CHICAGO - s4story -- In 2025, Janie Flores, principal paper artist and founder of Janie's Art Journals, reclaimed discarded books and materials destined for the landfill and transformed them into intentionally reimagined art journals and mixed media works of art that inspire, heal, and spark curiosity.

Sustainability Impact:

• 3000+ discarded book pages repurposed
• 300+ pieces of cardboard packaging reused
• 300+ junk mail envelopes upcycled
• 10+ yards of fabric reclaimed

Creative Output:
200+ handcrafted art journals and mixed-media works were created using repurposed and reclaimed materials. Each piece was intentionally designed to be unique and tactile, revealing how discarded materials could be reimagined through art.

Community & Creative Impact:
Educated hundreds on sustainable art practices at over 20 art markets in the Chicagoland area
Beyond materials and numbers, the work of Janie's Art Journals inspired healing, curiosity, and eco-conscious creativity, leading many to a deeper appreciation for reuse and sustainable creativity.

"325 million books are discarded each year. One person can't save them all, but every reclaimed page matters. Small actions, repeated with intention, create real impact." - stated Flores.

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Janie's Art Journals starts the Spring 2026 art market season participating in the following markets:
-       Selected as an innovative artist to participate at the Design Museum of Chicago's "Valentine's Market", Saturday, February 7^th, Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL, 11:00am to 3:00pm

-       Chicago Latina Magazine Expo, March 28^th, Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center, 2933 W. Division Street, Chicago, IL, 9am to 3:00pm

In 2026, Janie's Art Journals will collaborate with emerging artists like Kate Donley, and will continue participating with Gateway Presents, Dollop Coffee Company, Illinois Humanities Odyssey Project, and the Nature Museum. Follow on social media for updated information: @JanieFloresLive.

About Janie's Art Journals
Janie's Art Journals, a 2024 winner of the Craft Industry Alliance national scholarship award, transforms discarded books and packaging into unique art and writing journals. Combining sustainable practices with artistic expression, Flores uplifts community storytelling through creativity. Learn more at https://ko-fi.com/janiesartjournals and follow @JanieFloresLive on social media.