What Actually Is a Junk Journal?

 

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 enjoy the relaxing process of creating pages.

Junk journals are often filled with things like:

vintage papers

photographs

handwritten notes

poetry

pressed flowers

tickets and receipts

fabric scraps

favourite quotes

little everyday memories

Some journals are messy and artistic.
Some are soft and minimal.
Some become seasonal keepsakes.
Some are deeply personal.
Some are purely creative.

There really isn’t a “right” way to make one.

You Don’t Need Lots of Supplies

One of the biggest misconceptions about junk journaling is that you need:

endless supplies

expensive tools

perfect handwriting

artistic talent

or a huge craft room

You truly don’t.

A few papers, a pair of scissors, and something that inspires you is more than enough to begin.

In fact, some of the most beautiful journals feel layered, imperfect, personal, and full of life!

Start Small

If you’re brand new to junk journaling, try not to think about creating an entire masterpiece straight away.

Start with:

one page

one pocket

one quote

one collage

one tiny creative moment

That’s enough.

Creativity tends to grow through play, curiosity, and experimentation — not pressure.

There Are No Real Rules Here

If you’ve been quietly watching junk journaling videos or scrolling Pinterest wondering whether you’re “doing it right”…

This is your gentle reminder that there are no real rules here.

Only creativity, storytelling, curiosity, and pages waiting to be filled.

And perhaps that’s part of the magic.

A Gentle Place to Begin

If you’re looking for an easy starting point, I recently created a collection of neutral writing and filler papers designed to work with almost any journal style.

They’re intentionally versatile and beginner-friendly - perfect for layering, writing, collaging, or simply helping you start the page without overthinking it.

Find them here

Because sometimes the hardest part of creativity is simply beginning.

Angela x

Paper & Bloom