Scrapbooking vs. Junk Journaling: What's the Difference?
Both scrapbooking and junk journaling have gained popularity in recent years. At first glance, these two projects sound very similar. Even the names sound the same: “scrap” vs “junk”, “book” vs “journal”.
Is there a difference between scrapbooking and junk journaling? Are they the same thing? And most importantly, which one is right for you? Find out as we talk about the differences and similarities of a scrapbook and a junk journal by answering these questions:
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What is scrapbooking?
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What is the purpose of a junk journal?
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Scrapbook supplies vs junk journal supplies
WHAT IS SCRAPBOOKING?
Scrapbooking is a way for people to preserve and present both personal and family history in a book; not so different from how some people use social media. The benefit of scrapbooking with a physical book, is that the actual “scraps” people deemed important to them can be put into the book. Scrapbooking items such as letters, birthday cards, wedding invitations, and so many other sentimental paper items.
However, scrapbooking isn’t just a place to hold your favorite sentimental items. It truly is about preserving them for yourself and, perhaps more importantly, for your families. Many people want to pass their scrapbook down to future generations so they can get an accurate glimpse of their past family history. And that is what makes all the difference.
WHAT IS JUNK JOURNALING?
Junk journals on the other hand are generally more personal to the maker. Personal style, personal stories, personal “junk”! While junk journals also use sentimental pieces, they are more likely to include upcycled materials and repurpose odd paper pieces too. Junk journal items may include old book pages, fabric scraps, receipts, clothing tags, and so much more.
A junk journal is a great place for someone to mix the sentimental pieces with personal taste. Emphasis on “personal” as a junk journal isn’t generally meant to be passed on the way scrapbooks are, the creators are more likely to treat them as a journal for themselves rather than a family heirloom—scribbling in private thoughts and memories. This allows for junk journals to be made with more freedom and even lean into the chaos their favorite items might bring to their pages.
SCRAPBOOK SUPPLIES VS JUNK JOURNAL SUPPLIES
Whether you’re making a scrapbook for your grandkids or crafting up a junk journal about your recent dream, the supplies you use might not be all that different.
Scrapbook supplies include items that bring more purpose to the book—decorating pages in a way that fits the event's theme. While junk journal supplies rely on upcycled items and pieces that resonate with the crafter. Purchasing pieces for their journals is optional, as anything that can be hand cut and glued down can be used in your junk journal!
Scrapbook supplies include:
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A sturdy scrapbook, binder or album
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Lots and lots of photos!
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Scissors
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A good pen or marker pen
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Scrapbooking paper
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Cardstock
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Embellishments like brads, stickers, etc.
Junk journal supplies include:
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A journal - preferably one with flexile covers to allow for growth
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A collection of paper and cardboard “junk”
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Scissors
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Markers
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Stickers (optional)
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Photos (optional)
Both scrapbooking and junk journaling allow for self-expression and creativity, and there’s no reason you can't enjoy both! If you're new to either of these, take a little time to explore the materials and styles that resonate with you. Ask yourself WHY you want to make this and WHO is it really for? Whether it’s a scrapbook or a junk journal, you'll be building pages and pages of something beautiful and meaningful.
