Join us for a calming, creative workshop where nature and recycled treasures come together in your own unique journal.

PVAS Host: Susan Wolcott, Deana Thorsell

$10/person (PVAS members receive a 10% discount). For ages 8 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 25 participants. This program has a minimum of 5 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

This workshop is the second in our two-part series, though newcomers are welcome to join! Participants will learn what a junk journal is, how to use one, and how to transform everyday recycled materials into meaningful, creative pages. Using journals made in the previous class (or creating one during this session) participants will tear, cut, paste, and layer papers from reused items such as receipts, envelopes, paper bags, magazines, old book pages, greeting cards, labels, ribbon, and more. They will design and add pockets, envelopes, tuck spots, and decorative elements, turning simple scraps into personal treasures.

We will gather under the pavilion at Yankauer Nature Preserve, where participants can relax, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy a calm yet creatively energizing atmosphere. Junk journaling is both soothing and exciting; there is freedom in knowing there is no single “right” way to create. No two journals will ever be the same; each one reflects the personality and creativity of its maker. Participants may choose to write in their journal, use it as a memory or treasure book, or continue adding pages and found items long after the workshop ends.

Junk journaling centers on recycling and reusing materials that might otherwise be discarded, giving new life to paper scraps and everyday items while encouraging thoughtful, sustainable creativity. Participants are encouraged to try something new, embrace the process, have fun, and enjoy making art in a supportive, relaxed environment.

• Walking Distance: About a half mile
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
• Exposure: Forested with dense canopy cover
• Terrain: Hard ground/hiking trail. Some rolling hills.
• Restroom: There are 2 composting toilets at Yankauer near the start of the trail
• Parking/Where to Meet: The group will meet at the pavilion near the start of the trail.
• What to Bring: Go on a scavenger hunt in your home. If you have scissors, glue, odds and ends of paper items, ephemera, old magazines, old books, photos to insert in your book, double sided tape, old mail (flyers, postcards, advertisements, greeting cards, envelopes), business cards, lace/ribbon, stamps and ink, stickers, labels from clothing, hole puncher, playing cards, etc. The idea is to use items you would normally throw away to make them into something else to use in your journal. We will also bring items to share with the group.

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled.

Read our pricing structure & policies.

About Suan:Susan earned her Master Naturalist certification in 2022. As a lifelong maker, Susan enjoys many creative pursuits, and especially likes working with paper and in nature. She has explored journal making for several years and finds the process satisfying and relaxing. She is interested in projects and activities that help people make a connection with nature. She also has a keen interest in edible and medicinal plants. “ One of the great things about being older is that I have a lot of knowledge to share.

About Deana: Being involved with PVAS for many years and participating in PVAS events and activities with my family and grandchildren, I’ve come to love the program and what it offers to everyone. Their staff and volunteers are very professional, experienced and they make learning fun for everyone. I completed the PVMN 2022 class and have become a Certified Master Naturalist. I wanted to give back to others on something that I’m very passonate about and I love doing – Nature Journaling. It’s not about being able to draw (as most think it is), but being in nature, observing what you see, documenting it by words, photography, drawing, cut and pasting, etc. and finding answers to some of your questions that you may be asking yourself. It is your personal journal to do as you want. It’s a great way to reduce stress, meet new people and share with each other our ideas. Try it – You’ll love it! “