Junk Journaling: Art with Trash?

If you’re on #CraftTok like I am, you’ve likely heard of the current trend of Junk Journaling. I am more than ecstatic that this craft is trending, as it is a craft I’ve been doing long before it gained popularity (or a name).  This is my de-stress craft activity whenever I need a mental health boost! In this blog, I’ll break down this new craft to get you ready for your first spread. 

Example of one of my pesonal junk journal spreads.

Defining Junk Journaling

In Short: 

Junk journaling is a creative artform using “trash” to preserve memories. It incorporates receipts, brochures, or anything else you’d typically throw away to tell the story of your experience. 

In Long: 

The craft community has a lot of discourse on what is considered junk journaling compared to scrapbooking or creative journaling. Some think adding non-junk embellishments, like stickers or washi tape, no longer make it a “junk” journal. In my opinion, the name truly does not matter. This craft is about letting your creativity flow and to keep your memories. Write in it, add photos, glue down trash - it does not matter because this is YOUR journal. 

Let’s Talk Spreads

Again, your spreads are for you! There are no rules. I’ve seen spreads created based on color or on prompts, like their current favorite makeup products. Personally, my spreads are themed around an experience, like going out to dinner or a concert. Your spread can be about whatever you’d like!

Primary Supplies

• Junk - I’ll talk more about this below.

• Journal - If you have one laying around the house, you can use that! Any journal works!

  • Tip: I think softcovers are better because junk journals get thick due to all the elements glued in, so having a spine that can bend more will help preserve it. Many journalers love the brand Leuchtturm 1917.

• Adhesive 

  • Tip: use what you have on hand. Trial and error will also help you figure out what works best for your journal. I use glue sticks for gluing photos and paper, but I find tape runners better for anything on thicker paper. 

Optional Items

• Embellishments like stickers, washi tape, or background papers 

  • Tip: For backgrounds, you can find fun designs online and print them out instead of buying paper at a craft store.

• Photos of your experience 

  • Tip: some people use mini Bluetooth photo printers, but that gets pricey. I just print photos out on regular paper at home, plus then I can play with sizing.

Don’t Take Out the Trash

You can find junk for your journal all around you! Here are some ideas of what to think about collecting.

• Promotional material - business cards, flyers, brochures, etc.

• Receipts 

• Tickets

• Free maps

• Candy wrappers/food packaging 

• Shopping bags

This list is by no means exhaustive, there’s so many items in everyday life you can incorporate. Just got to think creatively!

My Tips

1. Think branding! If there’s a logo and you can cut it out, take it. I’ve taken weird things over my time, like napkins and wax paper liners, just because it had a logo

2. Don’t be afraid to ask. The worst answer you get is a no. Just by asking, I’ve been able to get store branded stickers, thank you cards, and printed tickets. 

3. Over collect. If you see something you like, grab it. You don’t have to use everything you grab in your spreads. Just throw away what’s left over, because to be fair, it is junk. 

One Man’s Trash, Another Man’s Treasure

Now that we’ve covered the basics of junk journaling, you can start your own spread. The main thing to remember is that there are no rules. Let your creative juices flow and glue the junk down. Add pictures and add writing if you want too! This is your journal, you get to choose how you want to make it. 

If you’ve junk journal, add a comment with your tips or maybe the most creative piece of junk you’ve incorporated. Also, make sure to follow the Craft Collective for a blog every Friday. Happy crafting!