Junk Journal Spread Ideas
Junk journaling has turned into a mindless, creative outlet when I’m short on time but want to have some, “me time,” this is a perfect hobby! 🎀
If you’re just starting out, here’s what I’d recommend to start your junk journal journey 📓✂️:
1. Cheap composition notebooks (no need to break the bank)
2. Glue 2 pages together so the pages can handle the weight of your spreads and to avoid glue bleeding through
3. Start collecting “trash,” or things that stand out to you throughout your days, travels, etc. Postcards, menus, napkins, receipts, branding material, labels—you name it, you can use it!
4. Don’t overthink it, just start. My first few spreads weren’t the best but you can always go back and add to them as your supplies grow—change things around, etc.
5. I like to do a mixture of spreads and trip/memory highlights. Just have fun with it. It’s YOUR journal so make it YOU
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6. I like clear glue sticks rather than Elmer’s glue bottles—much easier to work with and less messy.
7. I also purchased some cheap stickers and scrapbooking books from Amazon. I purchased scrapbooking paper from a discount store for a few cents/page. Honestly you don’t need much to start.
When I first started junk journaling, I found it was a great way to turn everyday scraps into meaningful art and memories. Collecting items like vintage receipts, postcards, labels, and even packaging from little purchases became a fun daily habit. One useful tip I picked up is to select sturdy notebooks or glue pages together to support the weight of mixed materials, which really prevents tearing or warping. Using clear glue sticks rather than messy liquid glue made my process more enjoyable and less frustrating. I often include themed spreads inspired by local shops or meals I’ve had, similar to how some document NYC vintage shops or food labels. This approach turns your journal into a personal diary, not only capturing visual appeal but also snippets of life and travels. Adding stickers or inexpensive scrapbooking paper from discount stores adds color and texture without a big investment, making supplies more accessible for beginners. My advice is to embrace imperfection — early spreads may feel simple or rough, but that’s part of your creative journey. Go back later and embellish or reshape layouts as your style evolves. Don’t overthink the process; junk journaling thrives on spontaneity and self-expression. Following a mixture of memory-focused and artistic spreads keeps the journal dynamic and meaningful. If you’re starting your junk journal, gather small exciting items each day and think of it as a creative notebook tailored just for you. It’s both a calming hobby and a wonderful way to capture the little moments that might otherwise be forgotten. Happy journaling!