A junk journal pocket is a simple paper pouch glued into your journal to hold tags, cards, photos, and ephemera you want to tuck away and pull out later. Pockets add function and interactivity to a page, and you can make one in minutes from a folded sheet, an envelope, or a glued strip of paper. This guide covers four easy pocket methods and what to put in them.
Why add pockets to a junk journal?
Pockets turn a flat page into something interactive. They hold journaling cards, tags, letters, and keepsakes, and they invite whoever's flipping through to pull pieces out and explore. They also add depth and structure to a spread. For beginners, pockets are one of the most satisfying early techniques — quick, useful, and endlessly reusable. (New to journaling? Start with our beginner's guide to starting a junk journal.)
4 easy ways to make a junk journal pocket
- The folded-page pocket. Fold the bottom third of a page upward and glue the sides. Instant full-width pocket — the simplest method of all.
- The envelope pocket. Glue a real envelope (or one you fold from decorative paper) onto the page. Its existing flap makes a natural, tidy pocket.
- The glued-strip pocket. Cut a piece of paper smaller than the page, then glue only its sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Great for a partial or side pocket.
- The library-card pocket. Recreate the classic library-book pocket by cutting a rounded-top rectangle and gluing three sides. Perfect for tags and cards, with a vintage feel.
Use decorative paper for pockets so they match your page — printable Whimsy Papers and Collage Packs are ideal because you can print a pocket in any pattern you need.
What to put in your pockets
- Tags and journaling cards — the classic pocket filler; write notes on them.
- Ephemera — tuck in cut-out elements so they peek out the top. See junk journal ephemera for ideas, and how to fussy cut printables by hand to cut them cleanly.
- Photos and mementos — small keepsakes you want to keep but not glue down.
- Fold-out pages — a folded insert that opens to reveal more.
Tips for better pockets
- Make the pocket shorter than what goes in it so tags peek out and are easy to grab.
- Reinforce the edges with washi or a paper strip for pockets you'll use often.
- Decorate the pocket front with a small cut-out so it becomes part of the design.
- Vary the placement — side, bottom, or angled pockets keep spreads interesting.
Shop the supplies
- Pocket and background papers — Whimsy Papers
- Coordinated sheets — Collage Packs
- Tuck-in elements — Fussy Cuts
- Ready-made books — Printed Collage Books
- All digital products — Digital Downloads
Frequently asked questions
What is a junk journal pocket? A paper pouch glued into a journal to hold tags, cards, photos, and ephemera you can tuck away and pull out later.
What is the easiest junk journal pocket to make? The folded-page pocket: fold up the bottom of a page and glue the sides. It takes under a minute.
What paper should I use for pockets? Decorative paper that matches your page. Printable papers work well because you can print a pocket in any pattern.
What do you put in junk journal pockets? Tags, journaling cards, ephemera, photos, small keepsakes, and fold-out inserts.
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