Create Your Own Junk Journal with Glowforge

May 05, 2025

Ever held onto a concert ticket, a pretty piece of packaging, or a meaningful note, knowing it was too special to toss but not quite sure what to do with it?

That's where junk journaling comes in! It's a creative way to transform those treasured bits and pieces into beautiful keepsakes — and your Glowforge makes it even more magical.

In this guide, we'll show you everything you need to know about creating your own junk journal, from choosing materials to crafting intricate covers and interactive elements. Whether you're documenting summer adventures or collecting winter memories, we'll help you turn those precious scraps into something spectacular.

Take a peek at Kate's journal!

When we saw Kate’s Junk Journal (crafted entirely with her Glowforge Aura!) we knew we had to dive deep into this creative memory-keeping technique. Using nothing but cardstock and her Glowforge Aura, Kate crafted an intricate journal complete with layered covers, fold-out elements, hidden pockets, and a concertina-style folder 🤩

It seriously proves that with Glowforge, the possibilities for personalized paper crafts are endless!

With that, let’s dive into the ins and outs of Junk Journaling:

What's a Junk Journal?

Despite its name, a junk journal is anything but trash! It's a creative approach to memory keeping that emphasizes sustainability and personal expression. A Vogue article from 2024 says "think of it as a less polished and structured scrapbook with a lot less pressure on perfection" — and that’s exactly right! Unlike traditional scrapbooking, which often requires purchasing new materials, junk journaling celebrates the art of using what you already have.

At its heart, junk journaling gives your collected memories — from ticket stubs to pretty packaging — a forever home in a uniquely creative way.

What should I include in my Junk Journal?

Answer: whatever you want! The beauty of junk journaling lies in its flexibility. Your journal might include:

Mementos from your travels: think ticket stubs, boarding passes, maps, postcards
Nature finds: pressed flowers, leaves
Little moments from daily life: receipts, tags, pretty packaging
Personal tidbits: polaroids, cards, handwritten notes
Fabric scraps or ribbons
Crafting elements: stickers, stamps, washi tape, wrapping paper

The list goes on!

How can I use Glowforge to make a Junk Journal?

Your Glowforge opens up endless possibilities for personalizing your journal. From delicate paper cutting to material engraving, your laser's versatility means you can create every element of your journal exactly as you envision it.

For your Junk Journal’s cover, you can use Glowforge to:

Engrave designs on laser-safe leather for sophisticated covers

Create unique graphic appliqués for your cover with Proofgrade® Eco Iron-On

Cut intricate designs in cardstock for layered effects

The possibilities get even more exciting on the inside of your journal!

Score perfect fold lines for pockets and interactive elements

Laser cut precise decorative shapes and borders

Create custom windows and peek-through elements

Design specialized organizational dividers

How do I get started?

First things first: choose your theme!

Maybe you want to document a special vacation, capturing all the tickets and memories from your travels. Perhaps you'd like to create a seasonal collection, gathering autumn leaves or winter concert tickets. Or, you might prefer a specific theme that matches your interests, or simply chronicle the beautiful moments of everyday life.
Next, you’ll gather your materials.

Start with base materials. You might want to start with an existing journal or notebook that you’ll add crafty elements to

Otherwise, grab some cardstock or kraft paper.

Collect your meaningful mementos.

Find your craft elements: pretty packaging, paper, tapes, ribbons, stickers, etc.

Don’t forget to raid your craft scraps! This is a great way to use leftover materials from other Glowforge projects

Now it’s time for assembly!

As Kate demonstrated in her ocean-themed journal, the magic happens when you start putting all the pieces together. Take inspiration from her intricate fold-outs and hidden pockets as you follow these tips:

You might want to design your cover first

Create different-sized pockets for variety

Consider including interactive elements like fold-outs

Layer materials for visual interest

Just remember, the goal isn’t perfection — embrace the creative process!

Ready to make your own Junk Journal?

Junk journaling with your Glowforge combines the joy of memory keeping with the precision of laser crafting. Whether you're preserving vacation memories or creating a seasonal keepsake, your Glowforge helps transform ordinary materials into extraordinary memory books!

Check out Kate's Instagram Reel to get inspired:
Watch the Reel
Share your junk journal creations with us using #Glowforge — we'd love to see how you're using your laser to create these personal treasures!