Ever saved a pretty receipt, a movie ticket, a cute piece of packaging, or a paper scrap because you liked it too much to throw away? You already have the makings of a junk journal.
Junk journaling is a fun way to turn everyday paper pieces and little keepsakes into something personal. You can write, paste, layer, doodle, or simply collect things that remind you of a moment. There is no perfect layout to follow, and your pages do not have to look like the ones you see online.
If you are trying junk journaling for the first time, you’re in the right place because this guide covers the basic stuff you need, from junk journal supplies to journaling techniques to try.
What Is Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling is a creative form of journaling that combines writing with paper pieces, decorative supplies, and personal keepsakes. A page can hold a memory, an idea, a mood, or simply a group of colors and textures you like,
Unlike traditional journaling, which often focuses on written thoughts, junk journaling gives visual elements more room. For example, you might write about a café you visited, save the receipt, and add a photo or sticker from the day.
And there are no strict rules. Your junk journal pages can be neat or messy, colorful or simple, full of writing or mostly visual.
If choosing a notebook is your first challenge in this hobby, SM Stationery’s guide to lined, dotted, and plain journals can help you see how each format works for your journal style.
What Do You Need for Junk Journaling?
You only need a few basic junk journal supplies to begin.
- Journal or notebook: Your base for writing, collage, and keepsakes
- Pen: Notes, captions, dates, and reflections
- Colored pens or markers: Highlights, borders, doodles, and small details
- Decorative paper: Backgrounds, layers, and collage pieces
- Stickers: Quick accents and theme details
- Glue stick or tape: Attaching paper, photos, and keepsakes
- Scissors: Cutting paper, photos, labels, and shapes
Junk Materials You Can Use
Some of the best junk journal materials are things you would normally throw away or tuck into a drawer.
- Old envelopes and greeting cards
- Paper bags and gift wrap scraps
- Magazine pages
- Receipts and ticket stubs
- Postcards and labels
- Product packaging
- Printed photos
- Maps and paper scraps
Even a simple lunch receipt can later remind you of a day you want to remember.
How Can You Start Junk Journaling on a Budget?
You do not need to buy a complete craft collection before you begin. Start with what you have and add supplies only when you know you will use them.
1. Start With One Notebook
Choose one journal notebook and begin there. SM Stationery offers compact notebook sizes, like A6 and A5, to explore.
 Journal Ruled Hardcover A5 Notebook 100 Sheets 100gsm
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 Sketchbook Hardcover A5 100 Sheets 100gsm
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 Travel Sketchbook A6 50 Sheets 100gsm Perforated
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2. Gather Junk Materials
Save tickets, postcards, tags, and packaging that you genuinely like. Receipts, labels, envelopes, paper scraps, packaging, and magazine cutouts can also provide enough junk journal material.
3. Buy Journaling Supplies
When you are ready to shop, choose supplies you can use in different ways. A black pen, a small set of markers, glue, washi tape, and a few stickers can work across many different pages.
4. Pick a Simple Theme
A small theme makes decisions easier. Try two or three colors, school life, a recent trip, favorite songs, books, or everyday moments.
Simple Junk Journaling Techniques To Try
Beginner techniques work best when they are easy to repeat and flexible enough to fit different pages. Try one at a time, then combine them as you become more comfortable.
- Layer Paper: Place two or three pieces of paper on top of each other so their edges overlap. For example, start with decorative paper, add a receipt or note, then place a photo or small card on top.
- Tear the Edges: Not everything needs to be cut perfectly. Tear magazine pages, kraft paper, or scraps by hand for a softer, more relaxed edge.
- Add Stickers: Stickers are an easy way to add detail without drawing. Use them to fill spaces on your pages, mark a date, or draw attention to one detail.
- Use Washi Tape: Washi tape can do more than decorate a page. Use it to hold photos in place, create borders, divide a page, or add a patterned strip.
- Create Simple Pockets: Fold a piece of paper and glue three sides to your page. Leave the top open, then slide in tickets, notes, tiny photos, or other keepsakes.
- Combine Handwriting and Doodles: Add a short caption, date, quote, or memory beside your collage. If you want more detail, try simple stars, hearts, flowers, arrows, or shapes.
- Mix Textures: Smooth paper, kraft paper, tissue, labels, photos, and packaging can all create different textures. Mixing them can make a simple page more interesting without adding lots of decorations.
If you enjoy combining words and visual materials, SM Stationery’s beginner guide to art journaling is another useful place to find ideas.
What Can You Put on Your First Junk Journal Page?
Your first page can focus on something familiar, so you do not have to invent a complicated concept. Start with a memory, a few favorites, or materials you've already collected.
Try these journaling ideas:
- About Me page: Add favorite foods, songs, hobbies, colors, and a few small doodles.
- This Week in Photos: Attach two or three photos and write short captions.
- Memory page: Save a receipt, ticket, note, or label and explain why it matters.
- Current Favorites: Make a collage around books, music, shows, cafés, or hobbies you enjoy now.
- Mood board: Combine words, colors, patterns, and images that match your current mood.
Your first page does not need to define the whole journal. A useful beginner trick is to finish one small spread before planning the next. Pick one memory, choose two or three paper pieces, add a short note, and stop when the page feels complete.
Junk Journaling Tips for Beginners
The easiest way to enjoy junk journaling is to take the pressure off making every page look perfect. Your journal is a place to experiment. It does not need to look like someone else's journal online.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Let imperfect pages stay: A crooked sticker or torn edge can become part of the page.
- Leave some blank space: You do not need to decorate every corner.
- Try different layouts: Mix collage-heavy pages with photos, writing, and simple spreads.
- Use what you already own: Creativity does not depend on expensive materials.
- Date some pages: Looking back later can be more meaningful when you know when a memory happened.
- Let your journal change: Your style six months from now may look completely different from your first page.
If you like more structured journaling, SM Stationery’s bullet journaling guide can show you another way to combine notebooks, writing, and simple page layouts.
Start Your Junk Journal With Simple Stationery
You do not need to create a perfect spread on your first try. Start with one notebook, a pen, and a few materials that already mean something to you.
A receipt from your favorite café, a ticket from a recent trip, or a piece of packaging you like can be enough to start a page. As you discover what you enjoy, you can add colored pens, stickers, washi tape, decorative paper, or other supplies that fit your style.
The goal isn't to collect the most stationery or recreate someone else's pages. It is to make something that feels like yours.
FAQ
- What Is Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling combines writing, collage, decorating, and memory keeping in one journal. Pages may include photos, receipts, tickets, packaging, stickers, notes, and other paper pieces that help capture an idea or memory.
- What Supplies Do I Need to Start Junk Journaling?
Start with a notebook, pen, scissors, and glue or tape. Colored pens, decorative paper, stickers, and washi tape are useful extras, but they are not required for your first pages.
- Do I Need Artistic Skills for Junk Journaling?
No. You can write, layer paper, add photos, use stickers, and save keepsakes without drawing anything. No fixed standard defines what a finished junk journal page should look like.
- How Do I Start Junk Journaling on a Budget?
Use one notebook and collect materials you already have, such as envelopes, receipts, labels, paper bags, and magazine pages. Add new supplies gradually after you learn which techniques you enjoy.
- What Should I Put in My First Junk Journal?
Choose something easy and personal. An About Me page, weekly photo spread, memory collection, current favorites collage, or simple mood board can help you start without overthinking the layout.
Visit SM Stationery online or in stores for notebooks, pens, markers, adhesives, and creative supplies. You can also visit Station by SM at SM Fairview, SM Stationery’s first standalone concept store, for more stationery options.
Follow SM Stationery on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for collections, promos, and events. You can also follow Station by SM on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or order through the Stationery Specialist online order form or call 0917-8STATIO (0917-8782846).
