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How to Start a Junk Journal When You Don’t Know Where to Begin


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 can start with:  

  • A notebook, old book, folder, or stapled papers 
  • Glue stick or tape 
  • Scissors 
  • A pen 
  • Any papers you already have 

Useful papers might include:  

  • Old envelopes 
  • Wrapping paper 
  • Magazine pages 
  • Book pages 
  • Scrap paper 
  • Printable papers 
  • Receipts, tickets, tags, notes 

That’s enough.  

Choose One Feeling, Not a Theme

Instead of asking: “What should my journal be about?” Try asking: How do I want it to feel? 

Examples:  

  • Calm and cosy 
  • Vintage and nostalgic 
  • Romantic and dreamy 
  • Nature-inspired 
  • Dark and mysterious 
  • Bright and playful 

A feeling is much easier to follow than a strict theme. It also makes page-making far more enjoyable.  

Start With One Simple Page

Don’t think about filling a whole journal. Just make one page today. 

Try this:  

  1. Glue down a background paper 
  2. Add a smaller torn paper on top 
  3. Stick on a tag, envelope, or card 
  4. Write a quote, memory, or date 
  5. Add a final little detail 

Done. That one page is the beginning.  

Use Prompts If You Feel Stuck

Prompts remove pressure and give you somewhere to begin. 

Try one of these:  

  • A page inspired by today’s weather 
  • Use only brown, cream, and one accent colour 
  • Create a page about something you miss 
  • Use three scraps you nearly threw away 
  • Make a page that feels like a love letter 

You don’t need a masterpiece. You need momentum.  

Let It Be Messy

Crooked edges. Glue marks. Torn paper. Layers that aren’t perfect. That’s part of the charm. Junk journals are meant to feel lived in, touched, handled, collected, loved. 

Perfection often kills creativity. Messiness brings it back to life.  


Keep a Small Basket of Supplies

One of the easiest ways to journal more often is to make starting easier. Keep a little basket nearby with:  

  • Papers 
  • Glue 
  • Scissors 
  • Pens 
  • Bits you’ve collected 

When inspiration comes, you’ll be ready.  

Most Important of All: Begin Before You Feel Ready

You don’t need permission. You don’t need talent. You don’t need the “right” supplies. You simply need to begin. One page leads to another. One little collage becomes a habit. One quiet creative moment becomes something you look forward to.  

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re feeling unsure, make your first page today using whatever is nearest to hand. No pressure. No rules. Just paper, curiosity, and a little time. That’s more than enough.  

Need a Little Help Getting Started?

If you’d like printable papers, soft backgrounds, and beginner-friendly pieces to make starting easier, you can explore the Paper and Bloom collection here: 

Paper and Bloom

Or join my email list for freebies, prompts, and cosy creative inspiration and receive a FREE Sampler Pack:

Subscribe

Angela x


Location: Walsall, UK

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