Since we just talked about how to make a junk journal last post, now let’s talk about what you will use to fill it up and make it pretty. Junk journaling is like going on a treasure hunt where every little piece you find can tell a story. You can use almost anything to create your journal.
First off, you might want to start with the basics, like old book pages. These can be from old novels, dictionaries, or even children’s books. The older, the better, as they tend to have that lovely vintage look. To use them, you can simply tear them out and fold them to fit your journal. Sometimes, I like to distress the edges with a bit of ink to give them an even more aged appearance.
Another great addition is postcards. Whether they’re vintage or modern, postcards add a unique touch to your junk journal. If you don’t have any on hand, you can always print out images of old postcards and give them a bit of wear and tear with some sandpaper or coffee staining.
Speaking of coffee, coffee-stained papers are a classic. You can take plain printer paper, soak it in a mix of coffee and water, and then let it dry. It gives the paper a wonderful aged look and even a bit of a crinkly texture, which is perfect for adding character to your junk journaling.
Then there are ticket stubs and receipts. These are fantastic for adding a touch of real life to your journal. If you don’t have any, you can create your own by printing out templates from the internet and cutting them to size. A bit of scrunching and tearing will make them look like they’ve been through some adventures and will make your junk journaling so much fun.
Don’t forget about fabric scraps. Little pieces of lace, denim, or even an old shirt can be sewn or glued into your journal. They add texture and a tactile element that’s really satisfying. Just cut the fabric into small shapes or strips, and you can sew them onto the pages or glue them with a bit of fabric glue. Strips sewn to the edges of your pages make junk journaling pretty and individualize your work.
Buttons and beads can also make your journal pop. You can sew buttons onto the cover or pages, and beads can be strung on threads to create cute little charms that dangle from the spine of your journal. If you’ve got some old jewelry lying around, even better! There are many videos to show you how to do this, and your junk journaling will be fun to show off.
One of my personal favorites is using magazine cutouts. You can find so many interesting images and patterns in magazines. Cut out anything that catches your eye and glue them into your junk journal. It’s like creating your own little collage art pieces.
And, of course, don’t overlook the humble sticker. Whether they’re store-bought or hand-drawn, stickers are a fun way to add personality to your journal. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make your own stickers by drawing on sticker paper or printing out images and cutting them to size.
Lastly, think about using washi tape. This decorative tape comes in all sorts of patterns and colors and is perfect for adding borders or securing smaller pieces of paper. It’s also great for adding a pop of color without being too permanent, since washi tape can usually be repositioned. Try adding washi to the edges of pages, or just pop pieces anywhere for a bit of color and texture on the page.
Remember, the best part about junk journaling is that there are no rules. It’s all about using what you have on hand and letting your creativity flow. So, gather your materials, get your hands dirty, and most importantly, have fun with it.
If you don’t really have anything on hand to use for a junk journal, although I truly doubt it, there are a myriad of sites where you can download free printables to use for junk journaling. There are even sites that sell ephemera to be used in junk journals. So, there really is no reason to put it off unless you cannot truthfully find 5-10 minutes a day to work on one. Happy junk journaling!
If you still need more information, here are some articles to get you started:
