21 Junk Journal Types (and Folios!) Every Crafter Should Know

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what are the different types of junk journals? or what exactly is a folio? – you’re in the right place. In this post, you’ll find helpful, beginner-friendly explanations of 21 junk journal types and folio formats, along with examples, tips, and inspiration for your next creative project.

Types of Junk Journals

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Junk Journal — and That’s a Good Thing

Let me guess: you’ve discovered junk journaling, fallen down the rabbit hole of tutorials and flip-throughs, and now your head is spinning with questions.

What’s the difference between a folio and a journal? What’s a signature? Is a file folder really a journal?

You’re not alone. Most beginners (and even experienced crafters!) get overwhelmed by all the different types, styles, and structures.

Let’s simplify things. Whether you’re curious, confused, or just looking for your next project, I’ll walk you through all the major junk journal types and folio formats. You’ll get clear examples and inspiration to find what you love.

Junk Journals vs. Folios

What’s the Difference between junk journals and folios?

Junk journals are typically stitched or bound books. They might be sewn signatures inside a repurposed book cover, or ring-bound with printables. They’re meant for writing, decorating, memory keeping, or longform journaling.

Folios are usually made from one large piece of paper or cardstock, folded into panels, and filled with flaps, tucks, and pockets. They’re more interactive and often designed to store journaling cards, tags, or ephemera. Folios can also include stitched booklets inside — that’s when we call them hybrids.

Both are fun, creative, and endlessly customizable. Some crafters love the structure of stitched journals, while others fall in love with the flip-and-tuck magic of a folio. You don’t have to choose just one!

📘 Classic Junk Journal Formats

Main Types of Junk Journals (Book-Style Formats)

These are the most popular and recognizable junk journal types — the ones that look and feel like books. Whether they’re stitched, spiral-bound, or built from an altered novel, these formats form the foundation of many junk journal projects.

1. Traditional Book-Style Junk Journal

This is the classic format most people picture when they hear “junk journal.” It usually includes one or more sewn signatures inside a sturdy cover, often made from a repurposed book or chipboard.

Tutorial: Make your own traditional journal using the Heirloom Keepsake Kit

2. Tall / Skinny Junk Journal

Tall and narrow, this format is perfect for fashion-themed journals, altered file folders, or playing with long layouts. The vertical design is so much fun to play with! 

Tutorial: Create a tall journal with the Skinny Vintage Kit

3. Mini Junk Journal

These pint-sized cuties pack a lot of charm into a small space. Mini journals are ideal for quick projects, gifts, or add-ons inside larger journals.

Tutorial: Start a mini junk journal with the Pocket Petals Kit

4. Single-Signature Journal

Simple and beginner-friendly, a single-signature journal has just one set of sewn pages. It’s quick to make, easy to decorate, and a great place to start.

Tutorial: Build your first signature journal using my free beginner guide

5. Multi-Signature Journal

More advanced and spacious, multi-signature journals hold multiple sets of pages. Great for larger projects or themed sections.

Tutorial: Make a multi-sig journal with the Bound Beauty Kit

6. Spiral-Bound / Coil-Bound Journal

These journals use a spiral or coil binding, making them lie flat and easy to write in. Perfect for printable-based journals or mixed media.

Tutorial: Create a spiral-bound book using the Everyday Planner Kit

7. Ring-Bound Journal

Pages are punched and held together with binder rings or a binder spine. Great for flexibility — you can add or remove pages anytime.

Tutorial: Try a ring-bound project with the Ring & Write Kit

8. Altered Book Journal

Transform a pre-existing book into a junk journal by altering or collaging over the pages. A favorite among upcyclers and book lovers.

Tutorial: Alter your first book using the Storybook Revival Kit

🛆 Alternative & Interactive Formats

Specialty Structures for Junk Journals

Less like a traditional book, more like a creative playground — these formats are perfect if you love folds, flips, or interactive surprises.

9. Envelope Journal

Made from envelopes arranged as pages or pockets, these are interactive and full of hidden spaces.

Tutorial: Make an envelope journal with the Snail Mail Magic Kit

10. Accordion Fold Journal

This format folds out like an accordion, making it great for timelines, lists, or panoramic layouts.

Tutorial: Try accordion folding with the Wanderfold Kit

11. Junk Mail / Recycled Base Journal

Crafted from cereal boxes, mailers, or packaging. Perfect for eco-friendly or low-cost projects.

Tutorial: Upcycle your scraps using the Reclaimed & Remade Kit

12. File Folder Journal

Uses file folders as the foundation, which can be folded, layered, and stitched into.

Tutorial: Make a file folder journal with the Office Chic Kit

13. Traveler’s Notebook (TN) Style Journal

Tall and narrow, these journals fit into TN covers and are great for portability.

Tutorial: Create a TN insert using the Traveler’s Bliss Kit

📁 Folios

Folios & Expandable Forms

Folios are like the junk journal’s flippy, pocket-filled cousin — often designed more for interaction and storage than long-form writing.

14. Basic Folio

A flat, folded structure filled with tucks, pockets, and ephemera holders. Perfect for quick, themed builds.

Tutorial: Start your first folio with the Simple Folio Kit

15. Trifold Folio

Folds into three sections with flaps and pockets for tags, journaling spots, and inserts.

Tutorial: Make a trifold folio using the Threefold Treasure Kit

16. Expandable Pocket Folio

This version features expandable envelopes or gusseted pockets to hold bulkier items.

Tutorial: Create a pocket folio with the Ephemera Expand Kit

17. Flip Flap Folio

Filled with movement: flips, flaps, foldouts, and peekaboo layers. This type of folio is great for engagement.

Tutorial: Build a flippy folio with the Flip & Tuck Kit

18. Mini Booklet Folio

Combines a folio base with stitched-in mini booklets or notepads.

Tutorial: Try this hybrid using the Mini Marvels Kit

19. Gatefold Folio

Folds inward from both sides like a pair of doors. Elegant and symmetrical.

Tutorial: Craft a gatefold folio with the Folded Grace Kit

🔄 Hybrid Forms

Hybrid Forms: When Journals Meet Folios

Some projects blur the lines between folio and journal — these hybrid forms give you the best of both worlds: layered interaction plus real journaling space.

20. Journal-in-a-Folio

A stitched journal tucked inside a folio base. Combines writing space with interactive layouts.

Tutorial: Make a hybrid journal using the Nestled Notes Kit

21. Ephemera Holder / Specimen Folio

Created to hold tags, journaling cards, or specimens in windowed sleeves or categorized folders.

Tutorial: Organize your bits with the Specimen Collector Kit

💡 Which Type Is Right for You?

How to Choose the Right Type of Junk Journal

You don’t have to pick just one type. The best type is the one that makes you want to sit down and create. So Start with the one that fits your project or feels fun – and let yourself explore from there. You might fall in love with folios and stitched journals along the way.

• 🧵 Beginner? Start with a single-signature journal using the free Beginner Guide
• ✂️ Intermediate crafter? Try a ring-bound folio project with the Ring & Write Kit
• 🧩 Advanced? Build a full journal-in-a-folio hybrid using the Nestled Notes Kit

You get to mix, match, and experiment. The beauty of junk journaling is that the rules are yours to rewrite.

✨ Want free printables?

Ready to try one of these formats for yourself? You’ll find free printable kits, beginner tutorials, and exclusive templates in my Free Resource Library.

Join now and grab your freebies — no pressure, just paper joy. 💛

📚 Next Steps

You’re officially paper-savvy! Here are more posts to explore:

• What Is a Junk Journal?
• What Is the Purpose of a Junk Journal?
• Different Junk Journal Styles & Aesthetics

Your creativity deserves this moment — and there’s no better time to get started than now.

Happy crafting,
Cyna xx