What Is a Smash Book? A Beginner’s Guide to Creative Memory Keeping.
If you’ve been searching “what is a smash book?” you’re in the right place. Smash books have become a popular way to combine journaling, scrapbooking, and creative self-expression — without the pressure of making everything look perfect.
A smash book is a relaxed, expressive memory journal where you “smash” together photos, paper scraps, quotes, receipts, thoughts, and everyday memorabilia. It’s creative, layered, and intentionally imperfect.
What Is a Smash Book?
A smash book is a free-form creative journal used to capture moments from your life. Instead of carefully planning layouts, you glue, tape, layer, scribble, and decorate however you like.
You might include:
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Photos
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Cinema tickets or travel stubs
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Coffee shop receipts
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Magazine cuttings
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Stickers and washi tape
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Doodles and handwritten reflections
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Packaging you love
There are no strict rules. If it feels meaningful, it belongs on the page.
Why Start a Smash Book?
Smash books are popular because they offer:
Creative Freedom
No neat handwriting required. No aesthetic standards to meet. Just expression.
Memory Keeping
The small, everyday items you save today become powerful memory triggers in the future.
Emotional Processing
Smash booking can feel therapeutic. Layering visuals and words helps process feelings in a non-linear way.
Low Cost
You don’t need expensive supplies. A simple notebook and glue are enough to start.
How Is a Smash Book Different from Scrapbooking?
Traditional scrapbooking often focuses on structured layouts, coordinated colour schemes, and polished design. It can feel curated and planned.
A smash book, on the other hand:
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Embraces mess and layering
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Prioritises spontaneity
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Doesn’t require perfect spacing or symmetry
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Is more about capturing emotion than presentation
If scrapbooking is styled and intentional, smash booking is raw and real.
How Is a Smash Book Different from a Bullet Journal?
A bullet journal is primarily a planning and productivity system. It usually includes:
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Calendars
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Habit trackers
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To-do lists
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Goal setting spreads
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Organised layouts
Bullet journals are structured and practical. Even when decorative, their core purpose is organisation and tracking.
A smash book is not about productivity. It doesn’t track habits or manage your schedule. Instead, it captures:
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Memories
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Feelings
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Experiences
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Visual inspiration
In simple terms:
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A bullet journal helps you plan your life.
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A smash book helps you document your life.
How Is a Smash Book Different from a Junk Journal?
A junk journal is often made from recycled materials like envelopes, old book pages, packaging, and vintage papers. It usually has a handmade, rustic aesthetic and may include stitched elements or altered book pages.
While smash books and junk journals share a love of layering and paper scraps, they differ in focus:
Junk Journal
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Often handmade or heavily altered
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Vintage or recycled aesthetic
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May follow a theme (nature, travel, cottagecore, etc.)
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Can be more design-focused
Smash Book
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Can use a standard notebook
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Less themed, more everyday life
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Focused on memory-keeping and emotion
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Less concerned with visual cohesion
A junk journal leans toward artistic craft. A smash book leans toward personal storytelling.
What Do You Put in a Smash Book?
If you’re unsure where to start, try:
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A “currently loving” page
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A playlist list (song titles only)
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A collage of your mood this month
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A difficult day reflection
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Travel keepsakes
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A gratitude spread
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Photos from a random Tuesday
The key is authenticity. It doesn’t have to be pretty — it just has to be yours.
Supplies You Need to Start Smash Booking
Basic supplies include:
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Glue stick or tape
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Scissors
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Everyday paper scraps
Optional extras like stickers, stamps, or patterned paper are fun but not necessary.
Find a gorgeous book on smash booking here with loads of ideas! Stash and Smash
Final Thoughts: Is a Smash Book Right for You?
So, what is a smash book really? It’s a creative time capsule. A space where you preserve the tiny, beautiful details of your everyday life without pressure or perfection.
If you want structure and productivity, a bullet journal may suit you.
If you love handmade vintage crafts, a junk journal might be ideal.
But if you want freedom, memory-keeping, and expressive chaos, a smash book could be exactly what you’re looking for.
