Since the start of 2023, specifically in March. I decided to write my thoughts in my notebook for self reflection. First it was your conventional diary where it only consisted of writing. But one day I decided to glue the receipts from the cafes I went to, the movie ticket from the movies I watched, the food or drink packages I consumed. I want to include the physical memorabilia to help me remember the exact moment. At that point I didn’t know what I’ve been doing for the past year is called “Junk Journaling”. And I finally found out what it was in December, scrolling through TikTok.
But what is “Junk Journaling” ?
According to the Logan City Library Website, Junk Journal is a handmade book of recycled and found materials and ephemera. The pages can be used to write, draw, paint or record memories, thoughts, ideas, and inspiration.
Junk Journaling it’s all about letting your imagination take you on how you would fill the pages in your notebook. Junk Journaling can be used for a plethora of things, such as personal diary, scrapbook, or even trackers. It’s all up to you on how you would use it. You could draw, create visual art with mixed media, you could put anything you want on your journal and there aren’t any specific rules for you to follow, it’s all up to you. Junk journaling can help you to humble yourself and ground you. You’ll be able to notice the small details you never noticed before, you start to appreciate more on the things you’re currently experiencing. You’ll realize every moment you spent is a unique experience that never can be redone the next time.
Okay… I’m Interested. Where do I start?
Here’s some materials that you would need :
- Notebook
- Pen
- Glue
- Scissors
- Colored Markers (optional)
The beauty of junk journaling is that you can essentially use any form of notebook to be your journal. It all goes back to personal preference on what notebook you’re comfortable with. Personally I prefer soft cover notebooks, because it gives me more space and creative freedom to write and put things on it. But if you’re planning to make your junk journal to have more of a scrapbook function, a spiral notebook will do great with its versatility. Some people even make their own notebook from scratch out of used materials.
Junk journals don’t have any specific rules to be followed like a bullet journal, where you would essentially create a system on how you would use it. For junk journals it’s mostly up to you.
What Should I Put on My Junk Journal?
It’s anything you want. As long it’s physically possible to do so, you can basically put anything you want on it. The most popular people would put into their Junk Journal are receipts, movie tickets, concert tickets and even used food or beverage packaging. I even put a piece of crochet yarn so I’ll remember the texture. You can write anything you want in your journal because it’s yours to create. You can write about your day, like a conventional journal. You can write about past experiences and you don’t want to forget it. Some people even print some pictures to put in their journal to help them remember. You can express yourself through your journal by creating themes, adding stickers or pictures, and decorate it how you want.
Junk journaling it’s just one of the many ways you can record your memories or to express yourself creatively.