A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Junk Journal
Junk journaling has become one of the most loved creative hobbies on Pinterest — and for good reason. If you’ve ever saved images of vintage papers, handwritten letters, pressed flowers, or cozy collage pages and wondered “what is junk journaling and how do I start?”, this guide is for you.
This post will explain what junk journaling is, why people love it, and exactly what you need to start, even if you’re a beginner.
What Is Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling is a creative journaling practice where you use found, recycled, vintage, or handmade materials to create a journal filled with texture, layers, and personal meaning.
Instead of blank notebook pages, junk journals often include:
- Old book or dictionary pages
- Handwritten letters or notes
- Receipts, tickets, and paper ephemera
- Fabric scraps, lace, or ribbon
- Washi tape, stamps, and pressed flowers
Despite the name, junk journaling isn’t messy or careless — it’s intentional, nostalgic, and deeply personal. Each page tells a story through texture rather than perfection.
Why Should You Try Junk Journaling?
Many people turn to junk journaling because it feels slower and more grounding than other creative hobbies.
1. It’s Low Pressure
You don’t need to know how to draw, paint, or write beautifully. Junk journaling is about layering, collecting, and experimenting, not making something “perfect.”
2. It Helps You Slow Down
Cutting paper, gluing textures, and arranging small details is calming and meditative. It’s a creative break from screens and productivity culture.
3. You Can Reuse What You Already Have
Junk journaling encourages using scraps, packaging, old papers, and forgotten items — making it budget-friendly and sustainable.
4. Every Journal Is Unique
No two junk journals ever look the same. Your journal reflects your memories, interests, and aesthetic.
What Do You Need to Start Junk Journaling?
If you’re a beginner, the good news is: you don’t need much. You can start simple and add more over time.
Basic Junk Journaling Supplies
- A journal, notebook, or handmade booklet
- Glue or double-sided tape
- Scissors
That’s enough to begin.
What Goes Into a Junk Journal? (Mystery Kit Essentials)
Many people start with a mystery junk journal kit, which makes the process easier and more inspiring. A good kit usually includes a mix of paper, texture, and small details.
Common junk journal items include:
- Vintage papers and book pages
- Handwritten letters or ephemera
- Old receipts, tickets, or notes
- Music sheets or dictionary pages
- Brown paper envelopes and tags
- Fabric scraps and lace pieces
- Collage cutouts and illustrations
- Washi tape in muted or vintage tones
- Stamps and ink pads
- Anything you find!
Mystery junk journal kits are popular because they reduce decision fatigue and add an element of surprise, making it easier to start creating right away. However, many people also use junk journaling as a creative way to preserve memories from events, outings, and even vacations. I personally include restaurant receipts, information flyers, and small freebies like branded stickers in my junk journal. One of the best parts of junk journaling is that almost anything can be used—everyday paper items can become meaningful keepsakes.
How Do You Use a Junk Journal?
There’s no single “correct” way to junk journal. Some people:
- Create collage spreads based on mood
- Write reflections over layered pages
- Use journals as memory keepers
- Make themed spreads (vintage, botanical, dark academia, cozy)
You can glue items permanently or tuck them into pockets and envelopes. Junk journals can be written in, decorated, or simply flipped through.
Is Junk Journaling the Same as Scrapbooking?
Not exactly.
Scrapbooking usually focuses on preserving photos and memories in a structured layout. Junk journaling is more experimental and textural, often focused on feeling and aesthetic rather than documentation.
Think of junk journaling as a mix of:
- collage
- art journaling
- memory keeping
- creative mindfulness
Final Thoughts: Is Junk Journaling Worth Trying?
If you enjoy vintage aesthetics, paper collecting, or cozy creative hobbies, junk journaling is absolutely worth trying. It’s flexible, forgiving, and deeply personal — perfect for beginners and experienced creatives alike.
Starting with a mystery junk journal kit can make the process feel exciting instead of overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to begin.
