If you're new to junk journaling, you've probably heard the term signature and wondered where to start. The good news is that making a signature is much simpler than it sounds. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, I'll show you how to create a simple signature using papers you may already have at home. No fancy tools, no complicated techniques - just a calm place to begin. What You'll Need To make a basic signature, you'll need: a few sheets of paper printable journal pages (optional) a patterned or tea-dyed paper for interest (optional) That's it. Step 1: Gather Your Papers Start by choosing a small selection of papers. You might use: plain writing paper printable journal pages scrapbook paper book pages music paper vellum tea-dyed paper Almost any lightweight paper that can be folded will work. Step 2: Arrange Your Pages Place your papers into a stack in the order you'd like them to appear in your journal. You might like to alternate: plain and decorative ...

If you're new to junk journaling, you've probably heard the word signature and wondered what everyone is talking about. The good news is that a signature is much simpler than it sounds. What Is a Signature? A signature is simply a group of papers folded together. That's it. Instead of binding individual pages one at a time, junk journals are usually made from several folded sections. Each of these sections is called a signature. A finished journal might contain: one signature for a small journal two or three signatures for a medium journal several signatures for a larger journal These signatures are then attached to a journal cover to create the finished book. Why Do Junk Journals Use Signatures? Signatures help give your journal structure. They make it easier to: organise pages add decorative elements include pockets, tags and tuck spots allow the journal to expand as you add layers Without signatures, creating a journal can feel much more complicated. Think of a signatur...

  Over the past few months, so many new readers have joined Paper & Bloom and I realised something important: Sometimes we jump straight into inspiration, beautiful supplies, and finished pages… without ever talking about the basics. And honestly? I’ve been feeling a little bit like this myself lately while trying to learn video creation for Paper & Bloom. Not overwhelmed exactly… more that quiet: “oh goodness… where do I even start?” Which made me realise that junk journaling can probably feel exactly the same when you’re new to it. So today, I thought we could slow things down a little and return to the beginning. No pressure. No complicated techniques. Just gentle creativity. So… What Actually Is a Junk Journal? The beautiful thing is: there’s no single answer. A junk journal is part journal, part scrapbook, part memory keeper, and part creative playground. Some people use them to tell stories. Some use them to preserve memories. Some simply e...

Have you ever sat down to journal, looked at a blank page… and suddenly had no idea where to start?  You’re not alone.  One of the most common reasons people get stuck with junk journaling isn’t lack of creativity - it’s having too many choices. Papers, embellishments, stamps, scraps, tags, florals, cards, textures…  When everything is lovely, it can be surprisingly hard to begin. That’s why I love using simple creative formulas that remove the overwhelm and help you start fast.  Today I’m sharing one of my favourites.  The 3-Layer Page Method If you want to build a beautiful journal page quickly, try working in just three layers.  Layer 1 - Background Paper Start with your foundation. Choose one paper to cover the page or act as your main backdrop.  This could be:   Vintage paper  Floral printable  Tea-stained page  Ledger paper  Textured neutral paper  Book page or music sheet  Don’t overthink it. Pick somethin...

Welcome to the World of Junk Journaling: A Simple Guide for Beginners If you’re new to junk journaling - welcome! You’re about to step into one of the most creative, calming, and joy-filled paper crafts out there. Whether you’re drawn to vintage ephemera, botanical themes, hand-torn edges, or the thrill of turning everyday papers into art, junk journaling is a hobby that embraces imperfection, personal expression, and play.  So… What Is Junk Journaling? At its core, a junk journal is a handmade or decorated journal created from a mix of new and “found” papers—think book pages, coffee-dyed paper, tags, tickets, envelopes, scrapbook paper, and printable designs. It’s perfect for:   Memory keeping  Creative writing  Collage & mixed media  Planning & goal setting  Documenting everyday life  Simply relaxing with art  There are no rules. If you can glue it down, you can use it.  A Place to Start: If you’ve ever looked at beautiful junk...

There’s something wonderfully inviting about junk journaling.  The papers. The textures. The pockets filled with little treasures. The freedom to create something entirely your own.  And yet… many people never begin for one simple reason: They don’t know where to start.   If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many people think they need the perfect supplies, a clever theme, artistic talent, or a fully formed idea before they can make their first page.  You don’t.  You only need a starting point. Today I want to show you how to begin a junk journal gently, simply, and without pressure.   First: Forget the “Perfect Journal” Your first junk journal does not need to be beautiful. It does not need matching pages, expensive embellishments, or a grand plan. It only needs to exist. Think of it less as making something perfect… and more as collecting little moments, scraps, colours, thoughts, and stories.  A junk journal grows page by page.   You ...