Have you ever found yourself hanging onto ticket stubs from a memorable concert, keeping pretty wrapping paper from a special gift, or hesitating to throw away that coffee shop napkin with a doodle that made you smile? If so, you’re already halfway to becoming a junk journalist!

I remember the first time I stumbled across a junk journal on social media. The pages were bursting with color, texture, and life—bits of fabric, old book pages, stamps, and handwritten notes all coming together to tell a story. It wasn’t polished or perfect, but it was magnetic. That’s the beauty of junk journaling—it’s a rebellion against pristine scrapbooks and a celebration of beautiful imperfection.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about junk journaling, from the very basics to advanced techniques that will help you develop your unique style. Whether you’re a creative looking for a new outlet or someone who’s never considered themselves artistic, junk journaling offers a welcoming space for everyone to explore, create, and preserve memories.

What Is Junk Journaling?

Junk journaling is a creative form of journaling that involves using recycled materials to create unique notebooks. Unlike traditional journaling, which focuses primarily on writing, junk journaling emphasizes the use of “junk”—everyday items you might otherwise discard—transformed into something beautiful and meaningful.

“I think of junk journaling as the art of appreciating the overlooked,” says Emma Thompson, a junk journaling workshop instructor with whom I spoke. “It’s about seeing the beauty and potential in things most people would throw away.”

Historically, the practice has roots in commonplace books from centuries ago, where people would collect quotes, recipes, and observations. Modern junk journaling emerged from the mixed-media art movement and gained significant popularity with the rise of social media platforms where creators could share their work.

What sets junk journaling apart is its emphasis on:

• Recycling and repurposing everyday materials
• Embracing imperfection rather than seeking flawless results
• Combining memory keeping with artistic expression
• Creating highly tactile and dimensional pages
• Personal storytelling through objects, not just words

15 Essential Tips for Junk Journaling Beginners

If you’re wondering how to start junk journaling, these tips will guide you through the journey from curious beginner to confident creator:

1. Start with What You Have

Don’t feel pressured to buy a bunch of supplies right away. Look around your home—that stack of magazines, the pretty packaging from your online orders, even that collection of receipts in your wallet can become the foundation of your first junk journal.

“My first junk journal used only things I found around my apartment,” I remember telling a friend who was intimidated by all the elaborate journals she saw online. “That constraint actually made me more creative with what I had.”

2. Collect Before You Create

Begin a collection system for potential junk journal materials. I use a simple box where I toss interesting paper scraps, ticket stubs, and ephemera. When I sit down to journal, I already have a treasure trove of materials to work with.

3. Choose the Right Base

For your first journal, consider using:

• An old hardcover book (gut the pages but keep the cover)
• A composition notebook
• A simple kraft paper notebook
• A handmade journal with mixed paper types

The Wonky Paper Co. Handmade Notebooks make excellent bases with their durable paper and lay-flat binding that can handle the weight of added materials.

4. Embrace Imperfection

Unlike scrapbooking, junk journaling celebrates the perfectly imperfect. Those coffee stains on an old letter? The wrinkles in a movie ticket? They add character and authenticity to your journal.

5. Layer, Layer, Layer

Junk journaling is all about creating dimension through layers. Start with a base layer (like a page from an old book), add a middle layer (perhaps a piece of colored paper or fabric), and top it with focal elements (photos, special ephemera, or embellishments).

6. Use Simple Adhesives

You don’t need specialized glues to get started. Double-sided tape or a basic glue stick will work for most papers and light materials. For heavier items, a stronger adhesive like PVA glue offers more staying power.

7. Incorporate Writing Thoughtfully

While writing isn’t required in junk journaling, adding context to your ephemera enhances the storytelling aspect. Try using:

• Hidden journaling (behind photos or in pockets)
• Brief notes or dates
• Quotes that resonate with the page theme
• Simple captions for photos or memorabilia

8. Think Thematically

Organizing your junk journal around themes can help give it structure. Themes might include:

• Seasons or holidays
• Travel adventures
• Family history
• Personal growth
• Creative inspiration

9. Create Interactive Elements

Make your journal engaging by including elements like:

• Fold-out pages
• Tuck spots for additional ephemera
• Tiny envelopes holding secret notes
• Pull tabs reveal hidden journaling

10. Mix Textures

Incorporate a variety of textures to make your journal more tactile:

• Smooth paper
• Rough textiles
• Crunchy tissue paper
• Slick washi tape
• Dimensional embellishments

11. Develop a Color Story

While junk journals are eclectic by nature, loosely coordinating colors on a page can create cohesion. Try working with a limited palette on each spread to tie diverse elements together.

12. Start Simple, Add Complexity

Your first pages don’t need to be elaborate. Begin with simple layouts—perhaps a background paper, a photo, and a ticket stub with a handwritten note. As you gain confidence, you can experiment with more complex techniques.

13. Seek Inspiration, Not Comparison

Browse Pinterest, Instagram, or YouTube for junk journal ideas, but remember that your journal should reflect your personal style and available materials. Don’t get discouraged if your pages look different from others you admire.

14. Join the Community

The junk journaling community is incredibly supportive. Look for Facebook groups, subreddits, or Instagram hashtags like #junkjournal or #junkjournaling to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

15. Create Regularly, Without Pressure

Set aside time to work on your journal, but don’t force creativity. Sometimes, just sorting through your materials or prepping backgrounds can be satisfying when inspiration for full pages is running low.

Essential Materials for Junk Journaling

While junk journaling is fundamentally about using what you have, certain supplies can enhance your experience. Here’s a comprehensive list of materials you might consider:

Paper-Based Materials

• Old books (for covers and pages)
• Composition notebooks
• Kraft paper
• Cardstock
• Mixed media paper
• Vintage ledger paper
• Music sheets
• Maps
• Envelopes
• Playing cards

Ephemera

• Ticket stubs
• Receipts
• Postcards
• Greeting cards
• Tags
• Vintage advertisements
• Product packaging
• Old letters
• Postage stamps
• Business cards

Adhesives

• Glue sticks
• Double-sided tape (Scotch Double-Sided Tape is ideal for sticking down materials without wrinkles)
• PVA glue
• Washi tape
• Gel medium
• Rubber cement

Tools

• Scissors (Fiskars Scissors provide precision cutting for detailed work)
• Paper trimmer
• Hole punch
• Crop-A-Dile Eyelet and Snap Punch (for adding metal embellishments)
• Ruler
• Bone folder
• Heat tool (for embossing or drying media)
• We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board (for creating custom envelope inserts)

Embellishments

• Washi tape assortment
• Stickers (Prima Marketing Stickers add visual interest)
• Rubber stamps
• Eyelets and brads
• Buttons
• Ribbon and twine
• Fabric scraps
• Lace
• Paper clips
• Tags

Coloring Media

• Distress inks (Tim Holtz Distress Ink adds vintage effects)
• Watercolors
• Acrylic paint (Daler-Rowney System 3 Acrylic Paint for bold colors)
• Markers (Tombow Dual Tip Markers for versatility; Copic Markers for quality coloring)
• Pens (Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens for detailed work)
• Pencils
• Gesso (for priming surfaces)
• Ranger Archival Ink Pads (for permanent stamping)
• Kuretake Zig Clean Color Markers (for coloring and blending)

Organizational Supplies

• Plastic bins
• Paper sorters
• Accordion files
• Embellishments
• Label maker

The beauty of junk journaling is that you don’t need all these items to get started. Begin with what you have and gradually add tools or materials as your interest and skills develop.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your First Junk Journal

Let’s break down the process of creating your first junk journal into manageable steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, collect:

• A base journal or book to repurpose
• Assorted papers for pages
• Ephemera and decorative elements
• Basic adhesives and tools

Step 2: Plan Your Journal’s Purpose

Decide what your journal will be for:

• Memory keeping
• Creative expression
• Travel documentation
• Daily journaling with mixed media
• A themed collection (nature, vintage, etc.)

This will help guide your material choices and structure.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cover

If using an existing notebook, you might decorate the cover with:

• Fabric
• Collaged papers
• Paint
• Embellishments

If creating a cover from scratch:

1. Cut two pieces of sturdy cardboard to your desired size
2. Cover with decorative paper, fabric, or paint
3. Leave about 1/4 inch space between the pieces to create a flexible spine
4. Secure with adhesive

Step 4: Create or Gather Page Signatures

A signature is a group of papers folded together. For a junk journal:

1. Collect varied papers (old book pages, scrapbook paper, etc.)
2. Fold them in half to create page spreads
3. Group 4-8 folded sheets together to form signatures
4. Create 3-5 signatures for a substantial journal

Step 5: Bind Your Journal

Simple binding options include:

• Pamphlet stitch: Use needle and thread to sew through the fold of a single signature
• 3-hole binding: Punch holes through signatures and covers, then bind with ribbon or twine
• Staple binding: Secure thin signatures with a long-arm stapler

For a more durable journal, consider:

• 5-hole pamphlet stitch: A stronger variation of the basic stitch
• Coptic stitch: This creates a journal that lies flat when open
• Hidden binding: Uses fabric tape to connect signatures to the spine

Step 6: Create Base Pages

Before detailed decorating:

1. Add background textures or colors to plain pages
2. Tea-stained papers for an aged look
3. Add pockets or flip-outs to create interest
4. Include different page sizes within your journal

Step 7: Begin Embellishing

Now for the creative part:

1. Sort your ephemera by theme or color
2. Start with larger background pieces
3. Layer complementary elements
4. Add focal points like special photos or memorabilia
5. Include journaling spaces where desired

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

Complete your journal with:

• A closure (ribbon, elastic, button, and string)
• Page tabs for navigation
• A title or name on the cover
• Numbering pages if organization is important to you

Remember, there’s no “correct” way to create a junk journal. The process should be enjoyable and personal to you.

10 Creative Junk Journal Ideas and Themes

Looking for inspiration for your junk journaling? Here are some themed journal ideas to spark your creativity:

1. Vintage Voyage

Transport yourself to another era by creating a journal with:

• Aged papers and photographs
• Vintage advertisements and postcards
• Old maps and travel ephemera
• Sepia-toned color schemes
• Victorian-inspired embellishments

2. Nature’s Notebook

Celebrate the natural world with:

• Pressed flowers and leaves
• Nature-inspired color palettes
• Botanical illustrations
• Outdoor photographs
• Hiking maps and trail guides

3. Literary Legacy

For book lovers:

• Pages from damaged books
• Quotes from favorite authors
• Library cards and bookmarks
• Book-themed ephemera
• Character sketches and story ideas

4. Travel Treasury

Document your adventures:

• Maps and tickets from your journeys
• Foreign currency and stamps
• Receipts from memorable meals
• Local product packaging
• Quick sketches of significant sights

5. Family Heritage

Preserve your family history:

• Photocopies of old family photos
• Family recipes
• Written memories of relatives
• Family tree documentation
• Traditions and celebrations

6. Seasonal Celebrations

Create a journal divided by seasons:

• Holiday cards and wrapping paper
• Season-specific color schemes
• Weather observations
• Seasonal activities and traditions
• Holiday memorabilia

7. Creative Inspiration

Design a journal to capture your artistic journey:

• Color swatches and texture samples
• Techniques you want to try
• Artists who inspire you
• Exhibition tickets and programs
• Sketches and experimental techniques

8. Gratitude Garden

Focus on mindfulness and appreciation:

• Daily gratitude entries
• Inspirational quotes
• Photos of people and things you’re thankful for
• Colors and patterns that bring you joy
• Milestone celebrations

9. Culinary Collection

For food enthusiasts:

• Restaurant business cards and menus
• Food packaging with interesting designs
• Handwritten recipes
• Photos of memorable meals
• Spice envelope samples and tea bags

10. Musical Memories

Celebrate your love of music:

• Concert tickets and programs
• Album artwork and liner notes
• Lyrics that resonate with you
• Music festival wristbands
• Artist signatures or memorabilia

Each of these themes can be customized to reflect your personal interests and available materials. You might even combine elements from different themes to create something uniquely yours.

Advanced Techniques for Junk Journaling

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to explore some more advanced junk journaling techniques:

Mixed Media Integration

Take your journals beyond paper by incorporating:

• Fabric swatches and lace
• Thin metal elements
• Wood veneer pieces
• Photo transfers onto various surfaces
• Resin embellishments

Try using gesso as a primer when working with non-paper materials to help adhesives and media stick better.

Advanced Binding Techniques

Create more complex journals with:

• Coptic stitch binding: This creates a journal that lies completely flat when open
• Japanese stab binding: Decorative external stitching that works well with mixed-thickness pages
• Hidden hinge binding: Allows for bulky pages while maintaining a clean spine
• Accordion fold with pockets: This creates an expandable journal that can hold substantial ephemera

Creating Custom Ephemera

Instead of just using found materials, try making your own:

• Design and print your own vintage-style labels
• Create tea-dyed tags with stamped images
• Make your own paper from recycled materials
• Design pocket templates for storing small items
• Create pull-out journaling cards that tuck into page pockets

Aging and Distressing Techniques

Add authentic vintage appeal with:

• Coffee or tea staining for aged-looking paper
• Lightly burning paper edges (with proper safety precautions)
• Creating artificial foxing with diluted brown paint
• Crumpling and flattening paper for texture
• Using sandpaper to distress paper and cardboard

Dimensional Techniques

Add depth to your journal with:

• Foam spacers between layers
• Hinged flip-outs that reveal hidden content
• Tunnel pages with recessed elements
• Shadow box frames built into pages
• Accordion-fold elements that expand

Digital-Physical Fusion

Combine traditional junk journaling with digital elements:

• Print digital collage sheets on different paper types
• Create your own digital graphics to print and incorporate
• Scan meaningful handwritten letters to resize or duplicate
• Enhance photos digitally before printing for your journal
• Create QR codes linking to videos or songs that complement your pages

The Sizzix Big Shot Foldaway Die-cut Machine can be invaluable for creating precision-cut shapes from various materials, allowing you to add consistent elements throughout your journal.

The Benefits of Junk Journaling: More Than Just a Craft

Junk journaling offers numerous benefits beyond simply creating something beautiful:

Therapeutic Value

Many junk journalists report stress reduction and improved mindfulness through the creative process. The tactile nature of sorting through materials, arranging compositions, and working with your hands can create a meditative state similar to other art therapies.

“When I’m working in my junk journal, the world falls away,” says Maria Chen, a junk journaling enthusiast I interviewed. “It’s my form of meditation, and I emerge feeling centered and rejuvenated.”

Sustainable Creativity

In our consumption-heavy world, junk journaling offers a refreshing approach to creativity that repurposes and recycles. By finding beauty and purpose in items that would otherwise be discarded, junk journalists practice a form of creative sustainability.

Consider keeping a “potential materials” box where you collect interesting packaging, papers, and ephemera instead of throwing them away. You’ll be surprised how quickly it fills with creative possibilities.

Memory Preservation

Unlike digital photos that may rarely be viewed, junk journals create tangible, tactile memory collections that invite regular interaction. The physical nature of the journals—combining visual elements with texture and dimension—creates stronger memory connections than digital alternatives alone.

Skill Development

Regular junk journaling naturally improves several skills:

• Composition and design sense
• Color theory understanding
• Fine motor control
• Problem-solving (how to attach unusual materials, etc.)
• Narrative development through visual storytelling

Community Connection

The junk journaling community is vibrant and supportive, offering opportunities for sharing, learning, and connecting with like-minded creatives. Many lifelong friendships have formed through this shared interest.

To find your community:

• Explore the #junkjournal hashtag on Instagram
• Join Facebook groups dedicated to junk journaling
• Attend craft fairs or mixed media workshops
• Start your own local meet-up for paper crafters

Junk Journaling FAQs

Do I need to be artistic to junk journal?

No, junk journaling is about creativity and experimentation, not traditional art skills. Many successful junk journalists had no prior artistic experience before starting. The focus is on play and personal expression rather than technical perfection.

Is junk journaling expensive?

It can be very affordable since you use recycled materials. While specialty supplies like washi tape or stamps can enhance your journals, they’re not necessary for creating beautiful and meaningful pages. Many dedicated junk journalists create stunning work using only found materials and basic adhesives.

What kind of glue is best for junk journaling?

Glue sticks or double-sided tape are recommended for ease of use and clean application. For heavier items, PVA glue (like Elmer’s) provides stronger adhesion. Different materials may require specific adhesives—fabric might benefit from fabric glue, while metal elements might need a stronger craft adhesive.

How do I organize my junk journal?

You can use themes or simply arrange items as you see fit. Some journalers create chronological journals, while others organize by color, theme, or simply work intuitively. There’s no right or wrong approach—your organization system should reflect your personal preferences and how you plan to use or revisit the journal.

What is ephemera in junk journaling?

Ephemera refers to items like receipts, tickets, or postcards used in junk journals. These are typically paper items that were originally meant to be temporary but take on new significance when preserved in your journal. The term comes from the Greek word “ephemeros,” meaning “lasting only a day.”

Can I sell my junk journals?

Yes, many people sell handmade junk journals online or at craft fairs. If you’re considering selling your creations, platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Instagram offer good starting points. Remember to consider copyright issues if you’re incorporating certain published materials, and focus on your unique aesthetic and construction techniques when marketing your journals.

How do I bind a junk journal?

Use a stitch-bound notebook or add your own binding with materials like ribbon or twine. Common binding methods include pamphlet stitch, coptic stitch, and ring binding. Each offers different advantages in terms of durability, how flat the journal lies when open, and the ability to add or remove pages.

What’s the difference between junk journaling and scrapbooking?

Junk journaling is more eclectic and often uses everyday materials, while scrapbooking typically involves more structured layouts and commercially produced supplies. Scrapbooking generally aims to document specific events chronologically, with photos as the focal point, whereas junk journaling embraces a more free-form, mixed-media approach where the materials themselves often tell part of the story.

Can I use digital elements in junk journaling?

While traditional junk journaling focuses on physical materials, some creators incorporate printed digital elements. These might include digitally designed backgrounds, printed photographs, or digital collage sheets that you print and incorporate into your physical journal. This hybrid approach allows for more customization while maintaining the tangible quality of a physical journal.

How do I store my junk journal supplies?

Use containers or organizers to keep materials tidy and accessible. Popular storage solutions include:

• Clear plastic bins for larger paper pieces
• Small compartment organizers for embellishments
• Vertical paper storage for maintaining flat papers
• Magnetic sheets for thin metal elements
• Mason jars for smaller items like buttons or brads

Essential Tools and Supplies for Junk Journaling

While junk journaling fundamentally relies on repurposed materials, certain quality tools and supplies can enhance your journaling experience. Here are some top recommendations:

Journaling Bases

Wonky Paper Co. Handmade Notebooks: These durable notebooks provide an excellent foundation with their lay-flat binding that accommodates dimensional elements. The mixed-texture papers included offer varied backgrounds for your creations.

Adhesives

Scotch Double-Sided Tape Ideal for clean attachment of paper elements without the wrinkles sometimes caused by wet adhesives. The precision application makes it perfect for smaller ephemera.

PVA Glue: A versatile adhesive that works with various materials, including paper, fabric, and light wood elements. It dries clear and remains flexible, allowing your journal to be handled without cracking.

Cutting Tools

Fiskars Scissors: High-quality scissors are essential for the precise cutting of various materials. The micro-tip precision blades allow for intricate cutting of detailed elements.

Paper Trimmer: For clean, straight cuts on papers and cardstock, a reliable paper trimmer saves time and improves precision compared to scissors alone.

Embellishment Tools

We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board This versatile tool allows you to create custom envelopes of various sizes for storing ephemera within your journal pages.

Crop-A-Dile Eyelet and Snap Punch: Add professional-looking metal embellishments and reinforcements to your journal pages with this powerful punch that easily handles multiple layers.

Sizzix Big Shot Foldaway Die-cut Machine: For creating intricate die-cuts from various materials, this machine adds precision and consistency to your embellishments.

Coloring Media

Ranger Archival Ink Pads These permanent inks are ideal for stamping images that won’t bleed when other media is applied over them.

Tombow Dual Tip Markers: Versatile markers with both brush and fine tips allow for detailed writing, coloring, and blending effects.

Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Perfect for creating vintage effects, these inks can be used for direct application, spraying, or blending to age papers authentically.

Gesso: This primer creates a receptive surface for other media on non-paper elements and helps unify disparate materials.

Detail Work

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens: These archival-quality pens offer precision for journaling, detailing, and outlining with pigmented ink that doesn’t bleed through most papers.

Kuretake Zig Clean Color Markers Water-based markers are excellent for coloring and blending, providing vibrant colors that can be softened with a water brush.

Color and Texture

Washi Tape Assortment Decorative Japanese paper tape adds color and pattern without bulk. Its semi-transparent quality makes it perfect for layering.

Prima Marketing Stickers: These high-quality decorative stickers add instant visual interest and professional-looking embellishments to your pages.

Daler-Rowney System 3 Acrylic Paint: For adding bold colors to backgrounds or creating custom embellishments, these acrylic paints offer good coverage on various surfaces.

Creative Prompts

Journaling Prompts Book When you’re looking for inspiration, a good prompts book can spark ideas for both written content and visual themes in your junk journal.

Conclusion: Your Junk Journaling Journey

Junk journaling offers a uniquely accessible way to express yourself creatively while preserving memories and repurposing materials that might otherwise be discarded. Whether you’re drawn to the sustainable aspects, the artistic possibilities, or the therapeutic benefits, this craft welcomes all comers with open arms.

Remember that your junk journaling journey is personal—there’s no right or wrong way to create. Some days, you might produce elaborate, multi-layered pages, while other times, you might simply organize materials or add a single meaningful item to a page. The process matters as much as the result.

I encourage you to start where you are, with what you have. That stack of junk mail might contain your next beautiful background paper. That ticket stub from last weekend’s concert could become the centerpiece of a meaningful spread. The packaging from your favorite tea might be transformed into a pocket holding your handwritten reflections.

The junk journaling community awaits your unique contribution. Share your creations, ask questions, seek inspiration, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something that is uniquely, beautifully yours.

What will you create with the beautiful “junk” in your life?