Meet my junk journal ✨

I absolutely love the process of junk journaling – it's such a freeing and creative way to express myself and capture memories! If you've ever wondered what a junk journal is or how to start one, or even just need fresh ideas for your next spread, you're in the right place. At its heart, a junk journal is a handmade book crafted from found objects, recycled materials, and various ephemera. Think old book pages, envelopes, fabric scraps, ticket stubs, and even packaging! The beauty is there are no rules. My journal features diverse themes, from a lively 'TOMATINI' spread with delightful tomato imagery and a 'toma-tini sunday' recipe to a nostalgic 'WARPED TOUR' layout complete with photo booth strips and band logos. I even have a 'Pajama Party' page with red glitter text and a whimsical 'espresso martini' spread. Each one tells a little story! Getting Started with Your Own Junk Journal You don't need fancy supplies to dive in. I've found that some of the best materials are things you already have! Gather old receipts, labels (like 'NATURESWEET D'VINES CHERRY TOMATOES' labels or a 'Nestlé HOT COCOA MIX' packet!), magazine cutouts, patterned paper scraps, and of course, glue, scissors, and a journal cover. You can bind your own or use an old book. My journal cover even has a fun tiger sticker and a 'GLOWING' strip, showing how simple details make a big difference. Crafting the Perfect Collage Aesthetic The magic often lies in the collage. I love layering different textures and colors to create depth. For example, on my 'Good Vibes' spread, I combined a UFO over a vineyard with a peace sign and checkered patterns. Don't be afraid to mix and match! Think about adding handwritten notes, doodles, or inspiring quotes like 'TOUGH AS A MOTHER' or 'sometimes it takes a VILLAGE' to personalize your pages. The OCR even picked up a 'CHEAT SHEET FOR HAND EMBROIDERY' which could be a fantastic element in a crafty-themed page. Journaling Ideas & Beyond Looking for specific inspiration? If you're into creating fan journals, say for K-Pop groups like Blackpink, you absolutely don't always need specific photos. Think about using their iconic colors, song lyrics, concert ticket stubs (or even printed images of them), and abstract patterns inspired by their music videos. You can create a 'GLOWING' aesthetic with glitter and metallic accents, or use bold, empowering sentiments. The 'junk journal collage aesthetic' is so versatile! And for those wondering how this aesthetic translates digitally, I often photograph my finished spreads and use them as inspiration for my laptop wallpaper or even create digital collages using similar elements. It’s a great way to bring your analog creativity into your digital spaces. So go ahead, gather your bits and bobs, and start creating a journal that's uniquely yours!