25 Junk Journal Prompts for Fall

Colleen McCarthy
Oct 14
4 min read

Updated: Oct 15

There’s something special about fall. The air feels crisp. The colors turn warm and golden. Everything seems to slow down just enough to notice the small things. It’s the perfect time to cozy up with your journal and create something that feels personal and full of meaning.

If you're not sure where to start, try using these prompts to spark some ideas. You can use them for writing, collaging, sketching, or layering little bits of your everyday life onto the page.

Illustration of two open journals with two cups of tea and fall colored leaves arranged on a wooden desk. — Fall is the perfect time to get cozy with a cup of tea and your journal.

Setting the Mood

Before you start, make your space feel soft and welcoming. A warm drink, a candle, your favorite sweater, and maybe some quiet music in the background can turn journaling into a little ritual.

If you like collecting bits and pieces, fall is full of inspiration. Look for pressed leaves, old receipts, dried flowers, ticket stubs, or scraps of paper in warm colors.

How to Use These Prompts

Prompts are meant to spark ideas, not add pressure. There’s no right or wrong way to use them. You can make a full page or keep it simple.

Some days you might want to write a few lines. Other days you might want to cut, glue or color. If you feel like layering paper and bits of found things into your journal, let that guide your art. Use the prompt as a starting point, not a rule.

Don’t overthink it. Pick one prompt and start with whatever comes to mind.
Keep it simple. A few words, a sketch, or a bit of collage is enough.
Add layers with paper scraps, lace, pressed leaves, or fabric.
Mix writing and visuals. Pair your words with stickers, stamps, or photos.
Use soft fall colors to build a warm base for your page.
Try using one prompt a day to build a cozy seasonal journal.
Let the prompt guide you, but follow your own mood.
You can glue in found objects like ticket stubs, receipts, or packaging.
Repeat prompts in different ways. Try it with a collage one day, writing the next.
Don’t worry about making it perfect. The beauty is in the process.

Watercolor illustration of fall themed ephemera like leaves, lace, and envelopes in shades of orange, peach and brown.

Autumn Junk Journal Prompts

Seasonal Memories

Describe the first sign of fall you noticed this year. Add a photo, drawing, or pressed leaf to the page.
Write about a cozy autumn tradition you look forward to. Use warm colors and a strip of lace or fabric.
Create a mini outfit collage of what you love to wear on crisp fall days.
Document a walk outside. Note what you saw, smelled, or heard. Add leaf rubbings or sketches.
Write about your favorite fall drink. Include a tea bag tag, café receipt, or doodle of a mug.

Nature and Senses

Press a real leaf or cut out a paper one. Add a note about where and when you found it.
Build a page using only fall colors like rust, gold, and cream. No words needed.
Describe the sound of rain. Add water-themed stamps, soft watercolor splashes, or torn paper edges.
Create a foggy morning mood page with soft layers and gentle shading.
List your favorite fall scents. Glue in a cinnamon stick or use soft muted tones to match the feeling.

Everyday Moments

Capture a quiet morning at home. Write a few lines about what made it feel peaceful.
Add a favorite fall recipe. You can handwrite or glue in a printed card. Decorate the border with fall motifs.
Sketch or collage your favorite cozy corner. Add fabric swatches or warm color accents.
Create a rainy day spread with doodles, soft colors, and a short journal entry.
Make a small gratitude list. Layer it with soft torn edges or vintage scraps.

Reflection and Gratitude

Reflect on how you’ve changed since last fall. Use warm tones and handwritten notes.
Write down one lesson this season has reminded you of. Add a simple leaf or flower illustration.
Create a comfort list. Write about people, places, or little things that make you feel safe and warm.
Make an autumn bucket list. Use tags or stickers for each goal.
Create a gratitude pocket. Tuck in small notes with things you’re thankful for.

Creative Play

Make a fall-inspired collage with leaves, stamps, or lace. Let the textures tell the story.
Layer warm tones and different papers to build depth on your page.
Write a short autumn poem or find a quote that speaks to you. Use soft watercolor behind it.
Draw or paint your favorite fall scene. Add light outlines for a hand-drawn look.
Create a little envelope or pocket to store tiny keepsakes from the season.

Watercolor illustration of an armchair with an orange blanket and books around it with a window and fall leaves beside it. — Include your cozy autumn memories in your junk journals.

Tips to Personalize Your Pages

The beauty of junk journaling is how personal it can be. No two pages ever look the same, and that’s what makes it special. You can keep things simple or add as many layers as you like. These small touches help bring your pages to life and make them feel like your own:

Layer bits of lace, fabric, or vellum to create soft textures.
Use warm fall tones like rust, pumpkin, gold, and cream for a cozy mood.
Tear your paper edges for a softer, handmade look.
Mix handwriting with stickers, stamps, and small illustrations.
Add pressed leaves, receipts, or ticket stubs as little keepsakes.
Use tags, labels, or tiny envelopes for hidden journaling spots.
Add watercolor washes or light ink splatters to give your page softness.
Let one small detail (like a leaf or quote) be the focus if you prefer a clean page.

Beauty in Every Day

Fall reminds us to slow down and notice the beauty in everyday things. Your journal doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. Let these prompts lead you, and let your own voice guide the page.

Pin this article to save it for later: