Enough pictures – let’s remember moments through junk journaling

With the analog lifestyle becoming one of this year’s biggest “ins” and reduced screen time becoming a growing goal for many, journaling has become a way for people to take a screen break and detach themselves from the online world.

But journaling doesn’t always have to be limited to words and reflections on a page. It can also be a collection of things and found objects that tell a story. So how do you make the experience more fun and enjoyable? Through “junk” journaling, of course!

It’s not a common thought for everyone, but there is potential in that small piece of gum wrapper in your pocket, or that crumpled receipt you kept from a night out with friends. Yes, even that movie ticket you have from that time you went out with a failed talking stage. The little pieces of scrap we usually overlook can easily become meaningful mementos – sometimes in ways that a photo on your phone cannot.

Because sentimental value can be found anywhere for those with eyes to see and a heart to feel.

Junk journaling 101

Junk journaling, in its simplest form, is considered the “stress-free” version of scrapbooking and traditional journaling, where you make use of everyday found items and ephemera to document your daily experiences or thoughts. What makes it stress-free – which is also the best part about it – is that there are no rules to it, and there are no expectations of making it perfect.

It’s a great alternative to doing photo albums because, let’s be real, many of the photos we take end up becoming buried in our camera rolls after posting them as an Instagram story. And over time, it becomes overwhelming for us, not knowing which ones to delete to clear up some storage. Junk journaling encourages us to take some time – whether alone or with friends – to sit through, choose what matters, and remember our memories through items we collected in the moment. 

But won’t this hobby make me a hoarder?

That’s a good and valid question. The short answer: It won’t! 

While I agree that there is a fine line between being a sentimental person and being considered a hoarder, this hobby can only spiral into that if you continue collecting but do not actually journal. 

Collecting scraps and keepsakes is an essential part of the process, yes, but it’s also worth keeping in mind that junk journaling is not all about keeping everything. Rather, it’s about choosing and curating things that hold meaning to you.

Starting a junk journal

If you’re ready to try it out, the easiest starter kit would be any notebook, glue/paste, some scissors, and of course, your collected items to stick. 

Your “junk” can be anything as mundane as receipts from places you’ve eaten at, public transportation tickets from your daily commute, tickets from events or movies you’ve been to, or even something as simple as a snack or candy wrapper. Anything that can describe what you’ve gone through on a daily basis, and perhaps the good memory you have attached to it.

For me, I do spreads monthly, so the things I collect are ephemera from the days I go out. Some of these include tags from products I’ve bought, wrappers from package designs I find aesthetically pleasing, some flowers (and petals) I’ve collected and pressed, and stamps, either from places I’ve been to or from some I carved myself. 

Sometimes, when I find the spread lacking color, or when I don’t have much collected, I like doodling or adding a little sketch to help visualize the scene I experienced. For others, they like printing small pictures they took from the times they went out and adding them to their spreads.

But if you’re looking for some product suggestions, here are some of my personal recommendations:

Journal folio with inserts

🛒 A6 retro notebook kraft paper lined paper journal

This is a beginner-friendly option for those who want to try junk journaling without investing too much at the start.

🛒 Vegan leather journal with pockets 

If you want to get into it seriously and you’re willing to splurge a bit of money, this shop is a good recommendation. The built-in pockets are especially useful for storing loose keepsakes like tickets, receipts, and small paper scraps. You can choose your preferred color and size, and you can also get the leather cover with a customized engraving to your liking. 

Stickers

🛒 Journal sticker sheets 

If you want to make your journal spreads decorative (which is totally optional), I suggest these stickers (and the shop in general)! You can choose different sticker sheets, and you can also choose between a non-laminated or a matte finish.

Washi tapes

🛒 Decorative washi tapes 

If you want your spreads even more decorative with the stickers, I also suggest trying out these decorative tapes. They are sold per piece.

Adhesive roller tape

🛒 Deli stick-up adhesive roller tape

Any glue/glue stick will do when junk journaling, but if you want a cleaner option, this adhesive roller tape will do you good.

Taking photos will never go out of style when it comes to looking back on moments. However, I think it’s even better when we have physical reminders of those moments, and sometimes, those reminders are hidden in the small pieces of ephemera we usually throw away without a thought.

Want some inspo on where and how to start? Watch the supplementary video for some sample spreads and a recounting of memories from each! – Rappler.com

This piece was written by BrandRap intern Beatrice Ira Levanza. Bea is a passionate creative whose works revolve around shared experiences and the mundanity of life. She enjoys consuming Philippine media and is eager to try new experiences in the name of art and culture. A fresh graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, major in Advertising Arts, from the University of Santo Tomas, she hopes to continue creating meaningful work that resonates with people.