How to start Junk journaling is a beautiful blend of scrapbooking, journaling, and art.
It’s a creative, free-spirited way to capture your thoughts, memories, and inspirations using “junk” — think ticket stubs, old book pages, receipts, packaging, fabric scraps, and anything else you have lying around.
Here’s how to get started with a junk journal, even if you’re brand new to it.
How to Start Junk Journaling
1. Gather Your Supplies (Don’t Overthink It!)
You don’t need fancy materials to start. Use what you already have:
-
Old notebooks, composition books, or handmade journals
-
Paper scraps, envelopes, doilies, newspaper clippings
- Vintage stickers
-
Washi tape, stickers, ribbons, stamps
-
Glue stick, scissors, paper clips
-
Pens, markers, and paint if you’re feeling arty
- Junk Journal cut outs
Optional: You can make your own journal using cardboard, string, and paper, or buy a blank junk journal online.
2. Collect Your “Junk” and Start Junk Journaling
Start saving anything that sparks joy or holds meaning. Ideas include:
-
Receipts or shopping bags from meaningful days
-
Travel tickets, boarding passes, maps
-
Postcards or packaging you love
-
Pages from damaged books or magazines
-
Lace, fabric scraps, or buttons
Tip: Keep a box or folder to stash these items until you’re ready to use them.
3. Choose a Theme (Or Don’t!) to Start Junk Journaling
Your junk journal can have a theme (like travel, gratitude, seasons, or memories), but it doesn’t have to. Many junk journalers just follow their mood.
Let it be messy. Let it be imperfect. That’s the beauty of it.
Find out more ideas in this fabulous journaling guidebook
4. Create Your First Spread for Junk Journaling
Pick a page and start layering:
-
Use a glue stick to stick down background paper or book pages
-
Layer with washi tape, images, and your collected ephemera
-
Add handwritten notes, quotes, or journaling
-
Doodle, paint, or use rubber stamps for texture
Don’t worry about getting it “right” — there are no rules in junk journaling.
5. Make It a Ritual
Junk journaling is not just an art project — it’s a mindful, relaxing way to check in with yourself. Try:
-
Journaling with your morning coffee
-
Setting up a creative hour each week
-
Using it as a visual gratitude or memory diary
6. Get Junk Journaling Inspired Online
Search Pinterest or TikTok for “junk journaling ideas” or “junk journal flip-throughs” to see how others express themselves.
7. Let It Be Yours – start junk journaling today!
Whether you’re documenting your days, creating mood boards, or just making art, your junk journal is a space just for you. Let it grow, evolve, and reflect your beautifully imperfect life.
An Amazon Shopping List to Start Junk Journaling
Starter & Essential Kits for Junk Journaling
-
OFFIGIFT 351 pcs Scrapbooking & Junk Journal Kit – Good all-in-one set with vintage aesthetic paper, stickers & bits — great if you want most basics in one pack.
-
YagCu Aesthetic Journaling Supplies Kit – Larger collection with mixed vintage/scrapbook elements for creative pages.
Stickers & Decorative Paper
-
228 Pcs Vintage Scrapbooking Sticker Paper Pack – Assorted sticker & paper bits perfect for layering and collage.
-
LIHAO 200 PCS Vintage Scrapbook Paper Set – Affordable paper pieces with vintage vibe for backgrounds & clipping.
Bulk Paper & Bits
-
400 Sheets Journaling Supplies – Good value if you want tons of base paper for collage, cutting, layering.
Base Journal for Junk Journaling
-
My Junk Journal Blank Journal – Simple blank journal to build your pages in (you can upgrade to decorative included notebooks later).
Extra Kits (More Options)
-
Draupnir Vintage Scrapbook Kit – Another mixed ephemera/sticker pack if you want variety.
Further reading
You might also like my post on how to make a HAPPINESS journal
