Starting a junk journal is an exercise in creative freedom, a blank slate where the only rule is that there are no rules. The blank page can feel intimidating, however, which is why knowing what to put in a junk journal is the key to unlocking its potential. This guide moves beyond the simple list of supplies to explore the textures, purposes, and surprising materials that can transform a simple notebook into a cherished repository of your daily life.
Embracing the Digital and Found Object
The beauty of a junk journal lies in its ability to blend the traditional with the unexpected. You are not just limited to paper and pen; you are encouraged to incorporate the physical world around you. This section focuses on the "found objects" and digital prints that give a junk journal its unique, tactile personality.
Collage and Ephemera
One of the richest ways to fill your journal is through collage. You don't need a sophisticated design sense, just a pair of scissors and an old magazine. Tear out images, textured cardboard, product labels, and interesting scraps of fabric. These elements are the visual vocabulary of your journal, allowing you to represent feelings, memories, or random thoughts without writing a single word. Ticket stubs from a concert, dried petals from a bouquet, or interesting packaging are perfect examples of ephemera that add a layer of authentic history to the page.
Printed Digital Elements
In the modern age, a junk journal isn't complete without a connection to the digital realm. Print out screenshots of your favorite text messages, emails that made you laugh, or calendar reminders for future events. You can also generate lists, such as a monthly budget breakdown or a grocery list, and paste them in. These items provide context to your life, turning the journal into a timeline of actual data and communications rather than just abstract art.
The Power of Writing and Reflection
While visuals are important, the written word gives a junk journal its soul and structure. Writing transforms the book from a scrapbook into a true diary of thought processes. Here are the types of text-based entries that give depth to your creation.
Stream of Consciousness
Sometimes, the best way to fill a page is to stop thinking and just write. Stream of consciousness writing involves putting pen to paper and writing down whatever pops into your head—rambles, observations, grievances, or silly observations. The goal here is not grammar or spelling; it is the raw energy of thought. This practice is excellent for clearing mental clutter and often reveals surprising insights about your current state of mind.
Lists and Brain Dumps
Junk journals are the perfect place for the practical side of life. Create lists of goals, books you want to read, places you want to visit, or skills you want to learn. More importantly, utilize it for "brain dumps"—a frantic, unfiltered download of everything weighing on your mind. By transferring these swirling thoughts onto paper, you effectively give your brain a moment of rest, knowing that the task is noted but doesn't have to be solved immediately.
Incorporating Texture and Technique
To truly make your junk journal stand out, you need to engage the sense of touch. Flattening objects or adding dimensional elements turns a two-dimensional page into an experience.
Layering and Texture Paste
Use texture paste, wax, or glue to build up layers on your pages. You can embed thin pieces of lace, leaves, or rice paper beneath a transparent layer of medium. Stamp the pages with ink, stencils, or even everyday objects like bottle caps or sponges. This creates a visual and physical topography that makes flipping through the pages satisfying and immersive.
Interactive Elements
Consider making your journal interactive rather than static. Fold a page to create a pocket to hold small notes or keepsakes. Use a ruler to draw a grid for a simple crossword or maze. You can even add flaps that lift to reveal hidden thoughts or "under the rug" memories. These elements invite the user—whether that is you or someone else—to engage with the book physically, creating a dynamic relationship between the creator and the art.
Maintaining Flow and Momentum
One of the biggest hurdles in maintaining a junk journal is the pressure to make every page perfect. To keep the habit sustainable, it is essential to adopt a flexible approach that keeps the creative juices flowing without the stress of perfectionism.
The "One Page" Rule
Instead of aiming to fill an entire spread every time, start with the "one page" rule. Commit to filling just one page per day or per session. On days when you are inspired, you can obviously do more, but the rule ensures you never feel overwhelmed. This page could be nothing more than a single pressed flower with a date written underneath, or a chaotic splash of color that captures your mood that morning.
Travel and Portable Kits
To ensure you always have the means to add to your journal, keep a portable "junk kit" nearby. A small zippered pouch containing a few pens, a mini glue stick, some washi tape, and a handful of interesting paper scraps or napkins allows you to create on the go. Whether you are on a coffee run or waiting for an appointment, you can jot down a quote, stick in a receipt, or sketch the scene in front of you, keeping the narrative of your life continuous.