✨ Getting Started with Junk Journals: A Beautiful Escape into Creativity, Calm, and Self-Expression
In a world that moves way too fast, sometimes the best thing you can do is slow down and make something just for you. That’s where junk journals come in — a cozy, creative outlet that blends memory keeping, scrapbooking, and soul-soothing craft therapy all in one.
Whether you’re here to de-stress, get inspired, or just use up your very cute paper scraps, this guide will walk you through the what, why, and how of junk journaling — and why it might just become your favorite new creative ritual.
📝 What Is a Junk Journal, Anyway?
Despite the name, junk journals are anything but junky.
A junk journal is a handmade book made up of mixed papers and embellishments — think scrapbook paper, book pages, envelopes, stickers, fabric scraps, receipts, postcards, tags, lace, and literally anything you have lying around. The magic? There are no rules. It’s your space to create freely.
They can be neat and tidy, wild and layered, vintage, modern, pastel, moody — anything your heart dreams up. You’re not just journaling — you’re building a visual sanctuary.
✂️ How to Create Your First Junk Journal
Don’t overthink it. Junk journals are meant to be imperfect and beautiful — kind of like life.
1. Pick Your Base
You can:
- Fold printer paper and staple it into a booklet
- Use an old book and glue or stitch over the pages
- Grab a traveler’s notebook or journal cover
- Or go full DIY with cardstock, rings, or even fabric binding
2. Gather Your Junk (a.k.a. Treasures)
Start collecting:
- Paper scraps
- Old greeting cards
- Magazine clippings
- Wrapping paper
- Fabric bits
- Tags, tickets, receipts
- Vintage ephemera
- Die cuts and Cricut embellishments (hello, Maker Beautiful 😉)
3. Assemble & Embellish
Layer. Glue. Staple. Sew. Decorate.
Add pockets, flaps, hidden notes, washi tape, stickers — it’s all fair game. Include handwritten notes, doodles, poems, or even paint if you’re feeling artsy.
4. Make It Yours
This is your safe space. You can:
- Theme it (seasonal, vintage, floral, celestial, etc.)
- Use it as a gratitude journal
- Record memories or dreams
- Write affirmations
- Document your days or prayers
💖 How Junk Journals Help with Anxiety, Stress & Self-Expression
This isn’t just a craft — it’s a tool for your mental health and emotional wellness.
Here’s how junk journaling can support you:
🧠 Relieves Anxiety
The repetitive motions of cutting, gluing, and arranging calm the nervous system. It’s like meditation — but with glitter.
❤️ Encourages Emotional Release
Don’t want to talk about it? Journal it. The act of writing, tearing, layering, and expressing can be incredibly cathartic.
🎨 Boosts Creativity
You don’t need to be an artist — just willing to play. Junk journaling breaks perfectionism’s grip and lets you experiment freely.
🌼 Increases Joy & Presence
When you’re in the zone creating, you’re here. Not stressing about tomorrow. Not rehashing yesterday. Just here — making something beautiful from bits and pieces.
🌟 Junk Journal Prompts to Get You Started
Feeling stuck? Try:
- “Today, I felt…”
- “What I’m grateful for”
- “My favorite childhood memory”
- Collage a dream you’re working toward
- Create a spread inspired by a favorite quote
🎁 Bonus: Why It’s Totally OK to Be Addicted to Pretty Paper
Once you start junk journaling, you may notice yourself saving tags from new clothes, tearing pages from magazines with extra joy, and feeling personally attacked by how cute that washi tape is. Don’t fight it. Embrace the obsession. You’re in great company.
Want a free starter pack of printable goodies + Cricut embellishments to jumpstart your first junk journal?
✨ [Grab Your Freebie Here!] ✨
