I’ve already nattered about how immensely versatile junk journaling can be, along with the broader benefits of journaling in general, but the fact remains that, like scrapbooks, junk journals are often a great creative outlet for individuals seeking a unique and expressive way to document their thoughts, memories, and experiences.

While a lot of people will have very mixed-up junk journals that vary wildly in aesthetics between spreads, some people like their junk journal ideas a tad more organised and may split up certain themes between different sections or even different journals entirely. These are some of the most popular themed junk journal ideas I’ve seen – although by no means an exhaustive list, hopefully it will inspire you to get started yourself, if you haven’t already.

Vintage junk journals

A tribute to the past, capturing the essence of bygone eras through the use of nostalgic elements. Incorporating vintage photographs, postcards, sheet music, delicate lace, and even snippets of old letters, these journals evoke a sense of charm and history. By repurposing treasures both real and replica, you can create beautiful keepsakes that tell stories from another time. Vintage junk journals are perfect for anyone who appreciates the aesthetics and sentimentality of yesteryear (whatever year that happens to be)!

Nature inspired junk journals

Nature-inspired junk journals celebrate the beauty of the natural world. They incorporate elements such as pressed flowers, leaves, twigs, feathers, and other organic materials, or just ephemera that reflect those themes. Some people like to use them to capture the essence of an outdoor experience, whether a hike in the woods, a stroll along the beach, or even a simple nature walk. Collecting natural materials – and naturally themed materials (especially handy if you have allergies)and incorporating them into journals adds a unique touch and fosters a deeper appreciation for the environment and natural world around you.

Travel junk journals

Perfect for adventurers and globetrotters looking to preserve their travel memories, travel junk journals become visual diaries of journeys, holding tickets, maps, brochures, photographs, and handwritten notes. By combining these keepsakes, you can create tangible reminders of your experiences and let yourself relive your adventures (at least a little) through the pages. Some people also like to make travel-themed journals to plan trips, imagine their dream holiday, or just because they enjoy the aesthetic – and that’s fine too!

Collage junk journals

In many ways the quintessential basis of all junk journal ideas, collage journals embrace the art of layering and mixing different textures, colours, and patterns to create visually interesting pages. They often incorporate magazine cut outs, patterned paper, washi tape, and all kinds of other collage-y materials, giving a playful and experimental approach to journaling, where each page becomes its own little work of art. By combining different materials, you can make dynamic and visually striking layouts that reflect your unique style and creativity – however you happen to be feeling that day!

Minimalist junk journals

If you’re particularly into the hip and chic, a minimalist junk journal typically focuses on simplicity and clean design. It’ll typically feature a lot of neutral or pale pastel colours, minimalist illustrations, and limited but very selective embellishments. Some people like to think of these journals as providing a sense of calm, shifting the focus from the pages themselves to the content and reflections within. They’re good if you like a more streamlined and less cluttered aesthetic that offers more space for introspection and mindfulness.

Altered book journals

Altered book journals take junk journaling to a whole new level by repurposing old books as the foundation for creative expression. Pages are cut, ripped, and layered with various materials, transforming the book into a new and unique piece of art. Altered book journals are often used to provide a canvas for storytelling, letting you transform the original book into something entirely new and personal, and is great if you like browsing through thrift shops to find forgotten books tucked into hidden niches and in need of a new lease of life. I haven’t tried this particular flavour of junk journal idea just yet, but the wonderful YouTuber Treasure Books has some absolutely breath taking examples, like this lovely one shown in a flip through video… just gorgeous!

Fandom junk journals

Fandom-themed junk journals offer a thrilling and immersive way for fans to express their love and dedication to their favourite books, movies, TV shows, or bands. These journals are a fun platform to dive into your favourite blorbos and their worlds, capturing memorable moments, iconic quotes, and beloved characters in a tangible format. Think of it like an offline Tumblr!

Mixed media junk journals

These junk journals combine a variety of art techniques and materials, such as acrylic paints, ink, watercolours, stamps, stencils, and all kinds of other methods, giving endless possibilities for mixing up new types of creativity. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to explore a variety of mediums and techniques in their creative process, without worrying about the required “perfection” that doing a dedicated art piece can sometimes introduce as a stifling pressure.

Fantasy (or sci fi, or steampunk… etc!) junk journal ideas

Fantasy-themed junk journals let you dive into whatever whimsical or enchanting realms you might feel like, serving as gateways to other less mundane lands or worlds where all kinds of adventures can happen. Sometimes fandom related, sometimes not, fantasy junk journals can range in theme from traditional swords-and-sorcery to hardcore science fiction, or veer into more niche styles like steampunk, gothic horror, dark fantasy, or pretty much anything else off the contemporary and historical beaten path.

Poetry and lyric junk journals

Poetry-themed junk journals provide a less usual canvas for writers to express their emotions, thoughts, and musings through the art of words. If like me you’re constantly scribbling out little scraps of poetry or musings, rhyming or not, and wondering what to do with them, a poetry junk journal could be just what the muse ordered! If you’re not scribble-inclined, you might want to incorporate your favourites from others into your spreads – anything from inspirational song lyrics to haikus or even short micro-stories that make you enjoy and want to revisit.

Whether you’re drawn to vintage charm, inspired by nature, or intrigued by the possibilities of collage art and mixed media, there is sure to be a junk journal idea that will resonate with you. Embrace the joy of this totally freeform creativity and let your imagination roam wherever it will – it’s hard to struggle or get blocked when you can create absolutely anything from pretty much anything in order to build something uniquely yours that can say (or not say) anything you want it to.

The post Themed Junk Journal Ideas appeared first on Junk Journal Stuff.

Adding words, quotes and random thoughts to journal and scrapbooking spreads is immensely popular; some people used pre-made sticker sheets with particular inspirational or provocative sayings or phrases, some people make their own “callout” words using label makers, embossers or hand-written scraps, or if you’re a giant nerd like me you can get a cute thermal printer like a Poooli and write your own little poem fragments (or haikus, if you want to be super clever about it). Some people will use random word combinations they like (literally words for aesthetics) whereas others will use words for more than decoration, from expressing sentiments (a la card toppers) to using journal quotes and phrases as mini diary-style entries. There’s no right or wrong, and you can change it up per journal, spread, or just per page. As with so much about junk journaling and scrapbooking, do whatever looks and feels good to you!

151 Motivational & Inspirational Journal Quotes

I’ve arranged these journal quotes alphabetically because I find that easier to scroll through if I’m looking for something. See if you can find one you like!

1. A goal without a plan is just a wish.
2. A little each day adds up to a lot.
3. A new beginning.
4. A smooth sea never made for a skilful sailor.
5. A year from now you will wish you had started today.
6. Adventure is worthwhile.
7. Aim for the company of immortals. (David Ogilvy)
8. Aim for the moon. If you miss, you’ll still land in the stars.
9. Aim to have goals so big that they don’t allow small-minded people.
10. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. (Helen Keller)
11. Always dream at least one size too big.
12. Always take the scenic route.
13. An obstacle is often a stepping stone. (William Prescott)
14. Avoid looking back too often; you’re not going that way.
15. Be a voice, not just an echo.
16. Be a warrior, not a worrier.
17. Be focused. Be persistent. Never quit.
18. Be in love with your life.
19. Be you, bravely.
20. Be your own hero. (Maxime Lagacé)
21. Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections. (Gerard Way)
22. Believe in yourself: nobody else really will.
23. Believe you can and you’re halfway there. (Theodore Roosevelt)
24. Bloom where you are planted.
25. Change the world by being yourself. (Amy Poehler)
26. Choose people who lift you up. (Michelle Obama)
27. Collect moments, not things.
28. Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use. (Ruth Gordo)
29. Design a life you love.
30. Develop success from failures. (Dale Carnegie)
31. Difficult roads always lead to beautiful destinations. (Zig Ziglar)
32. Do less stuff with more focus.
33. Do more of what makes you happy.
34. Do or do not, there is no try. (Yoda, Star Wars)
35. Do something today that your future self will thank you for.
36. Do what’s right, not what’s easy.
37. Don’t aim to be the same. Aim to be better.
38. Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.
39. Don’t compare, just create.
40. Don’t half-ass two things: whole-ass one thing. (Ron Swanson, Parks & Recreation)
41. Don’t tell people about your dreams: show them.
42. Don’t call it a dream, call it a plan.
43. Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today. (Will Rogers)
44. Don’t stop when you’re tired; stop when you’re done. (Marilyn Monroe)
45. Don’t wait. The time will never be just right. (Napoleon Hill)
46. Done is better than perfect. (Sheryl Sandberg)
47. Dreams won’t work unless you do.
48. Each day provides its own gifts. (Marcus Aurelius)
49. Either you run the day or the day runs you. (Jim Rohn)
50. Enjoy where you can, and endure where you must.
51. Every day, hour, and even minute, is a new beginning.
52. Everything you can imagine is real. (Pablo Picasso)
53. Everything you need will come to you at the perfect time.
54. Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear. (George Addair)
55. Expect nothing and appreciate everything.
56. Fewer things often means more peace.
57. Find yourself, and be that.
58. Great things take time.
59. Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. (the Dalai Lama)
60. I never dreamed about success. I worked for it. (Estée Lauder)
61. If there is no struggle, there is no progress. (Frederick Douglass)
62. If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves. (Maria Edgeworth)
63. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. (Wayne Dyer)
64. If you’re lucky enough to be different, never change.
65. Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.
66. Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working. (Pablo Picasso)
67. It always seems impossible, until it is done. (Nelson Mandela)
68. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. (Confucius)
69. It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. (Herman Melville)
70. It is never too late to be what you might have been. (George Eliot)
71. It’s all perspective.
72. Joy is not in things; it is in us. (Richard Wagner)
73. Keep a little fire burning; however small, however hidden. (Cormac McCarthy)
74. Keep moving forward.
75. Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. (Theodore Roosevelt)
76. Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow. (Mahatma Gandhi)
77. Learn to rest, not to quit.
78. Let life surprise you.
79. Life doesn’t have a remote. You have to get up and change it yourself.
80. Life is either a daring adventure, or it is nothing. (Helen Keller)
81. Life is like the ocean, it goes up and down. (Vanessa Paradis)
82. Live every day with intention.
83. Live out of your imagination, not your history. (Stephen Covey)
84. Love with all your heart.
85. Love yourself first.
86. Make today ridiculously amazing.
87. Make your own magic.
88. Never doubt your instincts.
89. Never give up on the things that make you smile.
90. No journey is too great, if you find what you seek.
91. No pressure, no diamonds. (Thomas Carlyle)
92. Nobody wakes up to be mediocre.
93. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. (Calvin Coolidge)
94. Only a mediocre person is always at his best. (W Somerset Maugham)
95. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. (Confucius)
96. Out of difficulties grow miracles. (Jean de la Bruyere)
97. Own less. Do more.
98. People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day. (Winnie the Pooh)
99. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul. (Luther Burbank)
100. Rejection is only redirection. Keep moving.
101. Remember it’s just a bad day, not a bad life.
102. Remember the now.
103. Remember to play.
104. Replace fear of the unknown with curiosity.
105. Say hello to a new day.
106. See good in all things.
107. Shine like the whole universe is yours.
108. Smile, breathe and go slowly. (Thich Nhat Hanh)
109. Someday is not a day of the week. (Denise Brennan-Nelson)
110. Sometimes you need to create your own sunshine.
111. Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. (Carl Sagan)
112. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. (Arthur Ashe)
113. Strive for progress, not perfection.
114. Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get. (WP Kinsella)
115. Success is peace of mind. (John Wooden)
116. Success usually comes to those who are too busy looking for it. (Henry David Thoreau)
117. Surround yourself with people who get you.
118. Take time to smell the roses.
119. The best is yet to come.
120. The best view comes after the hardest climb.
121. The impossible is often the untried.
122. The process may be slow, but quitting won’t speed it up.
123. The promise of all things made new.
124. The scariest moment is always just before you start. (Stephen King)
125. The secret of getting ahead is getting started. (Mark Twain)
126. The stars shine for you.
127. There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind. (CS Lewis)
128. There are no mistakes or failures, only lessons. (Denis Waitley)
129. There is no right time, there is only right now. (Mel Robbins)
130. There’s no such thing as ready. There’s only now.
131. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.
132. Throw kindness like confetti.
133. To know how much there is to know is the beginning of learning to live. (Dorothy West)
134. To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. (Audrey Hepburn)
135. To the past: thank you for the lessons. To the future: I am ready.
136. Today is full of possibilities.
137. Turn I wish into I will.
138. Wake up with a thankful heart. (Kristen Butler)
139. What seems ordinary is often the extraordinary.
140. What we think, we become. (Buddha)
141. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. (Goethe)
142. Win from within. (Usain Bolt)
143. Worry is a misuse of imagination.
144. You are enough.
145. You can do amazing things.
146. You can do anything, but not everything.
147. You can never have too much happy.
148. You cannot plow a field by turning it over in your mind. To begin, begin. (Gordon B Hinckley)
149. You carry the passport to your own happiness. (Diane von Furstenberg)
150. Your best teacher is your last mistake.
151. Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change. (Jim Rohn)

It isn’t hard to find absolutely tons of inspirational and motivational quotes around the web for all kinds of things, but these are some of my favourites for journals or scrapbooks because they’re reasonably short and cheery without being too saccharine or cringeworthy. See how they work on your journal spreads; here are some examples from mine.

The post Journal Quotes: Words For Your Imagery appeared first on Junk Journal Stuff.