You have been collecting supplies with a vague junk journal project in mind, but now you don’t know where to begin?
I totally understand. Welcome to my world. I love finding inspiration in everyday things, and when I run across an illustration or some vintage ephemera, my brain fills up with so many possibilities I think to myself “Ooh – I have to do this!” And then I set it down in a safe place to use later, and it goes straight out of my head.
Forward movement is the key. Just show up. Just start. Pick up your saved supplies in your hand, and mull over them for a while. Junk journaling mixes creativity, recycling, and personal narrative all in one and these found objects allow you to press your personality into each page. Holding the pieces in your hand – the ideas for storytelling will flow back as you access that mindset again, and you’ll be off and creating something brand new right out of your own head!
If you are not sure what a Junk Journal consists of, here is an easy-to-follow video by Melina Pylant, about how to make a junk journal.
Me? I like to start with a theme in mind. It helps me keep on track. Deciding on a theme for your junk journal allows you to capture and organize bits of life, memories, and thoughts into a lovely keepsake. A theme-based journal creates an emotional journey for both the artist and any eventual onlookers.
Here are 10 ideas for Junk Journal Themes:
1. Vintage Ephemera
My favorite theme. A blending of the past and the present. A ‘Vintage Ephemera’ theme is a favorite among beginners in junk journaling. I recommend starting with a collection of vintage postcards, you can always find boxes of them at street markets or estate sales. If you are lucky, you may inherit them from old family drawers. These postcards offer visuals of places ready to form the backdrop of your journal. Including old tickets, maybe from long-finished theatre shows, or crumpled bus or train stubs, adds a narrative to the journal, and authenticates your past journeys and experiences.
To complement the postcards, add black-and-white or sepia-toned photographs, which I find add a layer of personal touch or mystery. Add a scrap of lace, or some fabric from a long-forgotten event. Each page turns into a portal to past times where every piece of ephemera has a story to tell. And you can leave space to write little notes or thoughts as you are working through the theme.
For beginners starting on creative journaling, the setup is uncomplicated—use any vintage elements you can find, and let your imagination create a journey through time.
2. Travel Memories
Creating a travel-themed junk journal allows you to explore adventure and wanderlust. Start by gathering maps that you saved from your travels, whether they’re city maps you’ve used or national park guides. The complicated lines and symbols of maps make an engaging backdrop for your journal pages. Souvenirs, such as ticket stubs, postcards, or hotel brochures, serve as tangible memories that add personalized layers to your travel journal.
Secure these mementos onto the pages with either glue (or washi tape works wonderfully for this). You can even jot down anecdotes or thoughts that come to mind when you look at these keepsakes. As you assemble these elements, you put together a narrative that’s uniquely yours, a recreation of your journeys. Remember, precise placement isn’t necessary; it’s the eclectic nature of a junk journal that brings vibrancy and charm to your storytelling.
And, next time you go on a travel adventure, keep a travel-themed Junk Journal in mind and start collecting mementos to stash in your journal. Memories of your trip will be fresh and you can re-live the journey many times over by flipping through the pages.
3. Nature
Embracing the beauty of the natural world can transform your beginner junk journaling into a verdant treasure trove. Consider Nature’s Palette, a theme rooted in the textures, colors, and elements of the outdoors. Collect pressed flowers or leaves during a walk in a park or in your garden; these can be used as stunning focal points or subtle embellishments on your pages. Not only do they add a tactile element to your DIY journals, but they also serve as a memory of where and when you found them.
Complement these with nature printables—a vast array of options is available online, from botanical illustrations to wildlife sketches. These printables can quickly fill your journal with cohesive imagery without the need for complex drawing skills. Combine your collected items and printables with recycled paper, perhaps from old books or music sheets, for an eco-friendly journaling craft that encapsulates the spirit of upcycled journaling. With beginner junk journaling in mind, embrace the simplicity of the nature theme for a serene and grounding creative journaling experience.
4. My Artwork
If you love to draw and paint and you have tons of artistic passion, starting a junk journal themed around My Artistic Endeavors may be your creative alcove. This theme becomes a refuge for documenting every stroke of your brush and sketch of your pen. Begin by gathering your artwork, whether it’s finalized pieces or casual doodles. As you arrange them in your journal, consider accompanying them with handwritten notes on your creative process or inspirational sparks.
Expand this artistic tapestry by interspersing pages with fabric scraps, paint swatches, or anything that captures the essence of your artistry. Don’t shy away from using unconventional materials; a coffee-stained napkin or a ticket stub could represent moments when inspiration struck. By adding bits of your daily life, you craft not just a journal, but a narrative of your artistic journey.
The supplies needed to mirror your art tools—glue, scissors, and perhaps some decorative washi tape to frame your work. As a novice, having a theme like My Artistic Endeavors provides a structured yet liberating approach to start this fulfilling hobby—turning a bland diary into a dynamic gallery of your creative evolution.
5. Seasonal Themes
If you’re looking to begin junk journaling with some seasonal flair, you can invite the spirit of the holidays or your favorite season into your pages. Start by collecting items that evoke the essence of the time of year you want to capture. For a fall journal, gather colorful leaves, and include pictures of pumpkin patches, or stickers of cozy knitted sweaters. If you’re focusing on a holiday such as Christmas, add in snippets of wrapping paper, holiday greeting cards, and maybe some festive washi tape to line your pages.
In your layout, play with colors and textures that reflect the season’s personality. Layer your elements using junk journal supplies like glue or double-sided tape. Remember, the goal is to convey the mood of the season through a tactile and visual experience. Handmade journals provide an excellent canvas for memory keeping, and by using theme-based journaling, you create a time capsule of these seasonal moments.
For those interested in upcycled journal approaches, consider using pages from old seasonal catalogs or magazines. This eco-friendly journaling practice not only reuses materials but also saves money—a great fit for those looking into budget journaling. As you assemble your seasonal celebration journal, reflect on what these times mean to you personally, and let that guide your creative process.
6. Literature and Lyrics
If you’re a lover of the written word, then creating a Literature and Lyrics-themed junk journal is a delightful way to merge your passion for stories and songs with the art of journaling. Begin by gathering snippets from beloved books, notable novel pages, or printouts of powerful poetry that resonate with you. Layer these textual treasures amid the pages of your journal.
Next, transcribe lines from songs that stir your soul or scribble down melodies that move you and stir memories. This journal can become a personal sanctuary for the lyrics that have soundtracked significant moments in your life.
In the same vein, honor the authors and songwriters who’ve inspired you by dedicating pages to them. Use vintage photographs, or biographical snippets, or replicate their famous signatures to honor them in your creation.
Seek out junk journal supplies such as old book covers, music sheets, or concert tickets to embellish your pages, creating a collage that celebrates the symphony of words and music that shapes your world. This theme is not only an exercise in creative journaling but also a way to deepen your connection with literature and lyrics that have left an indelible mark on you.
7. Food
I always find that binding my culinary adventures into a junk journal brings a unique flavor to the craft. You can create a ‘Culinary Creations’ theme brimming with savory memories and tasty dishes. Begin by collecting recipes that have a special place in your heart or ones that you’re eager to try. Paste in the handwritten recipes from family members or those torn from beloved magazines. Don’t hesitate to include food labels or packaging that catches your eye with vibrant graphics or nostalgic touches.
Use menus or business cards from memorable restaurants as inserts or pockets. Capture dining experiences by noting your thoughts next to the pasted ticket stubs or receipts. To enrich this theme, add photos of dishes you’ve created or enjoyed. This junk journal theme goes beyond merely documenting—it’s about savoring the experiences and ingredients that craft our culinary journey. It’s a personal and eco-friendly way to cherish flavors and food-related escapades. Through these pages, you craft not just a journal, but a repository of heritage, joy, and gastronomical delight.
8. Personal Growth Path
Personal Growth Path lends itself beautifully to beginner junk journaling. This theme invites you to document your journey of self-improvement and mindfulness through the pages of your journal. Start by selecting junk journal supplies that illustrate your vision of growth, such as pastel papers for softness or vibrant colors for energy. As you plan out your Personal Growth journal, consider sections for daily affirmations, tracking personal achievements, and setting future goals. Throughout the journal, you can jot down reflective questions that apply to moments of personal triumph. Include pockets or envelopes to tuck away notes of encouragement or letters of self-compassion.
The key to this theme-based journaling is consistency, allowing you to visualize and celebrate each step of your progress, making it one of the most rewarding easy journal ideas for a personal journal. Embrace creativity by using eco-friendly journaling materials that align with a commitment to self-care and environmental awareness, further customizing this experience to match your personal taste.
9. Bucket List
This is the one I want to do next. It may take a long time to collect pictures for the pages, but as you come across a magazine picture, a chapter in an adventure book, a postcard of a faraway place, an animal, a restaurant with exotic food, or simply a bit of information about a place you once lived. Add it to your bucket list journal, and leave space for you to write when you accomplished the task.
10. Family Keepsakes
For those of us wanting to preserve the warmth of family ties, creating a junk journal with the theme of Family can be particularly poignant. This type of journal serves not only as a creative outlet but also as a repository for the heirlooms of our lineage and the everyday moments that define our familial bonds. Begin by gathering old family photos, heirloom recipes, handwritten letters, or even fabric snippets from grandparents’ clothing. By incorporating these artifacts alongside contemporary snapshots and anecdotes, your journal will become a comprehensive tapestry of your family saga. Think of it as curating an archive that tells the story of your heritage in a uniquely artistic manner. This blend of past and present offers you a canvas to commemorate kinship while indulging in the joy of creative journaling. Remember, in chronicling these keepsakes, your journal becomes a legacy itself, one that carries forward the essence of family for generations to come.