Junk Journal Ideas for September -September is the perfect month to start a junk journal. The new season brings fresh routines, cosy evenings, changing colours and plenty of little memories to collect. Whether you’re completely new to junk journaling or looking for September junk journal ideas, this list is packed with simple, creative and inexpensive ideas you can try.
From autumn junk journal pages and September journal prompts to collage ideas, pockets, tags and memory keeping, here are 30 ideas to inspire your next journal spread.
What Is a Junk Journal?
A junk journal is a creative journal made using a mixture of papers, photographs, envelopes, tickets, packaging, magazine pages, handwritten notes and other everyday ephemera.
There are no strict rules. You can make a junk journal for memories, creativity, planning, reading, travel, recipes, seasonal inspiration or simply documenting everyday life.
The beauty of junk journaling is that you don’t need expensive supplies. Some of the best junk journal materials can be found around your home.
30 Junk Journal Ideas for Septembe
1. Create a September Cover Page
Start your journal with a dedicated September junk journal cover.
Try a seasonal title such as:
Hello September
Add torn book pages, botanical illustrations, postage stamps, handwritten lettering and autumn-inspired scraps.
2. Make a September Bucket List
Create a page of things you’d like to do during September.
Ideas could include:
- Take an autumn walk
- Visit a bookshop
- Make something seasonal
- Watch a cosy film
- Visit a local market
- Collect autumn leaves
- Try a new recipe
3. Create an Autumn Colour Palette
Collect scraps in your favourite September colours.
Think:
- Rust
- Mustard
- Olive green
- Cream
- Brown
- Burgundy
Arrange them into a September colour palette junk journal page.
4. Make an Autumn Walk Page
Document a walk using:
- Leaves
- Photographs
- Receipts
- Maps
- Tickets
- Handwritten observations
Write down what you saw, heard and noticed.
5. Create a September Memory Pocket
Make a pocket from an old envelope or piece of scrapbook paper.
Use it to store little September memories such as receipts, notes, photographs and tickets.
6. Try a September Collage
Create a completely intuitive collage.
Don’t worry about making everything match. Layer magazine images, text, old book pages, patterned paper and handwritten words.
7. Make an Autumn Reading Page
Document the books you want to read in September.
You could add:
- Mini book covers
- Reading quotes
- Library slips
- Bookshop receipts
- Ratings
- Favourite characters
8. Create a September Gratitude Page
Write down five small things you’re grateful for.
Decorate the page with pressed leaves, flowers or botanical illustrations.
9. Make a Coffee Shop Page
If you visit a favourite café during September, save your receipt or napkin and turn it into a coffee-themed junk journal page.
Add a photograph and a few lines about the day.
10. Create a September Playlist
Make a page featuring the songs you’re listening to throughout the month.
You could write the playlist by hand and decorate the page with music-themed ephemera.
11. Make an Autumn Recipe Page
Document a favourite seasonal recipe.
Try something comforting such as soup, roasted vegetables, apple crumble or homemade bread.
Add handwritten ingredients and a photograph of the finished dish.
12. Create a “Little Things” Page
Record tiny moments that might otherwise be forgotten.
For example:
The smell of rain.
A perfect cup of coffee.
Finding an old photograph.
A funny conversation.
The first chilly evening.
These small details can become some of your favourite junk journal memories.
13. Make a September Photo Collage
Print several small photographs from the month and layer them across a page.
Don’t worry about perfect alignment. Overlapping photographs can create a lovely vintage junk journal collage.
14. Create an Autumn Nature Page
Collect fallen leaves, small botanical illustrations or photographs from nature.
Avoid taking anything living — fallen leaves are perfect for this.
15. Make a September Mood Board
Create a visual representation of how you want September to feel.
Include words, colours, photographs and images that represent:
cosy · creative · peaceful · adventurous · autumnal
16. Create a “Currently” Page
Write down what you’re currently:
- Reading
- Watching
- Listening to
- Cooking
- Thinking about
- Looking forward to
It’s an easy September journal prompt that becomes fascinating to look back on.
17. Make a Vintage September Page
Use old book pages, vintage-style images, stamps, handwriting and muted colours to create a nostalgic spread.
18. Create a Pocket for Autumn Ephemera
Make a large pocket and label it:
September Things
Fill it throughout the month.
19. Make a Rainy Day Page
September often brings rainy days — turn one into inspiration.
Use blue-grey paper, umbrellas, rain photographs, handwritten words and little scraps.
20. Create an Autumn Film Night Page
Document a favourite September film night.
Add:
- Film title
- Date
- Rating
- Favourite moment
- Snack
- Photograph
21. Make a “Things I Want to Remember” Page
Write down moments from September that you don’t want to forget.
This can become one of the most meaningful pages in your memory journal.
22. Create a September Calendar Spread
Make your own handmade calendar rather than buying a planner.
Decorate each day with tiny seasonal details.
23. Make an Envelope Page
Attach an envelope to your journal and use it to store private notes, photographs or little pieces of ephemera.
24. Create an Autumn Quote Page
Choose a short autumn-inspired phrase and build an entire collage around it.
Use different fonts, handwriting and torn paper to create visual interest.
25. Make a September Self-Care Page
Create a list of simple things that help you feel good during the month.
Ideas include:
- Reading
- Walking
- Taking a bath
- Listening to music
- Creative time
- Cooking
- Seeing friends
26. Create a “Goodbye Summer” Page
September is the perfect time to look back at summer.
Add favourite summer photographs, tickets, receipts, postcards and memories.
27. Make a “Hello Autumn” Page
Then turn the page and welcome the new season.
Use autumn leaves, warm colours, seasonal photographs and handwritten intentions.
28. Create a September Playlist Pocket
Make a small pocket containing handwritten song titles or tiny notes about songs you’ve discovered during September.
29. Make a Month-in-Review Page
At the end of September, document:
What I loved · What surprised me · What I learned · Where I went · What I want to remember
Add photographs and scraps from throughout the month.
30. Create a “September in One Page” Collage
For the ultimate September junk journal page, gather your favourite pieces of ephemera from the entire month and create one layered collage.
Think of it as a visual snapshot of September.
Easy Junk Journal Supplies
You don’t need a huge craft stash to start junk journaling.
Try using:
- Old magazines
- Newspapers
- Book pages
- Envelopes
- Paper bags
- Receipts
- Tickets
- Packaging
- Postcards
- Photographs
- Washi tape
- Stickers
- Glue
- Scissors
- Pens
- Fabric scraps
One of the best things about art journaling for beginners is that ordinary household materials can become part of the design.
September Junk Journal Prompts
If you’re stuck for ideas, try answering one of these prompts:
- What am I looking forward to this September?
- What do I want more of this autumn?
- What small things made me happy today?
- What am I reading?
- What song reminds me of this month?
- What did I notice on my walk?
- What do I want to remember about September?
- What am I grateful for?
- What am I letting go of?
- What would make this autumn feel special?
Final Thoughts on Junk Journal Ideas for September
The best September junk journal ideas don’t have to be complicated. A receipt from a coffee shop, a photograph from an autumn walk or a scrap from a magazine can become a meaningful memory when you give it a place in your journal.
So grab whatever paper and ephemera you already have, choose one of these 30 September junk journal ideas, and start creating.
Your journal doesn’t need to be perfect.
It just needs to be yours.
Also see bullet journal ideas for fall
