TL;DR version: while some junk journals are an eclectic mix of whatever might be on someone’s mind or catching their eye at any given moment, some can be more tightly themed, and some people like to have multiple journals “on the go” for different themes at once. Some popular themed junk journal ideas can include vintage, travel, nature, altered books, mixed media, general collage, and fandom themed, but really the ideas are endless.
I’ve already nattered about how immensely versatile junk journaling can be, along with the broader benefits of journaling in general, but the fact remains that, like scrapbooks, junk journals are often a great creative outlet for individuals seeking a unique and expressive way to document their thoughts, memories, and experiences.
While a lot of people will have very mixed-up junk journals that vary wildly in aesthetics between spreads, some people like their junk journal ideas a tad more organised and may split up certain themes between different sections or even different journals entirely. These are some of the most popular themed junk journal ideas I’ve seen – although by no means an exhaustive list, hopefully it will inspire you to get started yourself, if you haven’t already.
Vintage junk journals
A tribute to the past, capturing the essence of bygone eras through the use of nostalgic elements. Incorporating vintage photographs, postcards, sheet music, delicate lace, and even snippets of old letters, these journals evoke a sense of charm and history. By repurposing treasures both real and replica, you can create beautiful keepsakes that tell stories from another time. Vintage junk journals are perfect for anyone who appreciates the aesthetics and sentimentality of yesteryear (whatever year that happens to be)!
Nature inspired junk journals
Nature-inspired junk journals celebrate the beauty of the natural world. They incorporate elements such as pressed flowers, leaves, twigs, feathers, and other organic materials, or just ephemera that reflect those themes. Some people like to use them to capture the essence of an outdoor experience, whether a hike in the woods, a stroll along the beach, or even a simple nature walk. Collecting natural materials – and naturally themed materials (especially handy if you have allergies)and incorporating them into journals adds a unique touch and fosters a deeper appreciation for the environment and natural world around you.
Travel junk journals
Perfect for adventurers and globetrotters looking to preserve their travel memories, travel junk journals become visual diaries of journeys, holding tickets, maps, brochures, photographs, and handwritten notes. By combining these keepsakes, you can create tangible reminders of your experiences and let yourself relive your adventures (at least a little) through the pages. Some people also like to make travel-themed journals to plan trips, imagine their dream holiday, or just because they enjoy the aesthetic – and that’s fine too!
Collage junk journals
In many ways the quintessential basis of all junk journal ideas, collage journals embrace the art of layering and mixing different textures, colours, and patterns to create visually interesting pages. They often incorporate magazine cut outs, patterned paper, washi tape, and all kinds of other collage-y materials, giving a playful and experimental approach to journaling, where each page becomes its own little work of art. By combining different materials, you can make dynamic and visually striking layouts that reflect your unique style and creativity – however you happen to be feeling that day!
Minimalist junk journals
If you’re particularly into the hip and chic, a minimalist junk journal typically focuses on simplicity and clean design. It’ll typically feature a lot of neutral or pale pastel colours, minimalist illustrations, and limited but very selective embellishments. Some people like to think of these journals as providing a sense of calm, shifting the focus from the pages themselves to the content and reflections within. They’re good if you like a more streamlined and less cluttered aesthetic that offers more space for introspection and mindfulness.
Altered book journals
Altered book journals take junk journaling to a whole new level by repurposing old books as the foundation for creative expression. Pages are cut, ripped, and layered with various materials, transforming the book into a new and unique piece of art. Altered book journals are often used to provide a canvas for storytelling, letting you transform the original book into something entirely new and personal, and is great if you like browsing through thrift shops to find forgotten books tucked into hidden niches and in need of a new lease of life. I haven’t tried this particular flavour of junk journal idea just yet, but the wonderful YouTuber Treasure Books has some absolutely breath taking examples, like this lovely one shown in a flip through video… just gorgeous!
Fandom junk journals
Fandom-themed junk journals offer a thrilling and immersive way for fans to express their love and dedication to their favourite books, movies, TV shows, or bands. These journals are a fun platform to dive into your favourite blorbos and their worlds, capturing memorable moments, iconic quotes, and beloved characters in a tangible format. Think of it like an offline Tumblr!
Mixed media junk journals
These junk journals combine a variety of art techniques and materials, such as acrylic paints, ink, watercolours, stamps, stencils, and all kinds of other methods, giving endless possibilities for mixing up new types of creativity. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to explore a variety of mediums and techniques in their creative process, without worrying about the required “perfection” that doing a dedicated art piece can sometimes introduce as a stifling pressure.
Fantasy (or sci fi, or steampunk… etc!) junk journal ideas
Fantasy-themed junk journals let you dive into whatever whimsical or enchanting realms you might feel like, serving as gateways to other less mundane lands or worlds where all kinds of adventures can happen. Sometimes fandom related, sometimes not, fantasy junk journals can range in theme from traditional swords-and-sorcery to hardcore science fiction, or veer into more niche styles like steampunk, gothic horror, dark fantasy, or pretty much anything else off the contemporary and historical beaten path.
Poetry and lyric junk journals
Poetry-themed junk journals provide a less usual canvas for writers to express their emotions, thoughts, and musings through the art of words. If like me you’re constantly scribbling out little scraps of poetry or musings, rhyming or not, and wondering what to do with them, a poetry junk journal could be just what the muse ordered! If you’re not scribble-inclined, you might want to incorporate your favourites from others into your spreads – anything from inspirational song lyrics to haikus or even short micro-stories that make you enjoy and want to revisit.
Whether you’re drawn to vintage charm, inspired by nature, or intrigued by the possibilities of collage art and mixed media, there is sure to be a junk journal idea that will resonate with you. Embrace the joy of this totally freeform creativity and let your imagination roam wherever it will – it’s hard to struggle or get blocked when you can create absolutely anything from pretty much anything in order to build something uniquely yours that can say (or not say) anything you want it to.
