What is Junk Journaling?

 

Junk Journaling for Beginners

Start Creating with What You Have!

So, you’ve stumbled across junk journaling and thought, “That looks fun, but where do I even start?” Maybe you’ve seen beautifully layered pages online and felt overwhelmed. Don’t worry—you’re in the right place!

Junk journaling is all about creativity, not perfection. The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies or expensive materials. You can start with what you already have!

What is a Junk Journal?

A junk journal is a handmade book filled with papers, scraps, and odds and ends you love. Think old book pages, receipts, envelopes, magazine clippings, or that pretty tissue paper you almost threw away. It’s a mix of journaling, scrapbooking, and creative chaos.

People call them all sorts of names, including:

• Junk Journals – because they’re made from repurposed materials.
• Glue Books – if you love sticking things down without much writing.
• Art Journals – for those who mix in paint, stamps, and doodles.
• Smash Books – if you like a messy, anything-goes style.
• Creative Journals – because, well, they’re all about creativity!

No matter what you call them, they all serve the same purpose—creative expression!

Why Start Junk Journaling?

• No rules! You create however you want.
• Eco-friendly. It’s a great way to repurpose paper and materials.
• Stress relief. Playing with paper, glue, and colors is therapeutic.
• Creative outlet. No artistic skills required—just a willingness to experiment!

How to Start Your First Junk Journal

1. Gather supplies. Look around your house! Grab paper bags, old cards, wrapping paper, receipts, or anything with an interesting texture or pattern.
2. Choose a base. A notebook, an old book, or even folded cardstock can be your journal base.
3. Start layering. Glue down scraps, add pockets, washi tape, or doodles. There’s no wrong way to do it!
4. Write, stamp, or decorate. Use it as a diary, an art journal, or just a place to collect fun things.

Need Help Getting Started?

Feeling a little stuck? I’ve got you covered! Check out my YouTube tutorials where I break down junk journaling step by step, making it easy and fun. I also have a shop filled with handpicked supplies to make your junk journaling journey even more exciting—because who doesn’t love a little happy mail? 🎉

Remember: It’s About the Process, Not Perfection

If you’re overthinking your pages, take a deep breath. Junk journaling is about experimenting and having fun. Your first pages might look messy, but that’s part of the charm!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some paper scraps, check out my tutorials, and start creating!

This Month's Project: Fashion-Inspired

 

This month's project theme is fashion, and as an 80's kid, I couldn't be more excited to dive into this one! Yes, I rocked the fluorescent colors, had that wild over-permed hair, and even sported some neon leg warmers (don't judge me—it was the thing). Fashion has always been a huge part of my life, from the bold trends of my youth to the creative fashion influences that inspire me today.

Now, I’m bringing that love of fashion into the world of papercrafts, and I want YOU to join me! Whether you're a fashionista at heart or just looking for something new and fun to try, this month's project will have you crafting stylish creations with paper. (Come on over - new tutorials throughout the month)

What You’ll Learn
We’ll be crafting fashion-inspired papercrafts that bring a little runway magic to your DIY world. From paper clothing embellishments to stylish journal pages, you'll learn fun new techniques that can be used for scrapbooking, journaling, or card making!

How to Make It
I’ll guide you step-by-step through the tutorials, using supplies you probably already have. Expect plenty of color, texture, and layers to bring your creations to life—no limits on creativity here!

Why You Should Join
This is the perfect chance to mix your love of fashion and papercrafting. It’s all about having fun, being creative, and flaunting your work. I can’t wait to see what you create! Join us on Facebook to and chat with our community!