College days were filled with late nights, endless studying, and a tight budget. Fancy scrapbooking supplies were definitely not on the priority list. But even with limited resources, I found a way to capture those precious memories. Enter, the Junk Journal.

I believe that starting your scrapbooking journey doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A junk journal is the perfect entry point. All you need are your photos, some glue, and a pen. That’s it! It’s simple, affordable, and a fantastic way to preserve your memories.

Want to dive deeper into the world of beginner scrapbooking? Check out my guide here.

Back in my college days, I would religiously print out photos of sorority events and hangouts. These would become the heart of my smashbook pages. A quick stick of glue and a few lines of journaling later, and voila! A page was complete. Sometimes, I’d add a little doodle or sticker for fun. It was a super easy and satisfying way to document my life.

To give you a better idea of what I mean, here are a few pages from my college smashbook: [Insert images of your junk journal pages here]

As you can see, I loved to play around with different techniques. Cropping photos, adding in mementos like valentine cards or movie tickets – it was all part of the fun!

Revisiting these pages has been an absolute blast. It’s incredible how looking through these old memories can transport you right back to that moment.

Here are a few affiliate links to some supplies so you can replicate these pages

This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. However, all of the products I recommend are ones that I have personally used and loved.

Tip #1 Capture Details

One of the best ways to preserve your memories is by providing context to your photos. Take the time to write down what each picture is about and use arrows to point out specific details. This might seem tedious, but trust me, years from now you’ll be so grateful for these extra details. It’s amazing how quickly memories can fade!

Tip #2: Think Thin and Thick

Don’t feel pressured to buy a ton of fancy stickers or embellishments. I know firsthand how limited college budgets can be! Instead, experiment with different thicknesses of pens and markers. You can achieve a surprising amount of visual interest just by varying your line weights. Remember to use acid-free markers to protect your precious memories.

Tip #3 Imperfect Bubble and Block Letters

Let your creativity flow with fun bubble letters and different fonts! Remember, junk journaling is all about expressing yourself freely. Don’t worry about perfection; those imperfect letters and doodles are part of the charm.

Tip # 4 DIY Borders

Don’t stress about perfectly matting your photos. Get creative with your markers and draw your own unique borders! This adds a personal touch and saves you from buying extra paper.

Tip #5 Memories Beyond Photos

Don’t limit yourself to just photos! Tickets, cards, and other keepsakes can add depth to your junk journal. I love looking back at old movie tickets to relive those film nights. A cherished Valentine’s card is another great addition. These tangible items bring back memories in a unique way.

I hope these tips and glimpses into my college smashbook / junk journal have inspired you to start your own junk journaling adventure! If you’re just beginning your scrapbooking journey, be sure to check out my beginner’s guide for more helpful tips and tricks. Happy journaling!