I have a confession: I can’t throw away “good junk.” You know what I mean—those little scraps of paper, ticket stubs, and random bits of packaging that most people toss without a second thought? Yeah, I hoard them like treasure. Why? Because in the world of junk journaling, EVERYTHING has potential!
I’ve made so many cool junk journals using things from around the house—old receipts, envelopes, even clothing tags. There’s something so satisfying about turning everyday scraps into beautiful, layered pages filled with memories and creativity. If you’ve ever looked at a crinkled paper bag or a security envelope and thought, “Hmm, this could be something,” then you’re my kind of person!
Video: Starting A Junk Journal
25 Kinds of "Good" Junk
So, if you're wondering what kind of “junk” is worth saving, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of 25 things you should NEVER throw away if you love making junk journals. Trust me, your future creative self will thank you!
- Old Book Pages – Vintage, tattered book pages add instant charm.
- Receipts & Invoices – Perfect for a grungy, authentic feel.
- Used Postage Stamps – A little postal magic for your pages.
- Envelopes – Windowed ones make great pockets!
- Magazine Clippings – Words, pictures, patterns—endless inspiration!
- Ticket Stubs – Movies, concerts, or even bus tickets tell a story.
- Junk Mail – Those security envelopes? Gold for backgrounds!
- Maps & Atlases – Old road maps add adventure to any journal.
- Handwritten Notes & Letters – Sentimental and beautiful!
- Greeting Cards – Cut up or use as tip-ins.
- Scrap Fabric & Lace – Texture heaven!
- Ribbons & Twine – Tie up tags, add dimension, or make page markers.
- Paper Bags – Tear them, fold them, or turn them into pockets.
- Playing Cards – Alter them for unique journaling spots.
- Packaging (Tags & Labels) – Clothing tags, tea bag labels—tiny treasures!
- Brown Paper Wrapping – Crinkle it for an aged look.
- Wallpaper Scraps – Gorgeous patterns and textures!
- Doilies – The ultimate vintage touch.
- Sheet Music – Classical elegance in paper form.
- Business Cards – Alter, collage, or use them as tiny journaling cards.
- Stickers & Stamps – Even those freebies from mailers can work.
- Flashcards & Index Cards – Instant writing spaces.
- Handmade Paper Scraps – Leftover crafting materials find new life.
- Library Checkout Cards – Retro and full of nostalgia!
- Foreign Language Texts – A little mystery and worldly flair.
And there you have it—25 totally ordinary (but secretly amazing) things you should start saving for your junk journals! It’s funny how once you get into junk journaling, you start looking at EVERYTHING differently. That old receipt? Perfect for layering. A ripped envelope? Instant pocket. A clothing tag? Ooh, that could be a journaling card!
The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy supplies when so many amazing materials are already hiding in your home. So next time you’re about to toss something in the recycling bin, pause for a second—could this be your next junk journal masterpiece? (Spoiler: The answer is probably yes!)
Now, go forth and collect ALL the “junk” your heart desires. Your journals will thank you!
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AI Image Disclosure: Some of the images in this post were made using AI, kind of like how I used to use stock photos back in the day—but now I can make exactly what I want to help you visualize what I’m talking about. The vibe is totally me—just with a sprinkle of tech magic to bring it to life!
