Do you have this idea of starting a creative yet beautiful junk journal but don’t know where to begin?
Are you asking yourself:
- How do I design a junk journal?
- What materials do I use?
- What do I put in it?
Perfect, because I will provide you with unique ideas, inspiring photos, and videos to help you get started with creating your own junk journal.
Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks for reading.
What Is a Junk Journal & What Do I Put In It?
A junk journal is a handmade book filled with different kinds of materials like photos, tape, paper scraps, and other creative elements.
This book full of imperfection is a beautiful tool to express yourself and to combine creativity with personal mementos.
Get yourself an empty notebook and start with whatever you would like to document:
- Thoughts
- Memories
- An inspiring book page
- Photos
- A recent activity
- A goal you want to achieve
- A quote
- An affirmation
- A journal prompt
- Notes to yourself
Do you know what’s best about a junk journal?
There are no rules!
You can put in it whatever comes to your mind using any material you have at hand (paper scraps, concert tickets, stickers – just to name a few).
This makes creating a junk journal a relatively inexpensive hobby.
Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
Best Materials for Junk Journaling
Junk journaling is all about repurposing materials. Go through your draws at home and you’ll be surprised at what you find.
Here are some great materials you can use for junk journaling:
- Photos and polaroids
- Postcards
- Envelopes
- Tape or glue
- Stickers
- Paper leftovers
- Baking paper
- Dried flowers and leaves
- Magazines
- Junk mail
- Newspaper
- Old books
- Cardboard
- Fabric, laces, ribbon scraps
- Food packaging
- Cereal boxes
Other Materials You Might Need:
- Colored pens
- Craft Scissors
- Double Sided Tape Roller
- Washi tape
- Ruler
- Stapler
- Paper Corner Rounder
- Elastic hairbands
- Masking tape
If you want to go the easy way, there are plenty of junk journal starter kits to choose from.
Themed Junk Journals
Give your creativity a direction by choosing a themed junk journal:
- Nature & botanical junk journal
- Vintage & antique junk journal
- Travel junk journal
- Memory & nostalgia junk journal
- Celestial & mystic junk journal (moon phases, astrology charts)
- Fairytale junk journal
- Seasonal junk journal (autumn, winter, spring, summer)
- Vision board junk journal (use as manifestation)
Junk Journal Page Ideas
Check out the following junk journal page idea layouts to find some inspiration and to point you in the right direction.
How To Make A Junk Journal for Beginners
Vintage Junk Journal Spreads
Junk Journal Stickers
Stickers add the perfect touch to your junk journal!
Junk Journal Inspiration: Final Thoughts
Are you inspired now to start creating your own junk journal? I hope so!
Remember: there’s no right or wrong.
Make yourself a cup of tea and put on some nice music. Then gather a few materials you have at home and give it a go!
I’m sure you will have fun!
About The Author
Saskia is a mom, blogger, and freelance writer. She loves sharing tips on how to live a more positive and simple life through self-care, personal growth, and journaling.
Find out more about her here or connect with her on Instagram to get more inspiration.
