One of the fun parts of creating junk journals is adding interactive elements—those little surprises that invite you (or anyone flipping through your journal) to touch, lift, pull, or open something. Interactive pieces not only make your journal more engaging, but they also give you more space for hidden notes, photos, or secret treasures.
Today, I’m sharing 8 interactive elements that are easy, functional and fun. These steps will work beautifully with any of your printable kits, scrap stash, or special finds.
1. Flip-Outs
Attach extra pages, maps, envelopes or postcards with washi tape or fabric so they flip out. These can hide journaling space or pockets.
Take a journaling card, printable image or envelope and attach it to the edge of a page using washi tape or in the case of an envelope, glue the top flap on the page. You can write behind the card/envelope, or add photos, or layer them for a waterfall effect that reveals more as you turn each piece. Below is an envelope flip I made. The first picture shows the envelope closed and when you flip it open to the side, it reveals a picture and a pocket.
2. Pockets & Tuck Spots
The classic interactive element! Create side pockets, top-loading pockets, or hidden tuck spots to store tags, tickets, or little notes.
Cut a strip of patterned paper, and use glue on two or three sides to add a pocket to your journal page. Tuck in tags, tickets, or a note for your future self!
3. Belly Bands
Secure paper strips across a page and tuck items like postcards, receipts, or notes underneath them. They’re simple but effective.
Take a long strip of material, patterned paper or lace and glue the top and bottom horizontally to the page. Tuck in a journal card or tag.
4. Layered Envelopes
Glue envelopes onto a page, one on top of the other but slightly down to give a layered look. You can make your own envelopes using book pages, or patterned paper.
5. Accordion Folds:
Fold a strip of paper accordion style and glue just the back panel into a page or tuck spot. Accordions are perfect for lists, journalling, or surprise notes.
6. Windows & Peekaboo Pages:
Use a craft knife or punch to make a window in your page, then glue vellum, acetate, or even lace behind it. You can layer a surprise image or message beneath the window for an element of discovery! Another great way is to use an envelope that has a window, decorate the outside and leave one section open to slide in a tag or journal card.
7. Shaker Pockets
Fill a clear pocket or tag with sequins, confetti, or tiny ephemera pieces. They add a fun tactile and visual element when shaken. Below is a tag I recently made. Take two tags, one slightly smaller; glue cellophane around the smaller tag leaving an opening to fill with sequins or other tiny objects. Glue down the opening and glue onto bigger card. Shake away!
8. Swing Tags
Attach a tag or shape with a brad so it swings open to reveal hidden writing or images.
And there we have it, 8 easy ideas to try in your journal today. Stay tuned, there will be more coming soon!
Happy Crafting.
