5 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Junk Journal for Fall

There’s something about fall that makes me want to slow down, pull out the paper scraps, and make something by hand. Maybe it’s the warmer colors, maybe it’s the cooler weather, or maybe it’s just an excuse to sit at a desk with coffee and a pair of scissors.

The good news is that you don’t have to completely redesign your junk journal for the season. A few small changes can give your pages a cozy autumn feel without turning every spread into pumpkins and Halloween.

1. Warm Up Your Color Palette

One of the easiest ways to shift a journal toward fall is through color.

Try adding touches of rust, olive green, tan, cream, brown, muted gold, burgundy, or charcoal. You don’t need to use all of them at once. Even one or two warmer shades layered into a neutral page can make it feel more seasonal.

This works especially well if your journal already includes vintage papers or neutral backgrounds.

2. Add More Texture

Fall and texture just seem to belong together.

Try layering torn book pages, ledger paper, kraft paper, fabric scraps, lace, ribbon, or textured cardstock. Rough edges and overlapping layers help create that cozy, collected look that works so well in junk journals.

And this is a perfect excuse to use those tiny paper scraps you’ve been saving because they were “too good to throw away.” We all have them.

3. Use Subtle Seasonal Details

Your autumn pages don’t have to shout FALL.

Instead of covering everything with pumpkins and orange leaves, try smaller seasonal touches such as:

• acorns

• botanical sketches

• plaid or checks

• muted leaves

• woodland details

• vintage labels

• darker florals

• warm-toned tickets or tags

These little additions can suggest the season while still keeping the page timeless.

4. Mix in Everyday Ephemera

Tickets, labels, receipts, postcards, tags, book pages, and handwritten notes are some of my favorite pieces to layer into a journal.

For fall, try combining ordinary ephemera with warmer colors and textures. A neutral ticket layered over kraft paper or a handwritten note tucked behind an olive-green tag can completely change the mood of a page.

You can also revisit older printable sets and pull out pieces that fit your new color palette. Sometimes the best “new” supplies are already sitting in your stash.

5. Let the Page Be Imperfect

One of the things I love most about junk journaling is that it doesn’t have to be neat or perfectly planned.

Torn edges, uneven layers, overlapping scraps, crooked labels, and unexpected combinations are part of the charm. Fall is a great season for embracing that slightly worn, cozy look.

If a page feels a little messy, that may be exactly what makes it interesting.

A Little Fall Freebie

I’ve also created a small fall-inspired printable ephemera sampler to go along with these ideas. If you’re on my email list, keep an eye on your inbox for this freebie with a little extra creative inspiration.

If you’re not on the list yet, you can sign up through the site so you don’t miss future printables, tips, and shop updates.

Happy journaling!

~ Renee
Liberty Belle Designs