WILLMAR — Junk has a new lease on life. Well, at least for ladies who gathered at the Willmar Public Library on Tuesday afternoon. Curious crafters came together to learn the basics of creating their very own journals solely from junk.
"This gives things new life," junk journal program leader Kris Gatzemeyer said. "It's just such a fun hobby where you can really explore your creativity and make boring things look neat."
Everything — from the journal's book cover being made from a brownie mix box to dyeing pages with coffee to give them an aged, distressed look — can be used to create the small journals and give them unique features. Junk journaling consists of endless possibilities. People who get into the activity will soon learn of the countless YouTube tutorials and the array of ways to bring their journal pages to life.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
"There's so little limit," Gatzemeyer said. "You can do whatever you want to do."
One of the great things about the hobby is the notion that it is impossible to make a mistake.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Anything goes," she added. "A junk journal is a junk journal. It doesn't matter what you put into it."
Gatzemeyer said the hobby is growing in the community, and hopes to have additional programming in the future when attendees can share ideas, crafting materials and the love of crafting.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
More Photo Galleries by Macy Moore on Wctrib.com from across west central Minnesota. For quick access, bookmark: wctrib.com/photo-galleries
The musical will be performed three weekends in June at The Barn Theatre in downtown Willmar.
More than 20 bands play at various stages throughout downtown New London during Porchfest on Saturday, June 23, 2023.
Green Lake BMX hosts MN BMX State Qualifier in Spicer on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School held its Class of 2023 commencement at the Willmar Civic Center on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Little Crow Ski opened its summer season Friday at Neer Park. The team will perform through the end of August, 2023.
Novice and advanced spoon carvers converge in the small town of Milan for the 17th annual Spoon Gathering this weekend.
More than two dozen Memorial Day ceremonies took place throughout west central Minnesota on Monday, May 29, as residents paid respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sibley State Park teaches children fishing basics on Lake Andrew over Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Graduation ceremony sees 23 students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 27.
Veterans and community members come together to place American flags on veteran graves, raise 100 flags at memorial the morning of Friday, May 26, 2023.
Willmar students won the Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association Supermileage Challenge at Brainerd International Raceway with a car that recorded a top performance single run of 532.55 miles per gallon.
Red fox kits are visible from a home den in Chippewa County on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Section 5A golf at Eagle Creek Golf Club on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Willmar.
Norwegian celebration fills Milan's downtown streets as residents celebrate their heritage Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Twin Cities magician Justin Alan brings, laughs, curiosity and fun to Willmar during his magic show at the Willmar Community Center on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
PHOTOS: Flowers, trees and green grass make a resurgence in west central Minnesota after sunny skies
Area trees, foliage burst back to life as temperatures and long, sunny days mark their return this spring season.
Fishing season for popular fish including walleye, bass and northern pike kicks off over the weekend.
Proud parents, family and friends fill sidewalks and theatre to watch students in prom grand march on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School hosted grand march and prom festivities on Friday, May 5, 2023.
On May 4, 2023, the day before this year's Willmar Senior High School prom, school staff dress up for staff prom.
Children bike, roll and ride scooters to school during National Bike & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Vendors, games and a color run for kiddos highlight annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Willmar.
New ambulance exhibit donated by CentraCare revealed at museum's five-year celebration on Friday, April 28, 2023.
As area lakes and streams thaw, waterfowl moving north inundate open waters throughout Kandiyohi County.
Members of the Ridgewater Welding program constructed a life-size stainless steel German shepherd sculpture, which will be displayed at the Law Enforcement Center.
A weekly drum circle on Wednesdays at the Willmar Community Center focuses on community, engagement and a way to decompress while having a little fun.
First-ever Daddy Daughter Formal is a smashing success as hundreds register for night of dancing.
Law enforcement and community members pay their respects to slain Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen during his funeral at Minnewaska Area High School on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Glenwood, Minnesota.
Folks gathered for music, guest speakers and more at the Willmar Civic Center during the annual Life Connections event on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Karen Aakre passes along Norwegian skinfeller teachings during a two-day course at Milan Village Arts School.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Art classes and meetings in the area
Exhibits on display in the next month
Thirteen artists are scheduled to take part in the annual arts event, which sees artists open their studios to the public in Willmar, Svea, New London and Spicer.
There are 12 new pieces on the 2023 Bemidji Sculpture Walk, which has drawn curious folks to town since 1999.
Community and high school art events will be printed each Wednesday in this calendar up to four weeks in advance. The deadline is noon Friday. Email to news@wctrib.com with “arts calendar item” in the subject line.
Art classes and meetings in the area
Exhibits on display in the next month
Museum hours and special events in the next month
Opportunities for artists in the west central Minnesota area
Emilie Rigby has been carving spoons and creating other wood art for more than 10 years. She'll bring her unique set of skills to the 2023 Spoon Gathering hosted by the Milan Village Arts School on June 1-3.
News reporting
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The Trust Project
