Journal Club FAQ
We celebrated one year of Journal Club on Sunday 25th February in Hunter Paper Co’s beautiful new store. I’ll admit, Journal Club has grown in size and strength beyond my expectations and I couldn’t be happier!
The origins of Journal Club started in November 2022. I was shopping in Hunter Paper Co and was chatting with Ross who casually asked if I ever considered doing journaling tutorials. I instantly brushed the idea off; I don’t like public speaking, I don’t like to hear my recorded voice played back, I didn’t think I had enough experience or skill or artistic ability to share. I laughed off the notion, shooting it down before I even gave it a chance…
But I was going to counselling at the time, working through a period of depression and loss of self confidence. I had recently been made redundant and was at a low point, not knowing what I was good at or where I needed to go. I reframed the question; it was an opportunity, it would be a challenge. I literally had nothing to lose other than making a bit of a boob of myself with my usual mumbling ramblings. So after much contemplation and an emotionally-supportive kick up the butt from my husband, I took the plunge, emailed Ross back and got to planning.
The first session was nerve-racking, I’d never “taught” or presented really, I didn’t know if I had the clout to talk about journaling but the folks who attended were lovely (they’ve since become regular journaling pals who have visited the club most months) and it was just a relaxing, creative and supportive atmosphere.
I’m delighted that folks return month after month but it’s always encouraging to welcome new friends who haven’t tried journaling before.
As mentioned in my first blog post, journaling is more than the traditional Dear Diary, date book or calendar, it’s memory keeping and organisation, it’s scrapbooking and writing, it’s a sketchbook and it’s a photo album.
So from the outside looking in, it can be hard to know where to start. I thought I’d answer some of the most frequently asked questions if you are considering joining us in the future.
What is Journal Club?
Journal Club is a relaxed and encouraging space for folks to explore different journaling methods, take inspiration from fellow journalers and share their own tips and knowledge.
I didn’t want to call it a class or workshop, I wanted to make a club for everyone to feel at ease. There are no critiques - I don’t inspect your work, there’s no grade at the end. It should be freeing and exploratory, you can write long-form entries or just decorate a page with stickers and scrap paper - both of these are valid journal entries as they both creatively communicate your current feelings.
Journal Club is a space to be honest and expressive and have fun!
When is Journal Club?
Journal Club is a monthly meet-up. We meet on Sundays (usually 2nd/3rd Sunday of the month) and our club runs from 1pm-3pm. There is a £9.99 ticket price to cover material costs.
A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon that isn’t catching up on ironing or binge-watching Netflix. Keep an eye on our socials for information on the upcoming dates and visit Hunter Paper Co’s website to book your spot.
What do I have to bring?
Just bring yourself, the notebook or journal you wish to use & an open and inquisitive attitude! I set a different theme for each month, such as growth - inspired by the flowers in spring, reflection - a mid-year look back on progress, and letting go - inspired by the falling leaves of autumn.
Within the monthly theme, I create and supply a selection of stickers, inserts and prompts for some help and inspiration. I also bring a LOT of supplies, including Washi tape, stickers, stamps, pens, papers and other random stationery and ephemera. If you don’t have a notebook to use, Ross is on hand to help in choosing one to buy from their extensive range, with styles to suit almost everyone
Who goes to Journal Club?
Everyone is welcome in Journal Club; we want it to be a safe and inclusive space to all.
We have a mix of ages, some folks attend solo, and others come with friends or family members. Younger journalers are welcome as long as they have an accompanying parent or guardian but it might not be suited for kids under 8.
Ross and myself are the only male members of journal club so far. Like many men, I find it is difficult to talk about feelings and emotions, but using my journal as a method of expression has been very therapeutic.
We encourage everyone to join us and find their own journaling style.
With the new Hunter Paper Co store being so much bigger, we have even more space so tell your friends! I’m immensely proud and humbled by the creative journaling community we’ve created and I look forward to seeing how it grows!
