Junk Journaling
What junk journaling is (in plain English)
Junk journaling is a relaxed, creative style of journaling where you build pages using a mix of papers, pockets, tags, ephemera, stamps, rub-ons, and mixed media. It’s often described as part journal, part scrapbook, part art book — and it can be as tidy or as “beautifully messy” as you like.
Unlike traditional journaling where the focus is mostly writing, junk journals are about layers, texture, and storytelling. Some pages might include a few lines of writing, while others are purely visual — filled with vintage-style pieces, collage elements, and interactive flips, folds, and tuck spots.
Why people junk journal
People love junk journaling because it’s creative, calming, and very personal. It’s a brilliant craft for:
- Switching off and relaxing (collage and layering is wonderfully mindful)
- Using up scraps of paper, offcuts, and leftover embellishments
- Capturing memories in a more artistic, less “structured” way than scrapbooking
- Exploring themes (vintage, botanical, travel, seasonal, grunge, shabby chic, etc.)
- Making something interactive with pockets, tags, hidden journaling spots, and flip-outs
It’s also a craft that grows with you. Beginners can start with simple layers and a few embellishments, and as confidence builds you can add more techniques like stamping, ink blending, distressing edges, and mixed media effects.
How junk journaling works (the simple process)
Most junk journal pages follow a simple flow:
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Choose your journal style or theme
Vintage, floral, grungy, seasonal, travel, book pages — anything goes. -
Create a base page
Start with paper, cardstock, or patterned paper (and don’t worry about perfection). -
Build layers
Add torn paper edges, collage pieces, frames, and background stamping. -
Add interactive elements
Pockets, belly bands, tuck spots, flips, tags, and journaling cards. -
Add details and texture
Ephemera, rub-ons, stickers, die-cuts, stamping, splatters, inks, mica, paste. -
Finish with journaling (optional)
Quotes, lists, memories, gratitude, or hidden journaling behind a flap.
What you typically use for junk journaling (and why it matters)
A great junk journaling kit usually includes:
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Off the shelf Junk Journal kits
If you need inspiration junk journal kits are a great start, filled with theme-inspired papers, ephemera, pockets, and embellishments.
https://www.craftywafty.co.uk/collections/junk-journal -
Ephemera, tags, frames, stickers, die-cuts & rub-ons
These are the “story pieces” that make pages feel collected and curated — perfect for layering, focal points, and finishing touches.
https://www.craftywafty.co.uk/collections/embellishment -
Stamps & stencils (backgrounds, text, patterns)
Ideal for adding subtle texture, vintage text, patterns, borders, and repeated motifs across your pages.
https://www.craftywafty.co.uk/collections/stamps -
Inks, mica, paints, paste, pens & tinting powders
Great for distressing edges, ink blending, adding shimmer, creating grungy layers, and making your pages feel more “art journal” when you want that look.
https://www.craftywafty.co.uk/collections/mixed-media -
Adhesives (tapes, glues, foam pads)
Essential for building strong pockets and tuck spots, and for adding dimension to layered clusters.
https://www.craftywafty.co.uk/collections/glues-adhesives -
Dies (labels, tabs, pockets, decorative edges)
Perfect for making repeatable shapes like tabs, labels, frames, pockets, and decorative edges — especially helpful when you want a cohesive look across a whole journal.
https://www.craftywafty.co.uk/collections/dies
The benefits (beyond “making something pretty”)
Junk journaling is more than just decorating pages:
- It’s mindful and calming — a gentle way to slow down and create
- It’s forgiving — torn edges, layers, and texture mean “perfect” isn’t the goal
- It’s personal — every page reflects your style, mood, and story
- It’s creative skill-building — you naturally learn layering, composition, stamping, and mixed media techniques
- It’s a keepsake — your finished journal becomes something you’ll love looking back through
Whether you’re creating a vintage-style journal, a themed seasonal book, or a daily creative journal, you’ll find plenty of inspiration (and supplies!) at Craftywafty.
Projects:
If you would like to create your own junk journal, scrapbook pages or albums you can download project instructions at Craftywafty and watch our YouTube tutorial videos. Just follow the link to our project downloads, select your project, instantly download the instructions and start preparing your project.