Starting a junk journal is simple: you take a book or a stack of pages, layer on decorative papers and cut-out elements, and add your own writing and mementos. There are no rules and no expensive tools — just paper, scissors, glue, and things you like. This beginner's guide walks you through what a junk journal is, what you actually need to start, and the first steps to make your very first pages, with links to deeper guides for each part along the way.
What is a junk journal?
A junk journal is a handmade book filled with mixed papers, ephemera, and found materials layered together. Unlike a photo-focused scrapbook, a junk journal is freeform — the crafting itself is the point, and many junk journals have no photos at all. If you're weighing the two, see our guide on junk journal vs scrapbook. The beauty of junk journaling is that anything can go in it: patterned paper, tickets, tags, illustrations, fabric, and handwriting.
What do you need to start a junk journal?
You need surprisingly little to begin:
- A base or cover — a blank book, notebook, or a few folded pages to bind. A ready-made collage or cut & collage book can act as both your pages and your material in one.
- Papers — decorative backgrounds. Printable Whimsy Papers and Collage Packs give you coordinated sheets you can reprint anytime.
- Ephemera and elements — the small decorative pieces you layer on. Browse Fussy Cuts and Cliparts for ready-to-cut motifs.
- Adhesive — a glue stick or tape runner.
- Scissors — small, sharp ones for cutting out elements.
- A pen — for journaling.
That's genuinely all you need for your first journal. You can add tools over time, but none are required to start.
How to start a junk journal, step by step
- Choose your base. Pick a book or fold a few pages in half and stack them. If you'd rather skip the setup, start from a themed collage book so your pages already coordinate.
- Pick a theme or palette. Choosing one color scheme or mood (vintage, botanical, seasonal) makes everything you add look intentional.
- Add your background papers. Glue a decorative paper as the base layer of your first page.
- Layer in ephemera. Cut out elements and arrange them on the page before gluing. For clean cuts, see our guide on how to fussy cut printables by hand, and to understand the different element types, junk journal ephemera.
- Add pockets and tucks. Fold a page or envelope into a pocket to hold tags and notes.
- Journal. Write a few lines — a memory, a list, a quote. The words make it yours.
- Keep going. Fill pages whenever inspiration strikes; a junk journal is never really "finished."
Where to get junk journal supplies
You can build a journal two ways:
- From individual printables — mix and match Fussy Cuts, Cliparts, and Whimsy Papers, printing what you need.
- From a ready-made book — a themed collage or cut & collage book gives you coordinated pages and elements in one place. Not sure what those are? See what a cut & collage book is.
Beginners often start with a themed book because everything coordinates automatically, then add printable elements as they go.
Tips for junk journal beginners
- Start small. One finished page beats a whole journal you never begin.
- Lay out before you glue. Arrange everything first, then commit.
- Keep one palette per spread so mixed elements feel cohesive.
- Don't aim for perfect. Junk journaling is forgiving by design — layers hide mistakes.
- Build a stash. Keep a few cut elements ready so you can create on any spare evening.
Explore by theme
Once you've got the basics, try a themed journal: steampunk junk journal ideas or seasonal fall junk journal ideas are good starting points.
Shop the supplies
Everything a beginner needs:
- Ready-made books — Printed Collage Books
- Ephemera books — Paper Ephemera Books
- Cut-out elements — Fussy Cuts
- Illustrations — Cliparts
- Background papers — Whimsy Papers and Collage Packs
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start a junk journal? Very little: a base book or pages, decorative papers, some cut-out ephemera, glue, scissors, and a pen. No special tools are required.
Is junk journaling hard for beginners? No. It's one of the most forgiving crafts — there's no right layout, and layering naturally hides mistakes.
Do I need photos for a junk journal? No. Unlike scrapbooking, junk journals often have no photos at all; the focus is on layering paper and ephemera.
What's the easiest way to start? Begin with a themed collage or cut & collage book so your pages and elements already coordinate, then add printable pieces as you go.
How much does it cost to start junk journaling? You can start inexpensively, especially with printable supplies you reprint as needed, or with a single themed book that supplies a whole journal.
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