Junk Journaling for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started
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Part 1:
What is a Junk Journal?
(A beginner-friendly peek into the world of creative mess and meaningful making)
If you’ve been wandering through the land of creative social media lately, you’ve probably seen these beautifully chaotic, layered little books popping up all over the place. They’re full of color, texture, and personality—and they go by the name junk journals. But what exactly is a junk journal, and why are so many creatives totally hooked on them?
Well, let me break it down for you. A junk journal is a handmade book crafted with love—and often with things you might normally toss in the trash or recycle bin. Think old book pages, ticket stubs, receipts, fabric scraps, cereal boxes, vintage postcards, paper bags... basically, anything that tells a story or sparks a memory. It’s a place where the discarded becomes delightful.
And here’s the best part: there are no rules. Junk journals are the opposite of perfect. They’re messy, magical, and 100% unique to you. Whether you're using it to keep memories, jot down your thoughts, doodle your heart out, or simply take a creative pause from the chaos of life, a junk journal can be a gentle little reminder that beauty can be found in the everyday.
In this beginner series, I’ll walk you through all the juicy details—from what supplies you actually need (spoiler: not many) to easy ways to bind your pages and sprinkle in your personal touch. By the end, you’ll be ready to create a journal that’s as quirky, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind as you are.
Check out this beginner Flower Bouquet Collage for Junk Journaling
Part 2:
Why Start Junk Journaling?
(Besides the fact that it’s wildly fun and weirdly addictive...)
Before we jump into the how-to's and gluey fingers, let’s take a minute to talk about why so many people are falling in love with junk journaling. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll see a reason or two that speaks right to your soul.
✨ Sustainability with Style
Let’s be real—we live in a world that loves to toss and buy and toss again. Junk journaling slows that roll. It gives us a creative, meaningful way to reuse what we already have. Instead of tossing out that cute envelope, food packaging, or old receipt, we get to turn it into something beautiful. It’s a little act of rebellion and kindness to the planet.
✨ No Fancy Supplies? No Problem.
You don’t need to drop a ton of cash to get started. That’s the beauty of it! Junk journaling is one of the most accessible crafts out there. You can use what’s already in your junk drawer, recycling bin, or tucked in a box under your bed. The only requirement? A little curiosity and the willingness to play.
✨ Creative Therapy (That Costs Less Than a Spa Day)
There’s something incredibly soothing about sitting down, cutting and pasting, layering textures, and creating just for you. No rules. No pressure to be perfect. Just you, your scraps, and a quiet moment to unwind. It’s meditative, it’s grounding, and it’s a sneaky little form of self-care.
✨ A Whole World of New Friends
Junk journaling isn’t just a solo hobby—it’s a thriving, welcoming community. Online (and sometimes in person), you’ll find groups full of supportive, inspiring folks who love sharing ideas, showing off their pages, and cheering each other on. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned scrapper, there’s room for you at the table.
✨ Your Story. Your Way.
Every junk journal is completely one-of-a-kind. It becomes a personal treasure trove of your thoughts, memories, favorite quotes, color combos, doodles, and dreams. No two are the same, and that’s the point. It’s a chance to express who you are, how you feel, and what you find beautiful in your own, unique way.
Let’s get messy and make some magic. ✂️📒✨\
-teresa XO