Junk Journaling: Turning Scraps and Chaos into Art

Junk journaling is the rebellious cousin of traditional journaling. It’s messy, experimental, and full of surprises.

What is a Junk Journal?

A junk journal is a handmade book filled with scraps, textures, and layers. Instead of writing in neat lines, you collage, tape, glue, and stitch your way through thoughts and memories.

How to Make a Junk Journal

• Start with a Base – Use an old book, a sketchpad, or bind random papers together.
• Gather Scraps – Anything is fair game:
  1. Vintage receipts
  2. Wrapping paper
  3. Ticket stubs
  4. Old book pages
  5. Newspaper clippings
• Layer and Play – Glue down random elements and write over them, paint on them, or leave them as-is.

Junk Journal Prompts

• “Cut & Paste a Mood” – Create a collage that represents your current mood, then write about it.
• “Story from Scraps” – Pick five random paper scraps and turn them into a visual story.
• “Texture Challenge” – Use fabric, lace, or sandpaper in your journal and describe how it feels.

Junk journaling is about breaking the rules and making something uniquely yours.