No matter what you call it—a “junk journal,” “personal journal,” “DIY journal”—or what you use it for—to collect and store daily memories, mementos, photos, collages, inspiring quotes, or anything you want to remember—January is the perfect month to create and start keeping a handmade journal. In this highly imaginative workshop, paper artist Kristen Grady will show you how to make a handmade journal to fit your needs.

You’ll start by cutting and sizing an empty cereal box to create the cover for your journal. After strengthening and decorating your cover, you’ll learn how to turn your precious papers and actual “junk” mail into various types of pages (decorative, envelope, writing, etc.) until you fill your book. Next, Kristen will show you how to stitch your pages into the cover and then go over ways to fill in your journal as you go. You’ll be surprised at how full your book can become in just an afternoon! Finally, you’ll add decor, embellishments, and ephemera to finish your project.

You’ll leave the workshop with a personalized keepsake that will help you start your year off right!