Essential Supplies for Junk Journaling: A Beginner’s Guide

Junk journaling is a creative and relaxing way to combine paper crafting, scrapbooking, and storytelling. One of the best parts of junk journaling is that you can use both everyday materials and beautiful decorative elements to build unique pages.

If you are new to junk journaling, it can be difficult to know what supplies you actually need to get started. The good news is that you do not need a large collection of tools to begin creating.

This guide will walk you through the essential junk journaling supplies, along with a few optional items that can help elevate your pages.

Essential Supplies for Junk Journaling: A Beginner’s Guide

These are the core materials most junk journalers use regularly.

Paper

Paper is the foundation of every junk journal.

Common types of paper used include:

• Vintage book pages

• Scrapbook paper

• Printable junk journal pages

• Tea-stained or coffee-dyed paper

• Kraft paper

• Ledger paper

• Stationery or writing paper

Many crafters enjoy using printable junk journal kits because they provide coordinated pages, backgrounds, and decorative elements that make it easy to create cohesive layouts.

Scissors and Paper Trimmer

You will need tools for cutting paper and shaping your elements.

Most junk journalers use:

• Craft scissors

• Detail scissors for fussy cutting

• Paper trimmer for straight cuts

A paper trimmer is optional but helpful if you plan to print and cut digital journal pages.

Glue and Adhesives

Adhesives are essential for assembling journal pages and attaching decorative elements.

Common options include:

• Glue sticks

• Liquid craft glue

• Double-sided tape

• Glue tape runners

Liquid glue is often preferred because it allows a little movement before it fully dries.

A Journal Base

Your junk journal needs a base structure to hold all of your pages.

This could be:

• A handmade journal

• A repurposed book

• A notebook

• A printable junk journal kit

Many beginners enjoy starting with printable kits because the pages are already designed and ready to assemble.

Decorative Elements (Ephemera)

Ephemera adds personality and storytelling to junk journal pages.

Popular ephemera pieces include:

• Vintage labels

• Tags and tickets

• Postcards

• Botanical illustrations

• Stamps

• Polaroid-style photos

• Receipts and ledgers

• Word labels or phrases

Printable ephemera sheets make it easy to build a large collection of decorative elements without needing to hunt for vintage materials.

Writing Tools

Junk journals often include notes, journaling, quotes, or memories.

Some useful writing tools include:

• Gel pens

• Fine liner pens

• Fountain pens

• Brush pens

• Pencils

Many journalers enjoy mixing handwriting styles to add visual interest to their pages.

Optional Tools That Can Elevate Your Journals

These tools are not required, but can add beautiful details to your projects.

Distressing Ink

Distressing ink is commonly used to create a vintage or aged effect around paper edges.

It works especially well with:

• Tags

• Labels

• Torn paper layers

• Ephemera pieces

Paper Punches

Paper punches allow you to create decorative shapes quickly.

Common punches include:

• Circle punches

• Tag punches

• Corner punches

Decorative Stamps

Rubber stamps or clear stamps can add texture and layering to your journal pages.

Popular stamp styles include:

• Script writing

• Botanical illustrations

• Vintage postal marks

• Decorative borders

Washi Tape

Washi tape is a decorative paper tape that can be used for:

• Page borders

• Attaching ephemera

• Adding color or patterns

• Reinforcing page edges

  
  

Why Printable Junk Journal Kits Are Helpful

Many junk journalers enjoy using digital printable kits because they provide coordinated designs and ready-to-cut elements.

Printable kits often include:

• Decorative journal pages

• Tags and tickets

• Labels and stamps

• Ephemera sheets

• Background papers

These kits make it easy to create cohesive pages without needing a large collection of vintage materials.

Final Thoughts

One of the most enjoyable aspects of junk journaling is that there are no strict rules. You can start with just a few basic supplies and gradually expand your collection as your creativity grows.

Whether you prefer vintage papers, botanical illustrations, or printable ephemera, junk journaling allows you to combine materials in a way that reflects your personal style.

The most important thing is simply to begin creating and enjoy the process.

For your convenience, I’ve created a printable version of this supply list that you can download and keep with your crafting materials. Click the link below to download your free supply list: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1l1PwOYi782F-AAVG0OP30O8Pzd9ZAJuk

Explore Printable Junk Journal Kits

If you enjoy working with coordinated pages, tags, and ephemera, you may enjoy exploring the printable junk journal kits available in my shop.

Browse the collection here:

https://www.rusticwildrose.com/category/all-products

Join the Creative Community

If you enjoy junk journaling and paper crafts, you can join my email list to receive creative inspiration, new product releases, and occasional freebies designed for junk journaling.

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