The junk journal trend: a new era for journal keepers

You’ve probably heard of it: the junk journal trend has arrived like a breath of fresh air for all those who love and aspire to reconnect with the medium of paper. This hobby, which combines scrapbooking, collage, journal writing and recycling, is a way of collecting memories, expressing feelings or even a creative way of spending free time. More modern and spontaneous than classic secret journals or diaries, junk journaling has become increasingly popular on social media such as TikTok, Instagram or even YouTube.

Would you like to start a new creative crafts project? At Caran d’Ache we’ve given in to this trend to uncover with you all the subtleties of junk journaling. Time to get creative!

A junk journal is a little like a treasure chest. Inside, you’ll find newspaper clippings, stickers, scraps of paper and all kinds of inspirational bits and pieces (train or subway tickets, movie tickets, a teabag, a map, a paper napkin). Similar to a creative journal, it is the perfect place to jot down your thoughts, glue inspirational pictures and keep the memories you love for ever. Unlike bullet journals or secret journals which require application and commitment, junk journals allow you to be creative without constraints. The aim: combine written text, drawings, photos, collages and memorabilia in whichever way suits you.

Do you like the idea of having a secret journal, but prefer a more visual option that involves less writing? Junk journaling just might be perfect for you.

• Limitless creative expression: you have total freedom to include what you like, from collage to writing, free of any format or stylistic constraints.

• A therapeutic activity: keeping a junk journal is an excellent way to relax and practise mindfulness by committing to paper your memories and thoughts in a way that’s more fun than in a traditional journal or diary.

• A creative way to recycle: do you like the idea of transforming old concert tickets, notes, inspirational pictures and old photos? Junk journaling is the perfect way to give all these special mementos a second life.

• An activity for everyone: no need to be a professional artist or have specific supplies to start a junk journal. All that is important is that you have fun and let yourself be creative.

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Do you have some old notebooks lying around that you never use? Magazines, newspapers or even a collection of wrapping paper? Don’t throw anything away, all of these will be useful for your junk journal.

• A notebook. Choose a sturdy notebook or make your own by binding together sheets of paper. An old book can also be transformed into a magnificent junk journal.

• Paper. Collect old magazines, newspapers, envelopes, postcards or gift-wrapping paper. The more variety there is, the better! The idea is to recycle what you already have and turn it into something beautiful.

• Glue and adhesives. Get a tube of strong glue, craft glue and double-sided sticky tape to fix everything into position.

• Scissors and Stanley knife. These are essential tools for precise cutting, but you can also rip and tear the paper by hand for a more textured appearance.

• Pencils, felt tip pens and pens. Even though junk journaling mainly involves collage, you can also add written notes or drawings to further personalise your pages.
 

○ Supracolor™ Aquarelle colouring pencils: their bright colours and the fact they can be used dry or with water makes these perfect for bringing colour and vibrancy to your notebook.

○ Fibralo™ felt tip pens: these water-based felt tip pens are not only long-lasting, they are also perfect for colouring in large areas with vibrant colours.

○ 849™ ballpoint pen: this iconic ballpoint pen is perfect for writing in your junk journal daily.
 

• Decorative elements: let your imagination run free with buttons, ribbons, stickers and pieces of cloth… all of these will add character to your junk journal.

1. Start small: don’t feel you have to fill each page from the very beginning. First decorate one or two pages to get used to the techniques and materials.

2. Use things you love: include elements that have meaning for you. These can include quotes, song lyrics, or even extracts from personal letters and correspondence.

3. Try different techniques: collage, drawing, painting, writing or even sewing on some pages, there are endless options when it comes to junk journaling.

4. Keep an open mind: your junk journal is the safe space within which you can explore your creativity without fear of judgement. Each page is the opportunity to try something new.

5. Contribute to it regularly: put aside some time every week during which you can add to your journal. This practice can become a relaxing routine that records all the important moments, big or small, in your life.

Find the creative routine that’s best for you.

Junk journaling is so much more than a hobby or a way of killing time, it’s a great way to record your life, keep memories and free your creativity. It can be used on all occasions: from logging what you did in a week and what you enjoyed, to recounting the best parts of a trip, or detailing what happened in a day. Each page within your junk journal is a blank canvas on which you can express who you are and what you love.

Get inspired, look around, open your notebook and let your creativity run free in your junk journal. ✨