Try checking your desk drawer or the inside of your wallet. There is definitely a pile of shopping receipts, ancient movie tickets, last year's holiday boarding passes, or even random flyers from who knows where. Most of us usually have a habit of keeping these tiny items because they hold "memories". But in the end, that pile of paper just becomes trash that clutters up your room. 

Instead of just throwing them in the trash bin and adding to paper waste, what if we turn those useless items into an aesthetic piece of art? 

Let us introduce you to the trend that has been all over your TikTok FYP and Pinterest: Junk Journaling and Mixed Media Art. It does not just give off aesthetic vibes to show off on social media. This activity turns out to be a super mindful healing method that is definitely eco-friendly. Let's break down how to make it! 

What is Junk Journaling & Mixed Media Art? 

For those who are not familiar yet, Junk Journaling is the art of making a notebook out of leftover materials or used items. Unlike a regular bullet journal with clean and neat pages, a junk journal is intentionally made textured, messy, and totally random because it uses recycled paper, magazine cutouts, and even scrap fabric. 

Meanwhile, Mixed Media Art is the artistic technique behind it. This means you combine various kinds of mediums on a single canvas or page. For example, you stick a piece of newspaper, layer it with watercolors, scribble on it with markers, and then add some cute stickers. 

There are no strict rules here. Junk journaling and mixed media are all about freedom of expression. The more imperfect it is, the more artsy it looks! 

Sustainable Healing: Turning Trash into Art 

Why is this trend so beloved by Gen Z and Millennials? There are two answers to that: mental health and environmental sustainability. 

• Mindful Healing: Making a junk journal forces you to step away from gadget screens for some screen-free time. The sensation of cutting, gluing, and arranging colors gives a highly effective therapeutic effect to reduce stress and anxiety after a long day of work. 
• Upcycling & Zero Waste: Without even realizing it, you are practicing a sustainable lifestyle through upcycling. Everyday items that would otherwise end up in the landfill are successfully given a "new breath of life" and transformed into items with emotional value. 

Easy Ways to Make an Aesthetic Junk Journal for Beginners 

You do not need to be good at drawing to start. Just follow these 3 simple steps to create your very first junk journal: 

1. Gather Your "Trash": Prepare a small box to store your materials. Collect old tickets, cafe receipts, new clothing tags, gift ribbons, thin cardboard cutouts, and old magazines. 
2. Prepare Your Base Book: You can use an old notebook that still has some empty pages, or bind together some scrap paper to make a tiny book of your own. 
3. Start Layering: The key to mixed media is layering. Glue the largest piece of paper as the background, then stack it with smaller elements like tickets or magazine quotes. Add a few strokes of watercolor or a quick doodle with a marker to make it more alive. Do not be afraid of making mistakes, just stick them wherever you like! 

FAQ: All About Junk Journaling & Mixed Media 

Q: Does making a junk journal require expensive crafting tools?  
A: Not at all! The whole point of a junk journal is to utilize what you already have. You only need scissors, glue, old markers or pens, and paper "trash" at home. There is no need to buy expensive washi tape or stickers if you do not have them yet. 

Q: What is the difference between a junk journal and a scrapbook?  
A: The concept is similar, but scrapbooks are usually much neater, more structured, and use materials that are specifically bought for documenting photos like patterned paper or embossed stickers. Meanwhile, a junk journal is more raw, messy, and purely uses 100% recycled items. 

Q: What is the best glue for mixed media art?  
A: For sticking regular paper, a simple glue stick is enough because it will not make the paper crinkle. But if you want to attach fabric, cardboard, or thicker elements, white PVA glue or double-sided tape is highly recommended for a stronger hold.