Where to Find Junk Journal Supplies: Free Household Finds, Budget-Friendly Sources, and Online Resources

One of the biggest misconceptions about junk journaling is that you need expensive craft supplies to get started.

The truth is that junk journaling began as a way to transform everyday materials into beautiful works of art. Many of the most interesting journals are created using items that would have otherwise been thrown away.
Whether you're creating your first journal or building a large crafting stash, there are countless ways to gather supplies without spending a fortune.
Before we begin, let's clear up a common point of confusion.

Supplies vs. Ephemera: What's the Difference?

If you're new to junk journaling, you'll often hear the terms supplies and ephemera. While they work together, they are not the same thing.

Junk Journal Supplies

Supplies are the tools and materials used to build and assemble your journal.

Examples include:

• Paper

• Cardstock

• Fabric

• Lace

• Ribbon

• Thread

• Glue

• Scissors

• Washi tape

• Envelopes

• Packaging materials

• Hole punches

• Paper trimmers

• Book covers

Think of supplies as the building blocks of your journal.

What Is Ephemera?

Ephemera refers to decorative paper elements that add personality, history, and storytelling to your pages.

Examples include:

• Vintage postcards

• Tickets

• Receipts

• Vintage photographs

• Ledger pages

• Labels

• Tags

• Maps

• Sheet music

• Advertising cards

• Journal cards

Because ephemera is such a large topic, we'll cover it in a dedicated guide. For now, let's focus on gathering the supplies you'll need to create your journals.

FREE Junk Journal Supplies Around Your Home

Before spending a single dollar, look around your house. You may already have hundreds of journal-worthy materials waiting to be used.

Junk Mail

Most people throw junk mail away, but junk journalers see opportunity.

Save:

• Envelopes

• Security envelopes

• Catalog pages

• Flyers

• Decorative inserts

• Coupon mailers

These can become pockets, tags, page embellishments, and collage elements.

Old Books

Damaged books are a treasure trove for journal makers.

Look for:

• Dictionaries

• Children's books

• Cookbooks

• Hymnals

• Encyclopedias

• Reader's Digest books

Use pages for backgrounds, pockets, collage work, and journal inserts.

Magazines

Magazines provide:

• Beautiful images

• Typography

• Quotes

• Advertisements

• Botanical illustrations

• Fashion inspiration

Cut out interesting pieces and organize them by theme.

Newspapers

Newspapers are great for:

• Collage backgrounds

• Mixed media projects

• Layered pages

• Vintage-inspired designs

Coffee staining can create a beautiful aged appearance.

Packaging Materials

Before throwing away packaging, take another look.

Useful items include:

• Tea boxes

• Cereal boxes

• Kraft paper

• Product tags

• Tissue paper

• Shipping labels

• Paper bags

Many journal makers use packaging as their primary source of sturdy cardstock.

Greeting Cards

Old greeting cards can be transformed into:

• Journal cards

• Pockets

• Tags

• Tuck spots

• Decorative embellishments

Holiday and vintage-style cards work especially well.

Maps and Travel Brochures

Perfect for:

• Travel journals

• Background pages

• Fold-out inserts

• Interactive elements

Many people already have old maps tucked away in drawers.

Calendars

Old calendars often contain beautiful artwork.

Use:

• Botanical illustrations

• Landscapes

• Wildlife images

• Seasonal artwork

They make excellent focal points and journal cards.

Fabric Scraps

Check your sewing basket before purchasing new materials.

Useful fabrics include:

• Cotton

• Lace

• Ribbon

• Denim

• Muslin

• Embroidery pieces

Fabric adds texture, softness, and visual interest.

Office Supplies

Office supplies can easily be repurposed.

Look for:

• Paper clips

• Index cards

• Sticky notes

• File folders

• Ledger sheets

• Binder clips

These items can be altered and incorporated into journal designs.

Kitchen Finds

Believe it or not, your kitchen is full of crafting supplies.

Examples include:

• Tea-stained paper

• Coffee-stained paper

• Brown paper bags

• Twine

• Food labels

• Baking parchment

Many junk journal techniques begin right in the kitchen.

Nature Finds

Nature provides beautiful embellishments at no cost.

Collect:

• Pressed flowers

• Leaves

• Feathers

• Dried herbs

• Seed packets

Always make sure natural materials are completely dry before using them.

Places to Find Affordable Junk Journal Supplies

Once you've explored your home, it's time to start treasure hunting.

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are one of the best places to find supplies on a budget.

Look for:

• Books

• Fabric

• Lace

• Sewing supplies

• Baskets

• Storage containers

• Craft punches

• Ribbon

Inventory changes frequently, making every visit different.

Garage Sales and Yard Sales

Garage sales often offer incredible deals.

Watch for:

• Craft supplies

• Scrapbooking materials

• Books

• Storage bins

• Fabric

• Office supplies

Arrive early for the best selection.

Estate Sales

Estate sales are excellent places to find entire craft collections.

Look for:

• Sewing supplies

• Fabric

• Ribbon

• Lace

• Storage furniture

• Craft tools

Many estate sales include dedicated craft rooms filled with hidden treasures.

Flea Markets

Flea markets often feature vendors selling:

• Books

• Craft supplies

• Fabric

• Lace

• Decorative trims

• Vintage-inspired materials

Prices are often negotiable.

Antique Stores and Antique Malls

Although known for collectibles, antique stores can also provide unique crafting materials.

Look for:

• Old books

• Vintage fabrics

• Lace

• Buttons

• Decorative trims

• Storage containers

These pieces can add character and authenticity to your projects.

Library Book Sales

Libraries frequently sell retired books at very affordable prices.

Look for:

• Children's books

• Reference books

• Dictionaries

• Damaged books

• Hardcover books for journal covers

These sales are often overlooked by crafters.

Creative Reuse Centers

Creative Reuse Centers are often described as thrift stores for artists and crafters.

You may find:

• Paper

• Fabric

• Ribbon

• Buttons

• Adhesives

• Craft tools

• Scrapbooking supplies

These centers can save crafters a significant amount of money.

Online Sources for Junk Journal Supplies

Online shopping can help fill gaps in your collection and provide access to specialty materials.

Etsy

Etsy is one of the most popular resources for junk journal creators.

You can find:

• Digital kits

• Printable papers

• Handmade journals

• Fabric bundles

• Lace

• Journal cards

• Craft embellishments

Shopping on Etsy also supports small creators and artists.

Amazon

Amazon is a convenient source for everyday crafting essentials.

Popular purchases include:

• Adhesives

• Scissors

• Paper trimmers

• Washi tape

• Cardstock

• Storage solutions

• Ribbon

• Hole punches

It's often the easiest place to restock frequently used supplies.

eBay

eBay is excellent for finding:

• Bulk paper lots

• Fabric collections

• Lace bundles

• Craft supplies

• Scrapbooking materials

• Storage items

Many sellers offer large lots that help build a supply stash quickly.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a hidden gem for junk journalers.

Look for:

• Craft room destashes

• Scrapbooking supplies

• Sewing supplies

• Storage furniture

• Fabric collections

• Paper crafting tools

Many sellers simply want to clear space and offer great deals.

Craft Store Websites

Popular online craft stores include:

• Michaels

• Hobby Lobby

• Scrapbook.com

Watch for seasonal sales and clearance events.

Digital Downloads

Printable downloads have become a favorite resource for journal makers.

Popular downloads include:

• Background papers

• Journal pages

• Pockets

• Envelopes

• Tags

• Labels

• Templates

The best part is that they can be printed repeatedly whenever needed.

Supplies Worth Purchasing New

While many supplies can be found secondhand, some tools are worth buying new.

Recommended basics include:

• Paper trimmer

• Scissors

• Craft knife

• Metal ruler

• Glue stick

• Fabric glue

• Double-sided tape

• Hole punch

• Corner rounder

• Bone folder

You don't need everything at once. Start simple and add tools as your hobby grows.

What Supplies Do You Really Need?

One of the best things about junk journaling is that you can start with very little.

At minimum, all you need is:

• Paper

• Glue

• Scissors

Everything else is optional.

Many beautiful journals have been created using recycled papers, discarded packaging, old books, and found materials.

Remember, junk journaling isn't about having the biggest supply collection.

It's about seeing creative possibilities in ordinary things and transforming everyday materials into something meaningful and beautiful.

Coming Next: The Ultimate Guide to Junk Journal Ephemera

Now that you know where to find supplies, it's time to explore one of the most exciting parts of junk journaling—ephemera.

In our next guide, we'll cover:

• What ephemera is

• Different types of ephemera

• Where to find vintage ephemera

• How to make your own ephemera

• Printable ephemera resources

• Organizing your collection

• Using ephemera in your journals

Because while supplies build the journal, ephemera helps tell the story.

Happy Journaling!