10 Creative Items to Recycle for Your Junk Journal

2/22/20262 min read

A book with a picture of a woman on it
A book with a picture of a woman on it

Introduction

Junk journaling is not just a fun and soothing activity; it's also a fantastic way to promote recycling and creativity. Instead of throwing away items that you would typically deem as waste, consider incorporating them into your junk journal. In this post, we’re going to explore 10 amazing things you can recycle and add to your junk journals.

1. Old Magazines

Flip through those old magazines stacked up in your house! Cut out colorful images, interesting articles, or creative typography to include in your journal. They add vibrant layers and can become stunning focal points for your pages.

2. Pressed Flowers

If you’ve got some beautiful flowers that you’ve pressed, now’s the time to use them! Pressed flowers add a natural element and a lovely touch of nostalgia to your junk journal pages. They’re perfect for adding texture and color without the mess.

3. Tags from Purchases

Next time you buy something, don’t toss the price tags or hang tags! These can be a great addition to your pages. They often have interesting designs, and you can even write down your thoughts or memories associated with each purchase on them.

4. Old Cereal Boxes

Before you toss that cereal box, consider using it to create fun pockets or backdrops for your journal entries. Cut them up, decorate them, and they’ll make great additions to your pages, plus they are sturdy! Who knew breakfast could inspire your creativity?

5. Postcards

Do you have a stash of postcards from your travels or well-wishing friends? Use them in your journal as they are, or cut them to create new designs. They not only bring memories but also a touch of personality to your journal.

6. Wrapping Paper

Save leftover wrapping paper from your gifts! Instead of throwing it away, use it for collages, backgrounds, or even to cover your journal's pages. The patterns can be incredibly inspiring and add a festive touch any time of the year.

7. Greeting Cards

Don’t discard those beautifully designed greeting cards! They’re perfect for crafting a new journal spread. Cut them apart and use sections of them as backgrounds or unique decorative elements.

8. Fabric Scraps

If you’re into sewing or crafting, you might have some fabric scraps lying around. Add these to your journal for texture and a cozy, tactile feel. They can be used as pockets, tabs, or elements of mixed media.

9. Phonebook Pages

Those outdated phone books nobody uses anymore can provide quirky pages. Tear out a few sheets and incorporate them into your layout. You can utilize the blank spaces for doodles or write over the text for an interesting effect.

10. Newspaper Clippings

Lastly, don’t forget about newspaper clippings! Whether it’s an interesting article, a funny comic strip, or an inspiring quote, there’s a lot you can do with them. They can add a retro charm and thought-provoking elements to your junk journal.

Conclusion

Creating a junk journal is all about using what you have at hand and expressing yourself. By recycling these everyday items, you not only save money but also help the environment. So next time you’re about to toss something, think: could this be a piece of my next masterpiece?