One of the best things about junk journaling is the absolute freedom it offers. There are no rules to limit your creativity, allowing you to include whatever inspires you, however you like. I love incorporating memories from the past and present, snapshots of everyday life, elements of nature, artwork, and writing in my journals. I’m excited to share multiple examples from my collection in the hopes of sparking inspiration in you. Here’s an overview from my YouTube channel:
Many of the basics are covered below:
1) Handwritten notes and drawings. This would include letters and notes received over the years. The snapshot above is a page from my now 26-year old son’s kindergarten journal. He is now a cat dad and I thought this page was perfect for the junk journal I made for our grandkitty.
2) Artwork made by you or others. In addition to using your junk journal to experiment with different art mediums and techniques, it’s a great place to keep works of art gifted to you by others.
3) Packaging. Perfume boxes sprayed with your favorite scent, product packaging, candy wrappers, and printed shopping bags can highlight things you like and places you shop.
4) Swatches. Things like tea tags, produce labels, washi tape, and nail polish make for colorful and unique collections on a page.
5) Ticket Stubs and Travel Brochures. Bits of ephemera from everyday adventures can mark favorite moments in time.
6) Song Lyrics. Print up the lyrics from a favorite song as inspiration for a junk journal page and write about memories and feelings evoked.
7) Cut & Paste Journal Prompts. These are available as a digital download in Etsy shop (80 Cut & Paste Journal Prompts) and work especially well as fillers.
- Other Memorabilia. Use inspiring images from magazines and your favorite mailing list catalogues to embellish pages, use swatches of fabric from old furniture covers or threadbare towels as journal tabs, save junk mail envelopes to use as tuck spots, and give costume jewelry new life in your junk journal. The possibilities are endless!
Junk journaling brings new life to items that would typically be discarded, making them beautiful and meaningful. The process is transformative not only because of what is included on the pages, but because we are also challenged to seek out beauty in less-than-stellar circumstances. I hope this inspires you to appreciate the often overlooked everyday treasures!
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