Mindful Crafting: Journaling with the Midsummer 2025 Edition
- Lauren Clark
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
This summer’s Midsummer 2025 edition of the Found & Flowered creative journaling newspaper is a celebration of vibrant color and transformation. Pages flutter with butterflies ready to take flight, rich jewel tones, warm sunset shades, and nods to change.
In this post, I’m sharing how I used this edition to create eight spreads (sixteen pages) in my own junk journal - plus tips for working with the newspaper in a way that’s slow, mindful, and entirely your own. If you’ve ever wondered how do I actually use this paper?, this post is for you.
Why the Newspaper Works Best Slowly
One of my favorite things about working with the Found & Flowered newspaper is that it’s meant to be used bit by bit. Instead of cutting everything up in one go, I work slowly, letting each page inspire the next.
For example, when I trimmed the bottom off one image, the scrap’s back revealed text about sequins. Naturally, sequins had to find their way onto that spread. Little discoveries like this are the heart of slow crafting - the process reveals surprises and ideas you could never plan.
Your Pages, Your Story
Every edition comes filled with illustrations, vintage finds, patterns, and text - but the real creativity happens when your own ephemera joins the page. That could mean adding:
A favorite postcard
Printed photos
A handwritten note
Collected “junk” from summer adventures
Adding your own memories doesn’t just decorate the page - it gives the imagery a deeper meaning. Suddenly, a vintage butterfly cutout isn’t just pretty; it’s the one you added after spotting a butterfly on the zinnias in your neighbor’s garden.
Slow Crafting Inspiration
If you’re new to the idea of slow crafting, think of it as the creative equivalent of a slow walk through a garden - you notice more when you’re not rushing. Here are some ways to make the most of the process:
Work on one page at a time, letting ideas build naturally
Keep a small dish or envelope for scraps - they often lead to new ideas later
Revisit older spreads to add new layers over time
Creative Add-Ons & How-Tos
A few favorite ways to customize your Found & Flowered pages:
Postcard Flaps – Tape one edge of a postcard to the page so it flips open, revealing journaling or a hidden image underneath.
Cut-Up Collage – Cut a postcard or large image into strips or shapes, then rearrange them to fit your page.
Hidden Journaling Pockets – Glue three sides of an image down to create a pocket for notes, tags, or mementos.
Layered Sequins or Fabric – Stitch or glue lightweight materials over the page for tactile interest.
Writing Pages – Leave some pages blank between collaged spreads for longer writing sessions.
The Midsummer 2025 edition is bursting with color, transformation, and possibility - but it’s just the starting point. The joy is in how you use it, slowly and intentionally building something that feels like your style.
If you’ve worked with this edition, I’d love to see your pages! Tag @foundandflowered on social or share in the comments. And if you’re ready to start, you can find the July/August Midsummer edition here.
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