Junk journaling is a creative, calming hobby where you collect, layer, and bind all sorts of papers and treasures. You don’t need a mountain of supplies to begin. In fact, you can do a lot with just a few well-loved bits.
Start With a Simple No-Sew Journal
To help you get started, here’s a beautiful and super simple no-sew journal — perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters:
All you’ll need are the printed pages, scissors or a craft knife, maybe a ruler, and some glue. It’s quick, satisfying, and makes a lovely little book you can start filling right away.
Hopefully this no sew journal will show you that you really don’t need much at first — but as you grow more confident, you’ll likely want to explore and experiment. That’s why I’ve put together the list below.
“Truthfully, all you really need is a pair of scissors, some glue, scraps of paper or card, a few bits of fabric — and a little imagination. Everything else is just a bonus that helps you tell your story in new and beautiful ways.”
That said, it can be helpful to see what kinds of tools and materials are out there — especially when you’re just starting and everything feels new.
Your Gentle Starter Toolkit
Many of these tools and materials might be completely new to you — and that’s perfectly okay. Junk journaling is about starting where you are, using what you have, and growing your confidence one page at a time.
This flexible list is here to gently guide and inspire you. I’ve added links where possible so you can explore each item in more detail. There’s no need to rush or collect everything at once — just follow your curiosity and build your toolkit as you go.
Acetates & Transparencies
Great for overlays, window effects, or layered pockets. Print botanical illustrations or labels on clear acetate for a lovely vintage touch.
Awl and Waxed Thread with Large Needle
If you want to sew pages together, an awl helps make precise holes, and waxed thread with a large needle lets you bind pages securely. Often sold together in kits.
Bulb Safety Pins
Bulb safety pins are perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm to your junk journals—use them to attach tags, tiny envelopes, charms, or fabric scraps for a beautifully layered look.
👉 Get it on Amazon – WMYCONGCONG 1000pcs 0.8″ Copper Bulb Safety Pins
Beeswax (and Iron)
Use for making your own waxed paper.
Cardboard
Use stock card or old cereal boxes to make junk journal covers. The link below is for card I buy to make the covers of my junk journals as the size is perfect
Coffee or Tea
Use coffee or tea to stain paper for an aged, vintage look. It’s an easy and natural way to add character to your pages.
Corner Rounder
Rounds the corners of your pages or embellishments for a softer, more finished look.
Crop-a-dile
This handy tool punches holes easily through thick layers and lets you add metal rings or eyelets to bind your journal with ease.
Die Cut Machine
Cut out intricate shapes and emboss paper easily to add dimension and style.
👉 Get it on Amazon – Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting and Embossing
Digital Papers
You can find lots of great designers creating digitals on Etsy.
Distress Ink
Use distress inks to add aged, vintage, or textured effects to your paper crafts and journals. Perfect for creating depth and character.
Fabrics and Ribbon
Incorporate these for texture, nostalgia, and layers of interest in your junk journal.
Gesso
A primer that prepares paper or surfaces for painting or mixed media, giving a smooth base and improving adhesion.
Glue
Various adhesives are great for different materials. Pritt Stick is perfect for paper; glue guns work well on fabric or heavier embellishments; fabric glue for cloth; UHU is versatile and quick-drying.
Hair Conditioner
Lightly rub diluted conditioner onto printer paper to soften the fibers and give a slightly leathery, flexible texture.
Magnet Paper
Create custom, reusable magnetic pieces by printing your own designs. Great for interactive elements or magnetic closures.
Mod Podge (Gloss or Matte)
Mod Podge acts like a glue and sealant. Use it to stick papers together and protect your layers with a durable finish. Matte gives a soft look, gloss adds shine.
Paperclips (Various Sizes)
Useful for holding pages together or adding decorative layers. You can also make hidden/covered paperclips to match themes.
Photographic Paper
Ideal for printing vintage-style photos or memories. Glossy or matte photo paper adds realism to ephemera.
Sandpaper or Sanding Block
Use to rough up edges of paper or materials for a distressed look.
Scissors, Craft Knife, Bone Folder, and Ruler
Essential cutting tools: scissors for general use, craft knife for precision, bone folder for folds, and ruler for straight lines.
Sellotape and Alcohol Ink
Make your sellotape look old by coloring it with alcohol ink—great for authentic vintage effects.
Shaped Paper Punches
Use shaped paper punches to create fun and unique shapes for your journals and crafts. I use my circle punch a lot, but you can find punches that will make tags, cut out shapes like hearts or flowers, so look for what appeals to you.
👉 Get it on Amazon – 1.5 Inch Circle Hole Punch, Paper Puncher, Circle Punch
Spray Rust
A quick way to age metal embellishments, think old rusty paperclips.
Stamps
Stamps are perfect for adding embellishments and decorative details.
Stamps for Inking and Embellishments
Add patterns, words, or textures with a variety of stamps using ink pads.
Stencils
Stencils help you add beautiful patterns and backgrounds with ease.
Textured & Specialty Papers
Use vellum, handmade, or tea-dyed paper to bring softness and age. These work beautifully for journaling spots or layering.
Texture Paste
Texture paste adds beautiful, raised, tactile designs to your junk journal, giving your pages real depth and visual interest. There are many types available—some are light and flexible for delicate papers, others chalky, translucent, or ultra-thick for dramatic effects. Browse online to explore the different finishes and brands that suit your style. Want to go DIY? You can also make your own texture paste at home using white glue, acrylic paint or gesso, and a thickening agent like talcum powder or baking soda—just search “DIY texture paste” for easy recipes and tutorials.
👉 Get it on Amazon – Tim Holtz – Ranger Texture Paste 3OZ Opaque
Velcro Dots
Use Velcro dots to attach items securely while still allowing them to be removed and repositioned.
👉 Get it on Amazon – 1026 Pcs Sticky Dots, 10 mm Double Sided Self-Adhesive Hook and Loop Tape
Vellum
Translucent paper that adds a delicate layer or overlay to your pages.
Vintage Look Fasteners
Vintage-inspired fasteners like Tim Holtz clips, mini paper clips, and brads add nostalgic detail—perfect for tucking in notes or ephemera.
Vintage Papers & Ephemera
Use scrapbook paper, music sheets, or old book pages to add layers and texture to your spreads. You can find vintage papers and ephemera in second-hand shops, antique emporiums, or online on sites like Etsy and eBay — perfect for adding authentic charm and character to your journal pages.
👉 Etsy
👉 eBay
Washi Tape
Decorative, easy-to-tear tape that adds colour, pattern, and holds pieces together without damage. There is so much choice, so look online to find tapes you love. I have included a link to tapes I am currently using.
👉 Get it on Amazon – 5 Rolls Washi Tape Set Creative Basic Thin Decorative Tapes
Remember: Junk journaling is all about creativity without rules. Start simple and add things as you go. You’ll find your favourites and develop your own signature style — one glue stick and coffee stain at a time.
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Affiliate Disclosure
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These help support my small business and let me share free content. I only recommend products I use or trust, but encourage you to research and find what works best for you. Thanks for your support!
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