How to make a junk journal

Here is how to make a junk journal! I’ve been making these forever, but never realized the official name.

What are junk journals?

Junk journals are books…journals made from all kinds of papers you would normally toss. It’s a non-traditional journal. The pages are stitched together in the center to create a place to decorate.

We’re used to seeing journal with blank or lined pages, but you can still do that with junk journals. Once the book is constructed, you can decorate the pages with other papers, stickers, art, drawing, lettering or writing, etc.

They are great to make as a gift for someone, that way they can decorate on the pages you created.

Here is my video tutorial for how to make a junk journal

How to make a junk journal

Gather Materials: Collect various papers, such as old book pages, magazine clippings, scrapbook paper, envelopes, receipts, tags, and other ephemera. You will also need a cover material, like a cereal box or an old book cover, and basic supplies like scissors, glue, a ruler, a bone folder, and a needle and thread or a stapler.

Prepare the Cover: Use card stock, it’s easy. You can use cereal boxes, because we’ll be decorating it so you won’t see. Cut your cover material to the desired size. If using a food box, you can fold it in half to create a front and back cover. Decorate the cover with paint, fabric, paper, or other embellishments.

Assemble the junk journal

Cut and Fold Pages: Cut your collected papers to fit inside the cover. Fold each page in half to create a signature. A signature is a group of folded pages. You can vary the size of the pages for added interest.

Trim to size: Close the cover and trim away any pages that extend beyond the cover. This will keep your book neat for storage.

Sew the book

Bind the Journal: There are various methods to bind your journal. One simple method is to use a needle and thread to sew the signatures into the cover. To do this, open the journal with the pages clipped in place.

Center and align it with the cover’s spine. Pierce holes through the fold of the center of the pages through the spine and the cover. then sew through the holes, securing the pages to the cover.

You can also staple the pages to the cover’s spine, or use brads.

Decorate!

In this tutorial, I only show how to construct the book. I’ll have a part two for decorating!

Add Pockets and Embellishments: You can create pockets by gluing or sewing small paper or fabric pieces onto the pages. Add embellishments like stickers, stamps, washi tape, and charms to personalize your junk journal.

Fill Your Journal: Use your junk journal for art journaling, writing, collage, or any other creative endeavor. Add to it over time with new found items, notes, and decorations.