How to Make a Traveler’s Notebook Junk Journal

Learn how to make a quick and easy traveler’s notebook junk journal using free printable journal pages.

Junk journals are fun and creative to make, and one of the best things about them is that you can make them in all sorts of sizes and themes.

You can make an everyday junk journals, or nature themed junk journals. Or even art inspired junk journals like this one which is an insert that is made to fit a traveler’s notebook.

This traveler’s notebook junk journal is made using some of these free printable journal pages. The pages are in bright colors and are perfect for making a fun and creative junk journal.

Supplies

• Lightweight cardstock
• Heavyweight cardstock
• Bone folder
• Non-slip quilter’s ruler
• Stanley knife
• Binder clips
• Long reach stapler

How to Make a Traveler’s Notebook Junk Journal

1. Download the Free Junk Journal Pages

These free printables are available for download in the Free Junk Journal Printables Library.

2. Print the Printable Journal Pages

Print the pages onto both sides of lightweight cardstock. Unless your printer has a borderless option, your pages will have a white border around the edges. Cut away the white edges.

3. Print the Cover

To make a cover for your traveler’s notebook junk journal, you can print out one of the pages onto heavyweight cardstock. Or you could even use heavyweight scrapbook paper.

I used one of the printable covers from the Dream Big Printable Inserts because I’m going to use this insert in my Dream Big Traveler’s Notebook.

4. Assemble the Signature

Fold each of the pages and the cover in half and make a crease using a bone folder.

Stack the pages inside each other with the cover on the outside.

Either staple the pages together using a long reach stapler, or sew them together using a pamphlet stitch. Use some binder clips to hold the pages together while you assemble the insert.

5. Trim to Size

Once the traveler’s notebook junk journal insert is assembled, fold it in half and press a crease down the spine. Then use a ruler and a stanley knife to trim the pages to size.

A standard traveler’s notebook is sized around 8″ high by 4.25″ wide. To trim the edges of the pages I like to use a non-slip quilter’s ruler because it’s see-through which makes it easy to position in order to make accurate cuts.

The Finished Junk Journal Insert

Using 67lb/176gsm cardstock I was able to make an insert with 28 pages which is 7 sheets of cardstock printed double sided. This made a perfect traveler’s notebook junk journal insert with lots of pages. The weight of this paper is just the right thickness to make the pages strong without being too thick.

I think the colors and images on the journal pages were the perfect way to brighten up my notebook and it gave me a fun and creative space to write notes, and collect images and bits of paper ephemera that will inspire my big dreams.

Once the insert is made, you can tape or glue pockets and tuck spots for journal cards and notes. I particularly like using washi tape in fun colors and patterns for these types of journals.

You can easily make pockets, tuck spots, and other embellishments by cutting them out of the printable pages.

For a quick embellishment, simply thread some ribbon through the holes in tags and paper clips.

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