Junk journal kit: what comes in one and how to make your own
A junk journal kit is a bundle of papers, ephemera and sometimes a blank journal on one theme. Buy one to learn what goes together, or build the same kit from a fortnight of post.
Start with 40 pages free. No card needed.
Kits come in four kinds: a starter set with a journal and tools, an ephemera pack, a printable file and a finished journal ready to fill. Each suits a different first step.
A kit saves the collecting, which is half the fun for some people and the hard part for others.
See also: junk journal supplies, free and bought, a junk journal kept on a screen, Open the online scrapbook maker.
Make a digital scrapbook
Add your photos and keepsakes in tbf scrapbook, then arrange them on the pages. Make a junk journal online.
| Kind | What arrives | Good for | Build your own with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter kit | A blank journal, papers, thread and a few tools | A first journal with no stash | A notebook, a needle and a fortnight of post |
| Ephemera pack | Tags, tickets, labels and cut-outs on a theme | Adding to a journal you already have | A box of kept tickets and labels |
| Printable kit | PDF or PNG files to print at home | Many copies of the same papers | A phone camera and a printer |
| Ready-made journal | A finished, decorated book to write in | Writing rather than making | An old hardback and an afternoon |
Read the listing for the count
Check how many pieces come and what size the journal is before buying. A large pack in a small journal leaves most of it in the box.
Printables can be printed again
A printable kit is bought once and printed as often as you need, on whatever paper suits the piece. Print tags and pockets on card and backgrounds on lighter paper.
Make a kit from the house
Keep two weeks of post, packaging, tea bags and tickets in one box. Sort it by colour into labelled envelopes, and each envelope is a themed kit.
A digital kit is the same idea. In tbf scrapbook a photographed keepsake is cut out from its background and can go on any page of the book.
Steps
Pick the kind
Starter, ephemera, printable or ready-made, from the table above.
Check the count and size
Match the number of pieces to the pages you plan to fill.
Add one thing of your own
Mix a ticket or a letter from your own life into every spread.
Keep the leftovers
Unused pieces go in an envelope for the next journal.
Questions
What is in a junk journal kit?
Usually themed papers, tags and ephemera, and sometimes a blank journal, thread and a needle. Listings vary, so check the count.
Are printable junk journal kits worth it?
If you want many copies of the same papers, yes. Print backgrounds on copy paper and tags on card.
Can I make my own junk journal kit?
Yes. Keep two weeks of post and packaging, sort it by colour into envelopes, and you have one.