A junk journal isn't your typical scrapbook. With pages of old movie stubs, festival tickets, pressed flowers and other trinkets, it's a collection of otherwise discarded materials that tell a personal story once put together. Starting a beautiful junk journal is easier and more affordable than you might think. With the right cardstock, stickers, glues, embossing folders and a sprinkle of sparkle (hello gems, rhinestones & borders!), you can build polished, organised pages from day one. Below are our top tips, three beginner-friendly mini projects, and quick shopping lists you can grab here at Discount Craft to get started today.
Your First Spread (Cardstock + Adhesives)
Why you’ll love it: neat base, zero warping, beginner-proof
Skill level: Beginner
Best supplies: 180-300gsm cardstock for covers, 160–200gsm for pages; paper folder for scoring, double-sided tape/tape runner, scissors
Perfect for: starting a new journal, salvaging notebook pages, building pockets and flips
Starting from scratch? Begin by scoring your spine using a paper forlder, folding your heavyweight cardstock to make a sturdy cover. Use a tape runner for paper-to-paper layers, strong double-sided tape on tabs and pockets, and a precision liquid glue for tiny die-cuts. Mix kraft, white and a patterned paper to give your spread rhythm without bulk.
Embossed Tags & Pockets (Texture without Bulk)
Why you’ll love it: instant depth, professional finish, still lays flat
Skill level: Beginner
Best supplies: embossing folders (lace, script, florals), smooth or kraft cardstock
Perfect for: tag clusters, pocket fronts, vellum overlays
Run cardstock scraps through an embossing folder, tear the edges, then lightly ink the raised areas. Layer behind photos or labels for a vintage, tactile look. Vellum embosses beautifully, too.
Sticker & Sparkle Clusters (Gems, Borders & Rhinestones)
Why you’ll love it: fast composition, guided eye flow, cohesive pages
Skill level: Beginner
Best supplies: stickers (labels, numbers and letters, icons), rhinestone borders, flat-back gems, bling
Perfect for: titles, corners, tag toppers
Use the “visual triangle”: place one larger gem near your focal sticker, then two smaller gems to lead the eye. Repeat the same sticker label and gem colour at least three times per spread to tie everything together.
Pro tips: Choose acid-free adhesives for photos; replace foam tape with double-sided tape to keep pages slim and prevent warping; emboss vellum or delicately coloured card for “lace” texture without weight; and keep sparkle to one or two shades per spread for a polished finish.