What do you use Junk Journals for?

The concept of junk journaling originated from the broader practice of journaling and scrapbooking, but it gained popularity as a distinct form of creative expression in the DIY and crafting communities. While it’s challenging to pinpoint an exact origin, junk journaling is rooted in the idea of repurposing everyday items, scraps, and ephemera to create unique and personalized journals.
The term “junk journal” likely emerged from the use of “junk” or found materials, such as old book pages, fabric scraps, vintage papers, ticket stubs, packaging materials, and other ephemera, to create collage-style journal pages. These journals often have a vintage or shabby-chic aesthetic, with layers of texture and a mix of eclectic elements.
Junk journaling became popular as a way to incorporate creativity into journaling and memory keeping while also embracing sustainability and reusing materials that might otherwise be discarded. It offers a flexible and accessible way for individuals to express themselves artistically and document their lives in a tactile and visually appealing format.
While the exact origins may be difficult to trace, the rise of social media platforms like RUclips, Pinterest, and Instagram has played a significant role in popularizing junk journaling and fostering a vibrant online community of enthusiasts who share inspiration, tutorials, and resources.
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[@amberpineau1616]

Your hair is BEAUTIFUL.

[@polkadotmailbox]

Thanks, I stopped colouring it a year and a half ago, I have a playlist if you're interested in seeing the journey, definitely a long process lol ruclips.net/p/PL2aa6KWrOSWiIG84-gPaCNQzcez5SjqLv

[@yomamadawg365]

I loved all your suggestions for junk journals.....I use mine for documenting my everyday life....except for the months of October, November and December....these are special books, of course with my memories, but with gratitude for my favorite months of the year...

[@polkadotmailbox]

I make special books for December too, “ December Daily”that I’ve made for the last ten years. And you were one of the people I made this video for, when you last asked how I planned to use my JJs!! 😊

[@shelleyhanrahan9112]

I enjoyed your thoughts and perspective on this and it in a round about way helps me solidify what I may want to do. I've never made one and have wanted to for a LONG time. I have collected many things to put in one but never got going on one. I have felt overwhelmed and didn't really know where to start. I have a problem "overthinking" such things .I am excited to view some of your other videos that might help me take the crucial 1st steps. Any suggestions would be MOST appreciated! Thank you 💗💗

[@polkadotmailbox]

Hi Shelly! I made a video for exactly that! Where to start. Here it is. ruclips.net/video/YwTzxo6VmzE/видео.htmlsi=3omjdRTbPjIZ4kDL. I think you will be surprised how little you need to get started!

[@HeatherWoodie]

So, as a scrapbooker, and a Creative Memories girl (at least to get your trimmer!), how do you feel about junk journals being a place where you scrapbook given not everything is photo safe? Right now, my big albums are on hold and I use my Canon Ivy to print phone pictures. Not great quality, but they are sticky and are perfect for junk/handmade journals for fun and you can take it with you to print while you are traveling.

[@polkadotmailbox]

I can’t say for sure! I have scrapbooked for decades and always used “photo safe” products from every company out there. But I’m starting to think about using my junk journals for scrapbooking too. I have done December Daily’s for 10 years and this year I’m going to test out making mine in a junk journal. But we won’t know the true results from f longevity for many years in the future! I use the Cannon Ivy too. Just got it 6 months ago. I love it, so far! I do a daily memory keeping with it!

[@tabbycat4606]

It was so fun to see all your journals and their uses.

[@polkadotmailbox]

I thought if you when I pulled out my last Vegas album!

[@susanbednarski8641]

Thank you so much for making this video. You have opened my eyes to what a junk journal really can be. I am inspired and will try and make one. Yours are so beautiful. If mine turns out to be half a stunning as yours I will be so happy. I hope you show us more about junk journals. Inspiration helps us so much.

[@polkadotmailbox]

Susan, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your comment! It gives me great motivation to make and share more videos!

[@susanbednarski8641]

I have a collection of tea an coffee dyed papers, envelopes, glassine bags, all sorts of papers in a box. Just having a hard time deciding how to put it all together and get started. After watching your video and going back to watch a few of your other helpful videos, I think I will finally start one and then hopefully another and another. Thank you again for the inspiration.

[@polkadotmailbox]

Wow! That’s amazing! ❤ I hope you love junk journaling as much as I do. I have to say I find the creating of the books the funnest part! They look so pretty even before you put anything in them!!! Keep me posted on your progress!

[@susanbednarski8641]

@@polkadotmailbox Okay, I will. I am 74 years old and looking forward to this new adventure in crafting. You made it sound like so much fun and so rewarding. Thank you.