First Things First: What is a Junk Journal?
There is no “one size fits all” definition of what a trash notebook actually is, just like with art journaling.
Although they can differ from person to person, most junk journals do have one thing in common: they are built primarily out of repurposed and found items.
The aim of the diary and the junk journal itself will obviously differ widely from person to person.
Because it combines all the “junk of life,” which we briefly discussed in my post on the Junk-to-Joy Gratitude journals, many people will even refer to it as a junk journal.
A junk journal is like that junk drawer in your kitchen to some people, including myself; it contains a little bit of everything and anything!
1. Use it as an Everyday Journal
For many people, it resembles a daily scrapbook, though you can always add things like written journaling, notes, or to-do lists.
2. The Junk Journal Planner
Another fantastic application for a rubbish journal? as an organizer!
I am among those persons whose mind is constantly in “to-do list mode.” It is really a win-win to use a junk journal in this way because it feeds my stationary-paper-sticker-obsessed part of self. I also tend to LOVE all the little planner-craze stickers, washi tape, and papers.
The notebook can be a fun way to explore ideas and keep track of the tasks you are working on, or you can decide to maintain it in calendar format.
3. Make a Memory Book
A memory book is a book that displays a person’s life and recollections. Birthday cards, anniversary cards, ticket stubs, and other types of personal paper detritus can be used and displayed in this way.
We discovered a full box of these items, which belonged to my husband’s late grandmother, while sorting through some old items in our garage yesterday. He had been saving them for about ten years. It contained numerous adorable vintage greeting cards, travel-related paper scraps, purchase receipts, and other such items.
We had no idea this box even existed, but now that I’ve found it, I’m going to make a lovely book to display these items.
It certainly doesn’t do any of these remnants from her life credit to have them all gathering dust in the garage. We may create a lovely book that can be shared with the entire family as a special way to remember his grandma by creating a rubbish journal memory book.
And after I finish the first one, I’m sure I’ll do this with my parents.
4. Personalized Gift Idea
Junk journals make for a very unique and personalized gift, especially for sentimental occasions like holidays, graduations, weddings, and anniversaries – but even simply for fun.
This obviously depends on the receiver comprehending and appreciating the journal, but it can be a really good idea.
For instance, I created a holiday junk book a few Christmases ago for my mother-in-law, who is also an artist and a bit of a paper hoarder like me.
Every Christmas, seeing how much she has continued to add to it brings me such joy.
5 Ideas for Ways to Use a Junk Journal
Since a junk journal is a mash-up of all sorts of things, naturally everyone uses their journal differently and enjoys their own unique process in creating it. If you are curious for some ideas on ways to use a junk journal, there are lots of great ways to make it work for you. Read more about junk journaling supplies in our blog to start your journaling journey!
