What Kind of Book Do You Use for a Junk Journal?

If you're starting a new junk journal, there's so many options it can be hard to decide. The fun part is that there's not really a right choice. The one you like the best is automatically the right choice!

If you have the chance to shop in person, try flipping through some different styles. See if you like the size of the book and how it feels in your hand.

Check that you like the type of paper. Think about the kind of journaling you'll do and look for paper that matches. For example, if you'll be using paint or wet glue, make sure the pages are sturdy and strong.

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If you want to get started right away, a sketchbook is a great choice.

Types of Books You Can Use as a Junk Journal

You can use just about any type of book for your junk journal. If you buy a blank book, you can get started right away. If you want to use an altered book, you can spend more time preparing the pages.

Here's a few ideas if you're looking for a new junk journal:

Sketchbooks

A sketchbook gives you lots of blank pages and thicker paper. That makes it a good choice if you like to paint, stamp, or use glue. The spiral-bound versions are easy to flip through, while the stitched ones hold up better over time.

My favorite sketchbook is the Moleskine Sketchbook. The size is perfect if you're just getting started. It's 5 inches wide and 8 inches tall: big enough to fit some fun junk, but still small enough to finish a page quickly.

Mixed Media Books

These are made for artists who want to mix paint, pens, and collage on the same page. The paper is heavy and designed to handle different supplies without warping. If you know you’ll be layering, this is a solid choice.

Scrapbooks

Traditional scrapbooks often have large pages with room for layouts, photos, and keepsakes. Some come with plastic sleeves, while others are open pages ready for decoration. They’re great if you want a bigger space to spread out.

Composition Notebooks

Cheap and easy to find, composition books are a beginner’s best friend. The lined paper gives you a guide for writing, and the stitched spine is stronger than it looks. They’re also lightweight, so they travel well.

Old Hardcover Books

Repurposing a vintage book gives your junk journal a unique look right from the start. You can keep some of the original pages to peek through, or glue new paper over them. It feels special to breathe new life into an old book.

Hardcover books are great for junk journals and you can find real treasures at thrift shops or flea markets.

Travel Journals or Planners

If you have an old planner or travel diary lying around, don’t throw it out. The pre-printed sections can be covered, decorated, or used as prompts. These kinds of books add built-in structure that makes journaling easier.

Ring-Bound Notebooks or Binders

If you like flexibility, a ring-bound style is perfect. You can punch holes in almost anything—photos, envelopes, even fabric—and clip it in. This makes it easy to rearrange pages or add more when you need to.

Children’s Board Books

These sturdy little books are fun to transform. The thick cardboard pages can handle paint, fabric, or heavy embellishments. Plus, their small size makes them sweet for themed mini journals.

Accordion or Concertina Books

These fold-out books are less common, but they’re beautiful. They allow you to create a continuous flow of pages, perfect for storytelling or a series of connected spreads. They also display nicely on a shelf or desk.

Paper Bag Books

This is a fun option you can make yourself. Stack a few paper lunch bags, fold them in half, and bind them together with staples, thread, or rings. The built-in pockets are perfect for hiding tags, notes, or little treasures.

Handmade Stitched Books

Sometimes the best option is to make your own. You can gather papers you love, fold them into signatures, and sew them together with a simple stitch. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a few threads and you’ve created a book that’s truly yours.

If you use a hardcover book, you can work right on top of the existing pages. Or you can replace them with heavier paper.

Filling Your Junk Journal

No matter which type of book you choose, the magic of junk journaling is in how you fill it. If you've been collecting bits and pieces, you can start right away.

If you need papers, tags, or ephemera to add to your pages, you can find printable kits here in my shop.

If you'd like to try a free sample, sign up for my free membership. It's no obligation - I just needed a space to collect all my freebies. Once you sign up you can download all the free papers and stickers you find there:

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