Brown paper is a versatile, budget-friendly staple for junk journal enthusiasts.
Whether you’re working with butcher paper, packing paper, or recycled brown bags, this simple material can be transformed into beautiful pages and embellishments. Here are some creative ways to use brown paper in your projects, courtesy of Cindy from The Scrapologist.
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1. Stamped wrapping paper and junk journal pages.
Decorating brown paper with stamping creates stunning, vintage-style patterns reminiscent of old wrapping paper. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large sheet of brown paper and stamp symmetrical or grungy patterns.
- Fold the stamped sheet into undercut pages for your journal.
- Avoid stamping on the glossy side to prevent smearing.
- Embossing can add texture and depth for an elegant touch.
2. Embossing for texture and elegance.
Embossing works beautifully on brown paper, creating raised, eye-catching designs.
To get started:
- Stamp your design using an embossing ink pad.(#ad)
- Sprinkle embossing powder in shades like white, gold, or metallic.
- Heat the powder with an embossing tool for a raised effect.
- Fold embossed paper into journal pages or use it as decorative accents.
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3. Achieving grunge and vintage effects.
Brown paper is perfect for a distressed, aged aesthetic:
- Distress the edges using black ink or Vintage Photo Distress Ink. (#ad)
- Use vintage-themed stamps, such as postal marks or botanical designs.
- Add layers of collage for a weathered, timeworn look.
4. DIY envelopes for junk journals.
Handmade brown paper envelopes make great journal inserts:
- Use an envelope punch board for precise shapes or fold by hand with origami techniques.
- Distress the edges, stamp a vintage label, or add lace and ribbon.
- Wrap with twine for a rustic finishing touch.
5. Embossed gift bags for storage.
Create textured gift bags from brown paper for use as journal pockets or small gift holders:
- Fold brown paper into small bags.
- Run them through an embossing machine for texture.(#ad)
- Use them as journal pockets or to package small handmade items.
6. Masterboard collage techniques.
A masterboard is a large collaged sheet that can be cut into smaller embellishments:
- Layer torn book pages, sheet music, or fabric scraps onto brown paper.
- Stamp and ink over the collage to add dimension.
- Once the collage is complete, cut it into tags, journal cards, or other shapes.
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7. Rolled ephemera storage.
Create a roll of ephemera for easy storage:
- Attach small stamped or collaged pieces onto a long strip of brown paper.
- Roll it up and store until needed. Cut off sections for quick, ready-to-use embellishments.
Final thoughts.
Brown paper is a must-have material for junk journal lovers. (Read some more tips from Cindy here.)
Its durability and natural aesthetic lend themselves beautifully to vintage, grunge, or minimalist styles. Whether you’re stamping, embossing, or creating envelopes, this humble material can be transformed into something truly special.
Are you using brown paper in your junk journal projects? Share your creative ideas in the comments!