What is a Junk Journal? Meaning, Uses & Styles Explained

If you’ve ever wondered what a junk journal is or why people love them so much, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re new to junk journaling or just a little curious, I’ll tell you all about this craft, what makes it so special, and how it’s different from scrapbooking, art journaling, and other book crafts.

I wrote this post because so many people come across junk journaling and think, this looks amazing, but wonder what exactly am I looking at? If that’s you, you’re not alone. Junk journaling might be new to you, but after reading this post, you’ll know the ins and outs of this wonderful craft.

Let’s be honest: the word junk can seem a little off-putting. I get it. But when it comes to junk journaling, “junk” doesn’t mean trash or garbage – quite the opposite! It means to repurpose and treasure everyday items and paper scraps into something pretty and meaningful.

So, What Is a Junk Journal?

You won’t find the definition of “junk journal” in a dictionary. It means different things to different crafters, and all interpretations are valid. That being said, I would describe junk journals like this:

A junk journal is a handmade book created from a mix of new, old, found, and recycled materials. Crafters use junk journals to write, collage, sketch, memory-keep, pray, plan, and express their thoughts, feelings, and inspirations.

Junk journaling can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Some people fill their journals with daily reflections and gratitude entries. Others create layered, vintage-style pages decorated with lace and fabric, tags, and cute little charms. Many do both – there aren’t set rules!

It all started with people turning “junk” mail, old book pages, and paper scraps into journals and booklets. Over time, this humble paper craft turned into a full-blown art form with thriving online communities, stunning printable kits (like the ones in my Free Resource Library and Etsy shop), and endless junk journal ideas.

If you want the full story, check out my article about the history of junk journaling, too.

Wait… Why Is It Called a “Junk” Journal?

Here’s the funny thing: most junk journals are anything but junky. The term comes from the idea of using seemingly useless throwaway items – old receipts, packaging, vintage scraps, music sheets, envelopes, things that might otherwise end up in the recycling bin.

But when you take those items and put them into a handmade book and give them meaning, they’re not junk anymore. They’re part of your story. And that’s the magic.

I believe that a junk journal celebrates the imperfect, the mismatched, and the meaningful. It’s crafting with what you have, not what you “should” have. The perfect opportunity to use up old supplies and paper scraps you have stashed away in your craft room and create something beautiful!

Junk Journal Misconceptions

Let’s clear up a few more misconceptions you might have about junk journaling:

• ❌ “It’s just a scrapbook with garbage.”
  ✅ Junk journaling is memory keeping, yes, but also self-expression, collage art, storytelling, even therapy. It’s not just “scraps glued to paper.” It’s creative expression.
• ❌ “All junk journals are vintage or brown.”
  ✅ Junk journals come in all kinds of colors and styles… bright, botanical, pastel, steampunk, gothic, floral, grungy, whimsical – you name it. Your style is what makes it yours.
• ❌ “You need to know bookbinding to make one.”
  ✅ Not at all! Some junk journals are sewn, sure – but others are spiral-bound, made from envelopes, or even built into file folders. No bookbinding degree required, I promise.
• ❌ “They’re only for artists.”
  ✅ Junk journaling is for everyone. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about creating and enjoying the process!

Is Junk Journaling the Same as…?

Junk journaling isn’t the only form of book craft. There are many more, such as scrapbooking and art journaling. Let’s compare junk journaling to other popular paper and mixed media crafts to help you get your bearings:

📘 Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is usually neat and tidy. It often focuses on preserving photos and memories using themed supplies and layouts. Think pre-designed pages, clean edges, and curated embellishments. It’s a lovely way to preserve memories with a polished touch.

Junk journaling is more relaxed. It embraces wonky edges, found paper, corked stitches, and scribbled thoughts. It’s not about getting everything just “right”.

🖊️ Art Journaling

Art journaling blends creativity with introspection, often using paints, inks, and prompts. It’s usually made in sketchbooks and intended to explore your thoughts visually.

Junk journals can absolutely include paint and prompts, but they often incorporate more found or vintage materials. Think more lace and ledger paper, less gesso (but there’s room for both).

🎨 Collage Journaling

Collage journaling is all about layering cut-outs, magazine clippings, stickers, washi tape, and bits of ephemera to create expressive, visual spreads. It often focuses more on design and composition, like building a mood board in journal form.

Junk journaling and collage journaling definitely overlap (many junk journalers love a good collage page!). But junk journaling usually incorporates a broader mix of materials – think vintage papers, old envelopes, fabric scraps – and often includes more interactive elements like pockets, tags, and flips.

📚 Altered Books

Altered books start with an actual book—usually an old one—and turn it into something new through painting, folding, cutting, and layering.

Junk journaling can include altered books, but it’s broader. Not all junk journals start as books; many are handmade from scratch or built from a cereal box, envelopes.

✍️ Traditional Journaling

Traditional journaling is usually pen-on-paper reflections in a lined notebook.

Junk journaling can include written journaling, but it’s more eclectic and very visual. It might combine writing with ephemera, stickers, lace, photos, and pockets. You get to layer your thoughts with textures.

What Junk Journals Are Used For

Junk journals are as versatile as they are personal. Whether you’re documenting memories or just want a space to play with paper, there’s room for you here.

• Dairy & memory keeping
• Organizing & planning
• Gratitude journaling
• Art & collage
• Junk book craft & altered art
• Prayer or faith journaling
• Creative writing or poetry
• Mental health and self-care
• Gifts and keepsakes
• Travel notes
• Use up and recycle old craft supplies and paper
• Or just because it’s fun – no reason needed!

Want more ideas? Check out What Are Junk Journals Used For?

Junk Journal Types

Junk journals come in all shapes and forms. Whether you love symmetry or prefer a little creative chaos, there’s a format (and a style) for you.

• Traditional book-style journals
• Tall & skinny journals
• Mini junk journals
• Spiral-bound or ring-bound journals
• Envelope journals
• Pocket folios

Junk Journaling Styles

Junk journaling isn’t just about the format—it’s also about the vibe. Your journal’s style can reflect your mood, your story, or simply what paper you had on hand that day.

• Vintage or antique-inspired
• Shabby chic
• Grungy or distressed
• Botanical or nature-themed
• Whimsical or eclectic
• Steampunk

Curious which style fits your vibe? Browse different junk journal styles and types of junk journals for inspiration.

So, how do you make a junk journal?

If you made it to this point… yay! Now that you know what junk journaling is, you might be wondering how to make one yourself. I’m so glad you asked! There are almost endless ways to create a junk journal, but my step-by-step tutorial is a great starting point.

And if you’re a total newbie, I have an incredible gift for you: my junk journal beginner guide! In the guide, you’ll learn how to make your first junk journal. You’ll only need a few simple tools (I bet you have most of them at home!). You’ll also get a free printable junk journal kit so you have everything you need to get started right away.  It’s so easy and fun!

What to Do Next 🤝

Ready to explore more? My blog is full of fun tutorials and helpful content all about junk journaling. Check out these goodies: 

• 🌈 Ready to start? Grab your free beginner guide and printable goodies in the Free Resource Library.
• 🎭 Want to see it in action? Watch a cozy tutorial on how to make your first junk journal.
• 📚 Still curious? Find out who junk journaling is for (hint: probably you)

Your creativity deserves this moment. And if you’re wondering if you’re the kind of person who can make a junk journal…

You are. 😊

Happy crafting,
Cyna xx