![Getting Started in a Junk Journal (1) Getting Started in a Junk Journal (1)](https://i0.wp.com/static.wixstatic.com/media/7a1c07_e7259e3118704fce912c9ada1254e457~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_135,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/7a1c07_e7259e3118704fce912c9ada1254e457~mv2.jpg)
In this blog post I will be sharing some of my favourite ways to get started in a junk journal. I think the busy background papers can be a bit intimidating in the beginning, but there are so many beautiful ways to use this type of journal.
Before we get started, if you are wondering what a junk journal is, then I recommend you read my earlier blog post here. Also, if you would like to make your own junk journal, then you can watch this step-by-step tutorial.
One of the first things to consider with a junk journal, is how you actually want to use it. I love adding writing to nearly all of my journal pages, so I like to create simple writing spots. In the pages above, I have added some coffee-dyed paper and black paper which make it really simple to add some writing. I've then decorated these papers with stencilling, stamping and doodling. I like to overlap the decorations so that they sit on both the added writing spots and the background paper, to help them feel like they belong on the page.
![Getting Started in a Junk Journal (2) Getting Started in a Junk Journal (2)](https://i0.wp.com/static.wixstatic.com/media/7a1c07_f24ff5f706c8421b8ab30a4906ea82c0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_134,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/7a1c07_f24ff5f706c8421b8ab30a4906ea82c0~mv2.jpg)
Another really lovely addition to junk journal pages is to create some tuck spots and pockets. On the right-hand page, I glued a strip of paper on the side, that I could then tuck a tag behind. Tags can be great for adding writing and photos to, whilst also providing a lovely interactive element.
On the left-hand page, I included a decorated tag using some washi tape along the side, again providing me with some additional space underneath to add my journal writing.
![Getting Started in a Junk Journal (3) Getting Started in a Junk Journal (3)](https://i0.wp.com/static.wixstatic.com/media/7a1c07_97be59e10b79422e937d34966e57e485~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_135,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/7a1c07_97be59e10b79422e937d34966e57e485~mv2.jpg)
Junk journals are a fantastic place for adding some of your favourite photos. It's such fun to create a page of themed photos so that they really tie in together. This page celebrated my trips out flower picking throughout the year. If you have a particular interest that you love photographing then this could be a lovely project to try out. On the other page, I added a little yellow stitching, to help mirror the glorious colours on the opposite page. For printing photographs, I use a Brother Colour Label printer.
![Getting Started in a Junk Journal (4) Getting Started in a Junk Journal (4)](https://i0.wp.com/static.wixstatic.com/media/7a1c07_00f2f9139f964984bd7a87386c450e4b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_136,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/7a1c07_00f2f9139f964984bd7a87386c450e4b~mv2.jpg)
When you're not in the mood for writing, but you still want to get creative, then adding a collage page to your junk journal could be a great idea. There is something so relaxing about going through your paper stash and picking out those special pieces that you want to use. I like to include a variety of textures, tapes and images to bring lots of interest to my collages.
![Getting Started in a Junk Journal (5) Getting Started in a Junk Journal (5)](https://i0.wp.com/static.wixstatic.com/media/7a1c07_fbe379161b284f38a13af2687bae9abb~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_138,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/7a1c07_fbe379161b284f38a13af2687bae9abb~mv2.jpg)
Finally, a junk journal can be a really lovely place to do some art journaling. I think it looks so interesting when you can see the background of other pages peeping through, adding another layer of detailing too. For these pages I was inspired by my prompt cards to use gelli plate printing, add texture and write about some small changes that I would like to bring into my life.
You can watch a tutorial for the creation of these pages here:
I really hope you've enjoyed this blog post and that it inspires you to get creating and documenting in your own junk journal too, Helen x
*Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
![Getting Started in a Junk Journal (6) Getting Started in a Junk Journal (6)](https://i0.wp.com/static.wixstatic.com/media/7a1c07_82b1d207a719455e9efb3faaa6c7b277~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/7a1c07_82b1d207a719455e9efb3faaa6c7b277~mv2.jpg)
If you would like more journaling inspiration, including weekly videos, livestreams, printables, journal prompts, creative challenges and tutorials, then I would love to welcome you to my journaling club over on Patreon.
It's a wonderful community full of lovely people and it's a great place to learn all about the wonderful world of journaling.