What Is Junk Journaling? A Gentle Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve ever been drawn to old papers, handwritten notes, soft florals, or layers of texture on a page, you may already be a junk journaler — even if you didn’t know the name for it.
Junk journaling is a creative, relaxed form of journaling that focuses on storytelling through paper. There are no rules, no perfect layouts, and no right or wrong way to begin. It’s about using what you love to create pages that feel personal, expressive, and meaningful.
This guide is here to gently introduce you to junk journaling and help you get started without feeling overwhelmed.
What Exactly Is Junk Journaling?
At its heart, junk journaling is the art of collecting and repurposing papers to tell a story or capture a feeling. These journals often include a mix of:
* Vintage-style images
* Scrap paper and book pages
* Ephemera like tickets, labels, or tags
* Handwritten notes or quotes
* Collage, layering, and texture
The word “junk” doesn’t mean trash — it simply refers to everyday papers and materials that might otherwise be overlooked. Junk journals turn those bits and pieces into something beautiful.
How Junk Journaling Is Different from Scrapbooking
While junk journaling and scrapbooking share similarities, they feel different in practice.
Scrapbooking often focuses on preserving specific memories in a structured layout, while junk journaling is more freeform and intuitive. Pages don’t need to match, themes can shift, and imperfections are welcome.
In junk journaling:
* Pages can be uneven or layered
* Themes can be emotional, seasonal, or abstract
* The process matters more than the finished look
It’s creative play, not documentation.
What You Need to Start Junk Journaling
One of the best things about junk journaling is how little you need to begin.
At a basic level, you only need:
* A notebook or journal (any kind will do)
* Paper pieces you enjoy
* Glue or tape
* A pen or pencil
From there, you can build slowly. Many people love adding printable art, which makes it easy to create cohesive pages without hunting for supplies.
Why Printable Art Is Perfect for Beginners
Printable art is especially helpful when you’re just starting out. It removes the pressure of finding “the right” materials and gives you a beautiful foundation to work with.
Printables can be:
* Cut, torn, or layered
* Used whole or in small pieces
* Reprinted as often as you like
They allow you to focus on creativity instead of preparation.
Let Your Journal Be a Daydream
Junk journaling doesn’t have to tell a clear story or serve a purpose. Some pages are about memories. Others are about moods, colors, or quiet moments.
Think of your journal as a place to wander — a paper daydream where ideas can unfold naturally, one page at a time.
A Gentle Way to Begin
If you’d like an easy starting point, I’ve created a printable set of junk journal images designed specifically for layering, collaging, and creative play. These images are soft, expressive, and versatile — perfect for beginners and seasoned journalers alike.
They’re ideal for:
* Junk journals
* Art journals
* Scrapbooks
* Creative planners
You can use them as focal points, background layers, or inspiration for your own pages.
Sometimes, all it takes is one beautiful image to begin a whole new creative habit.
Happy journaling — and welcome to the world of paper daydreams ✨📖💛
Comments
Post a Comment