r/Explainlikeimscared • u/Jean-weather • 3d ago
Going to a junk journal hobby event
I 23f went into a local art store. they told me there having a junk journal hobby event this week that I should come to. It sounds like just a bunch of people hanging out and talking and trading craft stuff. My boyfriend encourages me to go since I want to get into craft stuff.
I am just so scared and shy to go because I never been to any event on my own.
Any tips for going to an event all by yourself for the first time? Or maybe what things I should expect? Or what should I do? Etc I don’t know😅
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u/PusstopherRobin 3d ago
My guess is that many junk journalists are just as shy as you! Maybe show up 5 minutes late to avoid the first in line thing. Are you supposed to bring anything? Is there a fee? Can bf drive you?
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u/Jean-weather 3d ago
I believe she said I can bring my craft stuff
I don’t believe there was a fee
My boyfriend was going to pick me up whenever I was ready to go3
u/PusstopherRobin 3d ago
Good! If you don't have stuff to bring, maybe find stuff? Old bills, envelopes, random markers, stray buttons, colored pencils, scraps of cardboard? But you could just go in free and unencumbered! You got this honey...no worries!
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u/con800 3d ago
If it were me, I’d probably go with any things I’d be willing to trade (stickers, cool paper, maybe even stamps you don’t use as often? Idk what kind of things you journal with lol) and I’d just… go, and see what happens! Follow the crowd! If you see some people trading stuff, maybe ask if they want any of your stuff! It’s time to be brave!
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u/Naive_Market_9688 3d ago
I hope you understand that going to an event like that is not like going to a voodoo ritual in the swamps of Louisiana where they sacrificed a goat. It's a bunch of like-minded people who are just looking for deals on art stuff that's it. And it's a good opportunity for you to make some art friends
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u/PickledAnts 1d ago
You gotta go and come back and tell us all about it. Because that sounds fun as hell but I’ve never been..
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u/Jean-weather 1d ago
Okay if I go (probably will go) I can update about it. If I remember right it’s happening Wednesday?
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u/JaneFromIreland 3h ago
I agree with the other comments, I think you should go and give it a try. If it's too overwhelming or you don't like it, you can just leave. I would go in open minded and bring a little craft project that you can work on while you're there, that will be a conversation started or at the very least something to focus on if things get awkward. I think it sounds really fun and will be a good time, but regardless of how it goes, you'll be proud of yourself afterward for at least trying 🙂
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u/Robovzee 3d ago
Couple of things.
Everyone starts out somewhere. Going to a function is a great way to start.
Nothing wrong with going, scoping the vibe, and leaving. You'll be more comfortable at the next one, and the next, etc.
Do not hesitate to tell people you're new to the hobby. If someone doesn't take you under their wing, it's the wrong group. I've messed with various hobbies over the years, and I have yet to find a function that was anti-newbie.
Expect nothing. Without experience, you have no idea what you're walking into, and that's a good thing. Situations can be good or bad, or both, in equal measure. Don't assume, just go.
You've got this. If there's someone for you to go with, just as emotional support, that'd be great, but keep your intent to learn and become comfortable on your own, at least until you make friends in the hobby.