If you've been hanging around the creative corners of TikTok, Pinterest or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen people layering scraps of paper, doodles, and stickers into beautiful, chaotic notebooks and calling it junk journalling.

But what exactly is junk journalling? Do you need to be artistic to start? And why is everyone suddenly obsessed with it?

Here’s your beginner-friendly guide, plus one super fun way to get started (spoiler alert: my Junk Journalling Calendar might be just what you're looking for)

Throughout this blog post I'll be sharing some examples of junk journalling, credits go to the Instagram accounts mentioned in the images. Click the images to visit their profiles! 

So, What Is Junk Journalling?

Junk journalling is a creative and expressive form of journalling where you combine writing, collage, drawing, stickers, photos, washi tape, scraps of paper - basically anything you want - into one glorious book.

The “junk” part doesn’t mean it’s garbage. It just means you’re often using everyday bits and bobs: receipts, packaging, tags, postcards, magazine clippings, washi tape offcuts, old tickets, etc. The kind of stuff that might otherwise go in the bin… now reimagined into something meaningful, messy and very cool.

There are no rules. No structure. No right or wrong. Just you, your glue stick, and whatever inspires you that day.

Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Junk journalling is having a major moment because:

• It’s relaxing - Collaging and crafting is a great way to de-stress and unwind.

• It’s screen-free - A tactile, hands-on break from all the scrolling.

• It’s expressive - You don’t have to be an “artist” to create something meaningful and beautiful.

• It’s nostalgic - It brings back the joy of scrapbooks, sticker books and good old fashioned cutting and sticking.

• It’s unique to you - Every junk journal is one-of-a-kind, filled with the tiny details of your life.

And most importantly, it’s fun!

Want to Try It? Start with Our Junk Journalling Calendar

If you’re curious about junk journalling but not sure where to begin, my Junk Journalling Calendar is the perfect place to start.

Instead of staring at a blank page, you get:

• Monthly creative prompts (like “draw a flower every day” or “write a letter to your future self”)
• A monthly report section to jot down what you’re loving - books, meals, moments
• Space for notes, ideas, doodles, stickers, and scraps
• Optional UK holidays
• A totally flexible format, you decide how to fill it in

Use it to:

• Collage in bits from your month

• Track your moods or memories

• Create themed spreads

• Collect your little joys

There’s no wrong way to use it, and no pressure to fill every box. You can dip in and out, get messy, go minimal — it’s your creative space to play, reflect, and document your year your way.

TL;DR: Junk Journalling Is for Everyone

Whether you’re crafty, chaotic, or just looking for a new way to capture your life, junk journalling is a brilliant way to get creative without pressure.

So grab your calendar, your favourite pens, a glue stick and whatever scraps you have lying around - and get stuck in.

Your new favourite hobby might be one journal entry away.