What Is Junk Journaling? Everything You Need To Know To Get Started

Uncover the charm of junk journaling. Learn how to repurpose scraps and keepsakes into a creative, meaningful journal, blending cozy nostalgia with personal expression.

by Staff Writer

Have you ever found yourself holding onto a ticket stub from a movie date, a pretty envelope from a card, or a random piece of fabric, thinking it’s too special to throw away? That’s where junk journeying comes in! It’s a creative and deeply personal way to document your life using all those little things that would otherwise end up as clutter or in the trash.

Let’s dive into what junk journaling is, how it differs from cozy journaling, and why this delightful craft might just become your new favorite way to unwind.

What Is Junk Journaling?

At its core, junk journaling is a mix of scrapbooking, art journaling, and repurposing. It’s about taking everyday, disposable materials—things you might label as “junk”—and turning them into beautiful, meaningful pages in a journal. Imagine using old receipts, postcards, fabric scraps, magazine clippings, packaging, and other random bits and bobs to create a one-of-a-kind visual diary.

Unlike traditional journaling, where you might focus mainly on writing, junk journaling is more about the creative process of assembling found objects into something artistic and visually appealing. It’s perfect for those who love crafting, collecting, and documenting life in a more freeform, less structured way.

How Does Junk Journaling Differ From Cozy Journaling?

While both cozy journaling and junk journaling allow for personal expression and creativity, they have slightly different vibes:

Cozy Journaling focuses on creating a soft, comforting, and intentional aesthetic. It often involves curated decorations like washi tape, stickers, pressed flowers, and a warm color palette to evoke a sense of peace and coziness.
Junk Journaling, on the other hand, embraces randomness and imperfection. It’s about using what you have on hand—no need to go out and buy supplies. Junk journals can be eclectic, vintage, grungy, or even whimsical, often with a mix of textures, materials, and designs that tell a unique story. It’s less about perfection and more about creativity in repurposing everyday objects.

Getting Started With Junk Journaling

1. Gather Your Supplies (a.k.a. “Junk”) One of the best things about junk journaling is that you can use just about anything! Here’s a list to get your creative juices flowing:

Paper Ephemera: Old receipts, ticket stubs, postcards, envelopes, packaging, flyers, or torn book pages.
Fabric Scraps: Leftover fabric from sewing projects, lace, ribbon, or even pieces of old clothes.
Magazine Clippings: Snip out interesting pictures, words, or patterns from old magazines.
Stickers & Labels: Product labels, stickers from packaging, or even price tags.
Found Objects: Buttons, pressed flowers, feathers, or scraps of yarn.
Office Supplies: Paper clips, staples, tape, and even doodles from sticky notes or office memos.
Basic Supplies: Glue, scissors, pens, and markers (just in case you need them for some structure).

2. Pick Your Journal You can buy a journal with blank pages, or you can create your own by binding together old paper, cardstock, or even pages from a notebook. Some people like to use old books or repurposed journals to keep the “junk” theme going. Your journal can be any size or shape—it’s all about what speaks to you.

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3. Assemble Your Pages This is where the magic happens! There are no rules in junk journaling—just start layering and arranging your “junk” to create something that feels meaningful or simply fun. You might start by gluing down a receipt from a favorite café, then layering on a bit of torn magazine paper for texture, and maybe adding a doodle or a scrap of lace to finish it off.

Feel free to write little notes or journal entries on top of your layers. Sometimes the combination of text and random objects can create a powerful memory.

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Why Do Junk Journaling?

1. It’s A Way to Practice Gratitude

Junk journaling helps you find beauty in the everyday and ordinary. By preserving small, seemingly insignificant items—like a concert ticket or a flower from a walk—you’re reminding yourself to appreciate the little moments in life. Each page becomes a celebration of small joys.

2. It’s A Sustainable Craft

One of the most appealing aspects of junk journaling is its eco-friendliness. Instead of throwing things away, you’re reusing them in a creative and meaningful way. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose materials that would otherwise end up in the trash, adding a layer of sustainability to your craft.

3. It’s Relaxing And Therapeutic

The process of cutting, arranging, and gluing objects together can be meditative and calming. Junk journaling allows you to slow down and focus on creativity without pressure. You can’t really make a mistake in junk journaling, and that freedom is what makes it so stress-relieving.

4. It’s A Unique Form of Self-Expression

Each junk journal is different, reflecting the life, personality, and experiences of its creator. There’s something freeing about using found objects to express yourself, especially when the end result is a reflection of your day-to-day life, memories, and emotions. It’s an art form that feels deeply personal.

How To Make Junk Journaling A Part Of Your Cozy Life

Junk journaling and cozy living go hand in hand. After all, cozy living is about finding warmth, comfort, and joy in the simple things—and junk journaling fits perfectly into that mindset. Here’s how you can make it a cozy part of your routine:

Set the Mood: Make your junk journaling time a cozy ritual. Light a candle, put on soft music, and settle into your favorite chair with a cup of tea or coffee nearby.
Reflect as You Create: As you assemble your pages, reflect on the memories and feelings connected to each item. This makes the process more meaningful and can help you savor those little moments of joy.
Embrace Imperfection: Junk journaling is inherently imperfect—embrace that! Let go of any need for your journal to look “just right.” It’s about the process, not the outcome.

Other Items To Include In Your Junk Journal

While the focus is often on reusing paper items, you can add extra texture and dimension to your journal by incorporating:

Maps: Vintage or current maps of places you’ve been or want to go.
Old Photos: Use black-and-white or faded color photos to add a nostalgic touch.
Tags and Wrapping Paper: Leftover gift tags or interesting pieces of wrapping paper can make for fun design elements.
Postcards: Whether old or new, postcards are a great way to add a personal or travel-related flair to your journal.

Why Junk Journaling Is The Perfect Creative Outlet

Whether you’re looking for a way to repurpose those random keepsakes or just want a new cozy hobby, junk journaling is an ideal way to explore your creativity in a low-pressure, fun way. There’s no need to buy fancy supplies—you already have everything you need. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to slow down and savor the small moments, which is what cozy living is all about.

So, next time you think about tossing that receipt or envelope, ask yourself: how could this fit into my junk journal? Chances are, it has a story worth saving.