How to start a
'Sisterhood of the Traveling Junk Journal'
One journal.
Many hearts.
Infinite stories.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Junk Journal is a creative, heart-centered way to connect artists, writers, and crafters through a single journal that journeys from one sister to the next — each adding her own unique touch before passing it along.
Here’s how to start your own:
Getting Started:
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Step 1: Gather Your Sisterhood
Invite 4–8 like-minded creatives who love junk journaling, storytelling, or mixed media. Smaller groups keep mailing costs and turnaround times manageable. Choose people who are reliable and excited to participate — this project works best when everyone is committed to the journey. You can recruit through your Facebook group, art community, or journaling circles. Encourage members who share similar vibes — kind, reliable, and passionate about creativity and connection.
Start with one group journal before branching into multiple “circles.”
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Step 2: Choose Your Journal
Pick a sturdy, travel-friendly journal ideally 6x9 or smaller for easy mailing, something with enough pages for everyone but not too bulky. Decide if it’s themed (e.g., “Seasons of the Soul,” “Vintage Botanicals,” or “Stories Untold”) or open-ended.
Optional: Add an intro page explaining the journey, rules, and space for each member’s name and mailing address.
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Step 3: Create the Journal
The first sister (the founder) decorates the cover, adds an introduction page explaining the project, and includes a travel log for each participant to sign and date when the journal visits them.
Optional additions:
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A map to track the journal’s travels
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A “sister photo page”
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Pockets or envelopes for letters, charms, or flat keepsakes
Step 4: Set Some Ground Rules...
To keep the journal moving smoothly:
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Each sister has 2–3 weeks to create her pages before mailing it forward.
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Use flat embellishments (to avoid bulky postage).
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Always ship with tracking.
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Take photos before mailing to preserve the journey.
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If delays occur, communicate with the group — the magic is in the sisterhood, not perfection.
Step 5: Share the Journey
Create a private Facebook group, group chat, or page to share updates, sneak peeks, and inspiration. Sisters can post their spreads, journal reflections, and stories behind their art before the next mailing.
Step 6: Celebrate Its Return
When the journal completes its travels, host a virtual or live reunion reveal! Share everyone’s pages, reflect on the journey, and perhaps even digitize the finished book into a PDF or video flip-through to preserve its legacy.
Pass on the Magic
Encourage others to start their own Sisterhoods. Each round creates a chain of creativity, storytelling, and friendship — proof that art and connection can travel farther than we ever imagine.
Page Inspiration
Include a book check-in card or sign-in spot for each person's name / date. Each person can leave a note or exchange for the next person.
Create a two page spread all about you; the region you live in, your interests, hobbies, pets, etc.
Leave space for each sister to add their about information, suggest a two page spread.
Add an envelope, tuck, or page spot for sister to leave and take some stickers, papers, ephemera to use or keep.
Design a page with a charm bracelet and ask each sister to add a charm that represent them, and write a quick why they chose it.
Create a spread for music interests, have each 'sister' add their favorite band, music genre, or image of a concert they've attended.
Happy moments spread where each 'sister' can add what was the most exciting thing they did this year and include a photo.
Create a sticker page were each sister can add stickers to your collage. Include a little envelope for sticker exchange too.
Include a map of the US and have each sister pin their approximate location, or color in their state.
