Repurposing Envelope Windows for Junk Journaling: A Creative Way to Preserve Tiny Treasures

Looking for the perfect journal to start your next junk journaling project? Browse our hardcover journals here!

Junk journaling is all about creativity, repurposing, and adding a little magic to your pages. One of my favorite ways to capture small findings—things like sand from a special trip, tiny dried flowers, or even a sprinkle of moss—is by using those clear see-through windows from envelopes. You know the ones! Instead of tossing them, why not turn them into little pockets of memories for your daily journal?

How to Make Your Own See-Through Pockets

It’s simple, and you only need a few things:

• Two envelope windows (cut them out, leaving about an inch of paper around the plastic)
• A glue stick
• Your tiny treasure (sand, flowers, leaves, fabric scraps—anything small!)
• A hardcover journal or junk journal to add it to

Step 1: Prep Your Envelope Windows

Cut out two envelope windows, keeping about an inch of paper around the edges. These will be your front and back pieces to create a little display pocket.

Step 2: Add Your Tiny Find

Take one of the envelope windows and place your tiny finding right on the plastic. This is where you can get creative! Maybe it's a pinch of sand from your last beach trip, a tiny pressed flower, or a delicate piece of lace.

Step 3: Seal It Up

Apply a glue stick around the edges of the paper on one of the windows, then carefully place the second window on top, sandwiching your little treasure inside. Press firmly to seal the edges together.

Step 4: Attach It to Your Junk Journal

Now you have a beautiful see-through pocket that holds a tiny piece of your world! You can glue or tape it into your daily journal, or even sew it onto a page for a more textured look.

Check out this JournalTok of the process here!

@janevanderpump

Use junk mail to make a cute viewing window in your spreads. I’m getting a head start on next week’s vday spread by doing the background and my viewing window. I’m going to print out some photos for each side. I used dried hydrangeas inside but you can leave it empty. Just adds a fun touch! #junkjournal #junkjournalideas #junkjournaling #scrapbooking #scrapbookideas #creativejunkjournal #create #diy #crafternoon

♬ Love On The Brain - Rihanna

Why This Works So Well for Junk Journaling

Repurposing envelope windows is an easy way to add interactive elements to your hardcover journal while keeping little keepsakes safe. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to use up materials you already have!

If you're new to junk journaling, it's a creative way to turn scraps, old paper, and found objects into meaningful journal pages. Learn more in our Beginner’s Guide to Junk Journaling.

For nature lovers, this idea also works beautifully in a wildcraft journal, where you collect and document natural elements like pressed flowers, leaves, and seeds—perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors.

Ready to add some handmade magic to your pages? Shop our hardcover journals here and start creating! Happy journaling!