How to Make a Junk Journal (and How They're Different From Scrapbooks)

In a world full of fast, disposable everything, there's something undeniably satisfying about reusing tactile materials and creating something with your own two hands. Enter junk journaling. A practice that has exploded in popularity in recent years, junk journaling is a hobby that invites you to dive into the world of collage and scrapbooking—all while sustainably using materials that might otherwise end up in the trash and keeping the pressure and effort low. 

Think of it as a fun and artistic form of recycling. “You take bits and pieces of everyday life, things that might be considered ‘junk,’ and transform them into something beautiful and meaningful,” explains artisan Christina Argonish. 

Is this the creative hobby for you? Let’s explore.

What Is Junk Journaling?

At its core, junk journaling is the art of creating a personalized, hand-crafted journal using repurposed materials. These materials might include old books, vintage paper or photos, fabric scraps, postcards, and various ephemera like tickets, maps, and receipts. “Junk journals are often filled with handwritten notes, sketches, and photos, but there are no rules—if you can glue it down, it can go in your journal,” says Argonish. 

Junk Journaling vs. Scrapbooking

The process involves not just journaling but also embellishing, decorating, and layering materials in creative ways. But how is this different from scrapbooking? Whereas scrapbooking tends to be a larger project for the specific purpose of displaying memories and photos in a linear way, junk journaling is more so seen as a daily creative hobby or form of self-expression. A quicker, in-the-moment process, it’s about embracing imperfection and finding beauty in the discarded. (There shouldn't be any tough design decisions or stress over straight lines here.)

Similar to traditional scrapbooks, though, junk journals can also be used to document thoughts, dreams, daily life, and travels. Whether you see it as a piece of evolving art or a place to safe keep all the various mementos you collect, the beauty of junk journals is that each is completely unique.

How to Make a Junk Journal

Junk journaling is incredibly versatile. You can tailor your journal to your interests, whether that’s travel, art, personal reflection, or just collecting pretty little things. Since it's a creative outlet that encourages you to explore your artistic side, don't be afraid to experiment. Whether you want to create intricate pages or a more minimalist style, there’s no right or wrong way to do it.

Materials Needed:

• Scissors and adhesive
• Old books and journals
• Magazine and newspaper clippings
• Printed photographs
• Ephemera like paper maps, tickets, and postcards
• Discarded wrapping paper
• Fabric scraps like ribbon and lace
• Handwritten letters and notes
• Stickers, washi tape, and rubber stamps
• Depending how you wish to arrange your journal: Blank notebook, tapestry needle and thread, or binder rings and hole punch

Instead of buying new supplies, focus on giving new life to old paper, fabric, and other discarded items. Start with things that you might normally throw away but are aesthetically pleasing or hold sentimental value.

Junk journaling should be a fun, creative way to reduce waste and reuse things in a meaningful way, not over-consume or shop for new materials. Of course, if you want to add a few specialty items—like stickers or washi tape—you can do so, but the point of junk journaling is to use what you already have lying around.

Choose Your Journal's Base

First things first: You’ll need a base for your journal. Some people choose to repurpose a composition book, sketchbook, blank notebook, or journal. With the pages already in place, you'll be free to instantly start cutting and pasting. Alternatively, you can create your own journal by sewing and binding individual pages or using a hole punch and binder rings.

Determine a Theme

While you don't need to center your junk journal around a certain theme, choosing a specific idea, color palette, or purpose can help streamline the creative process. For example, do you want to theme a junk journal around your world travels? Your junk journal is an ever-evolving work, but this will give you a place to start.

Prepare and Collect Materials

Collect scraps for junk journaling as you go, stashing supplies in a shoebox or large envelope. Press and prepare three-dimensional objects (like flowers from an old bouquet) ahead of time so they'll be ready to be added. This is also a great opportunity to begin clearing out the various mementos you've been meaning to do something with.

Start Arranging and Adhering

Once you have your materials and journal, the real fun begins. Start by gluing down different elements onto the pages, creating a visually interesting design. Sew on fabric scraps, stamp images, and adhere pressed flowers and stickers. You can add personal notes, sketches, or even little poems to make each page your own.

 Add Layers and Pockets

Layering your materials on the page will give it more visual interest and depth. As a rule of thumb, start from larger to smaller—but don't fret about making everything perfect. You can also incorporate trinkets and stash small items like seashells by adding pockets to your junk journal. Simply paste in envelopes or squares of cardstock.

Make It a Habit

Junk journaling is most rewarding when it becomes a regular part of your routine. Once you get started with your junk journal, try dedicating a certain day of the week to the project, journaling the materials you've collected throughout the past few days. The act of physically handling materials—whether you’re flipping through old books, cutting out photos, or arranging bits of paper—can have a meditative quality to it. Reap the benefits by letting your creativity flow and start your junk journaling journey.