Is Junk Journaling the Same as Scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking vs junk journaling. It sounds like a cage match! But don't worry, I think they're both winners. Scrapbooking and junk journaling are both creative ways to express yourself. They both use books or journals. And either one of them can bring you hours of happiness and fun.

Most of the supplies are interchangeable. You can use old tickets and flyers in your scrapbook. And you can use photos or scrapbook kits in your junk journal. They do have different styles, though. And when you're searching for how to get started articles or videos, it's helpful to know the difference.

These traditional 12x12 layouts were my first love in paper crafting. I loved the structure of coordinating papers and the clear focus on telling the story of a specific day, like a birthday celebration or a summer trip to the exhibition.

This article may contain affiliate links. This means that I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. 

What is Scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking is the art of documenting your life. Think of it as a highly creative photo album. You take a specific event and organize photos on a page with decorative papers and captions. 

Scrapbooks or scrapbook pages can be dedicated to a big event, like a wedding or a family reunion. Or it can be your everyday life. A picture of your coffee with a caption about your daily routine makes a wonderful scrapbook page.

The Vibe: Neat, organized, and intentional.

The Goal: To create a beautiful album that also tells a story.

The Kit: You’ll usually see 12x12 inch pages, archival-safe adhesives, and themed sticker sets.

What is Junk Journaling?

Junk journaling is more about the feeling of your paper and ephemera. Despite the name, you aren't using trash. You’re using found objects, vintage scraps, old envelopes or book pages to create a handmade book or pages. It’s less about a specific photo and more about the art of the collage.

The Vibe: Artistic, collected, eclectic, color and texture.

The Goal: To enjoy the process of creating. It’s a place to play with paper, paint, ink, and layers without the pressure of being perfect.

The Kit: You’ll see hand dyed papers, fabric scraps, old stamps, and chunky journals that barely stay closed.

This is the journal from my trip to Mexico that changed everything for me. By sketching the scenery in real-time and leaving space for photos and collected ephemera later, I found a way to capture the immediacy of the moment while still including my favorite photos.

At a Glance: Scrapbooking vs. Junk Journaling

	Traditional Scrapbooking	Junk Journaling
Primary Goal:	Documenting specific events and photos.	Creative expression & tactile play.
Materials:	Archival-safe paper, stickers, and die-cuts.	Found objects and ephemera, up-cycled trash, hand dyed paper.
Layout:	Structured, clean, and chronological.	Layered, chunky, and experimental.
Photo Focus:	High: the photo is the star.	Moderate: photos are part of the collage.
Philosophy:	Preserving the past perfectly.	Finding beauty in the imperfect.

Can You Do Both?

Absolutely! My own art journey started with scrapbooking. I loved the pretty papers and stickers. And I was pretty happy with my life and I took lot of photos! Scrapbooking was a way to relive some of the fun moments and make a record of it. Plus, it was a fun way to relax on the weekends.

But once I used up all my photos, I wasn't sure what to do next. I started to experiment with drawing and sketching. But to be honest, I didn't really have the patience for it!

My breakthrough happened on a trip to Mexico. I knew I wanted to use the photos, but I didn't want to lose the immediacy of sketching and writing. So I prepared a blank sketch book ahead of time and brought it to Mexico with me.

While I was traveling, I wrote and sketched every day. I left space so I could add the pictures later. I pasted in all the tickets and receipts and saved all my brochures and maps. Once I was home, I printed the photos and added them to my book, along with all the ephemera I had collected.

Now, when I look at the book, I remember bringing it to the beach in my tote bag. I remember making the sketches. I remember being a little bit tipsy while I wrote about chocolate martinis at the resort!

And that's what made me fall in love with junk journaling. The ease, the fun, and the joy. The way that creating something with your own two hands can bring you so much happiness. Flipping through the books later can remind you of all these moments.

These are the pages where I truly let go of perfection. I love how the handmade pockets hold real-world treasures like resort maps and stamps, while the handwritten notes capture the fun of discovering a secret cocktail recipe in the hotel lobby. It’s messy, colorful, and makes me smile every time I flip through it!

Is It a Scrapbook or a Junk Journal?

Nowadays, my books don't fit nicely into either category. You might call my style: scrappy junk journals. Or maybe it should be junky scrapbooks! Either way, it's fun to create them and look through them later.

If you want to start crafting, don't worry too much about the categories. As you make more pages and books, you'll probably find your style changing, too. And the best thing about this craft is that all the styles are valid. As long as you're having fun, your work is important.

Nowadays, my work lives right in the middle of the spectrum. I love using junky vintage backgrounds and layered ephemera, but I still crave the organized beauty of a photo grid. Whether you call it a scrappy junk journal or a junky scrapbook, the most important thing is that it brings you joy to create!

Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners

Do I need to be good at art to start?

Not at all. The beauty of both hobbies is that they are personal. Scrapbooking relies more on layout and organization. Junk journaling is more about intuition and play. If you can cut paper and use a glue stick, you have all the technical skills you need to begin.

What is the one must-have tool for a paper crafter?

While you can get fancy later, the most important tool for a beginner is a permanent glue stick or a tape runner. Since you're working with paper layers, having an adhesive that doesn't wrinkle your pages is the secret to a professional-looking finish.

• If preservation is important, look for acid free glue sticks and archival mounting squares for photos.

• If you're just having fun with a junk journal, my favorite glue is Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue.

How do I find junk that actually looks good?

Look for items with interesting textures or vintage fonts. Old sheet music, book pages from a thrift store, wildflower illustrations, and even the inside of security envelopes (the ones with the blue patterns) make beautiful backgrounds for your pages.

Which one should I start with?

Start with either one. Start anywhere. Just start! Honestly, your path will be different from anyone else's. Whatever you choose is going to be the perfect choice. 

Buy the book that catches your eye and make a start with whatever you have today. As you explore your own creative urges, you might change your mind and that's ok. You can always try something new.

All I ask is that you do not strive for perfection. If you're just getting started, here's the important things to keep in mind:

• There are no craft police. You can make whatever you want, any way that you want.

• Choose the colors that you love. 

• Focus on the textures you like. 

• If you don't like something it's ok to throw it away.

• Don't compare yourself to anyone else.

• When you find something you enjoy, do more of that!

Pin this article to save it for later:

Save this for your next creative session! If you're still torn between the structure of scrapbooking and the artistic freedom of junk journaling, pin this handy comparison chart to your favorite craft board. It’s a great reminder that no matter which path you choose, the best style is the one that makes you happy!