What is Junk Journaling?
A junk journal is a handmade book created using a mix of papers, materials, and ephemera—anything from old book pages, magazine clippings, fabric scraps, receipts, greeting cards, or even packaging. It’s called a "junk" journal because it repurposes items that might otherwise be discarded, but in reality, it becomes a beautiful, personal, and meaningful keepsake. Junk journals can be used for creativity, memory-keeping, self-reflection, or simply as a fun, no-pressure way to play with paper and express yourself!
Have you ever wanted a creative outlet that’s fun, stress-free, and totally unique to you? If so, junk journaling or art journaling might just be your new favorite hobby! A junk journal is a handmade book filled with a mix of papers, textures, and personal memorabilia. It’s a place to create, reflect, and document life in a way that feels artistic and meaningful. The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies—just paper, glue, and whatever scraps you have lying around.
Here are 5 reasons why you should start junk journaling today:
1. It’s an Easy & Affordable Creative Outlet
Unlike some arts and crafts that require expensive tools or years of practice, junk journaling is simple. All you need are some old papers, glue, tape, and scissors. You can use anything from junk mail to old notebooks and thrifted books. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike.
2. It’s a Unique Way to Tell Your Story
Junk journals can be used for anything—diary entries, travel memories, daily reflections, or even a vision board. Since you create every page yourself, no two junk journals are alike. They become a visual representation of your personality, interests, and experiences. Whether you jot down thoughts, add photos, or collage together meaningful scraps, your journal is 100% YOU.
Start with a Junk Journal KIT!
3. It Encourages Upcycling & Sustainability
Ever feel bad about throwing away pretty packaging, old greeting cards, or used wrapping paper? Junk journaling gives these items a second life! Instead of tossing them, you can repurpose them into beautiful journal pages. This hobby encourages recycling and creativity at the same time—win-win!
4. It’s a Mindful & Therapeutic Activity
Junk journaling and art journaling isn’t just about making something pretty—it’s also an amazing stress reliever. The process of cutting, gluing, and arranging pieces of paper can be incredibly soothing. It helps you slow down, be present, and escape from everyday worries. Whether you’re documenting happy memories or working through emotions, a junk journal can be a safe space for self-expression.
Check out my Humble Junk Journal Beginnings on Youtube:
5. There Are No Rules!
Unlike traditional scrapbooking or bullet journaling, which often have set formats, junk journaling is completely freeform. You don’t have to follow a specific structure—just go with what feels right. Want to mix in watercolor? Go for it. Prefer to write poetry? Absolutely. Love adding pockets and secret flaps? Do it! The beauty of junk journaling is that you create something that feels authentic to you.
Ready to Get Started?
Junk journaling is about creativity, self-expression, and having fun. You don’t need fancy supplies—just start with what you have. Gather some papers, grab your glue, and start making pages that feel like you.
Join the Junk Journal Jubilee Waitlist!!! and get your FREE Journal Papers here:
What will your first junk journal be about? Let me know in the comments!
-teresa XO