Starting a junk journal is one of the most creative, fun, and personal ways to document your thoughts, memories, and inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker or just getting into the world of journaling, having the right tools makes all the difference. If you’re ready to dive in, here are 5 must-have items to get your junk journal started—complete with product links so you can grab them today!

1. Mixed Media Journal

The foundation of your junk journal is, of course, the journal itself! You’ll want something with sturdy pages that can handle glue, paint, layering, and all kinds of embellishments!

This one is perfect—it has thick, high-quality pages that won’t bleed through, making it ideal for layering and mixed media fun.

2. A Paper Pack for Backgrounds and Layers

Junk journaling is all about layering textures, colors, and patterns. A good paper pack gives you endless inspiration and options to create beautiful spreads.

This pack includes a variety of vintage-style papers, perfect for backgrounds, collages, or tearing into smaller pieces for detail work.

3. Glue Runners for Easy Adhesion

Forget the mess of liquid glue—glue runners are a game-changer! They’re fast, clean, and great for securing paper, photos, and small elements in your journal.

These are super easy to use and offer a strong hold without warping your pages. Total time-saver!

4. A Good Pair of Scissors

Whether you’re trimming paper or doing detailed fussy cutting, a sharp, comfortable pair of scissors is a must.

These are perfect for clean cuts and have a nice grip, making long journaling sessions a breeze. Plus, having different sizes and types of scissors allows for use in multiple ways!

5. Stickers for the Perfect Finishing Touch

Stickers add personality, color, and that extra flair to your journal pages. From florals to quotes, they're an easy way to enhance your layouts.

This pack includes a wide variety of aesthetic, vintage-style stickers that are *perfect* for junk journaling.

Final Thoughts

Starting a junk journal doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few key supplies and a spark of creativity can take you a long way. These 5 items will help you hit the ground running and create a journal that’s completely *you*.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t overthink it. Junk journaling is about expression, not perfection!