How to Start a Junk Journal

How to Start a Junk Journal: A Beginner's Guide

Have you heard of junk journaling? Starting a junk journal is a fun and creative way to repurpose materials while creating a unique and personalised journal. The junk journaling style is perfect for memory keeping and getting crafty and creative with collage. It also allows you the space to write as much or as little as you like and can be used more as a visual journal if you don't enjoy writing much. Junk journaling is a great way to practice mindfulness and find your creative flare. 

Not sure how to get started? Read on for our tips on how to start a junk journal.

What is a Junk Journal?

A junk journal is a notebook filled with a collage of papers, ephemera, recycled elements like ticket stubs, stamps and packaging wrappers, decorations such as stickers and washi tapes, as well as hand written notes and journal entries. Unlike traditional journals, junk journals embrace an imperfect and layered aesthetic that often uses recycled materials. You can write as much or as little as you want in a junk journal and it can be used as more of a visual memory keeper if you don't enjoy writing much. It can also be as messy or as neat as you like! Or you can add memories, journal entries and personal touches such as lists of your favourite things. It's essentially a journal filled with collages of your collected papers, stickers and found objects. 

( Inspo via Instagram @phoebedoesdesign )

Getting Started with Your Junk Journal

1. Pick an Appropriate Journal

Before you begin, choose a journal that suits your style and needs. Consider factors like paper thickness, size, and binding method to ensure it works well with the materials and techniques you plan to use. We recommend using a journal with thick pages that can handle layered collage papers and glue, such as 160gsm paper. If you plan on using mixed media techniques and including painting materials and brush pens, pick a journal with paper that doesn't bleed, such as the brand Archer & Olive. The beauty of junk journaling is that there are no strict rules—just creative freedom. Here are some ideas to help you begin.

2. Set an Intention for Your Journal

Decide how you want to use your junk journal. It could be:

• A memory-keeping journal
• A daily journal or gratitude journal
• A collage and mixed-media art book
• A place for poetry, quotes, or creative writing

(Inspo via instagram - @lindsays_journal )

3. Gather and Organise Your Materials

Before you begin filling your pages, collect:

• Paper scraps, vintage ephemera, and decorative elements
• Photos, postcards, ticket stubs, and receipts
• Washi tape, stickers, and stamps
• Pens, markers, and paint for adding personal touches
• Glue tape is a junk journaling essential
  
• Collage paper packs
• A good pair of scissors and tweezers are handy tools for helping you collage in your junk journal

( Inspo via instagram @myjournalspics )

4. Layer and Experiment with Pages

Junk journals thrive on layers! Try these techniques:

• Glue in different types of paper for contrast 
• Glue in paper scraps, memo pages or sticky notes as journaling spaces
  
• Create flaps, pockets, and tuck spots for hidden journaling
• Layer stickers and washi tape 
• Use stamping and stencilling for visual interest
• Try transfer stickers - they are great for layering without adding weight to your pages
  
• Get creative with mixed media! Add pencil scribbles, paint pen decorative drawings and watercolour swatches
  
• Swatch your favourite washi tapes or pens
  
• Collage and get creative! Each page is a creative experiment. 

( Inspo via instagram @myjournalspics )

5. Start Journaling!

Don’t overthink it—just start adding content! Some ideas include:

• Writing about your day or thoughts
• Creating themed pages (travel, seasons, dreams, etc.)
• Collaging magazine clippings or patterned paper
• Pressing flowers or leaves for a nature-inspired touch

6. Embrace Imperfection

Junk journaling is all about creativity and self-expression, so don’t worry about making it perfect, or making pages match. Crooked cuts, torn papers, smudged ink, and layered elements add character to your journal.

( Inspo via instagram @junk.journal.girl )

Tips for Personalising Your Junk Journal

• Mix vintage and modern elements for a unique look.
  
• Experiment with different mediums like watercolours or pastel
• Incorporate handwritten quotes or meaningful lyrics.
• Try using themed pages to create a cohesive journal.
• Save wrappers, packaging, gift paper or greeting cards, tickets, stamps and other items from your day-to-day life to collage into your journal for a personal touch. 
  
• Add photos such as print outs or polaroids to your journal for memory keeping. 

( Inspo via instagram @phoebedoesdesign )

Final Thoughts

Starting a junk journal is a fun way to practice mindfulness and express your creativity while recycling and reusing materials. The best part? There are no rules! Every junk journal is as unique as its creator, so have fun experimenting and making it truly your own. Happy journalling!