There is something quietly magical about a junk journal. It is part scrapbook, part diary and part treasure box: a place where an old bus ticket, a pressed flower from a weekend walk and a scrap of lace can sit happily side by side. If you have been scrolling past beautiful flip-throughs and thinking "I could never do that", this guide is for you. Junk journalling has no rules, no right answers and no need for expensive tools. Let's make your first one together.
What is a junk journal, exactly?
A junk journal is a handmade or repurposed book filled with layers of paper, ephemera and memories. The "junk" part is affectionate: traditionally, journallers used things others might throw away, such as envelopes, receipts, old book pages, tea bags and packaging. Today, many people mix those found treasures with printed ephemera, washi tape and stickers to build pages that feel collected over time.
Unlike a bullet journal or planner, a junk journal is not about productivity. It is about slowing down, playing with colour and texture, and keeping the little moments that would otherwise slip away.
What you need to get started
You truly do not need much. Here is a simple starter kit:
- A base journal. Any notebook will do. A sturdy A5 or A6 notebook is a lovely size for beginners, or you can stitch a few folded sheets of card into a simple signature.
- Paper and ephemera. Vintage-style papers, tags, tickets, labels and journaling cards give you instant texture. A ready-made pack such as our Vintage Junk Journal Ephemera Kit (97 pieces) saves you hours of hunting and keeps your colours cohesive.
- Something sticky. A glue stick, double-sided tape and, of course, washi tape. Washi is forgiving: you can lift and reposition it while you are still deciding.
- Decorative bits. Stickers, lace, ribbon, buttons and doilies. Browse our washi tape and sticker collection for layering pieces.
- A pen you love. A fine black pen for journaling and maybe a white gel pen for highlights.
- Your own treasures. Café receipts, gift tags, postcards, tickets from a gig in Auckland or a ferry trip across Cook Strait. These are what make the journal yours.
Step-by-step: your first spread
1. Choose a colour story
Pick two or three main colours before you start. Creamy neutrals with soft pink and sage, or warm browns with a touch of red, are classic vintage combinations. A limited palette is the easiest way to make a page look "finished" even when you are layering lots of different pieces.
2. Lay down a background
Start with one large piece of patterned or aged paper as your base. Do not glue anything yet; just lay it on the page so you can move things around.
3. Build layers from big to small
Add a medium-sized piece, such as a tag, envelope or journaling card, slightly off-centre. Then tuck smaller elements around it: a ticket, a label, a strip of washi. Overlapping edges and tilting pieces at slight angles creates that cosy, collected look.
4. Add a focal point
Every spread benefits from one star: a pretty image, a pressed flower or a photo. Place it where your eye naturally lands, usually a little above the middle of the page.
5. Create hiding spots
Pockets, envelopes and fold-outs are the heart of junk journalling. Glue an envelope down on three sides and slip journaling cards or small notes inside. It is a delightful surprise when you flip back through later.
6. Write a little
Journaling does not have to be long. A date, a few lines about your day, a quote you love or a list of small joys is plenty. Many journallers write on separate cards and tuck them away so the page stays uncluttered.
7. Glue it down and let it rest
Once you are happy, glue everything in place. Close the journal with a sheet of baking paper between the pages and pop something heavy on top overnight to keep it flat.
Beginner tips from our desk
- Embrace imperfection. Crooked edges, coffee stains and visible tape are part of the charm. Vintage style loves a little wear.
- Do not save the "good stuff". It is tempting to hoard your favourite papers. Use them! The joy is in the making.
- Work in batches. Prepare a stack of tags and pockets on a rainy afternoon, then assemble pages whenever inspiration strikes.
- Keep a scrap box. Off-cuts from one page often become the perfect finishing touch on the next.
- Collect as you go. Keep a small envelope in your bag for tickets, wrappers and labels from your week. Kiwi summer is especially good for this: beach day parking slips, market labels and pōhutukawa petals all make wonderful page material.
Easy theme ideas for your first pages
- A week in my life: one small piece of ephemera for each day.
- Tea and books: tea tags, book quotes and a cosy colour palette.
- Garden diary: botanical papers, seed packet labels and pressed leaves.
- Letters to my future self: envelopes with notes to open in a year.
- Festive memories: as the holidays approach, our Christmas journaling collection is full of seasonal pieces to capture your summer Christmas.
Where to find more inspiration
Our Vintage Junk Journal Ephemera Book is a great "everything in one place" option if you want papers, pads and stickers that already coordinate. If you would rather build your stash bit by bit, explore the full junk journal ephemera collection and pick the pieces that make your heart sing.
Most of all, remember that a junk journal is a conversation with yourself. There is no wrong way to begin, only your way. Pour a cup of tea, clear a little space on your desk and make that first page. We cannot wait to see what you create.