Junk Journaling

What is Junk Journaling?

Junk journaling is a creative form of journaling that combines writing, collage, and art using everyday materials—especially items that might otherwise be thrown away. Things like receipts, packaging, old book pages, envelopes, tickets, scraps of paper, magazine clippings, fabric pieces, and stickers all find a second life inside a junk journal.

At its core, junk journaling is about self-expression, not perfection. There are no rules about what a page should look like or what you should include. Some people use junk journals to record memories, emotions, or daily thoughts, while others use them purely as an artistic outlet. Many do both.

Junk journaling is also incredibly approachable. You don’t need expensive supplies or artistic skills to get started. If you enjoy collecting little bits and pieces, reflecting on your life, or experimenting creatively without pressure, junk journaling is a beautiful way to bring all of that together in one place.

What is a Junk Journal?

A junk journal is a physical, often handmade book made up of a collection of varied pages rather than standard lined or blank paper. It may be bound with string, rings, or staples, and the pages are typically uneven in size, thickness, and texture. Inside, you’ll often find envelopes, pockets, folded papers, tags, and inserts that can be pulled out, tucked away, or written on separately.

The cover might be made from cardboard, fabric, or even an old book, and the pages inside are designed to handle layers, glue, and dimensional elements. Unlike traditional journals that are primarily meant for writing, a junk journal is intentionally tactile and interactive. Flipping through it involves unfolding pages, opening pockets, and discovering layered details. The journal itself becomes part of the creative experience—substantial, imperfect, and deeply personal, with each page contributing to a story told through both words and visuals.

What are junk journals used for

A junk journal can be a diary, scrapbook, art journal, or a mix of all three. It’s a creative space with no rules—just the freedom to write, draw, paint, collage, and glue in meaningful mementos. Some people use junk journals to preserve memories, others for self-reflection, planning, inspiration, or simply for creative release. Every junk journal is different, shaped by the personality, interests, and mood of the person creating it.

Because junk journals are so flexible, they can be used in many different ways. Some of the most common uses include:

• Memory Keeping – Capture special moments by saving photos, tickets, cards, and little mementos alongside written reflections.
• Creative Expression – Use your journal as a canvas for mixed media art, doodles, collages, and painting with no rules.
• Daily Journaling – Write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a space that’s uniquely yours. See daily journaling
• Scrapbooking – Combine journaling with decorative elements to tell a visual story of your life or a specific event.
• Art Journaling – Blend words and art in any form—watercolors, stamping, sketching, or layering textures and colors. See art journaling
• Journaling Prompts – Respond to prompts or inspirational quotes as a way to explore yourself and your creativity. See journal prompts
• Junk Journaling Just for Fun – Sometimes it’s not about the outcome—it’s about the joy of creating, playing with paper, and using up scraps.

No matter how it’s used, a junk journal becomes a one-of-a-kind reflection of your creativity and your life.

Junk Journal Supplies

Getting started with junk journaling is exciting because it’s a creative, personal, and wonderfully flexible hobby — and you don’t need a craft room full of stuff to dive in. Whether you’re layering vintage ephemera, tucking in ticket stubs, or adding handwritten thoughts, the right journals, pens, and adhesives can make your creative process smoother and more enjoyable.

While you can find most junk journaling materials—like ephemera, scrap paper, and decorative elements—around your home for free, with these three core tools, specific choices can significantly improve your experience. Using a journal that can withstand mixed media, pens that won’t bleed through, and adhesive that doesn’t wrinkle your pages will make the process much smoother.

Instead of listing every possible material here, I’ve created a complete guide to junk journal supplies that covers everything you might want — from basic tools to decorative extras — all in one place. You’ll find tips on choosing the right journal bases, the most useful writing tools, and adhesive options that stand up to layered paper and embellishments. 

For a quick look at the top recommendations for the absolute essentials, select a category below:

How to Junk Journal

Buying Your Junk journal

If you opt for buying a ready made junk journal then check out the best journals for junk journaling.

Creating Your Junk journal

If you prefer to make your own journal from scratch then you’ll find detailed step by step instructions on how to make each part of the journal from the cover, to the signatures, paper and binding and even the closure to keep it closed.

Decorating Your Junk journal

Once your junk journal is assembled, it’s time for the fun part—decorating the pages!

Once you understand what junk journaling is and how a junk journal is made, the actual process of junk journaling is refreshingly simple. It’s less about following steps and more about showing up, using what’s in front of you, and letting the journal evolve naturally over time.

Start by opening your journal with no pressure to “finish” a page. Junk journaling isn’t about creating complete spreads in one sitting—it’s about responding to a mood, a thought, or a small moment. Some days you might glue in a receipt and write a single sentence. Other days you might layer papers, add texture, and not write at all. Both are valid, and both belong.

Instead of planning entire layouts, work intuitively. Flip through your pages and notice what draws your attention. A pocket might invite you to tuck something away. A blank page might feel like a place to write. A messy, layered spread might already feel finished without words. Junk journaling works best when you let the page guide you rather than trying to control the outcome.

You also don’t need to journal chronologically. Pages don’t have to follow dates or tell a linear story. You can jump around, add things later, and revisit old pages when you find something that suddenly belongs there. This flexibility is what makes junk journaling feel freeing instead of demanding.

Most importantly, junk journaling is a practice—not a project. Your journal doesn’t need to be cohesive, pretty, or shared. It just needs to feel honest and enjoyable. Over time, as pages fill and layers build, your journal becomes a visual record of your thoughts, creativity, and everyday life—messy, textured, and completely your own.

If you ever feel stuck, remember this: glue something down, write one word, or simply flip through your journal and appreciate what’s already there. That alone is junk journaling.

How to Decorate Junk Journal Pages

Every page can be different, and there are no rules. Whether you love messy layers or clean layouts, here are some ideas and tips to get you started:

1. Start with a Base Layer

Use papers to create a background for your page. You can:

• Glue down book pages, music sheets, or patterned paper
• Use paint, ink, or coffee staining to add texture
• Tear paper edges for a vintage or organic look

2. Choose an Anchor

Every page tells a story, even if it is abstract. Start by picking one item to be the “anchor” or focal point of your page. This could be:

• A specific photo or vintage snapshot.
• A piece of ephemera (like a movie ticket or a thank-you note).
• A quote that resonates with your current mood.
• A specific color scheme you want to explore.

3. Play Before You Paste

Before you reach for the glue stick, arrange your elements on the page. This is the time to experiment with composition.

• Try moving your anchor to different corners.
• Slide different background papers underneath.
• Rip edges to see if you prefer a torn look over a straight cut.
• Pro Tip: Take a picture of the layout with your phone once you like it. If you lose your place while gluing, you can reference the photo!

4. Layer from the Bottom Up

Once you are happy with the layout, start adhering your elements from the background forward.

1. Background: Paste down your base papers (maps, book pages, sheet music).
2. Mid-ground: Add your supporting elements like doilies, tags, or larger scrap pieces.
3. Foreground: Glue down your “anchor” piece on top so it draws the eye.

5. Add Pockets and Flip-Outs

Create interactive elements by:

• Folding over part of the page to make a tuck spot
• Gluing envelopes, mini bags, or folded paper to form pockets
• Adding flip-outs with washi tape or a hinge of paper for hidden journaling or surprise elements

See our free junk journal printables and printable junk journal storage pockets

6. Include Ephemera and Found Objects

Add small, interesting items like:

• Postage stamps, old receipts, tickets, tags, or pressed flowers
• Cutouts from magazines or vintage printable ephemera
• Pieces of lace, ribbon, or fabric scraps for texture
• You can use junk journal printables

7. Embellish with Creative Touches

Use simple supplies to make each page pop:

• Stickers, washi tape, and rubber stamps
• Doodles, stencils, or handwritten quotes
• Layered scraps or collage clusters in the corners

8. Add Personal Elements

Make your journal meaningful by including:

• Photos, journaling, or favorite memories
• Affirmations or inspirational quotes
• Drawings or watercolor sketches

9. Integrate Your Writing

Now, add the “journal” aspect to the junk journal. You can write directly on the page, or if the background is too dark or busy, write on a separate piece of paper and glue it in.

Not every page needs to be fully decorated! Leave blank areas or add journaling cards where you can write thoughts, stories, or ideas later.

The beauty of junk journaling is in the freedom. Some pages might be filled with layers and textures, while others are simple and serene. There’s no right way—just your way.

• Hidden Journaling: If your writing is private, write it on a card and tuck it inside an envelope or behind a tip-in.
• Stream of Consciousness: Write around the borders of the page or in spirals around your focal point. See stream of consciousness journaling.

10. The Finishing Touches

Step back and look at your spread. Does it need a little extra pop? This is the time to add the final details:

• Add a date stamp (essential for memory keeping!).
• Use a black pen to outline stickers or doodle borders.
• Add washi tape to secure corners or add a splash of color.
• Splatter a little ink or watercolor for an artistic finish.

Ultimately, how to junk journal is entirely up to you. It is a practice of letting go—letting go of the need for straight lines, perfect handwriting, or expensive supplies. It is about the process of cutting, pasting, and reflecting. Whether you spend one minute gluing down a receipt or an hour creating a complex collage, the result is a tangible, beautiful record of your life and creativity.

Helpful Tips for Junk Journaling

💡 Start simple – Don’t overthink it! Begin with just a few pages or materials and let your creativity grow from there.

✂️ Save your scraps – Even the tiniest pieces of paper, ribbon, or fabric can become decorative elements, tabs, or layering pieces.

📎 Use what you have – You don’t need expensive supplies. Old magazines, junk mail, used gift wrap, and packaging are perfect.

📐 Mix textures – Combine smooth, rough, soft, and shiny materials for visual interest and a fun sensory experience.

🖊 Leave writing space – If you plan to journal, leave some blank areas or add journaling cards and tags you can write on later.

🧵 Try sewing on paper – A simple stitch along the edges or to attach items can add a handmade, textured look.

🧩 Think in layers – Don’t be afraid to overlap materials. Layers give depth and make the pages feel rich and creative.

📅 Add dates – If you’re using your junk journal for memory keeping, don’t forget to include dates to look back on later.

🖼 Print your own ephemera – Use free junk journal printables (like the ones on 101Planners!) to get vintage images, journaling cards, or themed pieces.

📸 Document your process – Take photos as you go. It’s fun to look back on your progress or share your work with others.

🎨 There are no rules – This is the most important tip! Let go of perfection. Junk journaling is all about creativity, expression, and fun.