50 Junk Journal Prompts

Junk journaling is a delightful way to combine creativity, reflection, and a love for found objects.

These 50 Junk Journal Prompts will help you explore your artistic side while documenting memories and thoughts in a unique, tactile way.

Whether you’re an experienced junk journaler or just starting out, these prompts will spark new ideas and bring your pages to life.

What makes junk journaling so special is that it’s entirely your own. There’s no right or wrong—it’s all about layering materials, exploring textures, and letting your creativity run free.

Grab your scraps, old photos, stickers, and washi tape, and let these prompts guide you to create something meaningful.

50 Junk Journal Prompts for Memory Keeping

1. Find an old photograph and write about the story behind it. Include colors, textures, or objects that remind you of that moment.
2. Use a scrap from a favorite magazine or brochure. Why does it inspire you, and how does it connect to your life right now?
3. Attach a ticket stub or event pass. What memory does it represent, and what made that experience special?
4. Write about a holiday or celebration. What details stand out, and how can you represent them visually?
5. Use an envelope to tuck away a small keepsake. What does it mean, and why did you choose to keep it?
6. Include a postcard or piece of mail. Who sent it, and how does it connect to your story?
7. Create a collage using patterns or colors that remind you of your childhood home. What feelings do they bring up?
8. Use a pressed flower or leaf to represent a favorite outdoor memory. What made it unforgettable, and how can you reflect it creatively?
9. Add a map or part of one to represent a journey you’ve taken. What did you learn, and what emotions did it evoke?
10. Write about an object you’ve kept for years. What story does it tell, and why is it meaningful?
    
    

"Memories are treasures. Use your journal to capture them creatively, layering your pages with pieces of your past that make your story unique."

50 Junk Journal Prompts for Creativity and Play

11. Tear pieces of colorful paper or fabric and create a collage. How do the textures and colors represent your current mood?
12. Use doodles or stamps to decorate a page. What story do they tell, and how do they reflect your personality?
13. Create a page inspired by a song. What feelings or images does the music bring up for you?
14. Use scraps of lace, ribbon, or thread to create a tactile page. How does it feel, and what does it remind you of?
15. Pick a random object from your desk and include it. Why did you choose it, and what makes it interesting?
16. Experiment with layering translucent materials like vellum or tissue paper. What effect does it create, and how does it add depth?
17. Use stickers or washi tape to frame a photo or quote. What message do you want the page to share?
18. Create a mood board for your dream vacation. What materials represent the destination or experience?
19. Include torn book pages or handwritten notes. What stories or themes connect with you, and how do they enhance the page?
20. Use metallic pens or foil to add shimmer. What emotions or memories do the sparkles bring to mind?
    
    

"Creativity thrives in play. Let your materials guide you, and enjoy the process of building something beautiful and uniquely yours."

50 Junk Journal Prompts for Gratitude

21. Write about three things you’re grateful for today. How can you represent them using scraps or drawings?
22. Include a piece of packaging from something you enjoyed recently. Why does it remind you to be thankful?
23. Decorate a page with colors or patterns that make you feel happy. What emotions do they evoke, and why?
24. Write about someone who inspires you. What qualities do they have, and how can you celebrate them in your journal?
25. Use a pressed flower to represent growth. What does it symbolize, and how does it connect to your gratitude?
26. Include a quote that resonates with you. Why does it feel meaningful, and what does it remind you to appreciate?
27. Draw or describe a place that brings you peace. What details make it calming, and how can you capture them?
28. Write about a skill or talent you’re proud of. What does it bring to your life, and how can you express it creatively?
29. Use colorful paper scraps to create a rainbow. What does it symbolize, and how does it connect to hope or joy?
30. Include a photo or drawing of something you love. Why does it bring you happiness, and what memories come with it?
    
    

"Gratitude turns ordinary moments into treasures. Use your journal to reflect on the beauty that surrounds you every day."

50 Junk Journal Prompts for Exploring Emotions

31. Use dark and light shades to represent contrasting emotions. What feelings do they reflect, and how do they coexist?
32. Write about a recent moment of joy. How did it feel, and how can you capture it with colors or shapes?
33. Create a page about a difficult experience. What did you learn, and how can you represent that growth visually?
34. Use textures like crumpled paper or fabric to explore frustration. How does the texture mirror your emotions?
35. Write a letter to yourself on a tough day. What advice would you give, and how can your journal provide comfort?
36. Draw or describe a moment of calm. What symbols represent that peace, and how can you recreate it on the page?
37. Create a color palette for your week. What do the colors say about your experiences or feelings?
38. Include photos or doodles of things that make you feel loved. How can you arrange them to tell a story?
39. Write about something that makes you feel hopeful. What images or objects bring that hope to life?
40. Decorate a page with symbols of strength. How have these qualities helped you through challenges?
    
    

"Emotions are the heart of creativity. Embrace every feeling, and let your journal be a space for honest self-expression."

50 Junk Journal Prompts for Inspiration

41. Create a page inspired by your favorite artist or writer. What materials or colors remind you of their work?
42. Write about a dream or goal you’re excited about. What visuals represent your motivation and aspirations?
43. Use found objects like leaves or ticket stubs to build a page. How do they connect to your creativity?
44. Include a quote that inspires you to keep going. How can you decorate the page to match its message?
45. Draw or write about a moment when you felt unstoppable. What helped you succeed, and how can you capture it creatively?
46. Create a page celebrating your favorite season. What colors, patterns, or objects reflect it best?
47. Use magazine clippings to make a vision board. What themes or images guide your choices, and why?
48. Write about someone who has encouraged you. What words or objects represent their influence in your life?
49. Create a whimsical page using random scraps. How do the pieces come together, and what story do they tell?
50. Imagine your journal as a time capsule. What would you include, and what message would it share with the future?
    
    

"Inspiration is everywhere. Trust your instincts and let your journal be a canvas for the ideas that excite and energize you."

Junk journaling is a celebration of creativity, memory, and self-expression.

These 50 Junk Journal Prompts will guide you through exploring your thoughts, documenting your journey, and playing with materials in a way that feels uniquely yours.

Embrace the imperfections and let your journal tell the beautiful story of you.

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