If you’re into self help practices, chances are you write in a journal. Journaling has many benefits including creating a safe space to vent and self reflect. Now junk journaling is the newest type form of self expression to hit the scene. The practices is a creative way for you to express yourself. 

What Is Junk Journaling?

Junk journaling is a practice where you use physical materials to fill up a blank book. It’s the perfect journaling practice for the creative in your life, including you. The process involves using old materials like magazines, newspapers and buttons to create a personalized piece of work. It’s a good way to use what you already have in your home to vent and showcase your life experiences. 

Why You Should Do It?

There’s no one way to journal. If you struggle with following journaling prompts or finding words to describe your feelings, junk journaling is a great option. Writing in a journal for some can feel boring, painful and time consuming. On the other hand, junk journaling is quite rogue and creative in nature. Those who are visual learners or lovers will find this practice especially appealing. It helps you ground and regulate your emotions, while documenting your life in a unique way. The process is like a mesh between scrapbooking and journaling. It mirrors the arts and crafts classes from your childhood, but for adults.

How Do You Create A Junk Journal?

@tierra.quarles

How many of you had your diary read? Lets heal our inner child and start a new junk journal 📔📝 #junkjournal #junkjournaling #junkjournalwithme #healingjourney #junkjournalforbeginners

♬ original sound – Tierra

Junk journaling is so customizable, but there are some tips you can follow to start.

Find the Right Journal

First, you pick a journal or blank book to use. Keep in mind the paper thickness of the book in case you want to use markers or pens.

Collect Journaling Items

Next you can browse around your home to find stickers, buttons, physical pictures and media clippings to help get your new project going.

Choose a Layout

In terms of how a junk journal should look, there’s multiple layouts to follow. Black woman content creator Tierra Quarles posted a TikTok decorating her first-ever junk journal. In it, she added a picture of herself and a letter to herself on the first few pages.

“At the age of 34, it’s time to heal that inner child, so let’s start a new journal,” she mentioned in the video.

Comments under the post read, “2025 I will be doing this!!” and “I started junk journaling this year and it’s so easy and fun.”