The Magpie Mama

06/09/2026

It's SUMMERTIME!!!! Whew - we made it! 😉

Our next Magpie class is coming up this Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 2 - 4 PM at the Champaign County Library! This month we're going to focus on summer!
During class you can work on a journal you already have or start a new one! Everything you need is supplied, but you're welcome to bring your favorite tools and goodies, too.
The class is free, but you need to register to save your spot! You can register by calling the library, visiting their customer service desk or on the library's website: https://champaign-main-oh.whofi.com/calendar/event/268435?method=embed
Just a reminder, this class is intended for teens and adults.
Hope to see you on Saturday!

04/27/2026

Our next Magpie class is coming up on May 9! We'll be meeting from 2 - 4 PM at the Champaign County Library to work on our Magpie journals together. And this month, I'll be teaching our Magpies how to add elements to their journals using "tip-ins"!
The class is free, and all materials are provided, but you're always welcome to bring your own favorite tools and supplies to use. Space is limited, so be sure to register by signing up on the library's website (link in the first comment), calling the library or signing up at the service desk.
Please note: the class is for teens and adults.
Hope to see you there!

04/06/2026

It's April and we're SO ready for Spring! Come join us this Saturday April 11 from 2-4 PM at the Champaign County Library for our next Magpie Journal class! All supplies are provided so all you need to bring is your imagination! (As always you’re welcome to bring your favorite scrapbooking/journaling supplies!) The class is free and it's geared toward teens and adults. Class size is limited so be sure to sign up by calling the library, stopping by the service desk or signing up online at https://champaign-main-oh.whofi.com/calendar/event/268433?method=embed.
Hope to see you on Saturday! 😊❤️

04/06/2026

This video is about junk journals but it ABSOLUTELY applies to Magpies, too! Everyone that knows me has learned not to throw away cool bits of paper and "stuff" because "I need that for my Magpie!" 😂

03/19/2026

Do you have some craft supplies you're not going to use? Want to trade them for something new? Check out the Craft Swap at the Champaign County Library on April 4th!

Join us for a Craft Supply Swap on Saturday, April 4th with "early bird" access from 10:00-10:30 and general access to all from 10:30-11:00. If you donate items for the swap on April 2nd or 3rd, you will receive an Early Bird Ticket for the swap on Saturday.

Check out the link for more information. https://buff.ly/xCZZPfw

03/19/2026

We had a full class of crafters at the Magpie Journal class on Saturday! Everyone learned to make wet and dry packing tape transfers and added some gorgeous transfer images to their journals!
Our next class will be Saturday, April 11 from 2-4 PM at the Champaign County Library in Urbana. Join us for some journaling fun and unleash your inner artist!

03/09/2026

I am *so* excited for this month's Magpie Journal class at the Champaign County Library! We're going to be trying our hand at packing tape transfers. All supplies will be provided, but as always, you're welcome to bring your favorite supplies or tools with you.
The class is this Saturday, March 14 from 2 - 4 PM. Class space is limited, so registration is required. You can register by phone, at the service desk or by visiting this link: https://champaign-main-oh.whofi.com/calendar/full Please note: the class is suitable for teens and adults.

We'll also have some fun St. Patrick's Day and Easter goodies to add to our journals. Hope to see you on Saturday!!!

02/19/2026

Welcome to the Magpie Mama!

If you're wondering what in the world a Magpie Journal is, it all started about 12 years ago on the "Swapbot" website. Swapbot is a place for people to exchange artwork, crafts and supplies. At one point, someone hosted a swap for "Magpie Journals"; I joined the swap and I was hooked!

Why is it called a "Magpie"?
Magpie journals are named after the birds that collect bits and pieces of things they find interesting. We do the same thing and then put them in a journal!

Is it a junk journal?
It's similar to a junk journal but it's much more! While junk journals typically are strictly for found items ("junk"), a Magpie journal can be anything you want it to be! Some folks paint and draw in theirs, while others make theirs purely collage. Some people actually journal in theirs while others use them just for art. There really are no rules - that's what we love best about them!

Still curious about what a Magpie journal is? Then check out some examples of layouts I've done!

02/17/2026

This Saturday (February 21st), I'll be at the Mechanicsburg Public Library to host Intro to Magpie Journals! The class runs from 12 - 2 PM. If you don't know what a Magpie Journal is - think junk journal but so much more! The class is free, and all the supplies are provided but you're welcome to bring your favorite tools or supplies. Space is limited, so be sure to register online, by phone or at the service desk (Link in the first comment). Hope to see you there! :)