If you are the type of person who loves to stick paper onto other paper, you have most assuredly asked yourself at some point – what’s the difference in scrapbooking & junk journaling? Or, if you are thinking about getting started in some sort of journaling or paper crafting (we are THRILLED about that!) you may be asking yourself, Scrapbook vs Junk Journal – are they the same?
We are here to answer this question, at least in terms of what we think the differences are!
This post is about scrapbooking and junk journaling, explaining what we think the difference is between the two, and how that definition has evolved for us over time.
Scrapbooking vs Junk Journaling – Are They The Same?
Honestly, this is going to be a very subjective answer. Some folks are adamant about their categorization of what constitutes a scrapbook vs what constitutes a junk journal. Our experience is that the term “scrapbooking” has been around longer, and is more in line with creating an elevated photo album. Or a photo album with more embellishments.
Junk journaling is the new kid on the paper crafting scene. It is a type of journal that can be like an art project, mixed media journal, creative book journal, or a fun way to record events or serve as a written journal in a creative form.
Monsters of Mayhem Crafters
You are going to see some examples in this post of pages being made, and you might be a bit surprised by what the creators look like! If you haven’t before stumbled across the Slowestuff website, the crafting group of the blog is made up of monsters! If you want to find out a little more about the 6 monsters who make up Mayhem Crafters, check out their introduction post here!
Scrapbook blog posts featuring the Monsters include:
- A junk journal layout or scrapbook layout (we use these terms interchangeably because we don’t really consider them to be different *SEE MORE ON THIS BELOW*)
- A video showing the creation of the junk journal page or scrapbook page
- A list of the journal supplies or scrapbooking supplies
- Junk Journal ideas inspiration or scrapbook page ideas inspiration based upon what the featured layout is
Scrapbooking
Back in the day, photo albums were simply just a ring binder that had sticky pages in them for a family member to put pictures, rather than just storing them in the paper envelope they came in, along with the negatives. This was a long time ago – way before the digital age!
That system did have its drawbacks, because the pictures would be damaged by the sticky material. Some smart business people realized this, and started manufacturing acid free paper for the photo albums that was gentler on the photos. They also started creating scrapbook journals rather than a scrapbook binder, using all different sizes, ie: 12×12, 8×11, etc.
More smart people realized that there was not only a growing market for people wanting to preserve memories, but also a great way to market a popular hobby around memory keeping. Companies centered around putting personalization on pages to go along with pictures were founded. Scrapbooking companies and craft store chains became hugely successful – names like Creative Memories, Memory Makers, & Tim Holtz became giants in the industry.
This is where we first heard of scrapbooking as a hobby, and this type of structured layout is what we think of when we say scrapbooking. There are some different techniques, but central to scrapbook pages is using a photograph(s) on your page, and building around that picture using decorative paper, cardstock or different types of paper, along with stickers, washi tape, and other embellishments.
It was also recommended that you put handwritten notes along with the picture, or memory, not only to help you remember it, but to add your personal touch to the page.
Many scrapbookers got started when they had kids or grandkids that they adored and wanted to make scrapbooks about!
Junk Journaling
Junk journaling came along later, and the main difference we think of is that junk journaling is not necessarily focused on a photograph, and is more of a general art outlet or art project rather than only preserving memories.
Although it can do that too! Some of our favorite junk journals still commemorate memories, just not always with a photograph or set of photographs.
Junk journaling can be a creative journal outlet to store things like ticket stubs, memorabilia, or other types of things that are gathered during travel, during a time in your life, or what have you.
We think of junk journaling like an art project or mix media art journal. Like you would have a book of poems that you write out, or an art journal with your paintings – actually, you could include both of these into junk journal pages and that would look FIRE! There is no right way or wrong way to do it. You do you, boo.
We love the creative expression we have when it comes to junk journaling. You can make a page around a theme, or just around a new sticker or stamp that you got. Just whatever! Make a gratitude journal that has extra fun ideas included with it. Or a travel journal with all the special places you visited, featuring places you went or polaroids you took. Use watercolor paper and incorporate painting in your pages.
What we have discovered is that your junk journaling evolves over time. For us, we started filling out every single inch of a page. Then we discovered the interest of white spaces. Then we discovered different elevations, like putting stickers on puffy tape to give more dimension. Then we discovered adding textures with crafting paste or using paint, plus including things like wax seals. It really is such a fun creative process!
Its such a rewardingly creative process and it scratches that part of our brain perfectly, especially when you don’t get to flex that creative muscle a lot in your day to day life.
Scrapbooking v Junk Journaling – which one is for you?
We feel no such need to pigeonhole one over the other, really. We think of them interchangably because they are essentially the same thing. But if you are not sure which one is for you, here is our quick guide:
- Choose Scrapbooking if:
- You want to create a polished and organized record of your memories.
- You have a collection of photos you want to preserve and display.
- You enjoy a curated aesthetic and like using coordinating embellishments.
- Choose Junk Journaling if:
- You crave creative freedom and enjoy experimenting with mixed media.
- You have a box of “stuff” you’re looking to give new life to.
- You want a more personal and expressive way to record your thoughts, ideas, experiences.
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included for convenience and ease of reference. If used for purchase, they will result in a small commission at no extra cost to the buyer.
Scrapbook Supplies Corner
Regardless if you think scrapbook or junk journal, we know that seeing other people’s (or creature’s) junk journal layouts or scrapbook journal often makes sensible people want to get the same supplies as those being used.
This is the area where we provide quick references for you well-informed people of the scrapbook supplies the Monsters use on their junk journal and scrapbook layouts.
Generally, you can also look to the Monster’s Junk Journal Scrapbook Storefront (linked below) for full details of all kinds of amazing scrapbook stickers, ephemera, tools, storage, and more for your scrapbooking hobby.
For this post, we are focusing on the basics every scrapbook or junk journaler needs to get started on this hobby!
Watch Kel (the skeleton) put together a layout with a lot of different elements – she uses ink & stamps, torn paper, stickers, die cuts, and two paint chip cards from the local hardware store!
Here are quick reference links for some of the items we consider to be MUST HAVES to get you started, for either scrapbooking or junk journaling:
This is really the tip of the iceburg, in terms of supplies. Getting scrapbook supplies or journaling supplies is honestly….almost as much fun as doing the actual scrapbooking or journaling. Its addictive y’all! Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
There are lots of options for all types of scrapbook & journaling products in our storefront, so feel free to browse around and see what strikes your fancy in terms of aesthetics.
It is also in its name that a lot of junk journalers will use actual “junk” in their layouts. They will scour their junk mail, or tags on items they purchase, or anything that they think would look fantastic in a layout or fit a certain theme they are going for.
Keep reading for a list of ideas where you can get perfect “junk” to use in your layouts.
Mayhem Crafters Storefront
Quick link to our storefront if you want to do a little browsing!
Mayhem Crafters Amazon Storefront - Junk Journal Supplies, Scrapbook Supplies
Ways to use “Junk” in your layouts
We know it is referenced as junk, but honestly, we love to incorporate at least one “junk” element into each layout. Often times, we shoot for more than just one item. We think it adds uniqueness to the page, plus it certainly is cost effective, especially if you are on a budget.
Junk Journaling – “junk” to incorporate into your layouts
Here are 20 ideas for places you can look to obtain junk, and possible inspiration to use items you already have at home that you might not have thought about using in a journal before!
- Ephemera from Mail: This is a goldmine for junk journaling! It will make you think of mail in a completely different way. Look at reply-paid envelopes, postage stamps (unused or cancelled), vintage letter fragments, or interesting packaging materials.
- Ticket Stubs and Receipts: We always keep these and never really did anything with them before. Now, they get put on a page! Concert tickets, movie stubs, museum receipts – they all hold mini-memories and add a touch of texture to your pages.
- Tags: Look at the tags on things you buy, a lot of the time they are gorgeous. They can be on clothes, food, gift items. They are great to incorporate in your pages.
- Food Packaging: Starbucks is an easy one, we use them all the time in our coffee themed layouts. But think beyond that with Candy wrappers, cereal box cutouts, or takeout menus with unique graphics to give you a certain vibe you may be going for.
- Magazine Clippings: Don’t toss those old magazines just yet! We use the free grocery store magazine to get amazing food pictures.
- Fabric Scraps and Lace: Leftover bits of fabric, lace trimmings, or even old doilies add a beautiful textural element and a touch of vintage softness. Texture makes a page more interesting, we think.
- Maps and Travel Brochures: Folding maps or brochures from vacations or day trips can spark memories and add a touch of wanderlust to your pages. GIVE US ALL THE MAPS! We adore them!
- Greeting Cards: Use cutouts from old greeting cards with heartfelt messages, beautiful floral prints, or interesting patterns. Easy peasy. See also – post cards!
- Yarn Scraps and Embroidery Floss: Leftover yarn or embroidery floss can be used to create decorative accents, tassels, or even bind signatures in your junk journal. Texture again!
- Old Book Pages: Hit up a thrift store and grab a vintage book you don’t mind dissecting. Use the aged paper for collaging, creating pockets, or writing on directly. We loooooove using worn book pages in our layouts.
- Tea or Coffee Stains: Believe it or not, strategically placed coffee or tea stains can add a vintage, aged aesthetic to your pages. We love this look!
- Natural Elements: Pressed flowers, leaves, or even feathers can add a touch of nature and beauty to your creations. Its hard NOT to put these elements on a page, we love them so much.
- Washed-Out Tea Bags: Empty tea bags can be used for creating miniature envelopes, pockets, or even as a base for miniature watercolor paintings.
- Recycled Paper Bags: Brown paper bags can be cut and used for creating tags, labels, or even backgrounds for your journal entries. Yes! Texture again!
- String and Twine: Baker’s twine, colorful yarn, or even embroidery floss can be used for tying embellishments, creating closures, or stitching elements onto the page. We use yarn so much.
- Bottle Caps and Corks: These can be used as embellishments, mini containers within your journal, or even stamped with interesting designs. Dimension!
- Musical Notation Scraps: Do you play an instrument? Leftover sheet music scraps with interesting notation can add a unique touch. We are jealous if you have this readily available. We love using sheet music.
- Foreign Language Newspapers: Pick up a free newspaper in a different language for a touch of international flair and interesting textures. Perfect for a travel journal, obv, but to go along with a theme as well.
- Greeting Card Envelopes: These can be used as pockets to hold notes, mementos, or even additional journaling entries. These are so creative and super cool to look at.
- Junk Mail: Don’t just toss those flyers and catalogues! Interesting graphics, colorful patterns, or even textured paper can all find a new life in your junk journal. Recycle that “junk!”
Scrapbook vs Junk Journal – are they the same?
We hope this post has been helpful, helped you answer the question about the differences in scrapbooking and junk journaling, and inspired some creativity! If you are looking for more spring scrapbook inspiration or year of the dragon junk journal ideas, we have you covered!
If you want more general scrapbook or junk journal inspiration, check out our scrapbook layout section of the blog for lots of inspiration!
Hey crafty peeps, let’s be friends on TikTok!
Happy Scrapping!
Mayhem Crafters, crafty division of Slowestuff Blog
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