This blog post is about a Mardi Gras journal layout created by Puk the Pukwudgie from Mayhem Crafters. It includes a video of him putting it together, a picture of the completed junk journal layout, a list of the supplies used, and a discussion about Mardi Gras.
(If you don’t know who Puk or the rest of the Monsters are, check out the introductory post here!)
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Puk loves the Big Easy, and he loves to go to New Orleans when it is Mardi Gras time! It is loud and fun and chaotic and crazy…which is a pretty good description of Puk himself. This Mardi Gras journal layout has so many things pointing to the Crescent City. Coffee, the crescent moon, mardi gras colors, music, and of course the motto “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”
Symbolism of New Orleans & Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is such a fun junk journal topic! New Orleans and Mardi Gras are all about fun, and making a journal spread about them is just that! There are so many unique and creative symbols that represent this amazing city and party that are great to incorporate in a scrapbook or junk journal layout. The architecture, Fleur de lis, music, drinks, food, and sights of New Orleans alone are a luxury of riches for the imagination. Add in all the things that represent Mardi Gras, and it is an embarrassment of riches! Blast some Zydeco music to make you feel like you are there, and get to creating!
Supply Corner for Puk’s Mardi Gras Journal Layout
This very on theme layout by Puk was done using a lot of supplies that are staples in a scrapbook room or stash – cardstock, stamps, ink, stickers, and other ephemera. Nothing too fancy or complicated! He is just really good at the layering game. If you are looking for similar products, our storefront carries TONS of stuff. Here are a few of the things he used on this junk journal page:
Mardi Gras and the Soul of New Orleans
Let’s talk a little bit about the inspiration for this junk journal layout – the great city of New Orleans and it’s annual hosting of the biggest party in the world, Mardi Gras.
In the heart of the American South, New Orleans stands as a cultural beacon, blending history, diversity, and celebration in a unique dance of traditions. There truly is no place on earth like New Orleans. It is a city with character! At the core of this vibrant city’s identity is Mardi Gras, a festival that encapsulates the spirit of New Orleans. We talked a bit about all the symbols you can use on journal pages. We will do a quick discussion of those symbols and all that has come to define both this joyous celebration and the very soul of the Crescent City.
New Orleans
Welcome to the enchanting city of New Orleans, where history unfolds like a jazz melody echoing through the French Quarter’s charming streets. Known as both the Big Easy and the Crescent City, this vibrant metropolis boasts a cultural tapestry woven from French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences since its founding in 1718. The nickname “Big Easy” captures the city’s leisurely pace and the laid-back vibe that defines its way of life. Meanwhile, “Crescent City” pays homage to the graceful bend of the Mississippi River that cradles its heart. These catchy names are both great to include in journal pages.
Fleur de lis
One of the symbols you will see everywhere in New Orleans is their beloved New Orleans Saints. Their fans are called the Who Dat Nation, and the city becomes a sea of black and gold at the iconic Superdome at gametime. New Orleanians LOVE their Saints, and you will see black and gold and the Saint’s Fleur de lis style everywhere. You can base a junk journal or scrapbook page off of this color scheme, or the fleur de lis symbol!
Food
Another noteworthy aspect of New Orleans is the FOOD! You could fill an entire scrapbook or journal with layouts about all the different food. It is as varied and colorful as the people of New Orleans. Like the iconic beignet, a pillowy square of fried dough generously dusted with powdered sugar, found at the legendary Café du Monde.
Looking for something more savory, let the enticing aroma of gumbo guide your taste buds. This hearty stew, often infused with a medley of seafood or Andouille sausage, captures the essence of Creole and Cajun influences. For a seafood extravaganza, venture to places like GW Fins or Acme Oyster House, where platters of fresh oysters, crawfish boils, and shrimp po-boys showcase the Gulf Coast’s bounty. Speaking of po-boys, the sandwich is an art form in New Orleans, with spots like Parkway Bakery & Tavern crafting masterpieces of overstuffed goodness. And don’t forget pralines, the delectable pecan candies that melt in your mouth, a sweet treat found at Southern Candymakers. So many great inspirations found in the food of New Orleans!
Architecture
Like everything about New Orleans, the architecture is a wonder to behold. Colorful townhouses with intricate wrought-iron balconies, each one a gorgeous unique piece of art. There is even one with corn cobs! The narrow, cobblestone streets add a touch of old-world charm, creating an amazing place to walk and see all the sights. Possibly the most photographed building, in a well photographed city, is the St. Louis Cathedral which stands majestically in Jackson Square. It provides endless inspiration for all kinds of junk journal or journal layouts.
Symbols of New Orleans:
- Fleur-de-lis: A symbol of French heritage, the fleur-de-lis adorns flags, architecture, and is an emblematic representation of the city’s historical ties.
- Jazz Music: The birthplace of jazz, New Orleans resonates with the soulful melodies and lively rhythms that echo through its streets and clubs. Music is an integral part of New Orleans.
- French Quarter Architecture: With its iconic iron balconies, narrow streets, and Creole townhouses, the French Quarter is a living testament to the city’s architectural charm.
Mardi Gras: A Carnival of Colors and Tradition
Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” originates from ancient pagan traditions that evolved through the Roman festival of Lupercalia. It took root as a pre-Lenten celebration marked by feasting and revelry. Fast forward to the 18th century, and the French brought the lively tradition to the soil of Louisiana.
When is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a moveable feast, and its date varies each year. The celebration is linked to the liturgical calendar of the Christian faith, specifically to the season of Lent. Lent is the 40-day period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter, and Mardi Gras marks the culmination of revelry before this solemn observance begins.
Mardi Gras is scheduled to fall on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Since Easter is a moveable feast, determined by the lunar calendar, the date of Mardi Gras changes accordingly. It can occur as early as February 3 or as late as March 9.
If you are putting together a monthly journaling or scrapbook challenge, check the calendar for that year. You can add in Mardi Gras somewhere among all the Valentines or St. Patrick Day challenges!
New Orleans & Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras adds a whole other level to inspiration for journal pages or scrapbook layouts! Mardi Gras is a spectacle unique to New Orleans. From the grand floats of Krewe of Rex to the exuberant costumes of Krewe of Zulu, each krewe added a layer to the city’s dynamic tapestry. You can check out more about Mardi Gras in New Orleans via our post with all the tips and tricks you need to know! Planning on attending or throwing a Mardi Gras party of your own? We have you covered in our post here with the best outfits and accessories!
Symbols of Mardi Gras:
- Masks: A symbol of anonymity and revelry, masks play a crucial role in Mardi Gras traditions, allowing participants to embrace a sense of liberation and freedom.
- Beads: These vibrant necklaces are not just accessories but tokens of camaraderie, tossed from floats to revelers, creating a colorful tapestry across the city.
- King Cake: This sweet confection, adorned in Mardi Gras colors, conceals a tiny plastic baby, symbolizing luck and prosperity to the one who discovers it in their slice. It also means you are supposed to buy the next king cake!
Junk Journal and Scrapbook Inspiration
The colorful floats, lively music, and the enticing aroma of beignets—all begging to be captured on the canvas of your junk journal or scrapbook layout. Layer pages with beads, menus, receipts, along with any pictures you may have snapped if you were lucky enough to take a trip to the city. Anything goes and it will be an accurate representation of the soul of this unique city and the festive chaos of Mardi Gras. It’s not just about documenting; it’s about reliving the magic with every flip of the page.
We hope this post about a Mardi Gras journal has provided some inspiration for your next layout, or even a trip to The Big Easy!
Slowestuff