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Have you ever wanted a creative space where you can express yourself freely, without rules or expectations? A junk journal might be exactly what you need!
Combining art, writing, and collected mementos, junk journaling is a fun and fulfilling way to capture thoughts, emotions, and memories.
Whether you’re an artist or a total beginner, anyone can enjoy the process of making a junk journal. In this guide, you’ll discover what a junk journal is, why you should start one, and how to bring yours to life with inspiring ideas and materials.
I’ll also share my favourite places for finding junk journal ephemera and printables.
What is a Junk Journal?
A junk journal is a form of art that encourages creativity and spontaneity and embraces imperfections.
It’s a way for you to create a space to play with art and the written word in an unbound, uninhibited manner.
The goal of the journal is to fill it with objects and images that inspire you. Junk journals can be filled with anything from things you find on the floor to quotes that you like.
The best part is, anyone can create a junk journal, whether you consider yourself an artist or not!
Why Start a Junk Journal?
Junk journaling serves many purposes, from a creative escape to a meaningful form of self-care.
Here are a few reasons why you might want to start one:
- Stress Relief – A therapeutic way to release emotions and unwind.
- Creative Outlet – A junk journal is a free space to experiment with colours, textures, and materials.
- Personal Reflection – Use it to track thoughts, feelings, goals, and experiences.
- Memory Keeping – Preserve ticket stubs, travel mementos, and special moments.
- Writer’s Inspiration – Perfect for jotting down ideas, poetry, or story fragments.
How To Start a Junk Journal
Starting a junk journal requires very minimal planning and supplies.
Think of a junk journal as a mix between a diary, a scrapbook, and an art book. It’s all about gathering inspiration and letting your creativity run wild.
All you need is a notebook or sketchbook, and any pens or art supplies you have already. It can be as messy as you like.
Many people use recycled materials in their junk journal… literally junk! For example, I like to save pretty wrapping paper, old tickets and stamps for junk journaling.
Think of it like a mix between a journal, a sketchbook and a scrapbook.
Essentially, it’s a place for you to get creative, share your emotions, and document your memories.
It can even be a meditative experience or a self-reflection technique.
What can you include in your junk journal?
Your junk journal can be anything you want it to be!
Here are some ideas:
- Collages – Layer magazine cutouts, stamps, and washi tape.
- Handwritten Notes – Jot down thoughts, quotes, or song lyrics that inspire you.
- Doodles & Sketches – Add illustrations, patterns, or even abstract art.
- Pressed Flowers & Leaves – Incorporate natural elements for a vintage feel.
- Mementos – Save old letters, postcards, or travel memorabilia.
There’s no right or wrong way, just gather what speaks to you and start layering it into your journal.
What are the benefits of starting a junk journal?
Junk journaling is more than just a creative hobby; it’s a way to declutter your mind and spark inspiration.
Some benefits include:
- Self-Expression – A junk journal allows you to tell your story in a way that feels uniquely yours.
- Enhancing Creativity – Experimenting with different textures and designs boosts creative thinking.
- Emotional Wellbeing – Writing and crafting can be a meditative process that relieves stress.
- Preserving Memories – It provides a tangible way to store and revisit special moments.
How do you create your own junk journal?
All you need to do is grab a notebook, some pens, pencils, stickers, crayons, old photos or ticket stubs and glue.
And you can start designing your own junk journal today!
Junk Journal Supplies
Here’s what you might need:
- Notebook
- Sharpies
- Watercolours
- Stamps
- Stickers
- Wrapping Paper
- Kraft Paper
- Washi Tape
- Ticket Stubs
- Pages from old books
- Cut-outs from magazines
- Wallpaper samples
- Tags and envelopes
- Ribbons
- Teabags for creating a distressed look.
- A small sewing kit if you want to sew in some pages, fabric or buttons!
- Ephemera packs or printables (more on that later).
You’ll also need glue and scissors!
Where to find free Junk Journal printables
Pixabay has an abundance of free stock photos you can print out to use in your junk journal, and they also have tons of illustrations! Search for junk journal, ephemera, scrapbook or vintage to find the best pics!
- Free Vintage Illustrations
- Rawpixel Public Domain Images
- HeritageType Library
- The British Library Albums on Flickr
- Moma Public Domain Images
- Old Book Illustrations
What is Ephemera?
Ephemera refers to paper-based items intended for short-term use, like postage stamps or envelopes.
You could go so far as to call them paper trash!
Concert tickets, postcards or playing cards are also considered ephemera.
Though often discarded, these items are perfect for adding character to your junk journal.
10 Junk Journal Ideas for Inspiration
1. Create a book tracker.
Document books you’ve read with notes and doodles.
2. Create a collage from magazine cutouts.
Cut and paste magazine clippings into artistic layouts.
3. Use ink stamps to create titles.
These can be really fun to use.
4. Create a hand-lettered page with your favourite quote.
Practice calligraphy with inspiring phrases.
5. Include dried leaves or flowers.
Press dried leaves or flowers into your journal.
6. Travel memories.
Create a page for each trip, including tickets and photos.
7. Create a vision board.
Visualize your dreams with cut-outs and affirmations.
8. Create interesting borders with washi tape.
9. Use it for doodling!
Let your mind wander with freehand drawings.
10. Create a Travel Bucket List.
Plan your future adventures.
Junk journaling is a creative, freeing, and deeply personal way to express yourself.
Whether you’re using it to document memories, explore your emotions, or simply play with colours and textures, there are no rules. With minimal supplies and a little imagination, you can turn everyday scraps into something meaningful and unique.
So why not start today? Grab a notebook, gather some bits and pieces, and let your creativity flow.
All the best,
