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How to Start a Smash Book

October 7, 2020 By: Katie66 Comments

title image for how to start a smash book

Have you heard of a smash book? They are trending and avid crafters are loving them!

If you have never heard of a smash book, let’s go over what they are, first.

What is Smash Book?

You may be familiar with traditional scrapbooking. Which is a way to journal and memorialize pictures and happenings in your life.

A smash book is another way to record those memories but in this type record keeping, organization and perfection are not expected.

It is encouraged to simply throw pages together without all of the planning and coordinating. Your book doesn’t even need to be in chronological order! Just open the book, and create your page right there!

Tape pictures in place, add embellishments by gluing, taping or stapling, and write down your thoughts or feelings with your favorite pen or marker.

With a smash book, you don’t have to worry about the perfect layout. This is how they get their name because everything is smashed in. It’s a smash book!

You can buy Smash Books that are designed for this type of journaling, or you can create your own! Which is what I am going to do.

I would like to add, that this project isn’t for everybody. I have gotten some “hate” for “ruining books”. If you can’t stand the thought of writing in an old book, covering up text, and possibly even ripping out pages, then go with a new book that is designed for this type of craft.

How to Start a Smash Book

I had never made a Smash Book before, but I love looking at them on Pinterest so I wanted to give it a go.

At my local thrift store, I came across this old book whose title was the same as my name. I just couldn’t resist and I thought it was a sign that it was time to start my own Smash Book.

an old red book entitled Katherine

This book is old and completely awesome! The copyright date is 1964 and all of the pages are uneven.

the side view of an old book with uneven pages
inside pages of an old book

How to Prep Pages

When using a preexisting book, you will need to prep the pages so that you can write, paint and glue over the words. This tutorial is great in explaining how to choose a good book and how to prep the pages.

Prepping the Pages of an Altered Book Journal

Prepping the Pages of an Altered Book Journal

What to Journal in your Smash Book

Don’t know what to put on the pages of your Smash Book? These are some page ideas that I love and want to incorporate into my own Smash Book.

20 smash book page ideas

Inspirational Smash Books

When creating, I like to see what others have done. It always gives me such great ideas! These are some of my favorites. Aren’t they fun?!

Inspiration Everywhere Smash Book

Inspiration Everywhere

Smash Book Travel Album

Smash Book Travel Album

Making a Composition Book Art Journal

Making a Composition Book Art Journal

This Art Makes Me Happy Smash Book

This Art Makes Me Happy

There is No Wrong Way

The biggest thing to remember is there no wrong way to Smash Book. It is supposed to be messy and maybe even a little chaotic. That is what makes it so much fun!

What do you think of this project? Would you try it? Share and leave a comment below!

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Comments

  1. Kara @ Petals to Picots says

    September 10, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    Very neat idea! I had not heard of smash books before.

    Reply
  2. One bolt short of a toolbox says

    September 10, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    Great idea, I’d never heard of them beore.

    Reply
  3. rachel says

    September 10, 2012 at 5:53 pm

    Hello!! I am your newest follower here. I absolutely love your blog, especially this post!! So very creative. I’m excited to see more 🙂

    Reply
  4. Rita says

    September 12, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    I love smash books and I am in the process of making some for Christmas gifts! Thanks for the share.

    Reply
  5. CC says

    September 12, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    I’ve seen them but I think I am too much of a perfectionist to use one. 😉 I haven’t scrapbooked in years, but the idea of just smashing things in makes me cringe. 😉 I do think they look cool though!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      November 26, 2018 at 4:14 pm

      I think the smashing is just a figure of speech…..you can glue pictures over existing pictures in a book. And glue over existing word pages etc.

      Reply
  6. Micah and Katie says

    September 12, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    I think it will be fun to do a smash book for my school aged kids. Start it this year in kindergarden and go through until grade 12.

    Reply
    • Scarlett @Scarletts Excellent Adventures says

      September 8, 2013 at 3:12 am

      That’s a really cute idea! Being a scrapbooker, I’m not sure about Smashbooks, but how fun for the school years!

      Reply
  7. Pam says

    September 12, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    I have been wanting to do a smash book. I love the examples here! It kind of takes off the pressure to make the perfect layout, so it’s not as intimidating as scrapbooking for me. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  8. Shiloh says

    September 12, 2012 at 5:27 pm

    I’ve never heard of them. I think I’m old. I just always called it a scrap book.:)

    Reply
  9. Bonny Yokeley says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    While I have lots of scrapbooks, I had not heard of a smash book. They look neat.

    Reply
  10. Wendy @ E1A says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    I have a smash book but haven’t updated it in ages! Must dig it out 😀 Thanks for the reminder!

    Reply
  11. Kadie says

    September 14, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    What a neat idea! I hadn’t heard of smash books either. What a great outlet! Thanks for sharing with us at Link It Up Thursday.

    Reply
  12. Michelle's Tasty Creations says

    September 16, 2012 at 2:37 am

    Katie,
    I’ve never heard of a Smash book but this is such a cute idea. I bet my daughter (18) would love to make one of these. She just started college and will have many memories to come. Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can’t wait to see what you share next week. Have a great weekend.
    Michelle

    Reply
  13. Debi Bolocofsky says

    September 16, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    I like this post. I have a smashbook but your idea is great. I have a link party on Wednesdays, and I would love it if you would link this and any other posts. It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party. It runs from Wednesday to Sundays.

    I hope to see you there. I am your newest follower, and I would love for your to follow me also. Have a great Day.
    Debi Bolocofsky
    Adorned From Above

    Reply
  14. Me and My DIY says

    September 16, 2012 at 10:07 pm

    Hi Katie, this is my first visit to your blog, I found you from onecreativemommy.com. I had never heard of Smash books either but may have to give them a try some time. I’ve been collecting old Reader’s Digests (the pretty hardbound ones) and had been wondering what to do with them. I may have to start with that!

    Reply
  15. Julie Kelley says

    September 17, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Love that you found a book with your name!! How cool is that?

    Reply
  16. Amanda @ Life, Experience Needed says

    September 17, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    I have a Smash book but I’m so intimdated by it. I think I need to find someone to do it with.

    New follower from the blog hop
    http://lifeexperienceneeded.blogspot.ca

    Reply
  17. 4 You With Love says

    September 17, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Wow, this is great. I’ve never heard of a smash book…but I have now, thanks to you! 😉

    Reply
  18. Vanessa says

    September 17, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    I love the smash book idea. It’s great for when you want to be createive but don’t have time to commit to a full blown scrapbook. What I normally use is a notebook from the dollar store and then just use my scrapbook supplies. Works great!

    Reply
  19. Rachel says

    September 17, 2012 at 10:39 pm

    I had never even heard of smash books before…it’s such a cool idea, I won’t be surprised if they really take off!

    Reply
  20. Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says

    September 17, 2012 at 6:15 pm

    I love the smash book idea … what a great book to start with!

    Reply
  21. Jenn says

    September 18, 2012 at 1:38 am

    This is so cute. I bought a smash book with fun stuff to put in it for one of my friends daughters. I think they’re such a fun idea!

    Reply
  22. Carrie says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:23 pm

    That is a great idea!! I am so going to have to do this!!

    Stopping by from Crazy Mama’s Hop!

    Reply
  23. Helen Graham says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    I WANNA MAKE A SMASH BOOK NOW!! Thanks so much for sharing! This is awesome!

    Reply
  24. Two Succulent Sisters says

    September 18, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    I’ve heard of the smash books. My sister who is up on everything told me about them. I take it that they are simply sloppy journals. In other words smash things in there quickly so that you don’t end up not doing it. Quick is good. I love fast wonderful crafts. I have old books and can do this also. Thanks, Linda

    Reply
  25. Holistic Homemaking says

    September 19, 2012 at 5:25 am

    I don’t have a Smash Book, but would like to. I haven’t decided on which layout/style I like most yet (part of why I don’t have one yet). Ha ha.

    Reply
  26. Theresa says

    September 19, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    Smash books & journaling are fun. I love creating in mine. Be sure & share it when you get creating in yours! & feel free to link it up @ DearCreatives.com

    Reply
  27. Deanna crazed says

    September 20, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    This is an awesome idea! I want to do one!

    Reply
  28. Darlene Bishop says

    September 21, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Do you just work right on the pages as they are? Or do you cover them with paper first? Haven’t seen one done though I have heard of them.

    Reply
    • Katie Adams says

      September 23, 2012 at 1:44 pm

      You can really do it however you want. You can cover the pages with Gesso (which is a painting canvas prepper), glue on patterned paper, or just write right over the top of the typed pages. That is what makes this book so fun! Great question by the way!

      Reply
  29. AmieAnn says

    September 23, 2012 at 11:50 am

    Love this! I have wanting a smash book.. but just couldn’t bring myself to pay for one I could make.. thanks for the inspiration.. can’t wait to drag out one of my old books I have been saving (or hoarding) for craft projects!
    Thanks for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party!
    xoxo
    Amie @ Pinkapotamus

    Reply
  30. Debra Kapellakis says

    September 25, 2012 at 3:16 pm

    I don’t have a smash book. Now that you showed me one I want one. lol 🙂

    Reply
  31. Heather says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    I have only seen the ones sold in the scrapbook section. I never thought about using a real book! I love books, though, so I don’t know if i could bring myself to glue/paint/write over it 🙂 If I can get over it, I think I’d like to make some for my sisters for Christmas! I have 2 in college, 1 in high school & 1 who is 10. This seems like something girls of all ages would love. Thank you for the idea!

    I found your blog through Holistic Homemaking!

    Reply
  32. Billie Lloyd says

    February 20, 2013 at 5:21 am

    SmashBooks have been around for at least a dozen years in the artist community…but they were simply known as what they are…”altered books” 🙂

    Reply
  33. Kat says

    April 1, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    So cool! I just arrived at your blog from Pinterest. I just ordered my daughter and I Smash books. Can’t wait to get started. I started an adventure group 3 years ago and have all of these trickets and pictures from that I will add. Thanks for the post. Kat
    http://www.10adventuregirls.wordpress.com

    Reply
  34. Makeiteasycrafts.blogspot.com says

    September 5, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    Sounds intriguing! I’ve never heard of smash books before. 🙂

    Reply
  35. MixedKreationsJewelryDesigns says

    September 5, 2013 at 4:03 pm

    I picked up an old book at half price books to make one of these smash books. But haven’t got started yet. Didn’t know that it was called a smash book though. Will check them out on Pinterest. Thanks for sharing!

    Linda @ MixedKreations.com/blog

    Reply
  36. Anna-Leigh says

    September 6, 2013 at 10:16 pm

    Such a good idea! I’m off to the thrift store 😉

    Reply
  37. Jocelyn says

    September 9, 2013 at 3:51 am

    Very cool! The thing I love about smash books is they don’t have to be perfect – I’m always trying to overcome my natural perfectionist-ness (haha, not a word), and these are good for that.

    Reply
  38. Bethany says

    September 9, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    I have never heard of a smash book, cool idea! I like the idea of reusing old, useless books.

    Reply
  39. Diana - FreeStyleMama says

    September 11, 2013 at 7:43 pm

    I’ve heard of them but didn’t know what they were. Love the book you found!

    Reply
  40. TitiCrafty by Camila says

    September 14, 2013 at 8:50 am

    I love this and I had never heard of this and I love it! Wow so cool and fun! Thanks so much for sharing this with me at Bewitch Me & Titi! Hope to have you back with another awesome share! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!!

    Hugs
    Cami @ TitiCrafty.com

    Reply
  41. Anna M. says

    September 27, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    Wow, I actually did that years ago with a lousy novel, but I didn’t know there was a name for it.

    Reply
  42. Carey Werlein says

    December 8, 2013 at 6:05 am

    haha… i found this looking at journalling on pinterest… I descend from the Katherine that book is about. I read it because of the genealogy I did and discovered how I am connected to her. I got it on kindle. Its a remarkabley good book, too bad you didn’t read it first! LOL I too alter books, no worries… just funny… you might like it, its a true story.

    Reply
  43. Renee H says

    December 15, 2014 at 10:33 am

    My 13 yr old just told me she is going to start one of these for the new year! Thanks for the ideas!!

    Reply
  44. Hank da peacock says

    May 12, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    Awesome!!!!!!

    Reply
  45. ana says

    December 1, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    We have being working with this kind of mixed media, using books and transforming them, we call them Altered Books. They came to the artist community about 10 to 15 years ago. Its a neat way to transform old books. Have fun !!!!!!

    Reply
  46. Teresa says

    January 17, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    Don’t forget to take out pages to make room for what you will smash in! The unevenness of the pages is evidence that the book is composed of quite a few signatures of several pages apiece (probably 5-10, which, when folded in half, creates 10-20 pages) which are then sewn into the spine. An easy way to remove pages is to find the center of each signature and remove the top few sheets in each one. The center of each signature is in the middle of each grouping of pages, where the sewing is. You could also take out alternating entire signatures, or at least about 1/3 of them. Otherwise, your book will become so fat that it will be impossible to close it! Best wishes!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 18, 2016 at 8:25 am

      Thanks for the great tip Teresa!

      Reply
  47. Leanna says

    September 20, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    It looks like you introduced the smash book to a bunch of new readers. I am part of a long list who never knew about them either. Its a cute idea.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      September 21, 2016 at 7:49 am

      Thanks Leanna! Smash books really are a lot of fun. I’m glad I could introduce you to something new!

      Reply
  48. Kendall says

    September 21, 2016 at 6:05 am

    What a neat idea! I can see this being useful for homeschooling or keeping up with the changes of littles as they grow! 🙂

    Reply
    • Katie says

      September 21, 2016 at 7:40 am

      Hi Kendall! Great idea! You are right, A smash book would be perfect for that!

      Reply
  49. Lisa/Syncopated Mama says

    September 23, 2016 at 9:06 am

    I’d never even heard of smash books and I feel like I still don’t quite “get” them, so I guess I know what I’ll be googling more of later! 😀 Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      September 25, 2016 at 6:56 am

      Hi Lisa! I am so glad I could introduce you to the world of smashing! 🙂

      Reply
  50. Pam says

    October 1, 2016 at 8:48 am

    Love it! I have been wanting to make s smash book for a long time to get all of my little bits of memorabilia and scraps into one place. Thanks for the great inspiration!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      October 2, 2016 at 8:25 am

      You are very welcome Pam! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  51. betty says

    October 9, 2016 at 10:23 am

    i have a smash book i am working on, like it a lot. so much fun. didou paint the pages first?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      October 10, 2016 at 7:56 am

      Thanks Betty! It depends on what you are going to be coloring on your pages with? If it is colored pencils then no need, but if you are wanting to use paint or ink I highly suggest it. It keeps the paint/ink from seeping through to other pages.

      Reply
  52. Sharon Romey says

    January 9, 2019 at 4:44 am

    This is the 1st time I’ve heard of a Smash Book. Can you please tell me what the difference is between a Smash Book and a Junk Journal? I think it’s a great idea.

    Thanks,
    Sharon.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 11, 2019 at 10:36 am

      Hi Sharon! A Smash Book and Junk Journal are the same things, just a different name.

      Reply
  53. Kyrin says

    November 7, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    I’ve been keeping one for over 20 years- I call it my sketchbook. Every one of them is “smashed”

    Reply
    • Katie says

      November 11, 2019 at 11:16 am

      Oh I love it! Such a great collection of memories!

      Reply
  54. L Doss says

    January 5, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    How is this different from visual journaling?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 7, 2020 at 11:02 am

      It really isn’t. Just different names for the same thing. Thanks L Doss!

      Reply

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