What the Heck is Junk Journaling (& How Can I Do It?)

The Ultimate Guide to Junk Journaling: Where Memories Meet Creativity!

Ready to turn those precious bits and pieces you've been collecting into something magical? Let's dive into the world of junk journaling - the creative hobby that's stealing everyone's hearts (and their pretty paper stashes)!

What's a Junk Journal, Actually?

We’re spilling the tea on the craftiest trend that's taking over your FYP - junk journaling! And no, we're not talking about that drawer full of takeout menus (though wait... maybe we are? 👀).

Picture this: You're living your best life, collecting concert tickets, cute cafe receipts from your first date, and those aesthetic paper bits you can't bear to toss (we see you, saving that pretty wrapping paper!). Instead of Marie Kondo-ing them away, what if we told you those random pieces could become your next masterpiece? That's literally what junk journaling is, and we're obsessed!

Think of it as scrapbooking's cool younger sibling who studied art in Paris during a semester abroad. It's like your Pinterest board came to life and had a coffee date with your vintage-loving soul! You're basically creating a totally unique journal using everything from old book pages and ticket stubs to that aesthetic packaging you've been hoarding (finally, a reason to keep it!).

Despite its quirky name, a junk journal is a handcrafted book filled with memories, creativity, and all those beautiful "bits" you can't bear to toss away. Think vintage papers, tickets, business cards, and your favorite photos all coming together to tell your unique story. Unlike traditional scrapbooking, junk journals embrace that perfectly imperfect, vintage-inspired vibe.

Getting Started: Your Essential Supply Stash

✅ Must-Haves:

• A base journal (composition book, old book, or journal)
• Adhesives (glue stick, double-sided tape, washi tape)
• Scissors
• Basic papers (old book pages, scrapbook paper, vintage papers)
• Your fave photos (printed in various sizes)

𓂃🖌 Nice-to-Haves:

• Paper clips and staples
• String or twine
• Rubber stamps and ink
• Tags and labels
• Cute stickers
• Decorative papers
• Vintage materials

Creating Your First Journal: Step by Step

Choose Your Style

Before diving in, think about your journal's purpose: Are you looking to keep those random memories you just have lying around (on your phone or already printed) in a different place? Did you have a Euro Girl Summer and want to keep the Italian Riviera vibes going? Maybe you’re looking for an artsy outlet, or want to craft a dream journal (think Vision Board vibes) … whatever you’re looking for, chances are that you can make a Junk Journal out of it. Heck, even your recipe book can be come a Junk masterpiece.

Prep Your Base

Using a ready-made journal? You’re good to dive right in! If you’re really embracing the junk trend and DIYing your base, feel free to tear out unnecessary pages or add in some blank pages to start it off right.

Start Building Pages

Layer your elements like this:

• Base layer: Background papers or painted pages
• Middle layer: Photos, larger scrapbooking things, and focal points
• Top layer: Small decorative elements and added captions or text

Theme Ideas That Slay ⭐

📰 Vintage Explorer

• Old maps and travel tickets
• Vintage postcards
• Your travel photos
• Stamps and postmarks
• Aged paper backgrounds

🌱 Nature's Notebook

• Pressed flowers and leaves
• Nature photography
• Field notes and observations
• Botanical illustrations
• Earth-toned papers

🌃 Urban Adventure

• City tickets and maps
• Coffee shop receipts
• Street photography
• Concert tickets
• Metro cards

📹 Memory Keeper

• Family photos
• Handwritten notes
• Special occasion cards
• Ticket stubs
• Personal mementos

🎨 Creative Dreams

• Magazine cutouts
• Inspiration quotes
• Vision board elements
• Goal tracking
• Artistic experiments

Our Picta’Tips to Create a Junk Journal that SLAPS

Tea/Coffee Staining

Give papers that vintage look by staining them with coffee or tea. Let them dry completely before using!

Pocket Pages & Envelope pockets

Create storage spots for extra treasures (or little mementos you want to keep hidden)

Fold-out sections for added dimension

Hidden journaling spots for those inner thoughts

Making It Uniquely Yours

Remember, your journal should reflect YOU! You can write down your daily thoughts to make it more diary-esque. Or throw in your fave quotes (spoiler alert: we’ve got a huge collection!) to add in some written words. Doodle in the margins, add in secret messages in hidden envelope pockets … let your creativity flow.

Ready to Create?

Start small - maybe just one spread about your favorite memory or recent adventure. There's no pressure to create a masterpiece overnight! Your journal will grow naturally as you add more memories and find your creative flow.

Pro Tip: Set up a cozy crafting corner with all your supplies within reach. Pop on your favorite playlist, grab a drink, and let the creativity flow!

The best part? There's no such thing as "doing it wrong" in junk journaling. If it sparks joy, stick it in there! Your future self will thank you for creating these amazing time capsules of your main character moments! Now go forth and create something that's totally giving cool art kid energy!