Journaling

I was inspired tonight. I was out and about, checking other scrapbook blogs, wondering if I was behind on anything.
I discovered I definitely am.

There is so much out there.
I know I will never run out of things to tell you,
because there will always be new ways of doing things,
new products to make scrapbooking more enjoyable,
and new ideas to spur on creativity. It is very exciting.

One of the things I love about scrapbooking is that it will be a living, visual legacy I leave behind.
One way I do this is by journaling.
There are so many sites out there that give you ideas on how to do your scrapbook journaling that I recommend you check them out.
I will provide you with a few, but there are many.
If you do not find what you are looking for in my list, keep looking.
There are many people out there with great ideas.
Too many to put into one blog entry.

One way that I keep track of life for journaling is writing letters to my girls.
When they are getting close to graduating high school, I am going to make them a scrapbook and I am going to put these letters in it with pictures that coincide.

I love taking time to write to each of my girls.
I think of how special they are now and how exciting it is to see them grow, change, and develop into young ladies.
I write to them about what is happening in their lives’ right now.
I tell them about the issues that are affecting our family right now.
I tell them little things I remember about being their age or something that they do that I was told I did at their age.
When they receive this scrapbook, my hope is they will see I tried to be the best parent I was able to be and that I loved them tremendously.

I challenge you. Take some time.
Think about your kids – their likes and dislikes.
Write down the things they would like to know about when they are older.

We have a daughter who is 11 and then our next is 4.
Our 11-year-old is always asking me if she did the same things her sister has done.
Most of the time, I cannot remember.
This is my way of making sure they will be able to know what they were like when they were small.

Below are some sites that give tips for journaling.

Pages of the Heart
The Photo Scribe
Pathways to the Past

Looking for supplies for journaling? Check these Art, Junk and writing journal supplies out at Amazon

Ohhh… this one feels like wrapping yourself in a chunky knit cardigan with a warm drink in hand.

This week’s Freebie Friday – Junk Journal Images is all about Fall. Not summer leftovers. Not mixed seasonal vibes. Just pure, cozy, earthy autumn.

We’ve created a brand new printable sheet filled with grungy pumpkins and torn paper fall tags, designed specifically for junk journaling and layered paper crafts.

If you love distressed textures, muted oranges, faded sage greens, worn paper edges, and that slightly timeworn farmhouse look — this one’s for you.

And yes, it’s completely free to download and print.

Don’t forget to browse our other Freebie Friday junk journal printables too — they’re designed to mix beautifully across seasons.

What’s Included in This Fall Junk Journal Sheet

This printable A4 sheet features:

Distressed watercolor pumpkins in earthy tones
• Layered stacked pumpkin clusters
• Soft sage and muted orange varieties
• Maple leaves and acorns
• Torn paper banner strips
• Grungy fall quote tags
• Rustic autumn sentiment strips

Phrases include:

Crisp Fall Days
• Pumpkin Patch
• It’s Fall Y’all
• Autumn
• Gather
• Blessed

All designed with lightly worn edges and aged paper texture inside each piece — but printed on a clean white background for easy home printing and cutting.

Nothing overlaps. Nothing touches. Every piece has clear borders so your readers can trim neatly.

Why Grungy Pumpkins Work So Well in Junk Journals

Fall pages are made for texture.

These pumpkins aren’t flat clipart. They have depth, slight distressing, and that vintage watercolor feel that makes them layer beautifully with:

Kraft paper
• Tea-stained pages
• Ledger sheets
• Burlap textures
• Twine and lace

They instantly give your journal that collected-over-time aesthetic.

And because the colors lean into muted burnt orange, creamy ivory, and soft sage, they won’t overpower your page.

How to Use These Fall Printables in Your Junk Journal

Here are a few easy ideas to get you started:

1. Create a Cozy Autumn Cluster

Layer a torn paper tag.
Tuck a pumpkin slightly behind it.
Add a small leaf or acorn piece.
Staple the corner.

Instant seasonal focal point.

2. Make a Fall Pocket Page

Glue down a larger pumpkin image as a base.
Add a torn “Crisp Fall Days” strip across the middle.
Create a small pocket underneath for journaling cards.

3. Add Depth With Torn Paper Tags

The ripped-edge tag designs look beautiful when:

Lightly inked around the edges
• Slightly crumpled before gluing
• Layered over neutral backgrounds

It gives that authentic, vintage harvest feel.

4. Use as Planner Embellishments

These work beautifully in:

Fall gratitude journals
• October memory spreads
• Thanksgiving planning pages
• Seasonal scrapbooks

Printing Tips for Best Results

This sheet is formatted for A4 paper (210mm x 297mm).

For best results:

Print at 100% scale
• Use high quality print setting
• Matte paper enhances the distressed look
• Light cardstock makes sturdier tags
• Printable sticker paper is perfect for layering

If you want even more texture, lightly distress the edges with brown ink before gluing.

Why We Love Fall Junk Journaling

There’s something about autumn that feels reflective.

Slower mornings.
Cooler air.
Gathering seasons.
A shift into gratitude.

Fall junk journaling gives you space to document:

Seasonal baking days
• Family gatherings
• Backyard bonfires
• Pumpkin patch visits
• Cozy quiet afternoons

And even if it’s just layering pumpkins onto a blank page, it still feels like capturing a moment.

Keep Collecting Freebie Friday Printables

This Grungy Pumpkins & Fall Tags sheet is part of our ongoing Freebie Friday – Junk Journal Images series.

Each week we release a brand new printable designed for layering, storytelling, and creative play.

Have you read?