In a world where digital screens dominate, there’s something truly special about putting pen to paper and creating something tangible. Junk journaling is an exciting and creative way to document memories, express yourself artistically, and even repurpose everyday materials in a sustainable way. Unlike traditional journaling, which often focuses on structured writing, junk journaling is all about freedom, creativity, and turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
What is Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling is a collage-style form of journaling where you incorporate scraps of paper, ticket stubs, magazine clippings, postcards, old book pages, dried flowers, fabric, and other found objects into your pages. It’s part scrapbooking, part art journaling, and entirely personal and unique to each creator.
There are no rules when it comes to junk journaling—you can make it a daily habit, a travel memory book, or even a gratitude journal with an artistic twist. The key is to use materials that might otherwise be discarded and transform them into a visual representation of your thoughts, experiences, and creativity.
Why Start a Junk Journal?
Junk journaling is more than just a fun creative outlet. It has many benefits, including:
✔️ A Sustainable Creative Hobby – By using materials you already have, you’re giving new life to old papers, reducing waste, and making art in an eco-friendly way.
✔️ A Unique Form of Self-Expression – Every junk journal is different. Your pages reflect your personality, experiences, and aesthetic preferences in a way that traditional writing journals might not.
✔️ A Relaxing & Mindful Practice – Engaging with tactile materials, arranging elements on a page, and working with colours and textures can be a soothing, stress-relieving experience.
✔️ A Way to Preserve Memories – Instead of throwing away concert tickets, travel brochures, or handwritten notes, you can incorporate them into your journal and turn them into lasting keepsakes.
✔️ A Space to Experiment & Explore – Whether you’re testing new art techniques, experimenting with colour, or layering different textures, a junk journal is a judgment-free zone where you can freely create without fear of mistakes.
Getting Started: What You Need for Junk Journaling
One of the best things about junk journaling is that you don’t need expensive supplies to begin. Many of the best materials are things you already have lying around!
✂️ Basic Supplies
- A notebook, sketchbook, or handmade journal
- Glue stick, tape, or washi tape
- Scissors
- Pens, markers, or coloured pencils
- Old newspapers, magazines, book pages, or maps
- Fabric scraps, ribbons, or lace
🌿 Junk & Found Objects to Use
- Ticket stubs, receipts, or boarding passes
- Postcards and greeting cards
- Wrapping paper or packaging
- Pressed flowers and leaves
- Handwritten letters or vintage documents
- Stickers, stamps, or wax seals
🎨 Optional Supplies for Extra Creativity
- Watercolours or acrylic paints
- Rubber stamps and ink pads
- Stencils and embossing tools
- Decorative paper punches
- Thread and embroidery floss for stitched pages
Junk Journaling Ideas & Inspiration
Not sure where to start? Here are some fun ideas for your junk journal pages:
🎶 Music Memories – Stick down concert tickets, album covers, or handwritten lyrics from your favourite songs.
✈️ Travel Diary – Use maps, boarding passes, and travel brochures to document your adventures.
🌸 Nature Journal – Press flowers and leaves, and pair them with sketches or descriptions of your outdoor experiences.
📜 Quotes & Affirmations – Cut out inspiring words from magazines or write your own affirmations in creative fonts.
📮 Vintage Ephemera – Use old postcards, handwritten letters, or black-and-white photos to create a nostalgic aesthetic.
📅 Daily Gratitude – Stick down something small that made you happy each day—a receipt from a coffee shop, a scribbled note, or a pressed flower from your walk.
Tips for Making Your Junk Journal Uniquely Yours
✨ Embrace Imperfection – Junk journals are meant to look handmade and textured. Don’t worry about being neat—let the layers, torn edges, and raw textures shine.
🎭 Mix & Match – Combine modern elements with vintage finds, mix colours and patterns, and experiment with different layouts.
🖌️ Use Every Page Differently – One page might be filled with sketches and washi tape, another might be an all-text reflection, while the next could be an explosion of colour and textures.
📖 Make It Interactive – Add flaps, envelopes, and hidden pockets to store keepsakes, handwritten notes, or personal treasures.
Final Thoughts
Junk journaling is a beautiful, relaxing, and deeply personal way to document life, emotions, and creativity. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly craft project, a mindful artistic practice, or a unique way to preserve memories, this form of journaling has something for everyone.
The best part? There are no rules! Just grab whatever inspires you, start layering, and enjoy the process of turning everyday "junk" into art.
Are you ready to start your junk journaling journey? Let me know what you’ll be using in your first spread! 🎨✨