Start a Botanical Junk Journal: A Beginner's Guide

A junk journal is a handmade book made from “junk”: old book pages, envelopes, tea-stained paper, receipts, ticket stubs. There are no rules, which is exactly what makes it so freeing.

Gather your papers

Start a box and fill it with anything paper that catches your eye: vintage seed packets, old dictionary pages, doilies, envelopes, sheet music, pretty napkins. Thrift stores and yard sales are treasure troves.

Build the journal

1. Choose a cover. An old hardback book cover, a cereal box wrapped in fabric, or thick chipboard.
2. Make signatures. Stack 6–8 mixed papers, fold them in half together. Make 3–4 of these.
3. Stitch it together. Use a simple pamphlet stitch with waxed thread or even embroidery floss.

Fill the pages

• Layer papers in threes: a big background, a medium block, a small detail.
• Tuck in pockets made from envelopes for tags and notes.
• Add pressed leaves (see pressed flower stationery).
• Tea-stain white papers for an instant vintage look.

Your journal doesn’t have to be “finished.” The best ones grow a little every week.