Free Junk Journal Printables: A Beginner’s Guide to Beautiful, Creative Journaling (with a Tea Party Twist!)
In a world of fast-paced scrolling and digital everything, there’s something delightfully refreshing about the art of junk journaling. It’s creative. It’s calming. And—best of all—it doesn’t require expensive supplies or fancy skills.
Whether you’re craving a new hobby, looking for a mindful way to unwind, or simply want to create something beautiful, junk journaling is for you.
And guess what? You don’t have to start from scratch. We’ve got you covered with gorgeous free junk journal printables to help you dive in—starting with our fan-favorite Pretty Tea Party Printable Craft Pack (more on that below!).
But first, let’s walk through everything you need to know to get started—beginner-friendly, cozy, and absolutely joy-filled.
What is a Junk Journal?
Let’s clear up a common question:
What exactly is a junk journal?
Despite the name, a junk journal isn’t made of trash (thankfully!). It’s a handmade book filled with mixed papers, notes, art, scraps, photos, and pretty much anything else that brings you joy. Think of it as a combination of:
- A scrapbook
- A diary
- An art journal
- A memory keeper
- A place to play and express yourself
Junk journals can be messy or minimalist, vintage or vibrant, guided or totally freestyle. There are no rules—just creativity.
Why Use Free Junk Journal Printables?
Sure, you could go digging through your drawers for scraps, old receipts, and leftover paper. But free printables give you a gorgeous, curated head start.
Here’s why they’re perfect:
✅ Beautiful + cohesive designs
✅ Instantly printable from home
✅ Perfect for beginners
✅ No need to shop for tons of supplies
✅ They make your journal feel complete, fast
Our Pretty Tea Party Pack (which you can grab for free below) includes printable pages, ephemera, envelopes, and stickers in soft florals and feminine pastels—perfect for your first spread.
What Do You Put in a Junk Journal?
There’s no wrong answer, but here are some favorites:
- Journal entries or quotes
- Photos or polaroids
- Tickets, tags, postcards, or receipts
- Dried flowers, leaves, or pressed paper
- Handmade pockets or envelopes
- Printable journaling cards + tags
- Stickers, washi tape, and stamps
- Little “secrets”—notes tucked into folds or hidden flaps
It’s like storytelling with paper.
Types of Junk Journals (Pick Your Style!)
Before you start printing and gluing, it helps to know what kind of junk journal you want to make.
🪻 1. Art Junk Journal
Use it to sketch, paint, collage, and express yourself visually.
📝 2. Writing Junk Journal
Combine lined printable pages with decorative elements for poems, stories, or daily thoughts.
📸 3. Memory Junk Journal
Add photos, journaling cards, and mementos to document a trip, a season, or a relationship.
🎁 4. Gift Junk Journal
Create a themed journal for a friend—like a tea party, book lover, or self-care journal.
🌸 5. Theme-Based Junk Journal
This is where printables really shine. Choose a theme (like our Pretty Tea Party!) and build around it.
How to Start a Junk Journal (Even if You’re a Total Beginner)
Starting is easier than you think! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose Your Base
You can use:
- A blank notebook
- Folded printer paper
- An old book with pages removed
- Binder rings with hole-punched pages
- Or get fancy and sew your own signatures (we’ll save that for later!)
Step 2: Print Your Free Junk Journal Printables
Start with a themed kit like our Pretty Tea Party Printable Pack which includes:
- Journaling pages
- Envelope + pocket templates
- Printable stickers
- Ephemera + tags
- Decorative elements
👉 Print on white cardstock or thick paper for best results.
Step 3: Cut + Prep Your Pieces
Use scissors, a paper trimmer, or a Cricut (if you’re fancy!) to cut out your printable elements. Pro tip: Ink the edges for a vintage look.
Step 4: Start Layering + Gluing
- Add a journaling page
- Tape in a pocket
- Tuck a tag inside
- Stick down a floral sticker
- Add some lace or washi tape
Don’t overthink it. Let your hands lead.
Step 5: Make It Personal
Write something. Add a photo. Scribble a memory. Or leave it blank and just enjoy the aesthetic. It’s your space.
Where to Find Free Junk Journal Printables
There are so many beautiful freebies out there! Here are a few favorites:
- Maker Beautiful – Get the Pretty Tea Party Starter Pack
- Creative Fabrica – Freebies & bundles
- Pinterest – Search “free junk journal printables”
- Digital crafting Facebook groups
- Public domain image sites like The Graphics Fairy
But for a truly cohesive and charming kit that’s beginner-friendly, our Pretty Tea Party Printable Pack is a perfect place to start.
Common Beginner Questions (Let’s Clear Them Up!)
Q: Do I need a Cricut to make a junk journal?
Nope! While Cricut can help with cutting stickers and pieces, scissors work just fine.
Q: What kind of paper should I print on?
For pages: 32 lb printer paper or light cardstock. For ephemera and tags: 65–110 lb cardstock.
Q: How do I bind my journal?
Start with binder rings or fold-and-staple signatures. You can level up to sewn journals later!
Q: What glue should I use?
A glue stick works for most printables. Double-sided tape or tacky glue is great for sturdier pages.
Q: Can I make money selling junk journals?
Yes! Handmade journals or printed kits are popular on Etsy. Just be sure to respect licensing rules for any graphics you use.
How Junk Journaling Helps With Stress & Self-Care
Let’s talk about something important—your mental health.
Junk journaling isn’t just a cute hobby. It’s also a form of self-care.
Studies show that creative activities like journaling and crafting:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Boost mood and focus
- Lower blood pressure
- Promote mindfulness and relaxation
And unlike traditional journaling, junk journaling gives you permission to be imperfect. To just play, cut, paste, and create something beautiful without pressure.
If you’re someone who struggles with overthinking, burnout, or emotional overwhelm, this practice can be incredibly grounding.
So go ahead—light a candle, put on a cozy playlist, and lose yourself in some gentle, joyful making.
Download Your Free Pretty Tea Party Junk Journal Pack
We saved the best part for last: your free printable junk journal kit 🎉
This sweet little bundle is designed for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. It’s tea-themed, floral, vintage-inspired, and full of gentle charm.
✨ Here’s what’s inside:
☕️ Vintage-style journaling pages
💐 Coordinated ephemera and cut-aparts
🎀 Tea party themed sticker sheet
🫖 A soft, feminine color palette to set the mood
Whether you want to make a full journal, a themed spread, or just enjoy some paper play, this kit is a perfect starting point.
👉 Click here to download your free Pretty Tea Party Pack
Print it today and craft your first junk journal page tonight.
Final Thoughts: Your Story is Worth Preserving
Here’s the thing—junk journaling isn’t really about paper. It’s about you.
It’s about slowing down. Finding joy in small things. Remembering your stories. Giving your creativity a safe place to land.
And with the right printable kit, it’s easier than ever to get started.
So take the leap. Download your Pretty Tea Party Pack, gather your supplies, and start something beautiful.
Because your stories? Your memories? Your messy, lovely life?
It’s all worth documenting.
