Left to right: Pam H., Ronnie W., Donna D., Beverly W. (photo by Sarah M.)
Sarah Marks
Imagine breathing new life into forgotten treasures—turning old magazines, discarded CDs, and even plastic water bottles into stunning works of art. That’s precisely the magic happening with the Sun Lakes Junk Journaling group. This vibrant community is embracing the creative trend of transforming discarded paper and found objects into unique journals, captivating collage art, and imaginative creations. The local group, which meets at Oakwood Country Club, has expanded its workshops to explore a fascinating array of techniques. Members are delving into gel printing with recycled magazine pages, crafting intricate mosaic tiles from discarded CDs, and even fashioning glass-like beads from humble plastic water bottles.
The heart of this creative movement lies with Donna Delano, Sarah Marks, Pam Holober, and Ronnie Wardell who, along with other enthusiastic community members, gather on the third Tuesday of each month. Their meetings, which are held in the Oakwood Country Club Painting Room from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., are a hub of shared inspiration and collaborative learning. “We share our latest projects and explore new techniques together. I often suggest a theme or idea to spark our collective creativity,” explains Sarah Marks.
The camaraderie and shared passion are palpable. “I eagerly anticipate this class each month,” says Donna Delano. “Everyone is so kind, friendly, and welcoming.” Sarah adds, “We have so much fun creating journals, exchanging ideas and materials, and learning innovative techniques. Donna and Pam are always bringing fresh inspiration from their favorite YouTube creators. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the collective excitement for each new creation. Finding such a supportive community of like-minded individuals and having a beautiful space to work in truly makes Sun Lakes special.” Pam Holober echoes this sentiment, saying, “This is a warm and welcoming group of women who are brimming with crafting enthusiasm.” Although the group has only been together for just over a year, many of its members have been nurturing their creative spirits for a lifetime.
To learn more about the Junk Journalers, you can reach out to them at [email protected]. They welcome new members and will be meeting throughout the summer, continuing their journey of creative exploration.