If you’re not sure where to start with junk journaling…
This is where I come in — hopefully.
My goal today is to give you simple, practical tips and ideas for your first (or next!) junk journal project. No matter your style. No matter your skill level. And especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed before you’ve even begun.
The beautiful thing about junk journaling? There are no rules.
But if you’re unsure where to begin, here are my top tips to help you get started with confidence.
Tip #1. Say it with me: You don’t need all the things!
When you first discover junk journaling, it’s very tempting to buy every supply you see someone else using.
And usually, one of four things happens:
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You’re too scared to use the supplies because you don’t want to “ruin” them.
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You get shiny new object syndrome and hop from project to project.
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You become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff.
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Or — very rarely — you use the thing exactly as planned.
Here’s your challenge:
Don’t buy all the things.
Yes, there are a few essentials (good scissors and glue are always helpful), but beyond that? You likely need far less than you think.
How lucky are we that we can turn a pile of random supplies into something beautiful?
Here are some of my favorite paper crafting and Junk Journal supplies.
Check out my Amazon storefront- this is my affiliate link- don't worry- it does not cost your more but keeps me in more supplies and Iced Coffee!
Start small. Start simple. Let your creativity lead — not your shopping cart.
Tip #2. Check what you already have
Before you rush out to buy supplies you’ve seen in videos, pause.
Look around your house.
One of the most wonderful things about junk journaling is that you can use everyday items:
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An old shirt → fabric for pages or clusters
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A book you won’t read again → pockets and layered pages
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Envelopes → tuck spots
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Packaging → textured backgrounds
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Buttons → fabric clusters or dangles
You might only need to purchase true essentials if you don’t already own them. But paper? Fabric? Lace? Ephemera? You probably have more than you think.
Sometimes, if I sit with my supplies for half an hour and just play, my next project slowly reveals itself.
Often it starts with something simple — an envelope, a scrap of packaging, a forgotten piece of lace.
Inspiration doesn’t shout. It wanders in quietly.
Tip #3. Play with themes and styles
In the beginning, you might not know what your style is.
That’s normal.
You can absolutely take inspiration from creators you love — especially when you’re just starting. But try not to be discouraged if your version doesn’t look exactly like theirs.- it shouldn't and not because that is stealing. It shouldn't because we all bring our uniquensess the the craft table.
We all have different:
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Supplies
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Skills
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Preferences
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Creative instincts
I used to think pink, lace, and soft romantic textures were my “forever style.”
And then… about a year later, I drifted away from it completely.
Now I draw inspiration from nature — what I see on my walks, what I notice outside my studio window:
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Bare frosted trees in winter
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Soft wildflowers in spring
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Bold, bright florals in summer
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Warm golds, oranges, and reds in autumn
It took time — and a lot of crafting — to understand what I truly enjoy creating.
So take your time.
Let your style evolve. It will. LIke mine has into my Monthly series for 2026!
Tip #4. Start with ephemera and embellishments
Before making a full journal, try creating ephemera and embellishments first.
Why?
Because:
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You’ll quickly discover the colours and textures you love.
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You’ll build confidence without committing to a whole journal.
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You won’t end up with unfinished books if your style changes (ask me how I know!).
Clusters, tags, pockets, layered pieces — these are small, satisfying projects that help you refine your creative voice.
Think of it as creative warm-up.
Once you have a little pile of handmade embellishments, assembling a journal feels much more natural — and much less intimidating.
Final Thoughts: There Is No “Right Way”
If you remember nothing else from this post, remember this:
There are no rules in junk journaling.
You don’t need expensive tools.
You don’t need a perfectly curated aesthetic.
You don’t need to know your style yet.
You just need to begin.
Play. Experiment. Play. Layer. Play. Glue. Play. Tear. and Play again.
Your first journal doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to exist.
And who knows?
A year from now, you might look back at it and smile at how far you’ve come.
-teresa xo
