Junk Journal Ideas With Printable Paper

Junk journals are built from layers: patterned pages, pockets, tags, tuck spots and scraps, all bound into a book that feels collected rather than bought. Printable paper is perfect for them because you can print exactly the pieces you need, in the weight you need, as many times as you like. Here are ideas for every part of a junk journal.

Signature pages

A signature is a stack of folded sheets sewn together. Print the Letter or A4 PDF on 28 to 32 lb text paper (about 105 to 120 gsm), fold each sheet in half and you have pages measuring roughly 5.5 x 8.5 in (Letter) or A5 (A4). Text-weight paper folds cleanly and lets the book close flat.

• Alternate patterned pages with plain kraft or ledger-style pages so the journal has room for writing.
• Use the quieter papers in a pack, such as small florals, ticking stripes and checks, for full pages, and save the busy patterns for accents.
• Print a few pages at 90% scale for slightly smaller inner pages that peek out from behind larger ones.

Covers

Print a bold paper on 80 lb cardstock, or glue a print onto chipboard or a cereal box panel for a sturdy cover. Rub the edges with distress ink or a brown pencil for a worn look, and seal with a thin coat of matte decoupage medium if the journal will be handled a lot.

Pockets and tuck spots

• Envelope pockets: fold a sheet into an envelope and glue it onto a page with the flap open. Template ideas are in tags, envelopes and bookmarks.
• Half-page pockets: cut a 4 x 5.5 in piece, glue three sides to the bottom of a page and tuck tags inside.
• Belly bands: a 2-inch strip wrapped around a page holds cards and photos in place.

Tags, journaling cards and ephemera

Print a paper on cardstock and cut it into journaling cards (3 x 4 in, six to a Letter page) and shipping tags. Layer a patterned tag with a strip of lace, a stamp and a scrap of ribbon and you have instant ephemera. The 6 x 6 mini PDF prints smaller motifs that suit small pieces.

Aging and texture

• Tea or coffee staining: laser prints handle a light wash of cold tea well. Inkjet prints can run, so test first or seal them with a clear spray.
• Distressing: sand the edges lightly or tear them for a deckled look.
• Crumpling: crumple a text-weight print, flatten it, and rub a little ink over the creases.

Theme ideas

• Cottage garden journal: florals, bees and gingham from our everyday packs.
• Christmas memory journal: vintage holiday patterns, a pocket for each day of December. More in Christmas paper ideas.
• Winter hygge journal: Nordic knits and snowflakes for cozy reading and recipe notes. See winter craft ideas.
• Recipe journal: kitchen and citrus prints, with pockets for recipe cards.

Selling junk journals

Many junk journal makers sell their finished books. Our Personal license covers up to 500 handmade physical items per design, and Commercial removes the limit. Selling printable journal kits as digital downloads is different, explained in can you sell crafts made with digital paper.