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Journaling has long been a cherished practice for those who love to capture thoughts, preserve memories, and express creativity. While bullet journaling is known for its structured and organized approach, another form of journaling is gaining popularity—junk journaling. This artful and free-spirited method of journaling is a mix of scrapbooking, collage, and personal storytelling, allowing for a deeply personal and visually engaging experience.
If you love crafting, vintage aesthetics, or the idea of turning discarded materials into something meaningful, junk journaling might be the perfect creative outlet for you. In this guide, we’ll explore what junk journaling is, the materials you need to get started, and various techniques to create your own beautiful, one-of-a-kind junk journal.
What Is Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling is a form of journaling that repurposes everyday materials—old book pages, fabric scraps, postcards, ticket stubs, envelopes, and more—to create a uniquely artistic and layered journal. Unlike traditional journaling, which often focuses solely on written entries, junk journaling integrates mixed media and various textures, making each page a mini work of art.
Junk journals can serve many purposes:
- A memory book filled with personal mementos
- An art journal with sketches, paintings, and mixed media elements
- A travel journal incorporating maps, ticket stubs, and photographs
- A gratitude or affirmation journal
- A creative space for experimenting with different artistic techniques
Why Try Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling offers a more relaxed, no-rules approach compared to structured journals. It’s a great way to:
- Reduce Waste: Repurpose materials that might otherwise be discarded.
- Express Creativity: Experiment with different textures, colors, and designs.
- De-stress and Unwind: The hands-on nature of crafting can be therapeutic.
- Capture Memories in a Unique Way: Every journal is different, making it a true reflection of your experiences and artistic style.
Essential Supplies for Junk Journaling
One of the best things about junk journaling is that you don’t need fancy supplies to get started. Many of the materials you need can be found around your home. Here are some essentials:
Base Materials
- Old books (to repurpose pages or use as the journal base)
- Blank or used notebooks
- Loose sheets of paper (vintage paper, graph paper, music sheets, etc.)
- Cardstock or mixed media paper
Decorative Elements
- Magazine clippings, newspaper cutouts
- Wrapping paper, scrapbook paper
- Vintage postcards, envelopes, and postage stamps
- Fabric scraps, lace, ribbons, buttons
- Ticket stubs, receipts, business cards
Tools & Adhesives
- Glue sticks, double-sided tape, or Mod Podge
- Scissors, craft knives, or paper trimmers
- Hole puncher and eyelets (for decorative touches)
- Stapler and paper clips
Writing & Art Supplies
- Pens, markers, fountain pens
- Watercolor paints, acrylics, or colored pencils
- Rubber stamps and ink pads
- Stickers, washi tape, or stencils
How to Create a Junk Journal
If you’re ready to start your own junk journal, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Journal Base
You can either repurpose an old book, create a journal from scratch by binding papers together, or use a pre-made blank notebook. If using an old book, remove some pages to make room for additional layers of materials.
Step 2: Collect Your Materials
Gather papers, ephemera, and decorative elements that inspire you. Arrange them loosely to see how they fit together before attaching them permanently.
Step 3: Prepare Your Pages
You can distress paper edges using tea or coffee staining, ink pads, or simply tearing them for a vintage look. Layer different textures and colors to create an appealing background.
Step 4: Arrange and Attach Your Elements
Experiment with different layouts before gluing anything down. You can:
- Use pockets or envelopes to tuck away personal notes.
- Sew fabric scraps onto pages for added texture.
- Layer stickers, stamps, and magazine clippings to create depth.
- Attach flaps, foldouts, or hidden compartments for interactive pages.
Step 5: Add Your Personal Touches
Write journal entries, sketch, add quotes, or use calligraphy to personalize your pages. Your junk journal is a reflection of your creativity, so make it uniquely yours!
Junk Journaling Themes & Ideas
Need some inspiration? Here are a few creative ideas for your junk journal:
1. Vintage Memory Journal
Use old photographs, handwritten letters, lace, and distressed paper to create a nostalgic journal capturing family memories or historical themes.
2. Travel Junk Journal
Collect maps, postcards, train tickets, and stamps from your travels. Add personal reflections and sketches of places you’ve visited.
3. Nature-Themed Junk Journal
Incorporate pressed flowers, leaf rubbings, and earthy tones to reflect your love for nature and outdoor adventures.
4. Gratitude Junk Journal
Fill your journal with daily gratitude lists, affirmations, and uplifting quotes surrounded by colorful, cheerful designs.
5. Seasonal Junk Journal
Create separate journals for different seasons, featuring seasonal recipes, holiday cards, and festive decorations.
Junk Journaling Tips for Beginners
Starting a junk journal can be overwhelming, but remember—there are no rules! Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to fill an entire journal at once. Begin with a few pages and add more over time.
- Embrace Imperfection: Torn edges, uneven lines, and smudges add character to your pages.
- Experiment with Layers: Try combining different textures, from fabric to lace to paper cutouts.
- Mix Writing and Art: You can include written reflections, but don’t be afraid to let visuals take center stage.
- Use What You Have: You don’t need expensive supplies. Everyday materials can be transformed into something beautiful.
Where to Find Junk Journaling Materials
If you’re looking for unique materials, consider these sources:
- Thrift Stores & Flea Markets: Vintage books, postcards, and fabrics can be found here.
- Craft Stores: Washi tape, stamps, and specialty papers are available.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy offer digital and physical junk journaling supplies.
- Your Own Home: Old letters, packaging, receipts, and more can be repurposed.
Junk journaling is a rewarding and highly personal form of creative expression. It allows you to break free from the constraints of traditional journaling and embrace a more artistic and tactile experience. Whether you use your junk journal for memory keeping, artistic experimentation, or personal reflection, the possibilities are endless.
Give Junk Journaling a Try
So why not start your own junk journal today? Gather your materials, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the process of crafting a journal that is uniquely yours!
