31 Day Junk Journal Challenge: Day 13- Layering Papers

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Junk Journal Challenge: Layering Papers

Layering papers is one of the most enjoyable and creative aspects of junk journaling. It’s an opportunity to experiment with texture, color, and composition in a way that brings depth and visual interest to your pages. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle, minimalist style or a bold, eclectic look, paper layering allows you to tell a story through the different textures and materials you combine.

This challenge invites you to experiment with different types of paper—like book pages, receipts, magazine clippings, and other found materials—and layer them to create a stunning collage effect. Not only does layering add visual depth to your journal, but it can also evoke emotions, trigger memories, and make your pages feel more dynamic.

Why Layer Papers in a Junk Journal?

  1. Create Texture and Dimension: Layering papers gives your pages an added tactile element, making them feel more intricate and multi-dimensional. The varying thickness, pattern, and weight of the papers will create interesting textures.

  2. Add Visual Interest: Different types of papers—like old receipts, book pages, or vintage advertisements—bring distinct patterns and colors. Layering them creates a dynamic visual effect that draws the viewer’s eye to the page.

  3. Tell a Story: Each layer can represent a different aspect of a memory, experience, or theme. For example, a page could tell the story of a travel adventure, with layers of a map, ticket stubs, handwritten notes, and photos all building on the same narrative.

  4. Highlight Themes and Moods: By layering different papers, you can highlight the theme of your journal page. Vintage book pages can evoke nostalgia, while magazine clippings bring a modern edge. The contrast between these materials can represent different moods and themes.

How to Layer Papers in Your Junk Journal

1. Choose Your Papers

Start by selecting different types of paper. Aim for a variety of textures, colors, and patterns. Some good options include:

  • Old book pages: These often have beautiful typography and aged edges.
  • Receipts: A perfect material for adding a touch of ephemera with numbers, dates, and unique textures.
  • Magazine clippings: These offer vibrant colors, images, and fonts that can make your page pop.
  • Envelopes: Use the flap as part of the layering, or create an interactive element by inserting something inside the envelope.
  • Scrapbook paper or cardstock: These papers can serve as a base or background for your layered collage.
  • Tissue paper: Adds a semi-transparent, soft texture to your layered design.

2. Plan Your Layout

Before gluing anything down, try out different arrangements. Think about the following:

  • Contrast and Balance: Mix different textures and patterns. If you have a large text-heavy book page, balance it with a small, delicate piece of ephemera like a receipt or a magazine cut-out.
  • Overlapping: Don’t be afraid to overlap the papers. This creates a sense of cohesion and gives the page a more dynamic, artistic feel.
  • Focal Point: Decide if you want the top layer of your paper stack to be the focal point. For example, if you have a photo, you might want it to be the most prominent item, with the layered papers serving as a background.

3. Layer and Glue

Once you’ve decided on your arrangement, begin layering and gluing the papers down. Here are some ideas for how to approach this process:

  • Start with the largest papers: Lay down the biggest pieces first, and then build upon them with smaller layers. This ensures that your layers stay well-organized and intentional.
  • Use different adhesives: For a more flexible result, you can use glue sticks, liquid glue, or even double-sided tape. Experiment with how much adhesive you use—it’s okay to let the edges curl or lift a little to add to the texture.
  • Play with angles: Instead of layering everything flat, angle some pieces for a more organic, dynamic feel.

4. Experiment with Transparency

Some types of paper, like tissue paper or old book pages, can be semi-transparent. Layering them on top of a brightly colored background or image will create a unique effect where the underlying pattern or image peeks through.

  • Overlay a map with tissue paper: Try layering a map with a piece of transparent tissue paper and adding a photo on top. The tissue paper softens the map’s design and gives it an ethereal quality.
  • Use torn edges: Experiment with tearing the edges of your papers for a distressed, organic look. Torn edges are more interesting than straight, cut lines, and they create more depth in the design.

5. Add Decorative Elements to the Layers

Once you’ve assembled the basic layers, you can enhance your page further by adding embellishments:

  • Stamps and ink: Add some ink stamps or designs over the top of your paper layers to give the page a stamped, vintage feel.
  • Washi tape: Use washi tape in fun patterns or complementary colors to add pops of design and frame certain areas of your layout.
  • Fabric scraps: Layer some fabric, lace, or ribbon between your papers for extra texture.
  • Paper punches: Punch shapes out of your papers (like circles or hearts) to add a more playful element to your layering.

6. Include Hidden Elements

Layering paper offers an opportunity to create hidden pockets or compartments. You can add hidden messages, tickets, or little treasures tucked away between layers:

  • Envelope inserts: Place an envelope between two layers, and use the flap to hold a secret note or ticket stub.
  • Photo under layers: Create a “hidden” photo by layering a piece of paper over it, allowing it to peek out slightly for an interactive element.
  • Journal prompts: If you're incorporating journaling cards into your layers, try making them removable or folding them into smaller parts that open up.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Styles

Layering is all about freedom and creativity, so don’t be afraid to mix different styles of paper. You can combine the vintage look of book pages with the more modern feel of magazine clippings, or integrate bright, colorful scrapbook paper with subtle, faded papers for contrast. The key is to create a balance between the papers and let their textures complement each other.

Layering Techniques for Beginners

If you're new to layering, here are some simple techniques to try:

  • Basic Collage: Just randomly tear or cut papers, mix them together, and glue them down. Don't overthink it! Focus on creating a visually interesting page.
  • Grid Style: Cut your papers into geometric shapes (rectangles, squares, or triangles) and layer them like a puzzle on the page.
  • Frame a Photo: If you're adding a photo, use the layers of paper as a frame around the picture, with the layers gradually getting smaller as you build them out.

Final Thoughts

Layering papers in your junk journal is a wonderful way to experiment with creativity and texture. The challenge lies in finding harmony between different materials—old book pages, receipts, fabric scraps, and magazine clippings—while telling a story or reflecting a theme. The beauty of this challenge is in the freedom it offers; there’s no wrong way to layer papers, and each journal page will be a unique, artistic expression of your memories, emotions, and creative vision.

By the end of this challenge, you’ll have learned how to combine different elements to create depth and richness in your junk journal, giving you a new appreciation for the beauty of paper and its endless possibilities.

To start your junk journal adventure head here!


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