The Ultimate Guide: How To Create A Junk Journal

IIn this day and age, it feels like everyone’s constantly jumping from screen to screen — from the phone to the laptop to the iPad, and so on. A junk journal sounds so antique, considering that most work and leisure can be done online now. 

While going digital has its perks, there’s something about creating keepsakes with tangible materials that’s so therapeutic. 

Last summer, my boyfriend Dex and I created a junk journal with memories from our dates. It’s so much fun having this as a creative outlet, and I love reflecting on our adventures with every page.

Choosing different papers, and gathering materials often deemed as “junk” like old ticket stubs from the Seaglass Carousel, museum tickets, and Polaroid photos scattered around, gave these items a new life. 

Just like journal writing benefits, this activity can help you express yourself, unlock creativity, and more.

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for junk journal ideas. 

This post will cover everything from the point of junk journaling as well as junk journal supplies, and how to create a personal one in a meaningful way that you can treasure for years to come.

Get ready to tap into your artistic side!

In This Post:

• What Is A Junk Journal?
• What Is The Point of Junk Journaling?
• Junk Journal Supplies
• Do You Actually Write In A Junk Journal?
• What Is The Difference Between a Junk Journal And A Scrapbook?
• What Are The Rules For Junk Journal?
• How To Junk Journal
• What Kind Of Paper Is Used For Junk Journals?

What Is A Junk Journal?

A junk journal is a handmade book filled with personal and recycled materials to store memories and ideas. 

As its name implies, the pages are filled with material that’s usually thrown away. Think newspapers, old train tickets, fabric scraps like lace and ribbons, mismatched buttons, stamps, and more.

You can make your junk journal uniquely yours with mementos like photographs, dried flower petals from a loved one, old magazines, or brochures from a trip…sky’s the limit.

What Is The Point Of Junk Journaling?

The point of junk journaling can be something different for everyone. Here are some benefits of creating your own:

• Hold your memories in one place:  I like to think of a junk journal as a miniature time machine. Once you create one, you can flip through the pages and be transported back to the emotions you felt on your first date, or the memories of that unforgettable trip you took to Paris. It can be a collection of your feelings, the best places, or everyday musings. 
  
  
• Relax and unwind: If you’re feeling stressed and need to unwind and enjoy the present moment, or simply want to do something that doesn’t require a lot of effort, consider taking up junk journaling. Going through old materials, flipping through magazines, and creating something unique can feel quite therapeutic. 
  
  Plus, you can enjoy the ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) experience, which involves gentle sounds like tapping, writing, and ripping paper.
  
  
• Bond with loved ones: Creating a junk journal book can be a fun activity to do with family and friends. You can relive fun moments together through found objects and strengthen your relationships that you’ll appreciate for a long time.
  
  
• Create a personalized gift: The best gifts are thoughtful ones, and what could be more thoughtful than a gift specially made for someone? Fill the junk journal with things that visually say “This reminded me of you”. Plus, it’s usually a very inexpensive gift, monetary-wise — what you’ll invest in, instead, is the time to create one.

What Do You Put In A Junk Journal?

Junk Journal Supplies

ESSENTIALS:

• Journal
• Notebook paper
• Regular tape
• Glue or glue stick
• Scissors
• Pen
  

IDEAS FOR PERSONAL MEMENTOS

• Journal
• Plane and/or train tickets
• Movie stubs
• Museum tickets
• Sheet music
• Dried flower petals
• Personal notes 
• Bookmarks
• Wrapping paper 
• Postcards

NICE-TO-HAVES:

• Journal
• Printed paper
• Magazines
• Books
• Metallic markers
• Decorative envelopes
• Paper Cutter
• Acrylic paints
• Twine
• Stickers
• Ribbons
• Lace

There isn’t a need to buy supplies if you already have the essentials! That’s a major perk of junk journaling: it can be free or super inexpensive.

If you want to fancy it up with more materials, here are some cute options:

Do You Actually Write In A Junk Journal?

Whether or not to write in your junk journal pages is completely up to your preference. The beauty of this project is that there’s no right way to do it. Lots of people add their own words or favorite quotes on the pages to add a more personal feel, capturing memories and feelings. 

But you can also focus solely on the photos and decor since junk journals are visual books. 

What Is The Difference Between A Junk Journal And A Scrapbook?

Junk journals are typically smaller and are made of materials you already have at home. It’s usually low-cost, more personal, and looks vintage-like. 

Just Google “junk journal” and you’ll find photos of torn papers on papers layered together, papers folded into envelopes that store personal notes, lace glued to the pages for some extra flair, and a piece of twine holding it together.

Scrapbooks, on the other hand, are usually more formal and larger. I still have a scrapbook I made during a pre-college program at FIT where I did a project on clothing store windows. It’s a square-shaped book with photos neatly placed together. The inside pages are filled with fancy paper that I bought as part of a scrapbook kit.

What Are The Rules For Junk Journal?

There are none! Making a junk journal feels so free since there are no rules to the creative process. Think of it as a stream-of-consciousness writing session but with found objects on paper. 

Like any creative project, the more you get into the flow and not overthink, the better it’ll turn out.

How To Junk Journal

Step 1: Think about the purpose. One of the first things is to ask yourself if this junk journal a personal keepsake or is it a gift? You can also create one with a theme such as a trip, birthday, anniversary, etc.

Step 2: Gather materials. Look around your home for essentials and personal items on the list above that you can use in a creative way. Although not needed, you can also buy more materials for extra style.

Step 3: Set the tone. I like my atmosphere to be relaxing when doing any creative project. Some ways to set that tone are to light a candle, make a cup of tea, put on a soothing playlist, and relax in a comfy chair to start making a beautiful journal.

Step 4: Put everything together! This is the fun part that, again, has no rules so you can be as creative as you want

What Kind Of Paper Is Used For Junk Journals?

The kind of paper used in junk journals all depends on the aesthetic you’re going for. First off, you can use paper to create the journal itself and bind it DIY-style or use an old journal as the base (what I like to do).

You can use everything from computer paper to construction paper, or fancy printed paper. Etsy has a lot of vintage-looking card stock that would work well for junk journaling.

Junk Journal Pockets And Tucks

To create more interest, you can rip pieces of newspaper and add them throughout. The torn edges give it a rustic feel to layer between photographs and stickers.

Another idea is to create envelopes using various papers and store handwritten notes inside.

Using papers of different sizes, colors, and textures adds more interest and character to junk journals. 

Overall Thoughts On Junk Journals

If you take away anything from this post, remember this: junk journaling isn’t meant to be perfect.

To me, the fact that “junk” is in the name relieves the pressure to make each page precise. I find that imperfections, like faded and ripped papers, various-sized handwritten notes, and stickers, give it more personality.

Once you make your first junk journal, you’ll see how it can serve as a fun form of self-expression. Overall, it’s a great way to collect little items that are filled with sentimental value.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your junk journal journey!

For more stories, check out…

• Permanent Jewelry: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Welded Piece
• Eclectic Grandpa: A New Take On The Nostalgic Trend
• How to See Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses