The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Junk Journal

In this day and age, it feels like everyone’s constantly jumping from screen to screen — from the phone, laptop, iPad, and so on. A junk journal sounds so antique considering mostly everything for 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 filled with memories from our dates. It was so much fun putting it together, and I love reflecting on our adventures with every page.

Choosing different papers, and gathering materials often deemed as “junk” like old stubs from the Seaglass Carousel, museum tickets, and Polaroid photos that were just 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 that you can treasure for years to come.

In this post:

• What is a junk journal?
• What is the point of junk journaling?
• Junk journal supplies
• 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. Like 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, 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.
  
  
• Relax and unwind: If you’re feeling stressed and need to unwind, 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.
  
  
• 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
• 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:

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! Junk journaling feels so freeing since there are no rules. Think of it like 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. Is your 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. 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.

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.

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