Ever feel like your creativity is bursting to get out, but you don’t know where to put it all? Maybe you’ve seen amazing junk journals online, filled with pockets, tags, and beautiful bits of paper. You want to start making your own, but then you hit a wall: what kind of journal should you even use?
Choosing the perfect journal for your junk journaling adventures can feel like a puzzle. Should it be sturdy or flexible? Big or small? With so many choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel stuck before you even begin. You might worry about picking the “wrong” one and ruining your creative flow. But don’t worry, finding the right home for your treasures is simpler than you think!
In this post, we’ll explore the wonderful world of journals made just for junk journaling. We’ll break down what makes a good junk journal, look at different types you can find, and give you tips to pick the one that will spark your imagination. Get ready to discover your perfect creative companion!
Top Journals For Junk Journaling Recommendations
No. 1
Vintage Journal for Women Men Junk Journal Scrapbook Book of Shadows
- VINTAGE JOURNAL: The journal cover is made of high quality vegan-friendly leather, which has a soft, suede-like feel, vintage and charming. And its leather strap can keep leather journal closed, adding great mystery to writing and diary!
- PREMIUM KRAFT PAPER: The diary journal is made of 120 GSM vintage style unlined kraft paper, which complements the cover. 160 pages of blank paper for a smooth creative experience and not easy to bleed and ghost.
- REFILLABLE& REUSABLE: Unique fillable design, you can fill it with fresh paper to begin a new adventure! Reusable as a junk journal book, travel journal, artist's sketchbook, food diary, daily planner, vintage journal planner for a wide range of uses.
- COMPACT & TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: Ideal 5.9 x 8.6 inches size, compact enough to carry around but with plenty of space to write down thoughts or ideas. And leather journal comes with a ribbon bookmark. Whether for daily travel notes, or Book of Shadows, this junk journal is a perfect mix of style and practicality.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR MEN/WOMEN: This vintage journal is a sophisticated and timeless gift for a wide variety of recipients. A lovely gift for an anniversary, birthday or graduation gift, or for someone embarking on a new adventure!
No. 2
Joyberg Scrapbook 80 Pages, Scrapbooking Supplies 8 x 8 In, junk journal Album Suitable for Album Memory Book Wedding, Anniversary Family, DIY Craft Projects (Brown)
- Dimensions: The scrapbook measures 8 x 8 inches and contains 40 sheets/80 pages. Provides enough space for your daily use, suitable for long-term storage of great memories for you and your loved ones.
- Fine Workmanship: Our scrapbooks have an elasticized cover with coated corners wrapped around the edges and 150gsm thick paper inside. Crafted from high-quality materials and exhibiting meticulous attention to detail, this exquisite design will elevate your user experience.
- Humanized Design: The scrapbook supplies are bound with a spiral border that rotates 360 degrees to open. You'll have an easy time using both opening and closing, writing, drawing, and pasting. Please note that our spiral rings do not open, so it is impossible to add pages or change the order of the pages.
- Versatile Application: Scrapbook album It is an ideal gift for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, travel records, weddings, baby growing up, birthdays, and anniversaries. It also offers the opportunity for DIY customization, designing the personalized cover with your unique touch, and turning it into a small scrapbook that is completely your own.
- Professional Services: We are confident in offering a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee as we are confident that you will be satisfied with our scrapbook supplies. If there are any questions about this product, please feel free to contact us and we will resolve them for you within 24 hours!
No. 3
LABUK 8 Pack Blank Kraft Notebooks Journals Notebook Sketch Drawing Pad Book Bulk for Kids Junk Journal, A5, 60 Pages, 8.3 x 5.5 inches
- PREMIUM BLANK PAGES & SIZE: You will receive a set of 8 Pack A5 Kraft Notebooks. Features a portable A5 notebook (approx. 8.3 x 5.5 inches) with 30 sheets/60 pages of clean, unlined paper. Perfect sketchbook or writing journal for on-the-go inspiration.
- VERSATILE KRAFT COVER: The simple, long-lasting kraft journal cover is ideal for DIY customization. Easily personalize it with stickers, stamps, or drawings for a unique travel journal or memo pad.
- INK BLEED RESISTANCE: High-quality, off-white paper minimizes ink bleed-through, supporting various writing tools including ballpoint pens, pencils, and light markers. Excellent for daily note-taking and professional use.
- PERFECT FOR ANY USE: A versatile option for all your needs: from a bullet journal insert and doodle pad to a project planner or school notebook. Great for students, artists, and business users.
- BULK VALUE & GIFTING: Sold in cost-effective multi-packs (suggested), these blank journals make ideal bulk gifts for workshops, conferences, or as practical office supplies and back-to-school essentials.
No. 4
PAPERAGE Blank Journal Notebook, (Blush), 160 Pages, Medium 5.6 in x 8 in - 100 GSM Thick Paper – Hardcover Journaling Notebook for Work, School, Note Taking or Sketching
- BEST-SELLING HARDCOVER JOURNAL: This classic 5.6" x 8" vegan leather journal features a durable and water-resistant cover, 160 blank pages, inner expandable pocket, sticker labels, ribbon bookmark & elastic closure band.
- PREMIUM PAPER: Made with high-quality, 100 gsm acid-free paper in light ivory color, our journal paper is thicker than average notebooks & note pads, so you can confidently use most pens, pencils, and markers without ghosting and bleed-through.
- LAY FLAT DESIGN FOR WRITING EASE: Our thread-bound, blank page notebook is designed to lay flat, making it easier to write or sketch for both right and left-handed users. It’s the perfect notebook for drawing, sketching, note taking and journaling.
- INNER POCKET: Includes an expandable inner storage pocket to store appointment cards, notes, receipts, and more. Personalize your journal cover & spine with the sheet of sticker labels included.
- VERSATILE BLANK NOTEBOOK: Ideal for free-form journaling, sketching, or writing. Whether you're capturing ideas, doodling, or crafting a beautiful junk journal or scrapbook the blank pages offer the flexibility to perfectly personalize your work.
No. 5
CAGIE Journal Notebook for Women Men Leather Journaling Notebooks Diary A5 | 320 Pages 100 Gsm Paper, Hardcover Lined Daily Journals for Writing Work Travel Business Gift, Green, 5.7 x 8.3 in, Lay Flat
- 320 Pages Paper - Journaling notebooks with 320 pages provides you with enough writing space. A5 notebook journal with 100gsm paper, thicker than normal paper, will not cause bleeding, ghosting or smudging and is suitable for most types of pens.
- Waterproof Hard Cover - Leather journal have a comfortable touch. Durable and waterproof hardcover journal notebook protects the inside of the pages better than a soft cover and provides a comfortable writing surface.
- Notebook with Pockets - Journal for women comes with a paper pocket and gold trimmed fabric to make the pockets more durable. Journals for writing have colorful ribbon and elastic band and a pen insert on the right side of the journal.
- College Ruled Journal - Lined journal is a college ruled notebook on 100 GSM paper, and the writing journal is designed to lay flat with colored tabs. There is a DATE bar at the top of each page. Helps you remember those important dates and find the page.
- Cagie Brand Support- You can purchase our products with full confidence! if you don't love the journal notebook due to any quality issues, simply contact us directly within 1 year and we will send you a hassle-free replacement journal for men women or full refund.
No. 6
Junk Journal, 8.5x5.5'' Half Letter, 100 Unique Sheets 200 Pages, Journals
- 100% Unique Pages – No Repeats: This Junk Journal includes 100 completely different sheets 200 Pages, featuring a curated mix of textures and tones. Perfect for artists, scrapbookers, and creators who want variety without duplication
- Premium Mixed Cardstocks Weight for Creative Freedom: Includes 50 sheets of 110gsm, 30 sheets of 130gsm, and 20 sheets of thick 180gsm paper. Ideal for layering, journaling, painting, collage, stamping, a photo album, and mixed media project
- 8.5‘’x5.5‘’ Half Letter Large Size – Perfect Balance of Space & Portability: Designed in convenient DINA5 size, offering enough room for creativity while remaining compact and easy to carry for travel journaling or daily use
- Durable Kraft Cover & Strong Gold Coil Binding: Features a heavy-duty 1500gsm greyboard wrapped in kraft paper, paired with a premium gold spiral binding that allows smooth page turning and lays flat for easy crafting
- Designed for Junk Journaling & DIY Art Projects: Perfect for junk journaling, scrapbooking, memory keeping, art journaling, Photo Albums and DIY crafts. Inspired by trending handmade journals popular among creative communities
No. 7
PAPERAGE Blank Journal Notebook, (Black), 160 Pages, Medium 5.6 in x 8 in - 100 GSM Thick Paper – Hardcover Journaling Notebook for Work, School, Note Taking or Sketching
- BEST-SELLING HARDCOVER JOURNAL: This classic 5.6" x 8" vegan leather journal features a durable and water-resistant cover, 160 blank pages, inner expandable pocket, sticker labels, ribbon bookmark & elastic closure band.
- PREMIUM PAPER: Made with high-quality, 100 gsm acid-free paper in light ivory color, our journal paper is thicker than average notebooks & note pads, so you can confidently use most pens, pencils, and markers without ghosting and bleed-through.
- LAY FLAT DESIGN FOR WRITING EASE: Our thread-bound, blank page notebook is designed to lay flat, making it easier to write or sketch for both right and left-handed users. It’s the perfect notebook for drawing, sketching, note taking and journaling.
- INNER POCKET: Includes an expandable inner storage pocket to store appointment cards, notes, receipts, and more. Personalize your journal cover & spine with the sheet of sticker labels included.
- VERSATILE BLANK NOTEBOOK: Ideal for free-form journaling, sketching, or writing. Whether you're capturing ideas, doodling, or crafting a beautiful junk journal or scrapbook the blank pages offer the flexibility to perfectly personalize your work.
No. 8
PAPERAGE Lined Journal Notebook, Hardcover Journal for Women & Men, 160 Pages, (5.6 in x 8 in), College Ruled Journaling Notebook for Work, School Supplies & Note Taking, (Black)
- BEST-SELLING HARDCOVER JOURNAL: This classic 5.6" x 8" vegan leather journal features a durable and water-resistant cover, 160 college ruled lined pages, inner expandable pocket, sticker labels, ribbon bookmark & elastic closure band.
- PREMIUM PAPER: Made with high-quality, 100 gsm acid-free paper in light ivory color, our journal paper is thicker than average notebooks & note pads, so you can confidently use most pens, pencils, and markers without ghosting and bleed-through.
- LAY FLAT DESIGN FOR WRITING EASE: Our thread-bound, college ruled notebook is designed to lay flat, making it easier to write for both right and left-handed users. It’s the perfect notebook for journaling, note taking and planning.
- INNER POCKET: Includes an expandable inner storage pocket to store appointment cards, notes, receipts, and more. Personalize your journal cover & spine with the sheet of sticker labels included.
- VERSATILE LINED NOTEBOOK: Ideal for journaling, note-taking, planning, or creative writing. Whether you're making a to-do list, capturing ideas, or writing notes, this journal makes a perfect notebook for school, work, or home office.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Next Junk Journal Adventure
Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of junk journaling? It’s a fantastic way to express your creativity, store memories, and organize your thoughts. But with so many options, how do you pick the perfect journal? This guide will help you find a journal that sparks your imagination and becomes your creative companion.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a junk journal, think about what will make your journaling experience the best it can be. Here are the key features to consider:
- Size: Do you want a small journal to carry in your pocket, or a large one for big projects? Common sizes include A5 (about 6×8 inches), A6 (about 4×6 inches), and larger sizes like B5.
- Page Count: More pages mean more space for your creations. Consider how much you plan to journal.
- Binding: How the pages are held together matters. Sturdy bindings ensure your journal lasts.
- Cover Style: The cover protects your journal and sets the tone. Do you prefer a hard cover for durability or a soft cover for flexibility?
Important Materials
The materials used in a junk journal greatly affect its look, feel, and durability.
- Paper: This is super important! Look for a mix of paper types. Some journals include plain paper, lined paper, dotted paper, and even kraft paper. Different textures and colors add visual interest. Thicker paper is better because it won’t bleed through when you use markers or paint.
- Cover Material: Covers can be made from cardstock, fabric, faux leather, or even recycled materials. Each offers a different feel and look.
- Binding Material: Common bindings include staples, sewn signatures, or spiral coils. Sewn bindings are often the most durable and allow the journal to lay flat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all junk journals are created equal. Here’s what makes a journal great or not so great:
- Paper Weight: Heavier paper (measured in GSM) handles different mediums better. Lighter paper might tear or let ink bleed.
- Page Consistency: Are the pages well-attached? Does the binding feel secure? A journal that falls apart quickly isn’t a good buy.
- Cover Durability: A strong cover protects your artwork and keeps your journal looking good over time.
- Acid-Free Paper: Acid-free paper prevents yellowing and keeps your creations vibrant for years.
User Experience and Use Cases
Junk journaling is incredibly versatile! Your journal can be anything you want it to be.
- Creative Outlet: Use it to collage, paint, draw, write stories, or create visual diaries.
- Memory Keeping: Paste in ticket stubs, photos, letters, and other mementos.
- Planning and Organization: Some people use junk journals for bullet journaling or to plan projects.
- Travel Journal: Document your trips with sketches, maps, and local finds.
The best junk journal is one that inspires you. Don’t be afraid to choose one that feels a little “imperfect” – that’s part of the charm of junk journaling!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a junk journal?
A: A junk journal is a type of scrapbook or notebook where you use found items, recycled materials, and various papers to create a unique and artistic journal.
Q: What kind of paper should I look for in a junk journal?
A: Look for a variety of paper types like plain, lined, dotted, and kraft paper. Heavier paper (higher GSM) is better to prevent ink bleed.
Q: How important is the binding of a junk journal?
A: The binding is very important. A strong binding, like sewn signatures, keeps your journal together and allows it to lay flat for easier journaling.
Q: Can I use markers and paint in a junk journal?
A: Yes, you can! However, thicker paper is recommended to prevent the ink or paint from bleeding through to the other side.
Q: What size junk journal is best?
A: The best size depends on your preference. Smaller sizes are portable, while larger sizes offer more space for your creations.
Q: Do I need a special type of journal for junk journaling?
A: Not at all! You can use any notebook or binder. However, journals specifically made for junk journaling often have a good mix of paper types and sturdy construction.
Q: How do I start a junk journal?
A: Gather materials like old magazines, newspapers, fabric scraps, photos, and glue. Then, start layering and attaching them to the pages of your journal.
Q: What if my junk journal pages are thin?
A: You can reinforce thin pages by gluing another piece of paper to the back or by using gesso before you add your artwork.
Q: Can I make my own junk journal?
A: Absolutely! Making your own junk journal is a fun and rewarding part of the hobby. You can bind your own pages and create a custom cover.
Q: Where can I buy junk journals?
A: You can find junk journals at craft stores, online marketplaces like Etsy, and through independent stationery shops.