“So… What’s a Junk Journal?”
Hello there,
You know when you have a shoebox (or a drawer, or a corner of your desk) filled with little junk (I call them treasures)? A movie ticket, a pressed flower, a note someone left on your windshield, a page you tore out from a beautiful magazine?
Well, imagine turning all that into a book — one that feels like your life, looks like art, and holds emotions you didn’t know how to say out loud.
That’s a junk journal. 💛
It’s not about perfection. It’s not about “junk” either (though we love scraps!). It’s about meaning. It’s a place to collect memories, express yourself freely, and celebrate the beauty of everyday life.
✨ What Can You Do With a Junk Journal?
You can:
Save souvenirs and photos from a trip
Document a special season (a pregnancy, a new home, a trip, a project or special event)
Write little letters to anyone you want
Glue, layer, stamp, paint, scribble, stitch (OMG I love them all!)
Make it a gift full of messages
Or keep it totally secret, just for you
The point is: there are no rules. Only stories, memories, or moments.
📚 My Process
I create junk journals completely by hand — from the binding to the tiniest paper detail. Some are themed, others are spontaneous. Some are made for gifting. Some are made just because creating them feels like therapy.
And you know what’s magical? Each one becomes a treasure. Not just for what it looks like, but for the memories it holds.
So if you’ve ever felt the itch to document your heart, if you’ve collected things that deserve a place, or if you simply want to slow down and create something just because it brings you joy… Sometimes just draw without fear, paint without worries, juts vent and unwind!
...then maybe a junk journal is waiting to be born just to live in your hands. Or maybe you’d like one made especially for you (that’s what I do and I love it!).
Sometimes I use all of this (junk) material to incorporate on my Scrapbooks, sometimes, I just decorate a framed picture with some tickets, small tags, souvenirs or envelops to showcase at home.
I keep lots of junk journals, some vintage themed, some with just collages, others with lots of writing, some I print and glue nice illustrations. Others I keep the real junk as they are, but in chronologic order (as I save ribbons, stickers, packagings, notes and messages). I do glue whatever I like, or what I want to remember, or just because it’s cute, you know? I even have some junk journals by color 😂
Thank you so much for reading, for being here! Go check out some the crafts I’ve made and let me know what you think. 💌
With love and paper ink,
Kellen
