Junk Journals vs Art Journals vs Smash Books: What’s the Difference?

💛 Introduction

If you are new to creative journaling, the vocabulary can feel a little confusing. One person says they make junk journals, another talks about art journals, and then someone mentions smash books and it feels like a whole new world.

You might be wondering, “What is the difference, and which one am I supposed to be making”.

This guide walks through how most crafters use these words in practice, where they overlap, and how to choose a name that feels comfortable for your own book. There are no tests and no gatekeepers here. If your journal makes you happy, you are doing it right.

✨ Quick Overview

Here is the calm, simple way to think about the three main terms.

• Junk journal – lots of collected paper bits, pockets, tags, envelopes, and printable ephemera. Very tactile and layered.
• Art journal – more focus on paint, drawing, lettering, and mixed media. The page itself is the artwork.
• Smash book – a ready-made style of journal where you quickly “smash” life bits inside, often with less planning.

Think of them as three personalities of the same family. Many people happily blend them and just call the result “my journal”.

📜 What Is a Junk Journal

In the traditional sense, junk journals grew out of using “junk” paper that would otherwise be thrown away. Think ticket stubs, envelopes, packaging, paper bags, receipts, magazine clippings, book pages, lace, and old letters.

Today, junk journals often mix both found items and printable ephemera. That might include:

• Clipart fussy cuts and die-cuts
• Printable tags, tickets, labels, and number strips
• Collaged backgrounds and digital papers
• Pockets, belly bands, tuck spots, and flip outs

A junk journal page usually feels layered, textured, and a little bit imperfect in the best way. You might write in it, tuck notes and photos into pockets, or simply treat it like a tiny art book full of paper treasures.

If you love the idea of collecting little bits of life and giving them a cozy home, junk journaling will feel very natural.

🎨 What Is an Art Journal

An art journal is more about making artwork on the pages themselves. Instead of building pockets and layers, you are likely painting, drawing, stamping, and experimenting with mixed media.

Common elements inside art journals:

• Acrylics, watercolors, gouache, inks, and markers
• Stamps, stencils, and collage pieces
• Hand lettering, quotes, and personal writing
• Texture pastes, gesso, scribbles, and doodles

You can still use clipart and printables inside an art journal, but they act more like collage ingredients rather than the main structure of the page. Many artists think of their art journal as a sketchbook with a little extra freedom and mess.

📓 What Is a Smash Book

The term “smash book” originally came from a line of products by K&Company. They sold bound books with patterned pages where you could quickly “smash” in photos, notes, receipts, and memorabilia.

In the broader crafting world, people now use “smash book” for any journal that is:

• Very casual and fast
• Focused on memories and life bits
• Less planned than a scrapbook

You might glue in ticket stubs from a day out, a leaflet from a museum, a coffee sleeve from a special cafe, and a selfie from your phone. Add a few stickers and a sentence about the day and the page is done.

If you like simple and quick memory keeping, the smash book idea fits beautifully.

🧺 Can One Journal Be All Three

Short answer: yes.

Most real life journals would confuse a strict definition chart. You might have:

• Painted backgrounds (art journal)
• Layered pockets and printable ephemera (junk journal)
• Movie tickets and coffee receipts from yesterday (smash book)

That is completely fine. You can call it whatever makes you feel excited to open it. Many crafters use the word that matches the part they love the most. For example:

• If you adore ephemera, pockets, and tabs, “junk journal” might feel like home.
• If your focus is painting and lettering, “art journal” might fit better.
• If you just want a place to glue life in quickly, “smash book” can feel fun and light.

The label is there to support you, not to limit you.

🧰 Starter Supplies for Each Style

You do not need a whole craft store to start. Here is a simple starter list for each approach.

Junk Journal Starter Kit

• Journal base or handmade signature
• Printable ephemera and clipart that you can fussy cut
• Glue stick or tape runner that does not warp thin paper
• Washi tape, paper clips, and a small stapler
• Old book pages, envelopes, packaging, and found paper

For very practical storage ideas, you can pair this with your ephemera organization system and your guide on organizing ephemera for journals.

Art Journal Starter Kit

• Sturdy journal or mixed media sketchbook
• A small set of paints or markers you enjoy
• Black and white pens for doodles and outlines
• A few favorite clipart pieces for collage and focal images
• Gesso or white acrylic to prep pages if you like mixed media

Smash Book Starter Kit

• Any notebook or pre-made journal you like
• Glue stick that dries clear
• Scissors and a simple paper trimmer
• Photos, tickets, receipts, packaging, and quick notes
• Printable labels, word strips, and date labels to finish pages fast

Whatever style you lean toward, printable clipart and journaling pages give you a ready stash of pieces that always match and are easy to print again when you use your favorites.

❓ Short FAQ

Do I have to pick only one label for my journal

No. You can switch terms any time or use a cozy name of your own. Some people call their books “memory journals”, “chaos journals”, or “story books”. Choose what feels kind to you.

Is there a “correct” way to make a junk journal

There are common techniques, but there is no single rule book. If you enjoy layering paper, adding pockets, and using ephemera, you are already inside the junk journal world.

Can I use digital clipart in all three styles

Yes. Clipart and digital papers work well in junk journals, art journals, and smash books. You can fussy cut images as die-cuts, print background papers, or add decorative pieces next to your writing. A good starter clipart library will support many different types of pages.

🎁 Free Clipart Sampler

If you would like to test high resolution, clearly licensed clipart in your journals, a free sampler is available from WondersArtist.

Sign up below and the sampler will arrive gently in your inbox, ready for pockets, tuck spots, tabs, and collage pages 💌

💎 All Access Membership

All Access Membership is a simple way to always know your clipart and printable ephemera are licensed for commercial use.

• ✨ Unlimited access to clipart, digital papers, journaling pages, and cardmaking kits
• 🧺 New releases included while the membership is active
• ⚡ Instant downloads with clear, business friendly licensing
• 🔁 Perpetual rights for everything downloaded during your active time, even if you cancel later

💎👉 JOIN ALL ACCESS

🌷 Final Thoughts

Junk journals, art journals, and smash books are simply different ways to love paper and stories. You do not need to pass a test or follow strict rules to belong.

If you choose a name that feels friendly, gather a small basket of supplies, and give yourself permission to play, your journal will grow into its own special style over time. The label can change. The joy of creating on the page is what stays.