Whether you’re brand new to junk journaling or you’ve been doing it a while, this is one of those projects that just feels good—because we’re finally using that 12x12 paper pad stash instead of hoarding it. In this video I take one 12x12 scrapbook paper pad (single-sided, double-sided, textured, pearlescent… whatever you’ve got) and turn it into a complete junk journal. The whole point is: you already have everything you need right inside that pad, so it’s a great “first journal” project, but it’s still fun for experienced makers too. I show you two options: the super simple beginner way (fold and trim), and then the way I decided to do it—extending the cover so the journal ends up about 6 1/2" wide and 8 3/4" tall. I reinforce the spine with a strip, add an inside cover liner, and share little real-life tips like cutting paper slightly oversized and trimming after it’s glued down, inking edges to hide tiny imperfections, and pressing everything under heavy books to dry flat. Then we make a framed focal piece for the cover (I literally made it up as I went), round the corners, and sew the signature in with a five-hole pamphlet stitch. By the end you’ve got a sturdy, pretty journal you can use right away—and you can always add washi, fabric, or a closure later.