13 Awesome Junk Journal Cover Ideas You Can Try Today 🎨

Ever stared at a blank journal cover, wondering how to make it pop? 🤔

Felt overwhelmed by all the fancy junk journals out there?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

I recently watched an amazing video by JD from Juni Desiree, and I’m excited to share some cool junk journal cover ideas with you.

Let’s dive in! 🏊‍♀️

What’s the Easiest Way to Start a Junk Journal? 📓

JD kicks off with the simplest method:

• Use a pre-existing journal or notebook
• Decorate the cover however you like
• Start journaling!

She shows off some examples:

• A square scrapbook from Kmart with kraft pages
• One cover decorated with a photo and marker title
• Another with messy metallic paint (perfect for art journals!)

JD mentions you can collage, use scrapbook paper, or just go wild with paint.

The sky’s the limit!

How Can I Transform an Old Book into a Journal? 📚

Next up, JD talks about altered books:

• Use an existing book cover
• Rip out some pages
• Glue some pages together
• Decorate the cover

She shows an altered book with:

• A magazine page stuck on the cover
• Collaged covers using printables, vintage papers, and magazine pages

JD loves this method because you’re making the pages yourself while keeping that beautiful book cover intact.

What’s a Free Way to Make a Junk Journal? 📞

JD’s favorite free method?

Phone books!

• They’re free
• Easy to transform
• Can be chunky or thin

She even has a free course on her channel about making an “Inspiration Journal” from a phone book.

How cool is that? 😎

Can I Use Magazines for Journal Covers? 📰

Absolutely! JD loves using Daphne’s Diary magazines:

• Use the cover as is
• Cut it down to size
• Fold it in half

She shows examples of personal journals made from magazine covers.

Some are reinforced with extra pages, while others are used as-is.

Easy peasy, right? 🍋

How Do I Make a Cover from Scratch? 🛠️

For the crafty folks, JD suggests several options:

Paper Bags 🛍️

• Fold in half
• Decorate as desired
• Great for chunky journals

Envelopes ✉️

• Fold in half (no cutting required!)
• Available in various sizes
• Perfect for mini journals or larger ones

Manila Folders 📁

• Cut to desired size
• Sturdy base for decorating
• Available in different colors

Chipboard 📏

• Use backing from paper pads
• Cut to size or fold in half
• Great base for fabric or paper covering

Cereal Boxes 🥣

• Cut and flatten
• Cover with fabric or paper
• Upcycle your breakfast!

JD demonstrates how to fold, cut, and decorate each type.

My favorite?

The cereal box cover with grandma’s doilies and quilting pieces.

So nostalgic! 🥰

What About Using Fabric for Covers? 🧵

JD shows some gorgeous fabric covers:

• Quilted fabric from Spotlight
• Embroidered doilies
• Vintage linens

She mentions using fusible interfacing for extra sturdiness, but says it’s not always necessary.

Just imagine a cover with beautiful embroidered flowers… dreamy! 🌸

How Can I Use Book Covers for Journals? 📘

JD loves using book covers, especially from Reader’s Digest books.

Here’s how:

• Strip out the pages
• Bind in your own signatures
• Decorate as desired or leave as-is

She shows examples of:

• Covers left in their vintage glory
• Covers decorated with collage papers
• Covers adorned with book images and frames

JD also mentions using Little Golden Books:

• Cut off the spine
• Create a new spine with chipboard
• Attach front and back covers

Nostalgia overload! 🚀

What’s the Most Advanced Cover Method? 🏆

JD’s favorite (and most advanced) method:

• Cut your own covers and spine from thick chipboard
• Cover the entire journal with fabric
• Decorate as desired

It’s challenging, but the results look amazing! 💯

How Can I Decorate My Journal Covers? 🎨

JD shares tons of decoration ideas throughout the video:

• Collage with vintage papers
• Use scrapbook paper
• Paint directly on the cover
• Add lace, ribbons, or trims
• Use clothing or fabric scraps
• Create a patchwork effect
• Add pockets or envelopes to the cover
• Use printables or digital collage sheets
• Incorporate personal mementos or photos

She encourages looking at things around you with “new eyes” to find unique cover decorations.

What Are Some Unique Cover Ideas? 🦄

JD shares some cool, out-of-the-box ideas:

• Scan a t-shirt and print it for your cover
• Use wallpaper samples
• Create a collage “master board” and use it as a cover
• Incorporate vintage sewing patterns
• Use wedding dress fabric or other special textiles

Any Tips for Making Great Journal Covers? 💡

Throughout the video, JD drops some helpful advice:

• Choose a cover method that matches your skill level
• Don’t be afraid to mix and match techniques
• Personalize your covers with things that inspire you
• The cover can inform how you use the journal
• Have fun and experiment!

Wrapping Up 🎁

Whew!

That was a whirlwind tour of junk journal cover ideas.

From super simple to advanced crafting, there’s something for everyone.

Remember, the best cover is one that inspires you to write.

So pick a method, get creative, and start journaling!

What cover idea are you excited to try?

Let me know in the comments!

And don’t forget to check out JD’s Juni Desiree channel for more awesome junk journaling inspiration.

Happy journaling, friends! ✍️🎨📔

Check out more junk journal ideas here: