What Is the Purpose of a Junk Journal? 22 Inspiring Ways to Use Yours

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What is the purpose of a junk journal?” or “What are junk journals used for?” – you’re not alone. Today, we’re going to explore all the wonderful, creative, and meaningful ways junk journals can be used (and loved).

Why Purpose Matters

Let’s Talk Purpose – Because You’re Not the Only One Wondering

Maybe you’ve just finished your first junk journal… and now you’re staring at it thinking, What do I do with this? Or maybe you’ve seen beautiful flip-throughs on YouTube and thought, But why would someone make that?

You might be thinking: “I love the look of junk journals but I don’t know what practical purpose they serve. Are they just meant to be decoration? I feel silly now.”

Friend, you are not silly. You’re asking exactly the right question – and this post will give you the answers (plus a few surprises) so you know exactly what to do with your junk journal.

The Purpose of a Junk Journal

So… What Is the Purpose of a Junk Journal?

The short answer? Anything you want it to be.

There’s no rulebook for junk journaling. Some people use their journals every day; others make them as gifts or keepsakes. Some people write pages of thoughts. Others tuck in mementos or simply enjoy the textures, sounds, and feelings of flipping through their creations.

Let’s take a closer look at the many beautiful ways junk journals can be used, and how they become both useful and meaningful.

Junk Journal Uses

What Do You Do With a Junk Journal? 22 Beautiful Uses

Junk journals aren’t limited to one purpose, and that’s the magic. Below are 22 ways crafters just like you are using theirs. Whether you want to document memories, plan your day, or simply play with paper, there’s something here for you.

📓 1. For Traditional Journaling

You can absolutely use a junk journal to write in, just like a classic notebook. Many junk journals include blank or lightly decorated pages where you can write about your day, dreams, or feelings. Others have journaling cards, tags, and pockets designed for writing little snippets – so even the most decorated journals have space for your thoughts.

Try this idea: Use a lined insert for longer journaling sessions and add tiny prompts to tags or hidden spots.

See this in action in my tutorial using the Daily Junk Journal Kit.

🎨 2. As a Creative Outlet

Junk journaling can be pure artistic expression. No rules, no goals. Just glue, scissors, and a cup of tea. It’s play for grown-ups. And if you’re someone who’s always loved paper or doodling or coloring as a kid — this is your permission slip to do more of that.

Try this idea: Let a color or a mood inspire the entire page. No words needed.

Make a free-flow journal here with the Creative Play Kit.

🌍 3. For Memory Keeping & Memorabilia

Use your junk journal like a scrapbook, but with more freedom. Tuck in ticket stubs, postcards, letters, pressed flowers, or birthday cards. Add a photo, scribble a note, glue in a dried leaf from your morning walk — it’s all about preserving real, tactile memories.

Try this idea: Use tuck spots and pockets to collect keepsakes from special events or everyday moments.

Check out the memory-keeping tutorial featuring my Vintage Memories Printable Kit.

📬 4. Ephemera Collector’s Journal

If you love vintage stamps, ticket stubs, paper clippings, or little scraps of history, a junk journal makes the perfect collector’s home. Store, admire, and organize your treasures in themed sections – or display them in creative collages that celebrate their charm.

Try this idea: Use a pocket-style layout for sorted ephemera collections.

Follow along with this ephemera journal tutorial using the Antique Finds Kit.

♻️ 5. To Use Up Paper Scraps & Supplies

Let’s be honest: most of us have drawers (or bins… or rooms 😅) full of craft supplies. If your stash is overflowing, junk journaling is the perfect way to put those beautiful bits to use. Think of it as decluttering with style.

Try this idea: Challenge yourself to create a “scrap-only” spread from your stash.

See it in this fun scrap saver tutorial using whatever bits you already have!

😊 6. As a Diary

Write your thoughts, secrets, prayers, and rants. A junk journal can be a safe space to get it all out – no one needs to know! And because it feels more personal and handmade, many people say it feels more special than a store-bought notebook.

Try this idea: Add envelopes inside your journal to hold “private” entries.

Follow this journaling tutorial using the Lace & Letters Collection.

🎨 7. For Art and Collage Journaling

Love mixed media? A junk journal is the perfect place to experiment. Paint, ink, stencil, glue, stamp, smudge, splatter – there are no rules. You don’t have to make it pretty. You just have to make it yours.

Try this idea: Use layered scraps and vintage imagery to make themed collage pages.

Follow along in this tutorial featuring the Artful Botanicals Kit.

📸 8. As a Photo Album

Combine photos with notes, captions, or decorative backgrounds. Junk journals make unique, tactile alternatives to traditional photo books. You can create themed albums, like “Our Summer” or “Family Traditions,” and decorate to your heart’s content.

Try this idea: Print black-and-white photos for a vintage vibe.

Watch this tutorial using the Family Moments Printable Set.

✍️ 9. Creative Writing Companion

Writers, this one’s for you. Use a junk journal to capture story sparks, character sketches, snippets of dialogue, or lines of poetry. It’s a wonderful way to keep your ideas organized (and inspired) in a format that’s as imaginative as your writing.

Try this idea: Make a sectioned journal with pages for characters, settings, and freewriting.

Watch the tutorial here using the Writer’s Muse Kit.

🌟 10. For Gratitude Journaling or Manifestation

A junk journal makes a beautiful home for a gratitude practice. Jot down a few things you’re grateful for each day, or write intentions and affirmations. When the pages are decorated or inspiring, the habit becomes something you look forward to.

Try this idea: Use a “thankful” tag every morning to capture one small joy.

Create your own with this tutorial using the Gratitude Journal Kit.

✨ 11. For Faith, Prayer, or Bible Study Journaling

Many faith-based crafters use junk journals for prayer lists, sermon notes, scripture study, or spiritual reflection. The handmade pages create a sacred-feeling space and allow you to connect with your faith in a meaningful way.

Try this idea: Use tags to note down favorite verses and store them in a pocket.

See how I use this bible study junk journal kit for my personal bible study.

🌿 12. For Mental Health or Self-Care Journaling

Use your junk journal as a quiet, gentle place to check in with yourself. Track moods, write letters you never send, or make pages that feel comforting. Some days you may write. Some days you may glue pretty things. Both are valid.

Try this idea: Add a “joy list” each week with little things that lifted your spirit.

Make your self-care journal with this tutorial using the Peace & Petals Kit.

🔮 13. Book of Shadows / Spiritual Journaling

For those on a spiritual or metaphysical path, a junk journal can become a deeply personal Book of Shadows. Use it to record rituals, moon phases, tarot spreads, affirmations, or seasonal reflections. The tactile, layered format is perfect for honoring your practice in a creative and sacred way.

Try this idea: Create an altar page or intention pocket for each moon phase.

See this in my spiritual journal tutorial using the Mystic Moon Printable Kit.

🎄 14. Holiday or Seasonal Journaling

Make a Christmas planner, a Halloween memory book, or a spring-themed gratitude journal. Seasonal junk journals are great for capturing traditions and celebrations and experiencing the seasons. They can also hold decor ideas, menus, and to-do lists.

Try this idea: Add a December countdown or New Year’s reflections page.

Watch my holiday journal tutorial with the Traditional Christmas Kit.

👰 15. For Weddings, Babies & Special Occasions

Create a junk journal as a wedding keepsake, baby book, or birthday memory album. Include guest notes, milestone trackers, or special mementos. These journals become cherished heirlooms.

Try this idea: Add little envelopes for “letters to baby” or “notes to your future self.”

Make a celebration journal with this tutorial using the Life Moments Bundle.

🌍 16. Travel Journals

Document a vacation, road trip, or day trip. Add ticket stubs, maps, dried flowers, and little stories from your adventure. It’s like a scrapbook and travelogue rolled into one.

Try this idea: Include a packing list or itinerary on the first pages.

Come along in this travel journal tutorial with the Wanderlust Kit.

🍽️ 17. As a Recipe Junk Journal

Turn your junk journal into a family recipe book. Add pockets for recipe cards, glue in favorite meals, write cooking notes, or preserve grandma’s handwritten cookie recipe. Add a sprinkle of nostalgia with old cookbook clippings or vintage food labels.

Try this idea: Include dried herb clippings or vintage food ads.

Try it here in my recipe journal tutorial with the Kitchen Keepsakes Kit.

🌼 18. Garden Journal

Botanical and nature lovers will adore turning their junk journal into a garden companion. Track plantings, seed packets, bloom dates, or harvest notes. Add nature sketches, pressed flowers, or even clippings from garden catalogs for a beautiful mix of planning and reflection.

Try this idea: Glue in a seed packet and write about how it grew.

Get inspired with this garden journal tutorial using the Botanical Pages Kit.

🌟 19. As a Planner or Organizer

Use your junk journal to plan your day, week, or month. Add checklists, goal trackers, calendar pages, or meal planning layouts. You can make it as functional or artsy as you like – and way more fun than a plain planner.

Try this idea: Use washi tape or stickers to mark to-do lists and important dates.

Plan your week with me in this video with the Planner Printable Bundle.

💵 20. Finance / Budget Tracker

Junk journals aren’t just pretty – they can be practical, too! Use one to track your spending, savings goals, or grocery lists. Add pockets for receipts, trackers for monthly budgets, or pages for financial affirmations to keep things both mindful and manageable.

Try this idea: Use a fold-out to track monthly income and expenses.

Plan your budget with this tutorial using the Budget & Bills Printable Set.

🎁 21. As a Gift or Keepsake

Junk journals make heartfelt handmade gifts. Fill one with letters, art, memories, or prompts, and give it to someone special. It’s like giving a book of love — one that they can continue filling themselves.

Try this idea: Write a note on the first page encouraging them to add their own thoughts.

Make a gift journal in this video using the Cherished Moments Collection.

🧡 22. Just Because It’s Fun

This is your reminder: you don’t need a practical reason to create something beautiful. You can make a junk journal just because you want to. Because you like flipping through the pages. Because the act of making calms your mind or lights you up. Because you feel like it. That’s reason enough.

Try this idea: Start a “no-pressure journal” that’s just for you.

Need a nudge? Browse my junk journal tutorials for inspiration.

Mix and Match

Can I use my junk journal for more than one purpose?

Absolutely. Many journalers use their junk journals for multiple things at once — a gratitude list on one page, photos on the next, and a to-do list tucked in a pocket. Your junk journal is allowed to be messy, layered, and multifaceted – just like life. There’s no rule that says it has to do only one job.

FAQ

Want to Create Your Own Junk Journal?

If you’re feeling inspired, I have something special for you: my Junk Journal Beginner Guide! Inside, you’ll learn how to make your first junk journal using simple supplies (many you already have at home!).

You’ll also get a free printable kit to help you get started right away. It’s easy, fun, and absolutely beginner-friendly.

Grab the free guide and printable kit here.

What to Do Next 🤝

Your junk journal journey is just beginning! Here are a few cozy next steps:

• ✂️ Start your first journal with the Beginner Guide & Free Kit
• 📚 Learn more: What Is a Junk Journal?
• 🧵 Browse Crafter Journal tutorials for inspiration
• 💌 Subscribe for weekly freebies, ideas & inspiration and access to my free resource library

Your creativity deserves this moment. And remember: You don’t need a purpose to create.

You just need a little paper, a little glue, and a lot of heart.

Have you discovered your favorite way to use your junk journal yet? Or are you still figuring it out? I’d love to hear what your journal is becoming – tell me in the comments below!

Happy crafting,
Cyna xx