Hi, friends! I’m Andrea Lake, and I love scrapbooking and papercrafting. Over time, I’ve gathered lots of papers, keepsakes, and other materials that are perfect for making a junk journal! Junk journaling is a fun and creative way to tell stories while reusing different items. It’s all about mixing textures, colors, and layers to create something unique and personal. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, just have fun and let your creativity flow!
Supplies used:
Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers
Paper scraps, watercolor paper, magazine pages, envelopes, vellum, ribbons, acetate
Book binding machine
For my junk journal, I pulled a variety of leftover papers from my scrapbooking stash like envelopes, magazine pages with bold patterns, vellum, ribbons, fun cut-outs, vintage papers, and, of course, my favorite Tombow markers and adhesives. These elements come together to create a unique book filled with personality and memories.
To bind my journal, I machine-stitched details onto some pages and used my book binding machine to secure everything together. The result was a very fun foundation that was ready for embellishments and storytelling.
Once my foundation pages were in place, it was time to start decorating and adding personal touches!
Lettering & Color Accents – I used Tombow Dual Brush Pens to create hand-lettered titles on watercolor paper, blending soft gradients for an artistic touch. These markers are perfect for adding vibrant splashes of color.
Layering & Embellishing – I love incorporating butterflies into my pages, so I used the MONO Liquid Glue to adhere them only in the center, allowing their wings to lift off the page for added dimension. This glue dries clear and has a strong hold, making it ideal for delicate embellishments.
Photos & Journaling Tags – To attach photos and journaling tags securely, I used the MONO Adhesive Permanent. This tape runner provides a mess-free, strong bond, ensuring that every element stays in place even with frequent page flipping.
Junk journaling is all about artistic freedom, but here are some tips to help you create polished, cohesive spreads:
- Layer with Purpose – Combine different textures like lace, vellum, and torn paper for added depth. Play with overlapping elements to create visual interest.
- Balance Colors & Patterns – Use a mix of solid backgrounds and patterned accents to avoid overwhelming your page. The Tombow Dual Brush Pens are great for adding controlled pops of color.
- Incorporate Handwritten Details – Adding personal handwriting, quotes, or doodles using Tombow MONO Drawing Pens makes your pages feel more authentic and meaningful.
- Use Adhesives Wisely – Liquid glue for delicate embellishments and tape runners for secure photo placement.
Junk journaling is a fun and rewarding way to document memories, express creativity, and give new life to recycled materials. Whether you’re just starting or adding to an existing journal, Tombow products make the process smooth and enjoyable. I hope you feel inspired to experiment with new techniques, mix unexpected materials, and, most importantly, have fun!
Love,
Andrea L.