Junk Journaling for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started
Introduction: What Is a Junk Journal?
If you've been scrolling through creative social media lately, you've likely encountered the colorful, textured world of junk journaling. But what exactly is this craft that's captured the imagination of makers worldwide?
A junk journal is a handmade book created from found, recycled, and repurposed materials – everything from vintage book pages and ticket stubs to fabric scraps and packaging. Unlike traditional scrapbooks or art journals that often use new, store-bought supplies, junk journals celebrate the beauty in items that might otherwise be discarded.
These tactile treasures serve many purposes: memory keeping, creative expression, mindfulness practice, and even as functional planners or diaries. The beauty lies in their imperfection and the stories woven through their pages.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create your first junk journal, from gathering supplies to binding techniques and decorating your pages. By the end, you'll have the knowledge to start your own unique journal that reflects your personal style and creative vision.
Why Start Junk Journaling?
Before diving into the how-to, let's explore why junk journaling has gained such a devoted following:
Sustainability: In our consumption-heavy world, junk journaling offers a creative way to reuse materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Accessibility: Unlike many crafts that require significant investment in supplies, junk journaling can be started with items you already have at home.
Therapeutic Benefits: The process of creating without pressure for perfection can be deeply meditative and stress-relieving.
Community: Junk journaling has a vibrant, supportive online community where beginners and experts alike share ideas and inspiration.
Self-Expression: Each journal becomes a unique reflection of its creator, combining elements that resonate personally.
Essential Supplies for Your First Junk Journal
While the beauty of junk journaling is that it requires minimal new purchases, there are a few tools that will make your journey easier:
Basic Tools:
Scissors: A good pair of sharp scissors is invaluable for cutting paper and other materials.
Craft knife and cutting mat: For more precise cuts and trimming.
Ruler: Metal rulers work best as they won't get nicked by cutting tools.
Adhesives: A variety is helpful – white glue, glue sticks, double-sided tape, and a glue gun.
Hole punch: Useful for binding and creating decorative elements.
Awl or large needle: For creating holes in thicker materials.
Binding materials: String, twine, ribbon, embroidery floss, or book binding thread.
Paper and Base Materials:
Cover material: Cardboard from cereal boxes, old book covers, or heavyweight decorative paper.
Interior pages: This is where the "junk" comes in! Gather a variety of papers such as:
Old book pages
Magazine pages
Maps
Sheet music
Patterned paper
Vintage ephemera (letters, postcards, receipts)
Kraft paper
Envelopes
Graph paper
Notebook pages
Brown paper bags
Tissue paper
Tea-stained paper
Decorative Elements:
Washi tape: Decorative adhesive tape in various patterns.
Stamps and ink pads: For adding images and texture.
Stickers: Vintage or themed stickers add interest.
Tags and labels: Can be used as journaling spots or decorative elements.
Fabric scraps and ribbon: Add texture and can be used for closures.
Pressed flowers or leaves: Natural elements add an organic touch.
Old greeting cards: Cut up for decorative elements.
Photos: Personal photos personalize your journal.
Paper clips, brads, and eyelets: For attachments and embellishments.
Pro tip: Start a "collection box" where you gather interesting papers, ticket stubs, packaging, and other items you come across in daily life. This becomes your personal supply stash!
Step 1: Planning Your Junk Journal
Before cutting or gluing anything, take some time to consider the purpose and structure of your journal:
Purpose
Ask yourself: What will this journal be used for?
A memory keeper for a specific event or trip
A creative playground with no specific theme
A functional planner or diary
A collection of inspiration
A gift for someone special
Your journal's purpose will influence its size, structure, and the materials you choose.
Theme
While not necessary, a theme can help guide your material selection and decoration choices. Popular themes include:
Vintage/antique
Nature/botanical
Travel
Seasonal (autumn, winter, etc.)
Literary
Steampunk
Celestial
Size and Structure
Common junk journal sizes include:
Standard (5.5" x 8.5")
Travelers notebook size (4.5" x 8.25")
Pocket size (3.5" x 5.5")
Mini (2.5" x 4")
Consider how you'll use the journal when choosing a size. Smaller journals are more portable but provide less space for elaborate layouts.
Step 2: Creating Your Journal Base
Once you've gathered materials and decided on your journal's purpose and size, it's time to create the structure:
Cover Creation
Select cover material: This should be sturdier than your interior pages. Old book covers, cardboard, or heavyweight decorative paper work well.
Measure and cut: Cut two pieces (front and back cover) slightly larger than your intended page size. For example, if your pages will be 5" x 7", cut covers at 5.25" x 7.25".
Create a spine: Measure the thickness of your page stack and cut a spine piece from the same material as your covers. If your stack is 1" thick, cut a spine piece that's 1" x 7.25" (using our example dimensions).
Connect the pieces: Leave a small gap (approximately 1/8") between the covers and spine to allow for flexibility. You can connect them using:
Fabric tape
Decorative paper strips
Book binding tape
Decorate: This is where your personality shines! You might:
Cover with decorative paper
Add fabric overlay
Paint or ink the edges
Collage images and ephemera
Add metal corners for durability and style
Create a title or design element
Preparing Pages
Sort your papers: Group similar sizes together.
Trim to size: Cut your collected papers to the desired page size, leaving some variety in dimensions for visual interest. Having some pages shorter or narrower than others creates a lovely layered effect.
Create signatures: A signature is a group of folded pages. Fold your papers in half and group them into signatures of 4-6 sheets each.
Add pockets and tuck spots: Before binding, consider creating pockets by:
Folding up the bottom of some pages and gluing the sides
Attaching envelopes to pages
Creating diagonal corner pockets
Step 3: Binding Your Journal
There are several binding methods for junk journals. Here are the most popular:
1. Pamphlet Stitch (Simplest for Beginners)
This works well for thinner journals with just one signature:
Open your signature to the center fold.
Mark 3-5 evenly spaced points along the fold.
Use an awl or large needle to punch holes at these marks.
Thread a needle with waxed thread, embroidery floss, or sturdy string.
Starting from the outside at the center hole, sew in and out through each hole.
Tie off at your starting point with a secure knot.
2. Three-Hole Binding
For a single signature with a more finished look:
Mark three holes along the fold of your signature – one in the center and the others about 1" from each end.
Punch holes through both the signature and the spine.
Thread a needle with approximately 3 times the length of your spine.
Starting at the center hole from the outside, go in and then out through one end hole.
Go back in through the same end hole and out through the opposite end hole.
Go back in through that hole and out through the center hole.
Tie off at the center with a secure knot.
3. Coptic Stitch (For Multiple Signatures)
This creates a journal that lies flat when open:
Create multiple signatures of folded pages.
Punch 4-6 evenly spaced holes along the fold of each signature.
Punch matching holes in your spine.
Use a kettle stitch to attach each signature, creating chains between signatures.
Note: Coptic stitching is more advanced – consider watching tutorial videos for this technique!
4. Ring Binding
For maximum flexibility:
Punch holes along one edge of all pages and covers.
Use book rings, binder rings, or a hole-punched ribbon to connect all pages.
5. String and Button Closure
To keep your journal closed:
Attach string, elastic, or ribbon to the back cover.
Wrap around the journal to the front.
Secure with a button, bead, or knot through a hole or loop on the front cover.
Step 4: Decorating Your Pages
Now for the truly creative part! Here are techniques to make your pages unique:
Background Techniques
Tea or coffee staining: Brew strong tea or coffee, brush onto pages, and let dry for an aged look.
Ink sprays: Create colorful backgrounds with diluted ink sprays.
Gesso: Apply a thin layer of gesso to strengthen pages and provide a base for other mediums.
Distressing: Gently tear edges, crumple paper, or lightly sand surfaces for a vintage feel.
Adding Texture and Interest
Layering: Overlap different papers, fabrics, and ephemera.
Stamping: Use stamps with ink pads to add patterns and images.
Stenciling: Create repetitive designs with stencils and ink or paint.
Embossing: Add raised patterns using embossing folders or heat embossing.
Stitching: Hand stitch designs or attach elements with decorative stitches.
Creating Interactive Elements
Tuck spots: Areas where you can slide in additional tags or journaling cards.
Flip-outs: Pages that extend beyond the journal's edge when unfolded.
Pockets: Perfect for storing memorabilia or extra writing space.
Envelopes: Glue down all but one side to create a place for secrets or keepsakes.
Pull-tabs: Add tabs that reveal hidden messages when pulled.
Writing and Journaling Spaces
Journaling blocks: Create designated areas for writing using contrasting paper.
Tags: Attach tags with string for additional writing space.
Hidden journaling: Create fold-out sections for private thoughts.
Prompts: Include questions or prompts to inspire future entries.
Step 5: Filling Your Journal
A junk journal truly comes to life when you begin using it. Here are ideas for filling your creation:
Memory keeping: Ticket stubs, photos, pressed flowers from special events.
Quotes and poetry: Favorite words that inspire you.
Sketches and doodles: Quick drawings or more detailed artwork.
Lists: Books to read, places to visit, gratitude lists.
Dreams and goals: Vision boarding with images and words.
Reflections: Daily or weekly thoughts about your experiences.
Creative writing: Stories, poems, or stream-of-consciousness writing.
Collage: Create visual stories with collected images.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced junk journalers encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common problems:
Warped pages: Place your journal under heavy books overnight to flatten.
Ripped pages: Embrace the imperfection or repair with decorative washi tape.
Pages sticking together: Insert waxed paper between pages until completely dry.
Weak binding: Reinforce with additional stitching or decorative tape.
Overwhelm: Start small with just a few materials and techniques, adding more as you gain confidence.
Taking Your Junk Journaling Further
As you become more comfortable with basic techniques, consider these ways to expand your practice:
Mixed media exploration: Incorporate paints, inks, and other art supplies.
Digital elements: Print digital designs to include alongside physical ephemera.
Specialized junk journals: Create themed journals for specific purposes (recipe collection, travel documentation, dream recording).
Junk journal swaps: Join online communities where creators exchange pages or completed journals.
Teaching others: Share your knowledge through workshops or online tutorials.
Conclusion
Junk journaling offers a perfect balance of structure and creative freedom, allowing you to express yourself while creating something beautiful and functional from materials that might otherwise be discarded. The most important thing to remember is that there are no rules – your journal should reflect your personal aesthetic and serve your unique purpose.
As you begin this creative journey, embrace imperfection and enjoy the process. Each page is an opportunity to play, experiment, and create something that is uniquely yours. Happy journaling!
