Junk journaling is your passport to a world of creativity and nostalgia. It’s the most approachable way to dive into the world of scrapbooking and memory keeping. No fancy equipment or expensive supplies needed – just a desire to capture moments and express yourself. 

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete newbie, junk journaling is a welcoming space for everyone. Let’s explore how to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary pages. In this post, I’ll share six essential tips to help you create a junk journal that’s as stunning as the ones you see on Instagram.

Tip #1: Don’t Forget the Journaling

It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of junk journaling, but let’s not forget the heart and soul of it all: the journaling. Your journal is a personal time capsule, a place to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.  

When you’re adding photos, tickets, or other ephemera to your journal, take a moment to write about them. What memories do they evoke? What were you doing at the time? These written reflections will make your journal even more meaningful and personal.

Tip #2: Capture the Moments

One of the best ways to fill your junk journal with meaningful content is to document your life as it happens. So, the next time you’re out and about, be sure to take plenty of photos. And don’t forget to print them! Physical photos add a tangible element to your journal that can’t be replicated digitally.

Want to improve your photography skills? Check out my other blog post for tips on taking great pictures while spending time with friends and family.

Tip #3: Save Everything

Once you embrace the junk journaling lifestyle, you’ll start to see potential in everyday items. Tickets, notepads, invitations, cards, and pamphlets – all of these can become treasures in your journal.

Train your friends and family to be your personal junk journal collectors! Let them know that you’re always on the lookout for interesting ephemera and they can save it for you. Who knows, they might even start collecting for you without even being asked!

Tip #4: Unleash Your Inner Artist

Don’t think you need to spend a fortune on stickers to decorate your junk journal. Your own creativity can be just as beautiful. Let loose and doodle on your pages.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, simple doodles can add a personal touch to your journal. Hearts, stars, flowers, or abstract patterns – anything goes! So grab a pen or marker and let your imagination run wild.

Tip #5: Get Creative with Cropping

Cropping your photos in unique ways can add a fun and dynamic element to your junk journal. One popular technique is to crop out the background and focus solely on the subject. This can create a more intimate and impactful composition.

Experiment with different cropping styles to see what you like best. You can try cropping in unusual shapes, leaving only a small portion of the photo, or even creating abstract compositions. The possibilities are endless!

Tip #6: Celebrate Your Furry Friends

It’s easy to get caught up in documenting human-centric events, but don’t forget about the most important members of your family: your pets!

Dedicate pages to your furry friends. Include photos, paw prints, and even a few words about their personality. It’s a wonderful way to preserve their memory and cherish the moments you’ve shared together. Plus, flipping back through your journal and seeing those adorable puppy pictures is priceless.