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Junk journaling is a beautifully imperfect way to document your life, tell stories, or simply play with paper. Whether you’re a seasoned memory keeper or new to the world of mixed media, junk journaling offers the freedom to explore creativity without boundaries. It combines found objects, vintage ephemera, mixed media techniques, and all kinds of crafty bits to make something uniquely yours.
In this post, we’ll dive into what junk journaling is, how to get started, and recommend some must-have mixed media supplies you can find on Amazon to bring your journals to life.
What is Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling is a form of artistic journaling that uses “junk” or everyday materials—like envelopes, ticket stubs, magazine clippings, fabric scraps, book pages, and packaging. Unlike traditional scrapbooking, there’s no pressure to be neat or follow a theme. It’s a mix of memory keeping, art journaling, and creative recycling.
Some junk journals are used for writing and documenting, while others become purely visual, like collage books. You can glue in layers of paint, ink, lace, washi tape, die-cuts, and textured papers to create a sensory, layered effect.
Basic Supplies to Start Junk Journaling
If you’re wondering what you need to begin, here’s a beginner-friendly list of junk journaling supplies available on Amazon. These tools and materials will help you dive right into the mixed media side of journaling:
- Tim Holtz Idea-ology Ephemera Pack – Field Notes
- Great for adding vintage labels, tickets, and botanicals.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084JZHP9K
- Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Bundle
- Includes a variety of soft, blendable ink pads for adding grunge, color, and antique effects.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0Z4L64
- Ranger Ink Blending Tool with Foam
- Use with distress inks to add soft edges and layers of color.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YNS0I0
- Fiskars Paper Trimmer
- Helps cut straight edges on your found papers and scraps.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OM6LHC
- Tombow Mono Adhesive Permanent Tape Runner
- A must-have adhesive that keeps your layers and paper bits stuck without mess.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CDEUCU
- Ranger Gel Medium
- Acts as a glue and sealer, especially great for collage layers and texture.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002F4P1DM
- Dylusions Ink Spray Set
- Vibrant sprays perfect for backgrounds, stencils, and adding color bursts.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BDSU4O8
- Washi Tape Assorted Set
- Use decorative washi tape to border pages, hold in scraps, or add quick embellishments.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DL5QVH5
- Vintage Paper Ephemera Pack
- Loaded with postcards, music sheets, tickets, and old documents to build backgrounds.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JZBXBFR
- Mod Podge Matte Waterbase Sealer Glue
- Great for sealing your pages and mixed media elements.
- Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009XIZCG
Tips to Get Started
- Start small: Use a composition book, a traveler’s notebook, or make your own from recycled paper.
- Gather junk: Don’t toss out those tea bag tags, receipts, or packaging—they’re perfect junk journal fodder.
- Layer it up: Add paint, ink, paper, fabric, and writing. Let each page evolve naturally.
- Mix styles: Don’t limit yourself to one aesthetic. Mix vintage with modern, soft with bold, clean with messy.
- Make it yours: There are no rules in junk journaling. If it makes you happy, it belongs in your book.
Final Thoughts
Junk journaling is a deeply personal, freeing, and creative outlet. It invites you to look at everyday objects with new eyes, treasure what’s often discarded, and turn it into art. With just a few supplies and an open mind, you can create something beautiful, healing, and entirely unique.
So grab those old papers, your favorite ink, and a glue stick—and let the creative adventure begin.
Extra inspiration read: Ranger Mixed Media Products
Want more tips or printable resources for junk journaling? Let me know—I’d love to help you create them!
