The Beauty of Curated Creative Junk Journals

When you open a curated creative junk journal, it’s like stepping into a storybook made of texture, color, and imagination. Layers of paper, snippets of lace, and carefully chosen embellishments come together to form something more than a craft. They create a piece of art you can hold.

I still remember the first time I opened one. Each page whispered a secret: a tucked note here, a soft ribbon there, the faint scent of aged paper mingled with coffee dye. That was the moment I fell in love with the art of curation by building a journal where every detail feels intentional, balanced, and personal.

What Makes a Journal “Curated”?

Anyone can glue pretty papers into a notebook, but a curated creative junk journal is something more thoughtful. It’s a hand-assembled collection of textures, tones, and trims that tell a cohesive story. Every element, from the papers and pockets to the ribbons and tags, is chosen with care to create a unified theme or feeling.

Some journals capture the warmth of a farmhouse kitchen. Others might feel like an old library, a vintage garden, or a whimsical fairytale. The beauty of curation is that it is guided by intuition and emotion. No two are ever alike as you begin the embellishment phase.

The curated kits in my shop is a mini curated experience. My Creative Journal Kits are beginner-friendly introducing you to the world of curated crafting. Each set includes coordinated papers, tags, trims, and bits of ephemera so you can build your own masterpiece without worrying about what “goes together.” You don’t need to be an expert. You simply need curiosity and a willingness to play.

Why Embellishments Matter

In the world of junk journaling, embellishments are where the magic happens. They turn ordinary pages into extraordinary keepsakes and make your journal stand apart from everyone else’s.

A hidden paper clip can hold a love note. A bit of lace might soften a corner or hide a secret pocket. A hand-stamped tag or dangling tassel gives movement and life to a page. These small details transform a handmade book into something deeply personal.

I’ll be sharing a full series on YouTube that shows how to create a variety of embellishments, from snippet rolls and layered tags to beaded dangles and tuck spots, all designed to enhance your curated journals. If you enjoy hands-on learning, be sure to subscribe to my channel and craft along with me. You will also find a free printable checklist of 50 Junk Journal Embellishment Ideas linked at the end of this post to inspire your next session at the craft table.

The Heart Behind Every Page

A curated creative junk journal is not just about art supplies. It is about storytelling. Every element you add tells a little piece of you.

Some people use their journals as memory books, recording family milestones or special trips. Others treat them as gratitude or prayer journals, filled with reflection and quiet thoughts. Some become art journals, bursting with creativity and color. And others evolve into keepsake gifts, handmade heirlooms meant to be passed down.

The beauty of this craft is that there is no right or wrong way to use your journal. It can be as structured or as spontaneous as you like. The only rule is this: make it your own.

Start Your Curated Journey

If you have ever wanted to create something that feels truly special, start with intention. Pick a theme that speaks to you—perhaps “Cozy Autumn Afternoons” or “Vintage Christmas Morning.” Choose your color palette, your textures, and your mood. Then gather your tools, papers, and embellishments and begin to layer.

If you are not sure where to start, that is where my Creative Journal Kits come in. Each one is lovingly designed to help you explore curation without the overwhelm. You will have everything you need, from base pages to coordinated trims, to bring your vision to life.

Your first curated junk journal does not have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Keep Creating

Curated creative junk journaling is more than a craft. It is an act of self-expression. It is your story, told in paper and lace.

So brew a cup of coffee, put on some soft music, and open your kit. Let your creativity wander. Add a tag, tie a ribbon, and tuck a secret note.

• Download your free printable: Complete form at the bottom of this page
  
• Subscribe on YouTube: Follow along for tutorials and a special embellishment challenge coming soon.
  
• Visit the Shop: Explore beginner-friendly Creative Journal Kits and curated embellishment packs at Hawg Wild Designs.

Let’s craft something beautiful, one page at a time.