Natasa Marinkovic double majored in Sociology and Behavioral Studies—and then took a completely different route and received a Diploma in Beauty Therapy. For 10 years, she became the sole owner and operator of a successful beauty salon. During those years, she also devoted herself to her passion of journal making, book binding, teaching, and most of all, creating something out of nothing—or rather—turning trash into treasure.

Her YouTube channel, Treasure Books, currently has over 200 videos (many of which are tutorials) has grown quickly in a reasonably short amount of time. Because of the success of this venture, she now devotes herself to Treasure Books full time. Natasa resides in Melbourne, Australia.

Introduction

Part 1: What Is This All About?

Why Sustainable Handmade Books?

Repurposing “Junk”

Terminology

Why and How to Use a Junk Journal?

Part 2: Getting Started

Materials to Gather

Book Making Basics

Making Book Covers

Preparing Signatures

Binding

Embellishing

Part 3: Projects to Make

Hardcover Books

• Project Idea #1 Using an Old Book
• Project Idea #2 Using Packaging Boxes
• Project Idea #3 Faux Leather Look Book

Envelope Books

• Project Idea #4 Large Envelope Journal
• Project Idea #5 Junk Mail Envelope Junk Journal
• Project Idea #6 Easy Envelope Junk Journal

Removable Page Journal

• Project Idea #7 Twine Binding Flow Book

Softcover Books

• Project Idea #8 Paper Bag Journal
• Project Idea #9 Fabric Cover Journal

Booklets, Notebooks and Other Project Ideas

• Project Idea #10 Tissue Box Journal
• Project Idea #11 Repurposed Wallet Notebook
• Project Idea #12 Repurposed Handbag Journal
• Project Idea #13 Catalogue Art Journal
• Project Idea #14 Scrappy Staggered Booklets

Other Project Ideas

• Empty Pen Barrels
• Cereal Box Liners
• Three Tier Junk Journal
• Altered Book of Pockets

Part 4: Where to From Here?

• How to Find Your Style?
• FAQ
• Journaling Prompts

Conclusion