What is Junk Journaling? A Creative Outlet for Storytelling & Art
- Rose - Rustic Wild Rose
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
In today’s digital world, where so much of life is captured on screens, junk journaling offers something refreshingly tangible. A junk journal is a creative space to preserve your stories, express your imagination, and make something truly unique. But what exactly is a junk journal, and why are so many people falling in love with this craft? Let’s explore.
What is a Junk Journal? (It’s Anything but “Junk”)
Despite the name, a junk journal isn’t about tossing random scraps together. Instead, it’s an artistically handmade book created from both new and found materials. Think vintage sheet music, postcards, patterned papers, maps, envelopes, fabric swatches, and other ephemera. These elements are often combined with stamps, stickers, die cuts, and decorative paper to build pages that tell a story, capture a mood, or record a memory.
Why People Love Junk Journaling
Junk journaling blends art, memory keeping, and mixed media crafting. Each page can serve a different purpose:
Memory Keeping – Document special occasions, travels, or everyday life.
Artistic Expression – Experiment with textures, colors, and layouts.
Mindful Creativity – Relax, unwind, and enjoy the process without rules.
Unlike traditional scrapbooking, junk journaling is wonderfully imperfect. There’s no “right” way to do it — your journal can be as minimal or as elaborate as you like.
The Building Blocks of a Junk Journal
A typical junk journal might include:
Decorated Pages – Collages of papers, textures, and imagery.
Pockets and Envelopes – For photos, letters, or little treasures.
Tags and Cards – Perfect for jotting down thoughts or quotes.
Fabric and Ribbons – To add tactile charm and vintage flair.
Some crafters make journals entirely from scratch, while others use pre-made or printable kits to get started quickly.
Printable Junk Journal Kits: Digital Meets Handmade
In recent years, printable junk journal kits have become a favorite tool for crafters. These kits provide ready-to-print pages, embellishments, and ephemera in cohesive themes — from vintage florals to whimsical travel. Once printed, you can mix them with your own papers and trinkets, making the creative possibilities endless.
👉 Browse our Junk Journal Pages, Folio Kits, or Ephemera Kits to see how easy it is to start.
Why You Should Try Junk Journaling
Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a complete beginner, junk journaling offers:
Creative Freedom – No templates or strict layouts to follow.
Sustainable Crafting – Give new life to scraps and forgotten treasures.
A Personal Keepsake – Every finished journal is one-of-a-kind.
The best part? There are no mistakes — only happy accidents that add to the character of your pages.
How to Start Junk Journaling (Beginner Tips)
If you’re new to the craft, here’s a simple way to get started:
Pick a theme – Seasonal (autumn, Christmas), floral, or travel are perfect beginner themes.
Print your pages – Use 300 DPI files for best results.
Assemble your journal – Fold pages, sew or glue into a cover, and start layering.
Add ephemera – Tags, labels, and hidden paperclips bring your pages to life.
Make it your own – Write, collage, or simply collect beautiful pieces.
Junk journaling is more than a craft — it’s a way to capture memories, explore creativity, and make something truly your own. Whether you’re layering vintage papers, adding tags and labels, or filling pages with stories, every junk journal becomes a keepsake worth cherishing.
Ready to Begin? Freebie + Shop Our Kits
Feeling inspired to create your first junk journal? Explore our Printable Junk Journal Kits — from vintage charm to whimsical botanicals, each design is crafted to spark your imagination. https://www.rusticwildrose.com/category/all-products
🎁 Don’t forget to grab your FREE Basics Junk Journal Guide:
— the perfect way to start junk journaling today!
💌 Want more inspiration? Join the Rustic Wild Rose mailing list for tutorials, freebies, and special discounts — delivered straight to your inbox.
$50
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$50
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