Feb 24, March 3 & 10, 2026: Ancestry Junk Journaling Workshop series
February 24
Join us for three afternoons with guest instructor Lori Watson of Gathering Thyme & Grace for a hands-on Junk Journaling Workshop. Register now – Small class of 4.
Tuesday, February 24, March 3 & 10, 2026 | 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
📍 162 on Main, Glencoe, ON
Hosted in fellowship with Lori Watson; Kerri Crowdis Angus, 162 on Main Art Collective ; and Mary Simpson, Glencoe & District Historical Society
Here is the link to sign up; $75 per person.
What is a Junk Journal and how does it relate to your ancestry?
Don’t allow the work “junk“ to deter you, these gorgeous journals look nothing like that in the end. The idea is that Lori will teach us how to build a journal from everyday items that you may regularly pitch in the recycling bin or trash bin. The ancestry part is where you bring along items like family photographs, copies of birth records, marriage licenses or even a piece of fabric with a cross stitch or embroidery that your great grandmother stitched. The possibilities are truly endless and we are in the best hands with Lori at the helm!
This wonderful idea was suggested to Lori and Kerri as a collaborative class by Glencoe & District Historical Society. They have done this project together in the past and the workshops were amazing. Kerri was blown away!
What do you need to bring to class?
- A hard covered book measuring an approximate 6” X 9” or smaller. You will be removing the innards, so a prized novel is not the one you want to use. Thrifting such books at Good Will or your favourite thrift shop is a great idea for little money.
- Pictures, copies of documents, anything that is smaller than the book size or that can be folded inside of it.
- Special items that you have from those who came before you. That could be a handkerchief, a love letter or favourite Christmas card kept for decades. An embroidered piece of fabric taken from a table cloth or perhaps a tiny bonnet from a christening gown. Do you happen to have a lock of hair that you saved and aren’t sure how to hold onto this keepsake, well… adding it to your journal will make it all the more special. As noted above, the ideas are endless. If you aren’t sure, bring them along and Lori will happily help you.
- If you happen to have craft paper or embellishments that you think will fit your journal well, bring those along too!
What is provided?
- Instruction on how to remove the innards of your chosen book, how to put it back together and to secure it all in place.
- All tools required along with glues, pates etc..
- Enough papers to rebuild your journal, along with instructions on how to create pockets, hidden add ons etc…
- Optional appropriate embellishments
Our classes are non refundable. Should a class be missed, priority seating will be offered in a future class.
About the Instructor
Lori Watson is the creative heart behind Gathering Thyme & Grace. A retired Development Service Worker, wife, mother, and grandmother, Lori has found her passion in bespoke junk journaling—giving old books a new lease on life through hand-dyed papers, antique and vintage ephemera, and thoughtful design. Each of her journals is handmade, one-of-a-kind, and deeply personal. Lori loves sharing her creative journey and encouraging others to explore their own.
Who Should Attend?
- Beginners and experienced crafters welcome
- Genealogists and family historians
- Journal keepers and memory-keepers
- Anyone who loves paper, storytelling, or creative reuse
Come as you are—no artistic experience required.
Learn More About Lori Watson
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@gatheringthymeandgrace1668
- Instagram: instagram.com/gathering_thyme_and_grace_
- Etsy: gatheringthymegrace.etsy.com
- Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/lori29677
Here is what Lori has been up to lately. Her YouTube channel is great!