Junk Journaling 101: Transform Everyday Ephemera into Art of Self-Expression
Based in Denver, Colorado, I’m a photographer, designer, marketer—and a total creative and crafty girl at heart.
I believe in creating a life you love. And in using the power of creativity & positivity to transform your life.
My own artistic and spiritual journeys inspired me to create the affirmations and collage kits to help others explore their creativity, self-expression, and inner landscapes.
Collaging into a ‘junk journal’ has been my FAVORITE creative outlet! And I’m thrilled to spill all of my favorite tips & tricks about Junk Journaling with you in my new Creative Guide to Junk Journaling!
Have you ever looked at a pile of ticket stubs, travel receipts, or random paper scraps and seen nothing but clutter? What if I told you those "junk" items are actually portals to creativity, mindfulness, and personal storytelling?
Welcome to the world of junk journaling - a transformative artistic practice that's more than just a craft. It's a meditation, a form of self-expression, and a powerful way to document your life's journey.
What Exactly is Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling is an artistic approach that takes seemingly insignificant ephemera and transforms them into beautiful, meaningful pages. Think of it as a creative scrapbook meets introspective journal. It's not about perfection - it's about authentic expression.
During my recent travels, I discovered how junk journaling could be a form of creative meditation. Each boarding pass, sticker, and random piece of paper became a way to capture not just memories, but emotions and memories and moments of personal reflection.
Why Junk Journaling Rocks
- Creativity Without Boundaries Junk journaling breaks traditional art rules. There are no mistakes, only opportunities for creative expression.
- Sustainable Creativity Repurpose items that would otherwise end up in the trash, turning waste into art.
- Mindfulness Practice The process of selecting, arranging, and creating becomes a form of meditation.
- Memory Preservation Capture life's moments in a way that's uniquely yours.
Getting Started: What You'll Need
Contrary to what you might think, you don't need expensive supplies. Your junk journal can start with:
- Old magazines
- Ticket stubs
- Postcards
- Receipts
- Vintage paper ephemera
- Washi tape
- Glue stick
Here is a link to my junk journaling supply list!
My Personal Junk Journaling Journey
As a photographer and designer based in Denver, I've always been drawn to creative expression. Junk journaling became my favorite way to process experiences, especially while traveling. It's not just about creating something beautiful - it's about transforming raw experiences into art and embracing a joyful way to practice creativity more regularly. Some spreads come together for me in just a few minutes, while others cause me to slow down and take my time, moving around the layout until I'm ready to tape it down.
Tips for Junk Journal Beginners
- Start small and be kind to yourself
- Embrace the imperfect!
- Collect ephemera from your daily life (I collect odds and ends into an old cigar box I got from a thrift store for $1.99!)
- Experiment with different techniques
- Add meaningful affirmations and notes
- Let your intuition guide you
Ready to Dive Deeper?
If you're feeling inspired and want a comprehensive guide to kickstart your junk journaling journey, I've created a detailed Creative Guide to Junk Journaling. It's packed with techniques, inspiration, and the exact strategies I use in my own creative practice.
Download my free Creative Guide to Junk Journaling
Final Thoughts
Junk journaling is more than a craft - it's a philosophy of seeing beauty in the ordinary, finding meaning in the mundane, and celebrating your unique creative voice.
Are you ready to turn your "junk" into journaling magic?
With love ♥ Stephanie