What is a junk journal?
In Junk journal is a creative and unique way of keeping a diary or scrapbook. It is made from recycled materials such as old book pages, magazines, envelopes, fabric scraps and other paper you have lying around. Junk journaling is about creating something beautiful and personal out of materials that would otherwise have been thrown away, making it a sustainable and artistic form of journaling.
Why start a junk journal?
Express your creativity – A junk journal has no rules. You can glue, draw, paint and decorate, however you like.
Use recycled materials It is a sustainable way to make a journal, as you reuse old paper, envelopes, pieces of fabric, etc. You can, of course, combine it with new materials.
Record memories in a unique way – A junk journal can be used as a diary, scrapbook or memory journal.
Mindful activity Creating a junk journal can be relaxing and a great way to disconnect from everyday life.
How to get started – step by step
1. Find materials for your junk journal
You can make a junk journal out of pretty much any paper you have lying around. Here are a few examples:
Old books or book pages
Newspapers and magazines
Envelopes and postcards
Wrapping paper
Fabric scraps and lace
Notes and old calendar pages
Dried flowers
2. Choose your base
Junk journals can be made in many ways. Some choose to bind their own books, while others use an old book that they decorate. You can also use a notebook or a scrapbook as a base.
3. Set up the basic pages
Unlike a bullet journal, for example, where everything is structured, junk journaling is more freeform. Here are some ideas for pages you can make:
Cover and front page – Use fabric, lace or decoupage to create a beautiful cover.
Backgrounds – Paint, draw or glue different layers of paper together to create texture.
Pockets and pull-out pages – Cut and fold the pages to create hidden pockets for notes and mementos.
Collages – Cut out pictures and bits of text from newspapers and magazines.
4. Personalise your junk journal
Add notes or quotes that mean something to you.
Use stamps, stickers and washi tape to decorate.
Experiment with different materials and techniques.
Write down your daily thoughts or reflections in your journal.
How to turn junk journaling into a habit
To get the most out of your junk journal, you could set aside some time each week to add new pages or decorate old ones. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to make a junk journal – the most important thing is to enjoy the process.
Find the right materials for your junk journal
Oh Plan & Plot Studio We have a wide selection of journals, paper, stickers and decorative elements, which can make your junk journal even more inspiring. Whether you want to create a vintage scrapbook or a modern art book, we have everything you need.
Are you ready to start your junk journal? Get going today and create a completely unique book filled with memories and creativity!
