Junk Journaling 101: Inspiring Ideas to Fill Every Page

If you're looking for a creative outlet that’s free from the judgment of perfectionism while still keeping your memories close, junk journaling might be just what you need. 

A junk journal is a personalized space where you can collect your thoughts, document key moments, and collage your way through inspiration. With no strict rules or layouts, it invites complete creative freedom—making it a favorite among free spirits or anyone seeking mindful self-expression.

Whether you’re brand new to the practice or a seasoned journaler looking for fresh ideas for an empty notebook, this blog shares 7 unique junk journal page ideas to spark your creativity. 

Getting Started with Junk Journaling

So, what exactly is a junk journal? At its core, a junk journal is a handmade or store-bought notebook filled with collected "junk" or ephemera—things like paper scraps, receipts, postcards, old book pages, aesthetic stickers, and magazine clippings. These items are then used to create visually rich pages that reflect your mood, memories, or goals.

Supplies for Junk Journaling

The beauty of junk journaling is simple: there are no rules! All you really need are some starter materials and a willingness to experiment—nothing super fancy. In fact, the more “found” your materials are, the more character your pages will have. Pair these with stickers, washi tape, pens, and glue to create layered spreads that tell a story.

Looking to build your supply kit? A few must-haves include:

• A sturdy journal or notebook

• Scissors, glue stick, or double-sided tape

• A few rolls of washi tape in different patterns

• Colored pens or highlighters for titles and doodles

• An open mind

Junk Journaling Tips for Beginners

If you're new to the process, here are a few tips that focus on how to approach junk journaling, especially when you're unsure where to start.

• Work with your energy, not against it. If you’re feeling zesty, bring out all the stops and curate a collage. If you’re mentally tired, tape in a receipt or a sticky note and call it a page. 

• Set aside a pouch or envelope to collect scraps, ticket stubs, or packaging throughout the week. It might be “junk” for now, but it could mean a lot more when you revisit your journal in a few years! (Does anyone else wish they kept their Disneyland FastPasses?)

• There are still ways to add structure to your junk journal without crisp straight lines or complex charts. Use functional tracker stickers to keep tabs on habits or other key goals, without the pressure of creating a layout that makes sense for you.  

• Be inspired by your everyday. Don’t wait for a big moment to document. Your coffee sleeve, a favorite quote, or a conversation snippet can all find a home on the page. The ordinary becomes extraordinary when you give it space.

7 Creative Junk Journal Page Ideas

Ready to fill your journal with meaning and creativity? Here are seven ideas that combine personal reflection with visual play.

1. Mini Mood Board Page

Capture the essence of your week or season with a mini mood board. Use magazine clippings, affirmations, fabric scraps, and paint color samples to create a visual collage that reflects your current mindset.

2. Envelope of Memories

Add mini envelopes or fold-over flaps to your page and tuck in notes, polaroids, or small keepsakes. This interactive layout is perfect for preserving sentimental items without having to display them all at once.

3. “Little Joys” List

Create a spread dedicated to moments, things, or people that made you smile this week. Use photos or meaningful scraps that convey joy, like a tea bag wrapper from a coffee date or a business card from a farmer's market stand.

4. Pressed Nature Spread

Collect leaves, petals, or even herbs from a walk or garden, and press them into your journal. This is a tactile and grounding way to connect your journal with the world around you. You can even note the plant species to give it an old-timey botanist feel. 

5. Stream of Consciousness Page

Sometimes the best way to reflect is to write without structure. Dedicate a page to a brain-dump or emotional free-write session. Let your pen flow without editing or overthinking. Write big feelings with enormous letters and small thoughts in teeny letters—just for fun. 

6. Color Palette Inspiration Page

Create a themed spread inspired by a vacation destination, a room in your home, or even a favorite outfit. Pull together paint swatches, colored paper, or washi tape to build a palette that speaks to that inspiration.

7. Found Treasures Spread

Turn everyday scraps into art. Use receipts, ticket stubs, clothing tags, and anything else you find interesting. Arrange them collage-style with the option to include notes about where each item came from and why it caught your eye.

How to Stay Inspired with Junk Journaling

There are lots of tips out there to get started on journaling. Like any creative practice, junk journaling flows best when it feels enjoyable. Here are a few gentle reminders to help you stay motivated.

• Avoid overthinking your pages—do it for the joy of the process. Create with the freedom of someone who isn’t going to post on social media afterwards.

• If you need some accountability, set a low-pressure goal like completing one page per week.

• Consider throwing a junk journaling jamboree with a few friends. Bring your old teen magazines, stickers, and other ephemera and make it a night of nostalgia.

Whether you follow one of these ideas or simply let your creativity lead, remember: the right way to junk journal is your way! 

AUTHOR BIO

Paula Palomar is a Digital Marketing Copywriter who loves using words to uplift the messaging of mission-driven companies and organizations. In her spare time, you’ll find her practicing yoga or eating churros at Disneyland.