Thrift Store Finds for Junk Journaling: What to Look For

Are you ready for a treasure hunt? Thrift stores are my favorite places to find unique and budget-friendly goodies for junk journaling. There’s something magical about giving old things a new purpose, don’t you think?

Today, I’m sharing my favorite thrift store finds and what to look for to make your journal extra special.

Let’s dive in!

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Old Books = Endless Possibilities 📚

Old books are a junk journaling goldmine. The pages can be used for:

• Backgrounds
• Collage pieces
• Envelopes

Look for books with beautiful illustrations, maps, or even vintage handwriting. And don’t skip the kids’ book section—adorable illustrations are perfect for playful themes!

👉 Hot tip: If you don’t want to tear up a vintage treasure, you can find printable vintage book pages online here.

Sheet Music 🎶

Oh, the charm of old sheet music! The notes and lines add such a whimsical touch to your pages. Use it as is or distress the edges for a vintage look.

You can often find these for just a few cents! If you don’t see any, ask a store clerk—they might have a stash in the back.

Pretty Papers and Stationery

Check for:

• Wrapping paper rolls
• Old greeting cards
• Unused notepads

These are perfect for layering or adding pops of color. A lot of times, you can grab a whole bag of stationery for a steal.

Need more inspiration? You can also grab beautiful pre-designed junk journaling kits like this one if you’re short on time!

Fabrics and Textiles 🌸

Don’t forget to browse the fabric section! Scraps of lace, ribbons, or old tablecloths can add texture and charm. Even a frilly pillowcase can be cut up and repurposed.

Pro tip: Grab a pack of fabric scissors like these to make cutting fabric a breeze.

Vintage Postcards and Photos

These are absolute gems! They make perfect tuck-ins for your journals and often have fascinating history attached. Look for bundles of postcards—sometimes they come with handwritten notes on the back!

If you’re lucky, you might even find:

• Travel brochures
• Old letters
• Vintage photo albums

Jewelry and Trinkets 💎

The jewelry section might surprise you. Broken necklaces, mismatched earrings, and old brooches can all be turned into beautiful journal charms or embellishments.

Not sure how to attach them? You can grab a small pack of jump rings and clips here to get started!

Maps and Travel Guides

Maps are so fun to use in journals, especially for travel-themed spreads. Old atlases and tourist maps are often tucked away in the book section. Keep an eye out for guides with unique colors or languages!

Little Bits and Pieces

Lastly, don’t forget the odds and ends! Look for:

• Buttons
• Playing cards
• Scrabble tiles
• Keys

These tiny treasures are perfect for layering or adding that “wow” factor to your pages.

Time to Explore!

Thrifting for junk journaling supplies is like going on a mini adventure. You never know what you’ll find, and that’s half the fun! So grab your tote bag and get thrifting.

And if you’re short on time, don’t worry—there are plenty of affordable, ready-to-go supplies online.

Happy journaling, my crafty friend! ✂️💌

See more Junk Journaling Resource Guide.