What’s A Junk Journal And What’s The Point of A Junk Journal?

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Ever found yourself intrigued by the buzz around junk journaling or the broader world of artistic journaling? You’re not alone. If you’ve seen those giant books bursting with bits and pieces and wondered what’s a junk journal and better yet, what’s the point of a junk journal, you again, are not alone.

Today, I’m here to make some sense of it all and tell you why it’s been an amazing part of my life! It’s worth sharing. 🙂 PLUS – I have a fun little freebie for you! Tell me where to send your free download below and I’ll send you some precious nameplates to play with and add to your personal library, a junk journal, use as gift tags, or add to a book gift. —->>

In a world brimming with digital technology and instant access to living, the allure of a tangible, tactile experience is increasingly sought after. For my fellow scrapbookers that have stayed old school paper over flipping to digital, you know what I mean! Getting your hands in it is important! Among the various avenues for creative expression, one particularly captivating medium has emerged: the junk journal. But what exactly is a junk journal, and why has it become a cherished tool for many, especially those looking to intertwine their faith into their creative endeavors?

Before I explain what a junk journal is, let me explain how I even crossed paths with this interesting art form! If I’m being honest, I’ve been intrigued by artistic journaling for a while now, but never got the point of it. Journaling in general is interesting, but I don’t love to write and I certainly don’t love to write my deepest and darkest feelings on paper for all the world to see. It feels too vulnerable. When my divorce happened I really felt that fear. I wanted to purge the emotions inside, but didn’t want my kids to stumble upon my written heart and read my feelings, or anyone for that matter. It was too personal and painful. 

I accidentally fell into artistic journaling. Drawing my feelings, and expressing them in ways that made sense to me, felt safe. I was able to let creativity take over and express thoughts and feelings in a private, yet out-in-the-open way. It was freeing. That’s where my first personal experience with junk journaling took place and changed me.

At its essence, a junk journal is a handmade book filled with a mishmash of papers, ephemera, scraps, and embellishments. Unlike traditional journals, which often feature pristine pages and neat lines awaiting orderly thoughts (aka words on paper!), junk journals embrace chaos and imperfection. Hello – those are my middle names, LOL! They invite you to explore the art of collage, mixed media, and storytelling in a freestyle manner. The beauty of a junk journal lies in its eclectic nature, where each page is a unique expression of colors, textures, memories, and FEELINGS!

But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the true magic of a junk journal lies in its versatility and the potential for personal growth it offers. Over the years, I have discovered incorporating my faith into my creative practice is not just a choice but a necessity. (If you’ve ever wondered if your creativity was faith based read this!) A junk journal becomes a sacred space where my faith intertwines with art, enabling me to express myself in a truly unique and personal way. It is art as worship!

One of the most profound ways to infuse faith into a junk journal is through the incorporation of scriptures, quotes, and prayers. Whether handwritten or printed, these sacred words breathe life into the pages, serving as sources of inspiration, comfort, and reflection. As I create and later thumb through a journal I’ve created, each page becomes a thought-provoking piece, dragging up memories, sparking my imagination, helping me to remember, and igniting spiritual growth.

Moreover, the act of creating art within the pages of a junk journal can itself be a form of worship. When I sit and fully engage in the creative process it becomes a means of connecting with God, as I channel my emotions, experiences, and beliefs into tangible expressions of beauty, prayer, and thanksgiving. Whether it’s through painting, sketching, or collaging, every stroke of the brush and every torn piece of paper becomes a prayer offered up to the heavens. The quiet also always time and room for me to hear what God has to say to me. It’s truly a sacred place.

Download your free vintage bookplate images to add a personal touch to your books and journals: download HERE!

The significance of a junk journal has the power to extend beyond a personal spiritual practice; it can also be a tool for outreach and community building. By sharing your creations with others, you invite them to join you on your journey, fostering connections and conversations that allow you to share your faith, conversations that may not happen otherwise. Creating such a thing of beauty filled with deep meaning is fun on its own, but the fact that you can display it in your home is a bonus. Imagine your faith lying on your coffee table, waiting for a guest to pick it up and ask you about it! Through workshops, online communities, or simply gifting your journal to a friend, you have the opportunity to spread positivity, hope, faith, and inspiration to those around you.

So, whether you’re a seasoned artist or a novice crafter, consider picking up a blank journal and embracing the world of junk journaling. Let it be a canvas for your creativity, a sanctuary for your soul, and a testament to your faith. In the chaotic tapestry of life, may your junk journal serve as a beacon of light, guiding you ever closer to God.

I’ve often marveled at the stunning journals others create, thinking, “That looks amazing, but I could never pull it off. And even if I did, what’s the point?” What exactly is junk journaling? What’s its purpose? How do you start? And how do you even begin to craft something that seems so intricate and abstract? Hopefully, I’ve answered a few of those questions today and if you are interested in getting your feet wet, I can help you. I can show you how!

Out of my love for junk journaling and mixing in my faith, I’ve created an amazing course, perfect for any level of creative soul. It’s called Name Above All Names: junk journaling God’s names from A to Z. In this course, we take an outdated paper address book and transform it into a fabulous junk journal. You can read more about the course here. I am so proud of the course and what it has to offer. From the bottom of my heart, I encourage you to step out in faith with this lovely art form. I’ll hold your hand along the way! Please let me know if you have any questions.

To learn more about this course check it out here ——>>>