Junk Journaling 101: What It Is, How to Start, Tips & Creative Inspiration

Written By heyShannonAshley

Junk Journaling 101

If you’ve ever saved receipts, packaging, ticket stubs, or pretty paper because it “felt too cute to throw away,” you’re already halfway into junk journaling.

Junk journaling is one of the most creative, low-pressure ways to document your life, express yourself, and turn everyday scraps into something meaningful. It blends creative journaling, memory keeping, and art journaling into one beautifully imperfect practice.

This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through:

  • What junk journaling is

  • How to start a junk journal

  • Junk journaling tips for beginners

  • Creative junk journal inspiration

  • And why the best way to start is simply… just starting

What Is Junk Journaling?

Junk journaling is a form of creative journaling that uses found, recycled, and everyday materials to create layered, textured journal pages.

A junk journal can include:

  • Receipts

  • Magazine clippings

  • Product packaging

  • Fabric scraps

  • Envelopes

  • Tags

  • Stickers

  • Photos

  • Newspaper

  • Wrapping paper

It’s part scrapbook, part diary, part art journal, and part memory book. There are no rules, no right way, and no pressure to make it “perfect.” That’s what makes junk journaling so freeing.

If you’ve ever wondered “what is junk journaling?” it’s really just storytelling, with paper.

How to Junk Journal (Beginner Friendly Guide)

If you’re new and wondering how to start junk journaling, this is the easiest way.

1. Choose Your Journal

You can use:

  • An old notebook

  • A sketchbook

  • A composition book

  • A planner you never finished

  • Or loose pages clipped together

Remember: there is no “correct” junk journal. The best journal is the one you already have.

2. Gather Your Junk Journaling Supplies

Look around your home. Junk journaling supplies are usually hiding in plain sight.

Some easy junk journal ideas for supplies:

  • Receipts

  • Coffee sleeves

  • Paper bags

  • Tissue paper

  • Envelopes

  • Greeting cards

  • Takeout menus

  • Clothing tags

  • Magazine pages

If it’s paper and you like it, it belongs in your junk journal.

3. Start Layering (This Is Where the Magic Happens)

Open to any page. Don’t overthink it.

Layer your scraps using:

  • Glue stick

  • Tape

  • Washi tape

  • Or even staples

Then add:

  • Writing

  • Doodles

  • Quotes

  • Dates

  • Thoughts

  • Memories

That’s it. You’re officially junk journaling.

Junk Journaling Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to junk journaling, these tips will save you a lot of hesitation.

There Are No Mistakes

Wrinkled paper, crooked glue, messy handwriting — all of it adds character. Junk journaling is meant to be imperfect.

Don’t Save the “Good Stuff”

Use the pretty paper. Use the cute sticker. Use the special scrap. Waiting for the perfect page is how journals stay empty.

Write Like No One Will Read It

Because they probably won’t. Junk journaling is most powerful when it’s honest and unfiltered.

Mix Textures for Visual Interest

Combine:

  • Rough paper with smooth paper

  • Fabric with magazine pages

  • Handwriting with printed text

This is what gives junk journals their signature layered look.

Date Your Pages

Even if you only write a sentence, dating your pages turns your junk journal into a time capsule.

Junk Journal Inspiration + Creative Ideas

If you’re looking for junk journal inspiration, here are easy ideas to get you started.

Memory Pages

Document:

  • A coffee date

  • A road trip

  • A concert

  • A cozy day at home

Add receipts, wrappers, photos, and write what you remember.

Emotion Pages

Create pages based on:

  • How you’re feeling

  • What you’re processing

  • What you’re excited about

Use colors and scraps that match the mood.

Theme Pages

Try:

  • Pink pages

  • Vintage pages

  • Black + white pages

  • Nature pages

  • Self-care pages

Themes make choosing materials easier.

Quote Pages

Find a quote you love and build a page around it using scraps, textures, and layers.

“Right Now” Pages

Document:

  • What you’re watching

  • What you’re listening to

  • What you’re loving

  • What you’re learning

These become your favorite pages later.

Just Start (The Most Important Part of Junk Journaling)

Most people don’t struggle with junk journaling.
They struggle with starting. They wait for the perfect journal, the perfect supplies, the perfect mood, or the perfect idea. And while the perfect time passes, the journal stays empty. Junk journaling is messy, creative, emotional, and most importantly imperfect. That’s the point.

Open a page.
Glue something down.
Write one sentence.

That’s all it takes.

You’re officially a junk journaler.

Why Junk Journaling Is So Powerful

Junk journaling isn’t just about paper. It’s about:

  • Slowing down

  • Being present

  • Telling your story

  • Creating without pressure

  • Turning ordinary moments into something meaningful

It’s creative journaling without rules — and that’s what makes it magic.

FAQ: Junk Journaling for Beginners

  • Scrapbooking is often structured and photo-focused. Junk journaling is more freeform, layered, and expressive.

  • No. Junk journaling is built around everyday scraps. You can start with what you already have.

  • Many people use junk journaling as a form of creative therapy, stress relief, and emotional expression.

  • Absolutely. Junk journaling is one of the most beginner-friendly creative hobbies.

So what are you waiting for? Pull out that journal and start junk journaling today! There’s no need to run out and grab supplies, use what you have. That’s the best part of junk journaling it’s using the “junk” that already means so much to you and turning it into a masterpiece.

Do you already junk journal? If so, share your experience below in the comments. We’d all love to learn and hear more.

Until next time my loves!

xoxo- ShannonAshley

*Artificial Intelligence was used to bring you this content.
heyShannonAshley
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