Ever heard of a junk journal? Think of it as a scrapbook’s artsy, rebellious cousin. It’s a place where old receipts, paper scraps, and forgotten photos become treasures. It’s messy, it’s fun, and most importantly, it’s yours. If the idea sparks even a flicker of interest, trust me—you’re about to discover a creative outlet you didn’t know you needed.

Last fall, I bought journals for my daughter and me. She wasted no time, diving straight in—papers flying, layers piling up—like a tiny creative tornado. Mine, on the other hand, sat untouched on my TBR (to be read) shelf, quietly judging me every time I walked by. It wasn’t until Christmas break that I finally cracked it open, and honestly? The wait was totally worth it. Taking my time gave me a chance to collect all kinds of fun ephemera, so when I finally got started, I had plenty to work with. The result? A cover that feels like me: sentimental, a little quirky, and the perfect blend of creativity and chaos.

The Joy of an Intentional Mess

Junk journals are all about freedom—the freedom to create without rules, precision, or Pinterest-approved perfection. Sure, I can spend hours scrolling through those jaw-dropping layouts online (seriously, how do some people wield washi tape like sorcery?), but for me, this journal isn’t about chasing that level of artistry. It’s about something simpler: stealing moments with my daughter, giggling over random scraps of paper, and letting our stories and memories spill out in their own beautifully messy, magical way.

Every page we create is bound to be a little chaotic, a little imperfect, but completely, wonderfully ours. And that, I’ve realized, is the real magic. The memories we’re weaving into these pages are already perfect, so why shouldn’t the journal reflect the imperfect, joyful mess of making them?

Junk journaling in full swing with my daughter—papers, pens, stickers, and a little creative chaos on the table. The perfect mess for making memories!

A Cover with Heart

The front cover of my scrapbook journal got the full decoupage glow-up—layered scraps, vintage florals, and meaningful details that reflect the things I love, all tied together with a playful, whimsical twist. It’s the perfect preview of what this journal holds: pieces of life, arranged to tell a story. Symbols and imagery that resonate with me make their mark here, from elegant monograms to timeless reminders of love and beauty. It’s a mix of nostalgia, creativity, and personal meaning—perfectly imperfect, just like the stories inside.

The chaotic masterpiece that is my junk journal cover—florals, vintage vibes, and a whole lot of “let’s slap this on and see what happens.” Perfectly imperfect and totally me.

If the front cover of my junk journal invites you in with a gentle, “There’s magic here,” the back cover shouts, “And don’t forget your sense of adventure!” With vintage florals, quirky quotes, and a little poetic drama, it’s a playful and heartfelt reflection of everything I love. The touches of wisdom and whimsy, like thoughtful sayings and old-school clippings, add a nostalgic charm. It’s a layered, joyful space—just like the stories this journal is meant to hold.

The back cover of my junk journal: where florals, sassy quotes, and a touch of poetic mischief collide. Basically, it’s a party of whimsy and wonder.

A Poem for Gram: Adding Heart to the Chaos

When I finally started my journal, I knew I wanted to capture moments with my daughter right away, but that’s not where I began. Instead, I skipped ahead (technically) and started with my grandmother. I wrote her a poem—a tribute I guess, but really, the poem is about the memories we shared I treasure most. For that perfectly imperfect touch, I copied the poem onto vellum paper and layered it onto the page. One line stood out to me as a favorite, so I bolded it with a thick marker—like shining a little spotlight on what mattered most. My handwriting is messy and the whole page is a little chaotic.

The result wasn’t neat or pristine, but it was heartfelt. And isn’t that the point?

A Pocket of Nostalgia

Because every good journal needs a pocket (or three, or four, or five..), I added a little envelope to the page. Inside, I tucked a handwritten version of the poem and a photo of Gram I printed on regular paper and decoupaged onto card stock. The tactile elements—the crinkle of vellum, the texture the decoupage added to the smooth paper—giving the page a nostalgic, lived-in feel. It’s the kind of page you want to touch, hold, and linger on, which felt exactly right for a tribute to Gram. I don’t think it’s quite done yet. I want to add a penny I found the other day - (I’ll add the poem at the end of this blog post, so you can understand why.) And maybe a few more photos or notes here and there.

This page celebrates my Gram’s birthday with a handwritten poem, meaningful photos, and a pocket for keepsakes.

Life Lessons from Gram: Why Imperfection Is Beautiful

If Gram taught me anything, it’s that life isn’t about perfection. It’s about the people you love, the memories you make, and the time you take to honor those moments.

Junk journaling embraces that philosophy perfectly. Each page is a bit unpolished, refreshingly raw, and brimming with heart. There’s no pressure to make it flawless or pristine—it’s all about making it yours.

Your Turn: Start Your Junk Journal Today

So, what’s stopping you? Got some paper scraps lying around? Maybe a few old photos, ticket stubs, or even receipts? That’s all you need to get started. Grab a journal, some glue, and let the magic happen.

Don’t overthink it. Don’t aim for perfection. Just dive in and let the memories guide you. Trust me—it’s the kind of mess you’ll be glad you made.

Why You’ll Love Junk Journaling

It’s therapeutic. There’s something incredibly freeing about cutting, gluing, and layering without overthinking.
It’s personal. Every page tells a story only you can tell.
It’s easy to start. No fancy supplies needed—just some scraps, a journal, and your creativity.

Whether you’re documenting family moments, creating a tribute to someone special, or simply making art for the joy of it, junk journaling is a creative adventure worth taking.

So go ahead, make your own intentional mess. Your future self—and maybe even your Gram—will thank you.

Ready to Start Your Own Junk Journal?

If you’re inspired to start your own, here are some great supplies to get you started:

Journals: Affordable Blank Journal | Hardcover Journal (currently using/pictured)
Adhesives: Decoupage Glue | Double-Sided Tape
Papers: Scrapbook Paper Packs | Vellum Sheets
Fun Add-Ons: Stickers | Ephemera Packs | Washi Tape

Junk journaling doesn’t require a big budget or fancy supplies—half the fun is using what you already have. But if you want to treat yourself, these items are a great place to start.

Happy journaling, and don’t forget to embrace the imperfection. That’s where the magic happens.

Here is the poem I wrote for my Gram. She wasn’t the kind of person you’d call whimsical—pragmatic was more her style—but with me, she let her guard down just enough to sprinkle in a little magic. Writing this felt like stepping back into those moments, where her practical wisdom met a soft belief in fairies, buttercups, and pennies that somehow always seemed to find me.

The pennies keep finding me—
wedged in sidewalk cracks,
winking up from the asphalt.
I pick them up without thinking,
roll them between my fingers.

And there you are again—
your voice on the wind:
“Find a penny, pick it up,
all day long you’ll have good luck.”

I rub the edges smooth.
For a heartbeat,
you’re close.

I see you—
phone cradled to your shoulder,
gum snapping,
fingers curling the cord into loops.
You’d talk about Donahue,
the guest on Oprah who made you laugh,
the dancers on Lawrence Welk
who made you feel like twirling, too.

You filled the air with stories—
steady and sure,
like background music.

Some days, I’d only half-listen,
rocking your great-grandson to sleep.
But your voice stayed.
A melody threading through the noise.

You loved the in-between walks—
after dinner, when the world softened,
or mornings, before the sun claimed the day.
I’d trail beside you,
our steps falling in sync,
until I’d dart off, caught in some wild imagining—
fairies in moonlit hollows,
their laughter like bells.

You never questioned my stories.
You just smiled,
as if you already knew.
As if the world
could hold fairies and dragons
and anything else I needed it to.

Once, you held a buttercup to my chin.
“Look,” you said,
as yellow light painted my skin.
“You’re made of gold.”

I believed you.
Because you were golden, too.

Now I see you everywhere—
your number still saved in my phone,
though I know no one will answer.
Still, I scroll past some nights,
just to feel you near.

Heaven feels far,
but you are close:
folded into the rhythm of my days.

I see you now—
in pennies,
in buttercup light,
in melodies threading through the noise.

Junk Journals and the Beauty of Imperfection: A Poem and Creative Tribute