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Turning trash into journals that you will treasure is something art tutor Sonya Young gets excited about.
Sonya teaches mosaics at Estuary Arts Centre and this term is also offering a new class called Trash to Treasure Journalling.
Turning junk into journals is something Sonya describes as “very therapeutic”. Under various names, such as Junk Journalling, Smash Books or vision boards, it is a relaxing and satisfying pastime.
Sonya says the process involves some of her passions – “words, art, poetry, colours, textures and people”.
Although the Red Beach resident has had no formal art training, she has always been making things.
“Ever since I can remember I have been sewing, gluing, drawing and so on,” Sonya says.
As well as creating mosaics and mixed media art, Sonya has been a milliner (hat maker), once had her own children’s wear range, and is also a published poet.
“All the things I do are a great way to not get rich fast!” she says.
She says students can upcycle almost anything in the classes, including fabrics, newspapers, magazines, product packaging, ribbons, broken jewellery and trinkets, lace, playing cards, envelopes, stickers, half used nail-polishes, feathers, old buttons, vintage music sheets and much more.
“They can use images and words in a huge variety of styles. They may be drawn to a Vintage French theme, for example, or super floral and feminine looking. They can do modern layouts, dark and gothic or bright and breezy.”
Leftover tea and coffee is used to dye fabrics or paper.
Students can bring their own items to incorporate into a journal, or access the supplies that Sonya has accumulated.
“The class will be casual and fun with lots of colours and textures and a little mess along the way,” she says.
