How to Create a Junk Journal From Scratch
- Rea Weeks
- 24 hours ago
- 5 min read
Junk journaling is part creative play, part memory keeping, and part “use what you have.” A junk journal can be as simple as a few pages stitched together with scraps, or as detailed as a themed book filled with pockets, tags, and layered textures. The best part is that there’s no single “right” way—just a handful of steps that make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Below is a clear, beginner-friendly way to make a junk journal from start to finish, using supplies you probably already have (and a few fun upgrades if you want them).
What is a junk journal?
A junk journal is a handmade journal created from “found” and repurposed materials—think old book pages, envelopes, scrap paper, magazine clippings, packaging, and fabric scraps. People use them for:
writing and reflection
memory keeping
art journaling and collage
gratitude pages
creative practice without pressure
Supplies (use what you have)
You can start with a very basic setup and add extras as you go.
Core supplies (beginner-friendly):
Paper for pages: copy paper, scrapbook paper, old book pages, junk mail, kraft paper, notebook paper
Paper for covers: cereal box, chipboard, cardstock, or an old book cover
Adhesive: glue stick, liquid glue, double-sided tape, or a tape runner
Cutting tools: scissors (a craft knife + cutting mat is a bonus)
Something to bind with: string, embroidery floss, twine, yarn, or ribbon
Hole punch or awl (even a thick needle works)
Helpful extras (nice but not required):
washi tape
brads / eyelets
ink or distressing tools
stamps
stapler
fabric scraps, lace, ribbon
printable ephemera (tags, journaling cards, pockets)
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Step 1: Choose your journal size + theme (optional)
Before you build, decide:
Size: common beginner sizes are half-letter (5.5" x 8.5") or A5-ish.
Theme (optional): nature, vintage, cottagecore, travel, seasonal, “neutral browns,” etc.
A theme can help you choose papers and embellishments faster, but you can also keep it “anything goes” and let the pages evolve naturally.
Step 2: Create your cover
Option A: Chipboard/cereal box cover (simple + sturdy)
Cut two cover pieces the same size (front and back).
Cut a spine piece (about 1"–2" wide depending on how chunky you want your journal).
Cover the chipboard with paper or fabric, wrapping edges around to the inside.
Add an inside liner paper to hide raw edges.
Option B: Repurpose an old book cover
Remove the old pages (save them for decorating!).
Clean up the spine if needed.
Reinforce the inside hinges with tape or fabric.
Tip: If you plan on making a “chunky” journal with lots of pockets, go a little wider on the spine now—you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 3: Build your signatures (the “page bundles”)
A signature is a small stack of pages folded together. Most junk journals are made from 2–4 signatures.
Pick a variety of papers (thin, thick, textured).
Cut or tear them to your chosen page size.
Stack 5–10 sheets per signature (thicker papers = fewer sheets).
Fold the stack in half and crease well (a ruler edge or bone folder is great).
Beginner tip: Mix paper types for visual interest: a plain writing page next to a book page next to a patterned page keeps your journal from feeling repetitive.
Step 4: Punch sewing holes
You’ll be sewing through the fold (the center crease) of each signature.
Mark 3–5 hole points along the fold (even spacing is easiest).
Use an awl, needle, or hole punch to make holes through the fold.
Repeat for each signature.
If you’re using multiple signatures, it helps to use a quick template (a scrap strip of paper with hole marks) so everything lines up.
Step 5: Bind it (easy binding options)
Option A: Three-hole pamphlet stitch (great for one signature)
Sew in and out through the three holes, knotting at the center.
Simple, strong, and perfect for a first project.
Option B: Multi-signature binding (still beginner-friendly)
If you’re doing multiple signatures, you can:
sew each signature in with a simple stitch along the spine, or
use a traveler’s notebook style with elastic bands, or
use binder rings as a no-sew option.
If you’re brand new: start with one signature using a pamphlet stitch. You can always make version 2.0 later with multiple signatures.
Step 6: Add pockets, tucks, and interactive pieces
This is where junk journals become really fun.
Easy additions:
Pockets: fold a paper into a “U” shape and glue 3 sides
Tucks: glue a strip or triangle so a card can slide behind it
Flip-outs: attach a page with washi tape or a thin strip of paper as a hinge
Envelopes: glue an envelope into the journal as a page (instant pocket)
Practical tip: If you add bulky elements (layered collage, thick cardstock, lots of tags), spread them out so the journal closes nicely.
Step 7: Decorate your pages (without overthinking it)
A good rhythm is:
Add a background layer (book page, torn paper, soft pattern)
Add a focal point (tag, journaling card, image, quote)
Add a finishing touch (ink edges, washi, stitching marks, a tiny label)
If your brain says “I don’t know what to put,” start with one small corner collage and leave plenty of open writing space. You can always come back later.
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Step 8: Make tags + journaling cards
Tags and cards make a junk journal feel interactive and usable.
Quick tag ideas:
cut rectangles from cardstock or packaging
punch a hole at the top and tie on string
add a label area for writing
Journaling card ideas:
use index cards or cut from scrapbook paper
decorate one side, keep the other side plainer for writing
round corners for a softer look
Step 9: Add a closure (optional)
If your journal gets chunky, a closure helps keep it neat:
wrap-around ribbon
elastic band
button and string
belly band (a band of paper that slides around the journal)
Common beginner mistakes (and easy fixes)
“My journal won’t close.”
Spread out bulky elements and consider a wider spine next time.
“My pages feel too busy.”
Build in resting spaces: plain pages, lighter backgrounds, smaller clusters.
“I don’t have the right supplies.”
You don’t need specialty items to start—scrap paper + glue + string can make a beautiful journal.
“I’m afraid to mess it up.”
Junk journals are meant for experimenting. If you don’t love a page, collage right over it.
A gentle way to keep going (without buying a million things)
If you enjoy the process, one of the easiest “upgrades” is using printable kits for pockets, tags, journaling cards, and themed pages—especially when you want a cohesive look without spending hours hunting for matching papers.
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A freebie every Monday
A tutorial or prompt list every Wednesday
Coupons and promos for my store
Encouraging emails for your writing, reading, and crafting journey
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🌟 Final Thoughts
Your first junk journal doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be yours. Start simple, let it be messy, and pay attention to what you enjoy most (binding, decorating, writing, collecting ephemera). That’s how you’ll naturally develop your style.
Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures
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