Have you ever seen a thick vintage journal on Pinterest and thought, how do people even make this?
That was me.
Junk journaling looked pretty but also confusing.
I did not feel artistic and I did not know where to start.
What I learned is that junk journaling is not about talent.
It is about collecting paper and telling small stories with it.
Old receipts, book pages, notes, and scraps all have a place.
This guide breaks down how I started my first junk journal step by step.
No art skills needed.
Just paper, time, and a little curiosity.
What Is a Junk Journal
A junk journal is a handmade book made from found paper.
That can mean old book pages, envelopes, tickets, maps, or packaging.
It is not a diary and it does not need long writing.
The focus is texture, layers, and how the pages look together.
Some people use junk journals to save memories.
Others use them as decor on a shelf or desk.
I like that it feels useful and creative at the same time.
It fits right into a home office or creative nook and still looks good when closed.
The Five Essential Supplies You Need
You do not need much to start.
More supplies do not make the journal better.
These basics are enough:
1. A base journal
I use an old hardcover book or a plain notebook.Thrift stores are great for this.
2. Adhesives
A glue stick handles paper.Double sided tape helps with pockets and layers.
3. Washi tape
This adds layers fast and helps break up blank space.4. Vintage elements
This is the main look of the journal.Old paper makes everything feel grounded.
5. Scissors or fussy cut tools
Clean cuts matter more than fancy tools.That is it.
Everything else is extra.
The Instant Aesthetic Shortcut
Real vintage paper takes time to find.
Thrifting is slow and online bundles add up fast.
This is where many people quit before they start.
What helped me was having a small set of ready made vintage papers.
Old book text.
Tickets.
Labels.
Ephemera that already looks worn.
Having these on hand removes the pressure.
It lets you focus on learning how to layer and build pages instead of hunting supplies.
This is why I keep a small vintage ephemera kit ready.
It saves time and keeps the look consistent across pages.
Three Easy Steps to Your First Page
This is the exact process I use when a page feels empty.
1. Layer the background
I start by covering white space.Coffee stained paper works well.
So do muted digital backgrounds.
The goal is to remove the blank page feeling.
2. Create a focal point
Every page needs one main piece.A butterfly image.
A ticket.
A postcard.
One item that draws the eye first.
3. Add dimension
This can be lace, twine, a paper clip, or a folded pocket.Flat pages feel unfinished.
One raised detail fixes that.
I stop once the page feels balanced.
More is not always better.
Common Beginner Mistakes I Made
I used too many pieces on one page.
I glued things before testing placement.
I tried to make every page match.
Junk journals do not need to be perfect or even.
Some pages stay simple.
Others get full.
That contrast is what makes them feel real.
Another mistake was waiting until I had everything.
You do not need everything.
You need enough to start.
How I Use Junk Journals as Decor
My finished journals do not sit in drawers.
I style them on shelves, console tables, and desks.
They work like soft decor.
Neutral colors.
Texture.
Personal meaning.
Sometimes I open them to a favorite page.
Other times they stay closed and add weight to a stack of books.
This is what makes junk journals feel worth the time.
They live in the space with you.
Conclusion
Junk journaling is about the process, not the result.
It turns small scraps into something that feels calm and personal.
There is no right pace and no final look to chase.
One page is enough.
One journal is enough.
Whether it sits on an entryway table or next to your bed, it becomes part of your space and your story.
Start simple.
Use what you have.
Let the pages grow over time.
That is where the meaning shows up.
