Junk Journal Supplies 101: Everything You Need to Start Creating

Junk journaling is a mix of creative expression and gentle therapy. But if you’re just starting out, it can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re wondering where to find the right supplies.

The good news? You don’t need a craft room full of fancy tools to begin.

In this simple beginner’s guide, we’ll go over the must-have junk journal supplies (plus a few fun extras!) so you can start creating a handmade journal that feels personal, meaningful, and perfectly imperfect.

What Are Junk Journal Supplies?

Junk journal supplies are the papers, tools, and embellishments you use to bring your journal pages to life.

The word “junk” doesn’t mean trash — it’s about turning everyday, repurposed, or vintage-inspired materials into something beautiful and creative.

You can use all kinds of materials, such as:

Old book pages – Perfect for backgrounds, layering, or cutting into shapes. The aged paper instantly adds vintage charm.

Sheet music – Adds a romantic, nostalgic touch to your pages (even if you’re not musical!).

Envelopes – Great for hidden pockets or storing tiny notes and keepsakes.

Vintage tickets – Add personality and storytelling — like souvenirs from another time.

Scrapbook paper – A sturdy, colorful base for decorating or layering. Mix patterns and textures for extra flair.

Fabric scraps – Add cozy texture to your journal. Use them as tabs, borders, or stitched accents.

Each piece adds texture, character, and history — making every junk journal completely one of a kind.

Essential Junk Journal Supplies for Beginners

If you’re new to junk journaling, start simple.

You don’t need a long list of supplies — just the basics to experiment and build your own creative flow.

1. Base Materials: The Foundation of Your Journal

Your base holds everything together — it’s the skeleton of your journal.

Cover: Reuse an old book cover, cereal box, or any piece of sturdy cardboard.

Pages: Mix and match different papers — tea-dyed sheets, old book pages, cardstock, or printable designs — for that cozy, handmade look.

Binding thread or string: Waxed linen or strong cotton thread works best for holding pages securely.

Needle & awl: Helps you poke holes and stitch your pages neatly into the cover.

Tip: Don’t want to sew? You can skip the binding and start with a printable junk journal kit or a ready-made base — then jump straight to the fun part: decorating!

👉 Explore my printable junk journal kits on Etsy here.

2. Paper & Ephemera: The Heart of Every Journal

This is where your creativity truly shines.

“Ephemera” simply means all the lovely little papers and bits you collect to tell your story — both old and new.

You can use:

• Vintage postcards and letters
• Old book or dictionary pages
• Music sheets
• Tickets and receipts
• Die cuts, tags, or printable journaling cards

If you love themed journals, printable ephemera packs are a dream. You can match your journal’s vibe — whether it’s cottagecore, mermaid, or dark academia.

👉 Check out themed kits like “Rustic Garden Pages,” “Enchanted Deep,” or “The Midnight Thesis.”

3. Tools You’ll Use All the Time

You don’t need a fancy setup — just a few essentials will go a long way:

• Scissors (a small detail pair is great for fussy cutting)
• Craft knife or paper trimmer
• Glue stick or tacky glue
• Ruler and bone folder (for clean folds)
• Hole punch
• Stapler or basic sewing tools for binding

Tip: Keep your tools in a small box or pouch so you can create anytime — even at your kitchen table.

4. Embellishments to Add Personality

Now for the fun part — decorating!This is where your pages start feeling uniquely you.

Try adding:

• Washi tapes and lace trims
• Fabric or ribbon scraps
• Stamps and ink pads
• Stickers or wax seals
• Buttons, charms, or pressed flowers

You can keep it simple or go all out — there are no rules in junk journaling.

Explore 30 Junk Journal Ideas here.

5. Optional Extras to Level Up Your Journal

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with creative touches like:

• Envelopes and pockets for hidden treasures
• Gesso and paint for added texture
• Tea or coffee for aging paper
• Printable collage sheets for quick layering
• Binder rings or pre-made junk journal kits for easy assembly

I also like floral elements in junk journaling. Find out how to add a cottagecore touch to your journal in this floral junk journal supplies post.

Each layer adds more personality — and before you know it, your journal becomes more than a craft project; it becomes a reflection of you.

Where to Find Junk Journal Supplies

Once you start junk journaling, you’ll begin spotting supplies everywhere — that’s part of the magic!

Here are some great places to look:

Thrift stores: A goldmine for old books, lace, postcards, and vintage photos. You never know what treasures you’ll find.

Stationery or craft shops: Perfect for basics like glue, scissors, and washi tape — plus a few pretty extras if you want to treat yourself.

Online shops and Etsy: Ideal for themed ephemera or printable pages. Etsy is full of creators offering beautiful digital kits.

Your journal is a time capsule of who you are today. My mission at The Defined Life is to give you the kits, prompts, and inspiration to make that capsule look and feel exactly like you. Explore the journaling hub and let’s get creative together.

Your own home: Don’t overlook what’s already around you! Junk mail, packaging, wrapping paper, and envelopes can become charming pages or collage pieces.

And if you’d rather start with something cohesive — no hunting or guesswork — printable junk journal kits make it easy.

They come with ready-to-print pages, tags, and decorative bits that all coordinate beautifully.

Explore my full collection of printable junk journal kits here.

Creative Tips for Using Your Junk Journal Supplies

Once you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to play. There’s no wrong way to junk journal — just your way.

Here are a few ideas to bring your pages to life:

Mix textures: Layer smooth paper with lace, fabric, or ribbon. The mix of textures makes your journal feel rich and tactile — like a little piece of art you can hold.

Age your pages: Want that soft, vintage look? Try staining paper with coffee or tea, or gently ink the edges. It instantly adds warmth and character.

Add secret pockets: Fold papers or tuck envelopes between pages to hide notes, photos, or affirmations. It’s like a treasure hunt inside your journal.

Reuse packaging: Before you throw anything away, take another look! Tags, tissue paper, and labels can become lovely accents or collage pieces.

Remember: Junk journaling isn’t about perfection — it’s about expression. Let your pages be messy, colorful, heartfelt, or simple. What matters most is that they tell your story.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Junk Journal Supplies and Style

Starting your junk journaling journey doesn’t take perfection — just a little curiosity and heart.

Gather your favorite supplies, open a fresh page, and start layering bits of your world — old papers, quiet thoughts, tiny memories. Every torn edge, every smudge of glue, becomes part of your story.

And if you’d love a little help getting started, my printable junk journal kits make it easy. Each set includes beautifully designed pages, tags, and ephemera to spark your creativity and help you build something that feels uniquely yours.

👉 Explore the collection here.