What is Junk Journaling & How Do I Start?
Updated by Staff Writer
Junk journaling is one of the coolest ways to journal, especially if you’re someone that holds onto old magazines, plane tickets, ticket stubs, festival wristbands, and other ephemera. Junk journaling is very visual and casual compared to traditional journaling and scrapbooking. It’s like a brain dump where you can creatively sort through your thoughts and emotions.
You’re probably wondering, _what exactly is junk journaling? _In this article, we take a deep dive into the benefits of junk journaling and how to create one:
What is Junk Journaling?
Think of junk journaling as a mix of scrapbooking and journaling. If you’re someone who loves collages and the chance to be as expressive as possible when you journal, you're going to love junk journaling. It's a great way to write down feelings and collect memories.
As a writer, actor, and musician, junk journaling has piqued my interest, and you’ll definitely be inspired as well. You can use junk journaling as a way to write down and plan your thoughts, lyrics, and even screenplay ideas.
What Are the Benefits of Junk Journaling?
The benefits of using a junk journal are endless, aside from creativity, it’s a great way to express yourself without going online. As much as we love TikTok and Instagram, sometimes it’s best to document certain feelings and memories for yourself to look back on.
Figure out what you want to use your new junk journal for — will you document your new journey after moving across the country? Motherhood? College? Heck, you can even junk journal something you want to manifest. For example, if you plan on becoming the next Billie Eilish or Dave Grohl, start journaling your next steps — singing/drum/guitar lessons, and track your progress! You can truly journal anything you want.
How do I Start Junk journaling?
If you want to create your first junk journal right now with what you have at home, we recommend digging through your kitchen junk drawers for envelopes, brown paper bags, scrap paper, and cardstock. You’ll also need some basic arts and crafts supplies, such as scissors, glue sticks, or Mod Podge, and a writing apparatus.
Even if the paper is used, simply glue some blank note cards or envelopes over any images or text. You can also use an old book or textbook you no longer read, ask friends and family, or check out your local Buy Nothing Facebook Group for junk that can be treasured.
That said, if you want to start fresh, you can buy a blank book or journal online. You can also get junk journal supplies sent to you from Dannagirl’s Designs .
Dannagirl’s Designs has everything you'll need. Their craft subscription boxes offer junk journals and mixed media boxes curated just for you! They have a theme for everyone, including vintage, grunge, and shabby chic. Themes are different each month, providing you with a variety of supplies for everyday journaling.
The themes are also timely. For example, April's box is spring-themed and will include lots of flowers! You’ll get vintage book pages, tea-dyed pages, vintage-inspired ephemera, fabric, lace, sticker sheets, and a whole lot more.
Is Junk Journaling Good for Mental Health?
Adding to your junk journal will be a form of self-care for you, and may also be a bonding experience with your friends and family. Open a bottle of wine and junk journal with your roommates or sisters, and make it a weekly hangout.
Overall, junk journaling is a great way to keep in touch with yourself and improve your mental health . As humans, we need to process our thoughts and feelings, and what better way than with art and words? Junk journaling is a great way to get all your jumbled thoughts down on paper and release any stress, so you can feel better.
So, go ahead and junk journal after a date, the best concert or vacation of your life, and even on the bad days. Have fun, and start digging for scrap paper!
