Junk Journals: Where to Begin?
You've seen them. You love them. And now, you want to MAKE ONE! But where do you start? What do you use for a cover? What size should it be? What do you put inside? So many questions!
Take a breath—you've got this! Below, we've gathered some of the most common questions about junk journaling to help you begin your creative journey.
What is a Junk Journal?
A junk journal is a handmade or altered book made from all kinds of materials—recycled paper, vintage book pages, printable designs, fabric, and ephemera like stamps, tickets, or postcards. It's a creative and personal way to document memories, express yourself, or simply enjoy crafting!
Looking for printable pages to get started? Check out our collection of junk journal printables at The Printables Cwtch..
What Can You Do with a Junk Journal?
Junk journals can be used for:
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Diaries
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Scrapbooks
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Art & Collage Journals
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Photo Albums
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Planners & Bullet Journals
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Recipe Books
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Nature or Travel Journals
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Memory Keepers
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Just for fun!
You don’t need a purpose to create one—just enjoy the process!
How Do I Get Started?
Gather some paper and begin! There are no rules. Your journal can be as simple or as detailed as you want. If you're looking for structured guidance, consider using a beginner’s junk journal printable kit from The Printables Cwtch to get started quickly!
Junk Journal Sizes
Junk journals come in all sizes! Many are made by folding a standard sheet of paper in half:
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US Letter (8.5” x 11” folded = 8.5” x 5.5”)
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A4 (8.27” x 11.7” folded = 8.27” x 5.85”)
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Traveler’s Notebook (TN) Style (4.25” x 8.25”) But there are no rules—make them any size you like!
What Can I Use for a Junk Journal Cover?
You can make a cover out of almost anything:
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Cereal boxes
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Envelopes & file folders
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Chipboard or cardboard
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Old book covers
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Fabric-covered boards
Looking for printable covers? Check out our vintage junk journal cover printables to create a stunning base for your journal!
What is a Signature?
A signature is a set of folded pages bound together inside your journal. Some journals have one signature, while others have several. Most people use 6-10 sheets per signature, depending on how bulky they want their journal to be.
How Do I Bind My Junk Journal?
There are several ways to attach pages to a journal cover:
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Sewing (Pamphlet stitch, hidden spine, corset spine, etc.)
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Tying with string, ribbon, or elastic bands
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Gluing pages into the cover
What Should I Include in My Junk Journal?
The beauty of junk journaling is that anything goes! Here are some ideas:
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Coffee-dyed paper
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Book pages, maps, sheet music
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Vintage postcards, receipts, tickets
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Lace, fabric, ribbon
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Stickers, washi tape, envelopes
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Hand-drawn doodles or paintings
Need some vintage-style printable ephemera to add to your journal? Browse our shop for beautiful printable journaling cards, tags, and decorative papers!
What is Ephemera?
Ephemera refers to decorative bits and pieces used in junk journals, such as:
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Old letters & postcards
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Tickets, receipts, tags
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Stamps & illustrations
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Anything small and decorative!
We have a selection of printable ephemera sets to help you fill your junk journals with beautiful vintage-inspired elements.
What Kind of Paper & Printer Should I Use for Printables?
We recommend:
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110 lb. cardstock for sturdy pages
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24 lb. premium bright paper for standard prints
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Inkjet or laser printers work great—experiment to find what suits your needs!
How Can I Share My Junk Journal?
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Join online junk journal communities
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Share your work on social media
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Gift them to friends & family
How Do I Get Started Today?
Just start! Grab some paper, fold it, and start adding bits and pieces you love. Don’t overthink it - junk journaling is all about creativity and self-expression. Make mistakes, experiment, and have fun!
Need printables to get started? Visit The Printables Cwtch for instant-download junk journal kits, digital papers, and ephemera!
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Happy journaling!