies and what I am using
5:13 – Making hidden paperclip #1 (full process) ✂️
13:13 – Making hidden paperclip #2
18:22 – Finished tabs, how to use them, how to find freebies, and outro 💛

Alt text: Vintage-style thumbnail showing a close-up of handmade hidden paperclip tabs for a Christmas junk journal. Red and green accents, 2024 year tab, and festive collage details.
#JunkJournal #ChristmasJournal #HiddenPaperclip #DecemberNonDaily #JunkJournaling

Certified December-daily rebel 😎🎄

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-12-01 | My December Daily… is not daily at all 😂🎄
Slow crafting, skipping days, and embracing the chaos — welcome to the Non-Daily December movement ✨ See my community posts for updates, freebie printables, chaos and maybe some progress updates 😂 (I ~may~ get to a video or two lol)
More page reveals coming!
#junkjournal #decemberdaily #junkjournaling #craftshorts

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 10 | Notebook Decorating + a New Perforation Hack 🤗💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-11-29 | In Part 10 we are decorating the pages in the notebook from last week. Today we’re adding pockets, tucks, hidden spots and little ephemera moments that make a journal feel alive. I’m also sneaking in some beautiful 1930s advertising pages! The texture, typography and charm of old print just does something magical to the pages!

It’s another cosy, creative session where we slow down, make pretty things, and build this journal piece by piece. Grab some scraps, vintage bits or whatever you have on hand, and come craft along with me

🪶 What we make today:
• A torn pocket
• A double pocket with vellum and brown craft card
• A tuck spot using 1930's advertising- digital in the pack now! 🤗💛
• A side tuck using gel print off-cuts
• Some stencilling and stamping to embellish pages
• A large journalling card using the 1930s advertising held in to the page with two half circles.

✨ The digital pack grows every week as we build this journal together! ✨
Inside Part 10, you’ll find scanned vintage 1930's advertising, the patterned digitals, and the gel print digital used for the torn pocket.

👉 Get the full digital kit here:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

You will find all the videos to this series on the playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

Thank you so much for crafting with me, for your kindness, and for being part of this beautiful creative community.

Videos mentioned:
Hand-dying oven dry method: youtu.be/UWI6sKIwEko
Making the ephemera: youtu.be/wYb9O73Ceng
Making the clusters: youtu.be/8m6nT3KVjys

0:00 – Intro & previous projects
0:46 – Perforation hack!
2:21 – Papers we’re using (included in the pack!)
6:53 – Adding ephemera previously made in Part 3
7:20 – Page 2: Stamping
8:50 – Page 3: Tuck spot & stencilling (using the 1930s advertising!)
10:18 – Page 4: Torn pocket
12:22 – Page 5: Side tuck
14:10 – Page 6: Stamping & colour pencil
15:50 – Page 7: Vellum double pocket
17:11 – Journalling spot from the coffee-dyed advertising page
17:35 – Page 8: Large journalling card with two half-circle holders
20:40 – Adding clusters
22:03 – Page 9: Stencilling & rub-on transfer
22:47 – Finished flip-through + see you soon!💛

#junkjournal #artjournaling #mixedmedia #ringboundjournal #saraleeartdesign #craftwithme #junkjournaltutorial #journalingcommunity #vintageaesthetic #papercrafts

Perforated Stamps & Mini Notebook Tutorial 🤗 | Digital Pack Reveal!

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-11-24 | Hi crafty friends! 💛
Today we’re making two of my favourite things ever — perforated notebooks and little perforated stamp booklets — all using pages from my brand-new digital pack! 🌿✨

These are perfect for adding:
✂️ Extra writing spots
📜 Beautiful botanical notes
📮 Vintage-style stamp clusters
📔 Little removable tuck-ins for any journal

🌼 Find the digital pack here:
👉saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/botanical-notes-postage-ephemera-pack

💛Find Jaizella at Lavish Laces here:
👉 etsy.com/nz/shop/LavishLaces?utm_source=chatgpt.com§ion_id=42025770
Her Instagram: www.instagram.com/helavishlaces

🌿 CHARM TUTORIAL:
👉 youtu.be/e5DBkZphblQ

✂️ NO-SEW PERFORATION VIDEO I MENTIONED from JJ with Joy:
👉 youtu.be/p51oQkS7ILo?si=rIoOwO7J27xFXhnS

In this tutorial I show you:

How to make a tear-off notebook using only printed digitals

How to sew (or no-sew!) your own perforation lines

How to turn botanical prints, drawings, and stamp sheets into cute mini booklets

How to use different papers (copy paper, thicker paper, origami washi)

How to staple, collage, line with fabric, and finish your cover

Tips if you don’t have a sewing machine

How to assemble a full stamp booklet from scratch

I also show you the complete printed set from my new Digital Pack and all the variations of sizes I included — perfect for charms, journaling cards, pages, and ephemera.

0:00 — Hello my lovelies & perforated notebook samples & ideas
1:49 — Little stamp booklets and perforated stamp sheets
2:42 — Digital pack reveal
4:05 — My drawings, in the digital pack
5:06 — Let’s start making the perforated notebook together
7:04 — Fabric lining, sticky tape magic & assembling the cover
15:20 — Collaging the cover (aka: me fussing happily)
22:52 — Onto the perforated stamps! Sewing, folding & the fun bit
31:43 — Final cute touches & a big thank-you from me 💛

Thank you for crafting with me, lovelies — hope you enjoy making your own little notebooks and stamp sheets!
Mwa 💛

Alt text: Overhead shot of handmade perforated notebooks and stamp booklets created using digital papers, botanical drawings, and vintage-style stamp sheets.
#junkjournal #papercraft #junkjournaling #digitalkit #crafttutorialprinted

What I m using in my Vintage Christmas Junk Journal 💚🎁🎄

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-11-20 | Get cozy my lovelies! 💛
Today I’m sharing my Christmas Thrift Haul — all the books, ephemera, cards, and little treasures I found across seven op-shops in Palmerston North. I’ve never made a Christmas journal before, so this is the stash I’ll be harvesting from as I build my own vintage-style family Christmas journal for 2025 and beyond. 🎄✨

You’ll see:
✨ Vintage Christmas cards
✨ Old book illustrations
✨ Linley Dodd’s Slinky Malinki (because Needles MUST be in my journal!)
✨ A Christmas Carol book from 1944
✨ Postcards, stamps (hidden gems from my stash)

I want this journal to feel vintage, cozy, and not “too Christmassy” — muted reds/greens, subtle patterns, and lots of storytelling space for future Christmas memories.

Inspiration video:
Michelle from The Creative Cove — her vintage Christmas journal really sparked this idea.
👉 youtu.be/Kh1ID1B3O84?si=UTBjzrj0KLkWpby1

If you’ve got ideas for dealing with different book sizes or creative ways to include whole stories throughout a journal, let me know in the comments — I love hearing your thoughts!

Love you guys heaps. Hope your Christmas plans are full of comfort, joy, and the people you love. 💛

#junkjournal #christmashaul #vintagechristmas #craftingcommunity #junkjournaling
Alt text: “Overhead view of a Christmas thrift haul including vintage books, Christmas cards, stamps, postcards, and ephemera for a junk journal project.”

Come Make a Journal With Me | Part 9 | Ringbound: Page 5? 🤔 A Writing Booklet for Our Ringbound

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-11-19 | Today we’re making the sweetest little writing booklet for our Ringbound Journal Series - Part 9

We’re building a miniature layered booklet that adds texture, movement, and plenty of writing space to your journal. This one uses antique scanned papers, gel-print offcuts, and a simple magnetic wraparound clasp, all explained step-by-step in a really gentle, beginner-friendly way.

🪶 What we make today:
• A mini A5-ish booklet (trimmed down to a cute layered size)
• An antique dictionary-style cover
• Fill booklet with hand-dyed + coffee/tea-dyed inner pages
• A gel-print outer cover (double-sided from Part 1!)
• A magnetic (or Velcro) wraparound closure- the "magnetic button clasps" I have used are just from Temu. If you search this term you should be able to find them💛
• A belly-band for tucking postcards or notes
• A delicate doily cover detail
• Eyelets + rings to sit neatly inside your journal

✨ The digital pack grows every week as we build this journal together! ✨
Inside Part 9, you’ll find scanned antique dictionary pages, the gel prints I used and the hand-dyed papers I used.

👉 Get the full digital kit here:
saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

You will find all the videos to this series on the playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

Thank you so much for crafting with me, for your kindness, and for being part of this beautiful creative community.

0:00 – Introduction & today’s project
0:17 – Choosing papers & preparing the booklet
1:59 – Cutting, trimming & assembling inner pages
5:09 – Building the front and back covers
6:06 – Scoring folds & gluing layers
9:14 – Sewing the spine
11:00 – constructing the magnetic wraparound clasp
16:15 – I invent a new word: “gluin’” 😂
18:37 – Fixing a little boo-boo 😅
19:40 – Turning the strap into a belly band
21:19 – Adding the doily & final details
23:02 – Eyelets, rings & finished booklet
23:33 – Where the page will fit in our ringbound journal with previous pages made and outro💛

#junkjournal #artjournaling #mixedmedia #ringboundjournal #saraleeartdesign #craftwithme #junkjournaltutorial #journalingcommunity #vintageaesthetic #papercrafts

ALT TEXT: A step-by-step junk journal project showing the creation of a small writing booklet. The video includes trimming A4 papers into a mini booklet size, layering gel prints and antique dictionary papers for the cover, sewing the spine, adding hand-dyed inner pages, attaching a magnetic wraparound strap, placing a doily detail on the front, and securing the finished booklet into a ring-bound journal with eyelets. Colours are soft neutrals with touches of olive green, lace textures, and vintage tones.

Come make a junk journal with me- Ringbound Part 8: Page 4 Soft Layers & Hidden Pockets

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-11-14 | Welcome back, my lovely creative friends 💕
In today’s episode, we’re working on Page Four of our Ringbound Journal Series!
We’ll be layering vintage book pages, softening images with mesh and lace, and building beautiful interactive pockets and details — perfect for any junk journal or mixed-media project.

🪶 What we make today:
• A soft vintage bird pocket feature
• A layered pocket with hidden details
• A mini acetate butterfly window (explained not made)
• A lace and brad embellishment section
• A numbered page label (No. 40!) to tie the series together

✨ I’ve put together a unique digital pack that grows every week as we work through this series! ✨

👉 Get it here: saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

Inside you’ll find gel prints, vintage ledgers, sneak peeks, and weekly updates with the exact resources I use to build each page.

The sneak peak folder for the next video will also be visible now😊

🐾 Featuring Needles — Head of Quality Control & Occasional Chaos Coordinator 💕

Thank you all so much for watching, for your kindness, and for being part of this creative community.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss the next page in our series! 💛

0:00 – Introduction & overview of Page Four
0:32 – Preparing the background and materials
1:11 – Softening the bird image with mesh and lace
2:30 – Cat interruption 🐾💛
3:00 – Creating the acetate butterfly pocket
4:40 – Building the layered pocket and layout
6:00 – Adding details, lace, and cigarette card pocket
9:46 – Decorating with small charms and labels
13:01 – Adding number stamp and finishing touches
17:38 – Completed page & closing thoughts 🌸

#junkjournal #artjournaling #mixedmedia #saraleeartdesign #craftwithme

A 3D effect Shaker Tag!- Part 7 | Come Make a Junk Journal With Me- Ringbound: Part 7”

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-11-07 | Hi my crafty family 💕
Welcome to *Part 7* of my “Come Make a Journal with Me” series!

Today we’re creating a **vintage 3D effect shaker tag** — complete with floating butterflies, tiny charms, and a hidden paper clip — plus some easy pocket inserts and journaling cards to match 🦋

We’ll print vintage public-domain images onto origami washi paper, layer tags with acetate, and turn a few off-cut mats into beautiful embellishments. It’s a mix of calm crafting and a bit of trial-and-error fun (don’t worry, I did the backwards bit so you don’t have to 😂).

✨ I’ve put together a unique digital pack that grows every week as we work through this series! ✨

👉 Get it here: saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

Inside you’ll find gel prints, vintage ledgers, sneak peeks, and weekly updates with the exact resources I use to build each page.

The sneak peak folder for the next video will also be visible now😊

♥️ Whether you’re following along or just here for inspiration, I’m so glad you’re here. Your support means the world! ♥️

🪶 Watch the full *Come Make a Journal with Me* playlist here → youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUsg6TJsVLThlKmjkuCBeYXEwUt5UW-nJ

0:00 – Introduction & what we’re making today
0:20 – Setting up the project & pocket templates
1:01 – Choosing and printing images on origami washi paper
2:04 – Swapping designs & deciding placement
3:26 – Making simple journaling cards with tabs
4:05 – Making the shaker card (prep) ✨
6:00 – Building the shaker tag base
9:26 – Adding acetate layers and floating butterflies
13:27 – Assembling and decorating with charms & buttons
18:39 – Finishing touches & hidden paper clip
19:36 – Final thoughts & farewell 🌸

#junkjournal #shakertag #vintagetag #journaling #craftwithme #saraleeartdesign #vintageephemera #artjournal #papercraft #mixedmediaart #vintagecraft #butterflytag #creativejournal #junkjournalingideas

Junk Journal Flip-Through: “Kate” – An Ode to Kate Greenaway 💛 sold, thank you 😊♥️

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-11-03 | Hi my lovelies 💛

This one is a little bit special — an ode to Kate Greenaway and her beautiful illustrations.
This handmade junk journal was created using pages and poems from The Kate Greenaway Treasury, carefully pulled apart and re-imagined into a one-of-a-kind journal filled with vintage ephemera, sketches, and gentle nostalgia.

Inside you’ll find layered pockets, pressed flowers, and genuine 1800s and early-1900s pieces woven between the artwork — a true celebration of vintage storybooks.

She has now found her forever home

💛Videos mentioned:
One page wonder multi- pockets: youtu.be/xN0cF8c-C28
Flip down page with tie- youtu.be/QfjXS7I3ZVI

Alt text: Handmade junk journal inspired by Kate Greenaway’s vintage illustrations, filled with layered lace, pressed flowers, and antique papers by Sara-Lee Art & Design.

#JunkJournal #KateGreenaway #VintageEphemera #FlipThrough #SaraLeeArtDesign

Come make a junk journal with me- Ringbound PART 6- Page 3: A bellyband page with a difference

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-10-29 | Welcome to Part 6 in a series where you can either gather ideas, try a page or complete an entire journal with me 🥰

✨ I’ve put together a unique digital pack that grows every week as we work through this series! ✨

👉 Get it here: saraleeartdesign.com/product-page/come-make-a-ringbound-journal

Inside you’ll find gel prints, vintage ledgers, sneak peeks, and weekly updates with the exact resources I use to build each page.

The sneak peak folder for the next video will also be visible now😊

♥️ Whether you’re following along or just here for inspiration, I’m so glad you’re here. Your support means the world! ♥️

0:00 – Introduction
0:26 – Making the acetate flower frames
0:27 – Coin holders: pros/cons, inking, removing cellophane
2:26 – Plan: layered frames + pressed flowers
3:45 – Cutting 1⅞″ squares (240gsm) & sizing the dies
5:00 – Covering pieces with book pages (alternating look)
6:01 – Die-cut trick with washi-taped template (fast alignment)
7:30 – Inking tones & assembling specimen slides with daisies
11:12 – Belly band: cover, lace trim & slim tags
14:21 – Quick flat document holder for behind bellyband
18:03 – Final assembly, vintage ephemera insert & wrap-up

Come Unwrap My Eco-Dyed Papers With Me 🌿 | Junk Journal Inspiration

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-10-28 | I’ve been eco-dyeing again! — and this batch turned out beautifully unpredictable!
Come open it with me and see how the colors, leaves, and textures transformed these plain papers into something magical for junk journaling. 💛

Here's the video I mentioned and followed, for this eco-dyeing process: youtu.be/a3qaDeyH8qk?si=boorn_xYDOMFttfR

✂️ I hope you give it a go, or let me know if you have! Happy creating!
— Sara-Lee 🌸

0:00 | Intro – Starting the Eco-Dyeing Reveal 🌿
0:20 | Unwrapping the Dye Bath – First Batch Results (hard boil, 1 hour)
2:00 | Second Batch Results – (simmer, 30mins)
2:22 | Dried Papers Reveal – Beautiful Prints & Next Steps
8:45 | Outro – Thoughts, Tips & Junk Journal Inspiration 💛

junk journal, junk journaling, eco dyeing, eco dyeing paper, eco dye paper reveal, paper dyeing, botanical paper, eco dyed papers, junk journal inspiration, junk journal tutorial, Sara-Lee Art Design, handmade papers, hand dyed lace, craft inspiration, come craft with me

How to Make Marbled Junk Journal Charms 💛

Sara-Lee Armstrong 2025-10-24 | 🌸✨ How to Make Marbled Resin Junk Journal Charms ✨🌸

We’re making marbled resin charms today — shimmery little pieces that add personality and sparkle to your junk journals 💛

In this tutorial, I’ll show you:
• How to mix mica powder and UV resin to get beautiful marbled effects
• My tricks for avoiding bubbles and muddy colours
• The difference between one-sided and double-sided charms
• How to make charms on card bases and pendant trays (both open and backed)
• Finishing and drilling for hanging holes
• Easy ideas for using your handmade charms

These are simple, relaxing to make, and every pour turns out completely unique — perfect for gifting or adding to your stash.

🎨 Materials I Used:

• UV or epoxy resin
• Mica powders or pigment powders
• Skewers/toothpicks for swirling
• Resin tape (for open pendant trays)
• Pendant trays, bezels, or matt board
• LED UV lamp or sunlight
• Optional: lighter/heat gun for bubbles, gloves, and gold ink or distress ink for edges

Search terms for Temu:
• Pendants: circular round geometric hollow frame pendant charm, round pendant setting blank base.
• Mica powder, epoxy resin Pigment Powder
• UV resin
• resin tape
• ribbon crimps/ ribbon cord ends fasteners
• pendant bales

✨ Helpful Videos Mentioned:
• How to Make Junk Journal Charms + Digital Pack Reveal- youtu.be/e5DBkZphblQ
• Spray-painting metal labels tutorial- youtu.be/-iXqdpjO0ps

I hope this little tutorial takes some of the mystery out of resin and inspires you to try it yourself. It’s another way to make your junk journals uniquely yours.

✂️ Happy crafting, my lovelies! 💛
— Sara-Lee

0:00 Intro – Marbled Resin Charms for Junk Journals
0:55 Supplies & Materials You’ll Need
4:37 Mixing Mica Powder and Resin – My Colour Tips
8:01 Making Charms Using Card Instead of Pendants
15:34 Waffling About Subscription Bells (You Know Me 😂)
16:55 Board Charm Results & How to Add a Hanging Hole
18:00 One-Sided vs Two-Sided Charms – What Works Best?
19:08 Making Pendant-Based Marbled Charms (Open & Backed Trays)
22:50 Resining the Second Side – Finishing the Look
25:53 Final Results – Resin Charm Reveal ✨
25:59 Ideas for Using Your Handmade Charms
28:35 Outro – Upcoming Charms Videos & Playlist Preview 🌸

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