Why Are People Saving Their Trash? An Easy Guide to Junk Journaling
Stock photo of a woman crafting.
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As the trend of junk journaling gains momentum, many creators are repurposing everyday items typically deemed trash into art. Crafters and scrapbookers alike are utilizing receipts, fabric scraps, and packaging materials as they embark on a journey of creativity that simultaneously serves as a means to document personal experiences.
This innovative practice not only provides a way to unwind but also offers a unique method for preserving memories through discarded materials.
What Is Junk Journaling?
Junk journaling involves collecting "junk," including food wrappers, receipts, movie tickets, maps, and other small trinkets encountered in daily life. Participants can craft themed pages based on these collected items or use the journal as a daily diary. Often seen as a fusion of journaling and scrapbooking, it encourages individuals to engage with their daily experiences creatively. Each person’s interpretation of junk journaling varies, with no rigid rules, allowing for a fluid process that adapts to individual styles.
How Did Junk Journaling Start?
While the exact origins of junk journaling remain unclear, the Reddit community dedicated to the practice, known as JunkJournals, gained traction in 2018, attracting around 12,000 members eager to share their creations and techniques. The movement experienced a significant surge in popularity on TikTok in 2024, with users inviting others to engage in their journaling adventures. The hashtag #junkjournal has amassed over 804,000 posts, while #junkjournaling has nearly 220,000 entries.
One TikTok user, livebrave2, has become a prominent figure in the community, showcasing her spreads and proclaiming the activity as “a beautiful combination of scrapbooking, memory collecting, and repurposing junk like business cards, wrappers to give it new life.” She emphasizes that the process encourages creativity over perfectionism, describing junk journaling as a "life-changing hobby."
How Can You Start Junk Journaling?
To start junk journaling, you simply need a journal and some "junk." Additional supplies that might enhance the experience include glue, scissors, washi tape, stickers, and colorful writing instruments.
As you begin, it’s essential to stay attuned to the often-overlooked items in your daily life, from ticket stubs to menus and postcards. There are numerous online resources, including Pinterest and TikTok, that provide inspiration for themed pages, monthly layouts, and trackers for books or movies. The potential is expansive, and many enthusiasts find joy in watching their journals evolve with each new addition.
Who Is Participating In The Junk Journaling Trend?
The junk journaling movement has found a strong presence on TikTok, where numerous creators share their setups and insights. User junky j documents everything from grocery hauls to favorite meals in his journal. Another user, bella.grace016, creatively uses her journal to chronicle travel experiences, incorporating items like gift shop bags and hotel key cards.
The influx of shared experiences within the community inspires many to join this creative hobby, transforming mundane moments into captivating stories captured in their journals. As a result, junk journaling not only serves as an artistic outlet but also cultivates a heightened awareness of the beauty in everyday life.
