Have you ever come across the term junk journal and wondered what it actually means? Let me explain it in the simplest way possible.
Junk Journal – What Is It?
A junk journal is a notebook or journal made from recycled materials and various old items like papers, envelopes, and cardboard. These “trash” items—papers and other materials—are sewn or bound together in any way you choose, and voilà, you have a junk journal.
Typically, a junk journal is a thick, seemingly chaotic notebook. It’s created from your “trash and keepsakes,” making it one-of-a-kind and truly yours. It might include plenty of pockets and compartments, and it thrives on a mix of textures, patterns, and colors. Alternatively, it can consist of entirely blank pages, serving as a fantastic base for further creative exploration.
Junk journaling is also about having fun with the format and breaking the rules, even the ones that define it. So, it can be made entirely from recycled items or with beautiful scrapbooking papers.
What Is a Junk Journal Used For?
Are you looking for an affordable way to preserve memories? Or perhaps no sketchbook feels quite right for you? Do you want a highly personalized planner? Create your own junk journal.
A junk journal can serve any purpose you desire, depending on what you decide to put into it. One of the most popular uses is documenting everyday life by collecting photos, keepsakes (like tickets, postcards, etc.), and writing down memories. Because of this, a junk journal works perfectly as a travel journal or a record of any significant event in your life.
Popular Junk Journal Themes and Uses:
- Wedding keepsake journal
- Childhood memory book
- Travel journal
- December daily (holiday-themed journal)
- Baby’s first year journal
- And so much more!
But that’s not all! A junk journal can also be used as:
- A planner
- A bullet journal
- An art journal
- A sketchbook
- A photo album
- A thematic collection (e.g., for recipes, quotes, or inspiration)
- A mood board collection
In short, it can be whatever you want it to be.
What Do You Need to Make a Junk Journal?
Starting your junk journaling journey doesn’t require expensive, specialized shopping trips. To gather materials, all you need to do is take a walk around your home. Especially if you’re a passionate collector of little odds and ends, and the phrase “don’t throw it away, repurpose it” is your secret power. Even if you’re not, chances are you’ll still find something. After all, everyone has items that fall into the category of “too good to throw away but no idea what to do with.”
The Essentials for Making a Junk Journal
The basics you’ll need are scissors, glue, and paper. But where can you find paper? Old notebooks, envelopes, sketch pads, magazine pages—really, any kind of paper that catches your eye. An outdated book with obsolete content is a fantastic resource, especially if it features interesting illustrations. Gift bags with unique patterns, scraps of fabric, or decorative ribbons are like hidden treasures that can elevate your junk journal to the next level.
If you’re a creative spirit, you probably already love stationery and art supplies—I know I do! While they aren’t strictly necessary, if you have them, why not use them? Things like washi tape, stamps, stencils, paints, stickers, tags, and labels can add charm and personality to your journal. But remember, you don’t need everything — just what inspires you.
Why Is Junk Journaling So Amazing?
Why am I so enthusiastic about junk journaling? What makes it so special? Let me lay out its benefits:
No Blank-Page Syndrome
Junk journaling makes creating easier because you’re not starting with a blank page. Pre-existing materials provide a prompt and a foundation for something new.
Inspires Creative Thinking
You begin to look at everyday objects in a creative way, training your mind to see potential in the ordinary.
Daily Life Becomes Inspiring
Everyday moments and mundane items start to hold new meaning and spark ideas.
Appreciation for Good Design
The world around us is full of well-designed or simply beautiful things. Junk journaling sharpens your ability to notice and learn from them.
Expanding Your Visual Library
As you collect and incorporate diverse elements, you naturally build your “visual library,” enriching your creative skills.
Breaking the Perfectionism Cycle
Junk journaling teaches you that not everything has to be perfect. It encourages you to embrace imperfections and leave things as they are. After all, it’s called a junk journal for a reason.
Preserving Memories
If you use your junk journal to document daily life, you’re keeping all those little keepsakes that would otherwise get lost or forgotten. Now, they’re easily accessible and tied to cherished memories.
Finding Joy in Small Things
By documenting the small details of life, you’ll start to see the beauty and joy in the everyday.
Embracing Zero Waste
Creating a junk journal aligns perfectly with a zero-waste mindset, repurposing items that might otherwise be discarded.
Does Junk Journaling Have Any Downsides?
Of course, like anything, it has its pitfalls. The biggest one? You might get carried away with collecting supplies! It’s easy to become a bit of a hoarder when you see potential in everything. 😊
What Do You Think?
So, what about you? Are you as excited about junk journaling as I am, or do you prefer other types of journals? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
