Junk Journal vs Bullet Journal: Which One Inspires You?
If you’re drawn to creativity, memory keeping, or simply want a new way to stay organized, junk journal vs bullet journal is a fun comparison to explore. Both styles offer a unique way to express yourself, plan your life, and collect meaningful moments – but they serve different purposes. Whether you’re into visual storytelling or prefer a more structured layout, there’s a journaling style that fits your personality and goals.
In this post, we’ll highlight the benefits of each type – and share three journal spread video tutorials, and three creative page ideas for both junk journals and bullet journals to help you get started.
What Is A Bullet Journal?
A bullet journal is a method of organizing your thoughts, goals, and tasks in a customizable notebook. Many people use dotted or lined journals to create neat layouts with sections for:
Daily to-do lists
Monthly calendars
Habit trackers
Goal planning
Inspirational quotes
Personal reflections
It’s perfect for staying focused and productive while still allowing room for creativity. Add color, washi tape, stencils, or hand lettering to make it uniquely yours. You can also turn your bullet journal into a vision board, a recipe collection, or a personal storybook.
What Is A Junk Journal?
On the flip side, a junk journal is all about layering, collecting, and assembling meaningful bits and pieces. It’s a creative and artistic way to preserve memories using ephemera, vintage paper, tags, lace, pressed flowers, ribbon, and more. You can make a junk journal using a blank notebook, an old book, a vintage ledger, file folders, envelopes, or even hand-stitched pages. Add in whatever inspires you – cut-out magazine images, old newspaper clippings, postcards, tea-stained paper, book pages, fabric scraps, ticket stubs, packaging, and handwritten notes. No two spreads are alike – and that’s the beauty of it!
Junk journals are perfect for:
Travel scrapbooks
Family mementos
Art journaling
Writing poetry or short stories
Project inspiration books
Gratitude journals
There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Use shaped edge scissors to add a handmade touch. The result is a tactile, beautiful, and deeply personal book.
Supplies to Get You Started
At Ben Franklin Crafts and Frame Shop in Bonney Lake and Monroe, WA, we carry everything you need for bullet journal and junk journal. Choose from:
Blank journals (lined, dotted, or plain)
Mixed packs of junk journal bits (available at our Bonney Lake location)
Shaped edge scissors
Decorative papers and rub-ons
Pens, markers, and stickers
Follow Along on Instagram & YouTube
🌿 Nature-Inspired Bullet Journal Spread Idea
See how we created a nature-inspired bullet journal page using layered papers, textured stickers, and delicate rub-ons. This green, spring-themed spread brings earthy charm to your journal and adds a refreshing touch to your creative routine. Tutorial available on our Instagram Page HERE.
🧚 Whimsical Fairy Boutique Bullet Journal Spread Idea
Let your creativity take flight with this dreamy bullet journal layout! We used the Fairy Boutique paper collection by Graphic 45 (available at our Monroe location) to create a whimsical, vintage-inspired spread full of florals, soft pastels, and magical details. Perfect for fans of fairies, fantasy, and imaginative journaling themes! Tutorial available on our YouTube Channel HERE.
🌸 Spring Bullet Journal Inspiration
Think soft pastels, floral doodles, and layouts that help you stay grounded and grateful as spring awakens all around us. Let the longer days and warmer light fuel your creativity. Tutorial available on our YouTube Channel HERE.
So Many Papers, So Many Possibilities
We carry a wide variety of beautiful paper collections at our Ben Franklin Crafts stores to match any theme, season, or creative mood. From elegant florals and bold patterns to vintage-inspired designs and whimsical prints, there’s something for every style.
Whether you’re journaling, scrapbooking, cardmaking, or crafting something totally unique, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our paper aisles. Our selection is always changing, so there’s always something new to spark your creativity.
Stop by to explore the full selection in person – and if you’re enchanted by fairies and fantasy, don’t miss the Fairy Boutique paper collection by Graphic 45, available exclusively at our Monroe store!
Fairy Boutique Paper Collection by Graphic 45 (available exclusively at our Monroe location)
✨ 3 Bullet Journal Page Ideas
1. Monthly Vision & Goal Tracker
Create a clean, motivating layout to start the month. Use dotted journal pages to draw a simple calendar at the top. Below that, break your goals into categories like health, creativity, home, and work. Use boxes or habit tracker grids to track progress daily.
Add:
Washi tape or stickers for decoration
Highlighters for color-coded goals
A section for quotes or affirmations
Tabs or rub-ons to divide sections
This layout keeps you focused while also encouraging personal growth.
2. Recipe Journal Page
Design a page for a favorite family recipe! Draw a header banner with the recipe title. Include a list for ingredients, cooking steps, and a small section for personal notes or family memories connected to the dish.
Add:
Tiny envelope pockets for recipe cards
Hand-drawn food doodles
A mini photo or a printout of the meal
Decorative edge scissors to trim paper accents
It’s functional, nostalgic, and a beautiful way to keep your family’s cooking traditions alive.
3. Nature Walk Log
This is a perfect layout for hikers or nature lovers. Start with a heading like “My Favorite Trails.” List the trail name, date, weather, and companions. Add space to log wildlife sightings, terrain notes, and how you felt during the walk.
Add:
A trail map sketch or printout
Pressed leaves or flowers taped in with washi tape
Stickers or stamps of trees, birds, or footprints
A spot for rating the trail (1–5 stars)
This keeps your memories organized and encourages future outdoor adventures.
✨ 3 Junk Journal Page Ideas
1. Vintage Travel Scrapbook Page
Design a spread to remember a special trip – real or imaginary! Layer old book pages, ticket stubs, torn maps, and postage stamp stickers. Add personal notes, dates, or a travel quote.
Add:
Rub-on transfers of vintage travel images
Luggage tag replicas or paper luggage shapes
Lace ribbon along the page edge
A hidden pocket with a note or folded itinerary
This page tells a story through texture, color, and collected pieces.
2. Poetry & Quotes Spread
Create an emotional and artistic page using your favorite quote or original poetry. Tear paper with meaningful words, layer floral scraps, and add ink splotches or stamped backgrounds.
Add:
Calligraphy or hand-lettering
Torn fabric or washi as a border
Cut-out butterflies, moons, or flowers
Transparent sticker overlays
This is a space to reflect and connect with your creative voice.
3. Memory Page: Grandma’s Button Jar
Capture a personal or family memory in a tactile, visual way. Use a tea-stained paper base and write a short paragraph about a memory – like sorting buttons as a child. Layer sewing-themed paper pieces, old buttons, lace, and thread.
Add:
A real or paper thimble
Ribbon stitched onto the page
A flap or fold-out journaling spot
A hand-drawn outline of the button jar
Junk journaling makes even the smallest memory feel like a treasured keepsake.
Which One Is Right for You?
Still deciding between junk journal vs bullet journal? Ask yourself what you enjoy most:
Do you like clean lines, organized lists, and structure? Try a bullet journal.
Do you love mixed media, memory keeping, and visual texture? A junk journal is your match.
Of course, you don’t have to choose just one! Many crafters use both styles depending on their mood or purpose. Whatever your journaling journey looks like, we’re here to support your creativity every step of the way.
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Come shop local with us!
Our Ben Franklin Crafts and Frame Shop stores in Bonney Lake and Monroe, WA, are packed with top-quality supplies, and our friendly team is always ready to help you find just what you need. Have a question? Stop by – we’re happy to help!
