There are a couple different ways that I journal, and one of those ways is junk journaling.

What is junk journaling?

I’ve actually always called this art journaling but lately the newer, fun term is ✩ junk journaling. ✩ And I’m okay with that, but I’ll probably use both interchangeably. 

(And honestly, it’s fun when something already existing gets a soft, little rebrand. Like how a “Sunday reset” is literally just cleaning your house. Or rebranding “broccoli” as “little trees” for a toddler. And isn’t all of this technically under the umbrella of scrapbooking anyway? I digress.)

Junk journaling is the art of taking the bits + pieces of paper that you’ve collected from your life and arranging them in a journal. 

I have a whole different post on how I actually fill my pages, that you can read here. But if you’re collecting moments of your life from receipts, birthday cards, train tickets, photo strips, (etc., etc.), you’re essentially collecting items that you can save in your junk journal!

What do you really need?

To start, you just need a journal (of course), the paper you’ve collected, and a few small crafting items. You don’t have to go overboard with stickers or background papers. But there are a bunch of ways you can elevate your junk journal.

But for now, let’s stick with the basics.

I’ll share a few of my favorite items I use every time I’m junk journaling that give me that excitement to create.

The top essential: the journal

Right now, I’m currently using an A5 Dot Grid Journal from Archer & Olive ($37). 

I recommend an A5 journal because it’s a universal size at 5.8 × 8.3 inches. It’s a perfect size that isn’t too big or too small and can easily fit into a purse or backpack on-the-go. The interior (like dot grid) doesn’t matter to me too much since I end up covering it up anyway.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am 1) a paper snob, and 2) an aesthetics snob. I am very particular about what I like, and if you want my very, very, very honest opinion, I do not love the cover design of my journal or many of the other A&O journals. 

BUT, the paper quality is so, so good at 160gsm. It’s a heavy-weight cardstock, double the thickness of normal printer paper, that can handle glue, paper, and even some paints without warping or bleeding through. And, it’s a women-owned, American-based brand. (Diva up!!)

That said, because you’ll be layering paper on top anyway, you don’t necessarily need a journal with paper that thick. It really just depends on your preference.

If you’re outside the U.S., I would recommend: 

• Tiny Store Hardcover Ribbon Journal ($56)
• Slow Journal Linen Hardcover Journal ($43)

Both journals are at 160gsm.

If you’re in the U.S., and want something easily accessible, I recommend 

• Leuchtturm Hardcover Notebook ($25)
• Karst Hardcover Notebook ($28.95)

The paper is a little thinner, but these are solid brands that ship internationally. 

My other essentials

• Adhesive Tape: An easy roll-on tape with strong sticking power.
• Glue stick: For thicker layering paper, or stickers that have lost their stickiness.
• Washi tape: I have an extensive collection, but I always reach for to simple, solid colors (MT is my favorite).
• Small stickers: I love small stickers as a finishing touch.
• Mini printer: A mini thermal printer that doesn’t need ink and prints like a sticker.

• Pens: My go-to black pens. 
• Pencils: My favorite mechanical pencils that look like No. 2 pencils.
• Sand Eraser: For glue mishaps or when I need to fix something I’ve written.
• Ruler: I use a brass one for tearing clean lines.
• Clamp: Helpful as your journal gets thicker, or if it doesn’t lay-flat.
• Scissors: For cutting! Perfect for left-handed and right-handed.
• Paper Cutter: For rounding off the edges of paper you’ve placed in your journal.

Where do I get the junk?

The short answer: from living my everyday life.

The longer answer: From seeing the potential in everything I come across. I found a clover on a walk to the park, I can pick it up and dry it and put it in my journal. I bought an item with packaging too beautiful to throw away. I’ll cut it up, and keep it for my journal. A friend sent me a card! I’ll cut out the stamp from the envelope, and lay out the card in my journal.

It’s less about searching for things to buy and more about recognizing what’s already around you.

Happy junk journaling. ♡