Junk Journaling in 2025: How to Start Your First One and Make It Totally Amazing!

Junk journaling has taken the creative world by storm—and 2025 is the perfect time to dive in! Whether you're a memory keeper, a mixed media artist, or someone who just loves pretty paper, a junk journal is a beautiful way to document your life, thoughts, and dreams. And the best part? There are no rules. Your junk journal is entirely *you*.

Be sure to check out the free printable junk journal page and video below!

🕰️ Examples of Mixing Old with New

One of the most magical aspects of junk journaling is the combination of vintage and modern. Think old book pages, antique lace, or sepia-toned photos paired with crisp washi tape, fresh stickers, and inspirational quotes. The image above shows a lovely mix of modern florals, autumn pumpkins, and handwritten notes with a rustic tag that says “a heart full of gratitude.” It’s proof that mixing eras and aesthetics brings depth and richness to your pages.

 ✂️ Crafting Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather some favorite supplies. Here's a quick starter list:

* Scissors or craft knife

* Glue stick or double-sided tape

* Paper trimmer (optional but helpful)

* Old book pages, envelopes, doilies

* Scrapbook paper or printable ephemera

* Tags, stickers, washi tape

* Pens, markers, and stamps

 📒 Start with a Base

You can build your junk journal from scratch or use a pre-made notebook. Some options include:

* A composition notebook

* A traveler’s notebook insert

* An old hardcover book (gut the pages and reuse the cover)

* Loose pages to bind later

 🧺 Gather Materials

This is the fun part! Raid your drawers, thrift shops, or craft bins for:

* Ticket stubs

* Junk mail with interesting patterns

* Vintage postcards

* Magazine clippings

* Lace, fabric scraps, and ribbon

* Dried flowers or leaves

 📄 Prepare the Pages

Use a mix of page types to make your journal visually interesting. Think:

* Blank pages for writing

* Patterned scrapbook paper

* Coffee- or tea-dyed paper for a vintage look

* Transparent vellum sheets

* Envelopes and pockets for tuck spots

Layering is key. Collage elements, add paint splashes, and don’t be afraid to glue in odd-shaped paper or tip-ins.

📚 Choose a Binding System

You can bind your journal in a few different ways:

* **Staple binding** – great for small journals

* **Ring binding** – flexible and easy to rearrange

* **Sewn binding** – gives a handmade, vintage feel

* **Elastic binding** – for traveler’s notebook-style books

Pick what feels most manageable to you and suits your journal’s theme.

 🎨 Decorate with Joy

Decorate freely—this is where your style shines. Add tags like the “Love is worth fighting for” or “Share Stories” seen in the image. Use stamps, stickers, journaling cards, or hand-drawn doodles. Add texture with fabric, lace, or dried elements.

 💌 Add Personal Touches

Your journal is more than a craft—it’s a reflection of your story. Include:

* Favorite quotes

* Handwritten letters

* Daily thoughts

* Photographs

* Doodles or sketches

These small additions bring authenticity and emotion to your pages.

✅ Use It!

Now that your journal is prepped—*use it*! Write in it. Glue in receipts from your day. Sketch what you see from your window. This is a living document, not a perfect display piece. Let it evolve.

🌟 Tips for Success

* Don’t wait for perfect—start with what you have.

* Use washi or clips to secure items temporarily before committing.

* Don’t worry about mistakes; they add charm.

* Create “theme pages” like seasonal spreads or gratitude entries.

* Join junk journal communities for inspiration and encouragement!

Starting a junk journal in 2025 is more than a trend—it’s a way to pause, reflect, and preserve life creatively. So gather your scraps, start your first page, and let your imagination lead the way.

Here's a nice printable page for your new junk journal!

 

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