For Page 3 in my Trash to Treasure Journal, I wanted to work with something fragile and organic.

The base of this journal is simple: cardboard and old telephone book pages. Nothing precious. Nothing expensive. But that is exactly what makes it so freeing.

This time I used a real dried leaf as my focal point. I stitched it into the page using vintage buttonhole thread that once belonged to my grandmother. The stitching adds texture and memory — a quiet connection between past and present.

Next to it, I sketched and painted another leaf, creating a soft echo of the natural form. I layered handmade paper and coffee-dyed paper to build warmth and subtle color variation.

Finally, I added a quote printed on tissue paper:

“Imperfection makes life interesting.” And that truly sums up this journal.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about honoring materials, memories, and the beauty of what already exists.

If you’ve ever thought,“I don’t have the right materials” —This is your sign.

Cardboard is enough. Old paper is enough. You are enough.

Now go and make your own version. I’d love to see what you create.