How to Start a Junk Journal: A Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Guide

 

✂️ How to Start a Junk Journal: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

Your Creative Escape Starts Here! 🌸📖

Have you ever wanted to make something beautifully messy, meaningful, and 100% you? That’s exactly what junk journaling is all about! Whether you're documenting memories, expressing emotions, or just having fun with paper scraps, junk journaling is the perfect creative outlet.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to start your own junk journal—even if you’ve never made one before.

Let’s dive in!

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🧡 What Is a Junk Journal?

A junk journal is a handmade book made with recycled, found, and decorative materials. It’s a place to write, collage, glue, draw, and store little pieces of your life.

Think of it as part scrapbook, part art journal, part diary—and totally unique to you.

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✨ What You’ll Need to Get Started

You don’t need expensive supplies to start. Grab these basics:

Essentials:

• Old book or notebook (or make your own with folded papers)

• Glue stick or double-sided tape

• Scissors

• Pen or markers

Fun Extras (optional):

• Scrap paper, envelopes, receipts, packaging, tickets

• Stickers, washi tape, lace, fabric

• Stamps or stencils

• Magazine cutouts or photos

Tip: Don’t worry about having everything—junk journaling is about using what you already have!

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🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Start Your First Junk Journal

Step 1: Choose or Create a Journal Base

Use a notebook, old book, or make one by folding cardstock or craft paper into a booklet. You can also bind pages using staples, sewing, or rings.

Step 2: Gather Your “Junk”

Look around your house—old receipts, tea bag tags, book pages, flyers, or wrapping paper can all be part of your journal. Think of what tells your story.

Step 3: Pick a Theme or Just Start

Some people love to follow a theme (like “travel,” “self-care,” or “seasons”). Others freestyle it. There's no wrong way—just follow your vibe.

Step 4: Create Your First Page

Start simple:

• Glue a few background papers.

• Add a picture, sticker, or tag.

• Write a small note, memory, or quote.
  Let it be imperfect and real.

Step 5: Add Layers & Texture

Use washi tape, lace, buttons, dried flowers—whatever brings joy! This is where your personality shines.

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🌍 Want to Take It Further?

Ready to connect with others?

Try a Junk Journal Swap!
Join creative groups online and swap supplies or pages with people around the world. It’s a great way to collect inspiration and make crafty friends.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Junk journaling is more than just crafting—it’s creative therapy. It’s self-care with scissors and glue. Your journal doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be you.

So take a deep breath, trust your hands, and start.