Quick answer

A junk journal album is a handmade-style journal that layers ephemera, photos, and artwork into themed pages. To start one, choose an album with thick paper, gather your materials, and build your first spread without overthinking it.

Why paper thickness matters for junk journaling

Junk journaling often involves glue, paint, and layered paper, so the pages need to hold up to heavy use. Thicker paper (like 160gsm) resists warping and lets you use wet media without worrying about bleed-through.

If you plan to paste in bulky items like tickets or dried flowers, a sturdy cover and strong binding keep the album intact over time.

Album formats: landscape vs. portrait

The Moonlit Garden album uses a spacious landscape format, which gives you wide horizontal spreads for panoramas and side-by-side collages. The Wild Periwinkle album is a classic portrait-style album that suits vertical layouts and traditional scrapbook pages.

Choose based on the types of layouts you enjoy. If you like tucking in long receipts or creating scene-like spreads, landscape feels natural. For standard photos and journaling cards, portrait is a safe starting point.

Your first junk journal: common questions

What supplies do I need to start?

Gather a journal album, paper scraps, washi tape, glue stick, scissors, and a pen. You can also use old book pages, tickets, and printed images as ephemera. Start with what you already have at home to keep your first project low-pressure.

How do I choose my first junk journal album?

Pick an album with thick paper (at least 160gsm) and a cover you love. If you prefer wide layouts, choose a landscape format like the Moonlit Garden album. If you like classic vertical pages, the Wild Periwinkle album is a great fit. Match the album format to the types of layouts you want to create.

What should I put on my first spread?

Choose a simple theme like 'today' or 'favorite things.' Layer a background paper, add a photo or ticket, then write a short note. Don't worry about perfection—junk journaling is about capturing moments. Your first spread is a starting point, not a masterpiece. Keep it simple and build from there.

Albums that make starting easier

  • Junk Journal Album | Wild Periwinkle: The Wild Periwinkle Junk Journal Album features a vegan leather cover with white printed floral detailing and a vintage botanical design. A durable, elegant cover protects your work and keeps the journal looking polished whether you use it for keepsakes or daily creativity.

    Junk Journal Album | Wild Periwinkle

    Junk Journal Album | Wild Periwinkle

  • Junk Journal Album | Moonlit Garden: The Moonlit Garden Junk Journal Album has a landscape format and ultra-thick paper, designed for photos, scrapbook spreads, and treasured memories. The landscape layout and sturdy pages give you room to spread out and experiment with mixed-media layers without worrying about damage.

    Junk Journal Album | Moonlit Garden

    Junk Journal Album | Moonlit Garden