This post is about the making of Kel the Skeleton’s “Heartfelt Seamstress” junk journal layout from the Monster’s Valentine themed junk journal crafting session. It also provides junk journal inspiration prompts and ideas for gothic Valentine scrapbook layouts!
If you don’t know who the Monster’s are, check out their introduction post here!
Blog posts featuring the Monsters include:
- A junk journal layout or scrapbook layout (we use these terms interchangeably because we don’t really consider them to be different)
- A video showing the creation of the junk journal page or scrapbook page
- A list of the journal supplies or scrapbooking supplies
- Junk Journal ideas inspiration or scrapbook page ideas inspiration based upon what the featured layout is
Heartfelt Seamstress – Junk Journal Layout Page
During a Valentine themed junk journal inspiration get-together, several of the Monster’s did their own unique version of a Valentine junk journal page. The sweet and somewhat macabre Kel did this amazing junk journal layout she calls “Heartfelt Seamstress.” Given that she is a reanimated skeleton, we understand why she went this route!
The Making of “Heartfelt Seamstress”
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included for convenience and ease of reference. If used for purchase, they will result in a small commission at no extra cost to the buyer.
Junk Journal Supplies Corner
We know that seeing other people’s junk journal or scrapbook pages often makes you want to get the same supplies. This is the area we provide quick references for the scrapbook supplies the Monster’s use on their junk journal layouts.
Generally, you can also look to the Monster’s Junk Journal Scrapbook Storefront (linked below) for all kinds of amazing stickers, ephemera, tools, storage and more for your scrapbooking hobby. For this layout specifically, we have some things itemized.
We particularly love it when we get to feature artists or shops on Etsy. For “Heartfelt Seamstress,” the junk journal supplies used include items from Paper Haunt (also known as Low Brow Misfits) and Boy Pilot Goods. Here are quick reference links for the main features of this junk journal page:
Mayhem Crafters Storefront
Quick link to our storefront if you want to do a little browsing.
Mayhem Crafters Amazon Storefront - Junk Journal Supplies, Scrapbook Supplies
Junk Journal Inspiration – Gothic Valentine
Kel’s unorthodox Valentine’s junk journal layout got us thinking. We know there are plenty of crafters out there who love the gothic aesthetic. Some decorate their homes with amazing aesthetics to make it cozy while still being dramatic. Others can rock a super cool outfit and make it look effortless. Others still love both of these things and can’t pull either one off! It doesn’t matter which one you are; all of you can embrace your gothic essence and channel it onto your junk journal or scrapbook page.
What better time to tap into this aesthetic than on Valentine’s Day? We know, we know. It is always hailed as a celebration of love, adorned with hearts, flowers, and romantic gestures. We get it! We love all of that too, albiet maybe on a less commercialized level. But sometimes you just want to do a page that departs from the conventional. So here is some additional prompt and imagery inspiration for a gothic Valentine’s junk journal page.
Junk Journal Inspiration – 10 Gothic Valentine Ideas
1. Moody Backdrop:
Use some deep, textured backgrounds—like a luxurious burgundy paper resembling the velvet curtains in a Victorian parlor.
2. Font:
How about a bold title? Imagine ornate, Gothic-style letters, almost like the ones gracing an ancient cathedral. You could use a metallic gold pen for added elegance.
3. Vintage Vibes:
Victorian-era illustrations – Search for cupids from vintage Valentine’s cards, ornate frames from antique postcards, and intricate patterns from old wallpaper samples. Collage these images for that touch of nostalgia.
4. Lace & Velvet Loveliness:
Adding some texture is a must. Glue down lace trim along the edges of your pages, or create small pockets with velvet fabric.
5. Roses in the Shadows:
How about dark roses with thorns? Find or print images of black or deep red roses. You could even press a few real ones between the pages for that authentic touch of gothic romance.
6. Cryptic Notes in pockets and tucks:
Let’s write love notes or journal entries in gothic-style fonts. Print them out and tuck them into small envelopes you create using aged parchment-style paper. The mystery lies in the words.
7. Gothic Stamps & Stickers:
Bats, candelabras, maybe a skull or two—find stamps or stickers with these gothic motifs. Stamp them around the pages or use them as borders for that unexpected touch.
8. Ribbons & Seals:
Add black or deep red ribbons as page embellishments. Consider sealing envelopes with wax in the shape of a mysterious symbol—a wax seal kit with an ornate design could be a lovely addition.
9. Eerie Borders:
Imagine creating borders with gothic patterns—perhaps using a stencil to add a lace-like pattern around your photos or journaling spots. Add a touch of drama with a few ink splatters here and there.
10. Vintage Jewelry Bling:
Use stickers or cut out of small lockets or a cameo tucked into one of your pages. It will create an air of old world charm but can also hint at something a bit more sinister.
11. Gothic Architecture:
Find images of gothic architecture or eerie cemetery scenes in old books or online. These could be perfect backgrounds or focal points for your journaling spots, adding that touch of mystery.
12. Candlelit Glow:
Look for drawings or images of flickering candles. Place them strategically on your pages to create a warm, candlelit glow. It’s like setting the scene for a clandestine meeting.
13. Banner Drama:
Create a creepy banner stretching across the pages. Cut out letters from different textured materials—old books, magazines, or even metallic paper. Add small embellishments like tiny skulls or ravens for added drama.
14. Ink Splatter:
Add a bit of drama with dark ink splatters. Take a paint brush or old toothbrush, dip it in black or dark red ink, and gently splatter it across your pages. It’s like the pages have weathered the test of time.
Junk Journal Inspiration – Gothic Valentine
Embrace a gothic Valentine’s junk journal layout—a perfect haven for the solitary and the skeptics. This unconventional approach embraces the beauty in darkness, allowing singles or those indifferent to Valentine’s Day to express their emotions authentically. Black lace, dark roses, and cryptic notes create a setting that mirrors the complexity of love and self-discovery. A gothic Valentine’s junk journal is not just a rebellion against traditional sentiments but an opportunity to craft something that transcends the expected or pushes us outside of our comfort zone. We all know that love, in all its forms, is a complicated thing that can be woven with both shadows and light.
We hope this post featuring Kel’s gothic Valentine “Heartfelt Seamstress” junk journal layout gave you some scrapbook examples and inspiration! If you are looking for more, check out our scrapbook section of the blog! from
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Happy Scrapping!
Mayhem Crafters, crafty division of Slowestuff Blog