Are you new to Smash Books? This guide explains them and shares smash book ideas so good you’ll want to glue something down right now.
Welcome to the world of Smash Books! Think of it as the laid-back cousin of scrapbooking - less perfection and more personality.
In this post, I’ll cover what a Smash Book is and why people love them.
We will also share a bunch of fun Smash Book ideas to help you start one of your own (even if you're a glue-stick rookie).
Let's get messy—in a good way.
Jump to:
What is a Smash Book?
You may be familiar with traditional scrapbooking. It is a way to journal and memorialize pictures and events in your life.
Smash Books are another way to record your favorite memories, but organization and perfection are not expected in this type of memory keeping.
It is encouraged to simply throw pages together without planning and coordinating. Your book doesn't even need to be in chronological order! Just open the book and create your page right there!
With a smash book, you don't have to worry about the perfect layout. This is how they get their name because everything is smashed in. It's a smash book!
You can buy Smash Books designed for this type of journaling or create your own, which I will do.
This journaling type also goes by many names, but they are all very similar. Here are a few more names to use when searching Pinterest for inspiration.
- Junk Journal
- Glue Book
- Art Journal
- Creative Journal
- Memory Journal
- Scrap Journal
- Visual Journal
- Mixed Media Journal
- Ephemera Journal
- Life Journal
I would like to add that this project isn't for everybody. I have received many comments saying that I am "ruining books."
If you can't stand the thought of writing in an old book, covering up text, and possibly even ripping out pages, go with a blank journal designed for this type of craft.
Find a Book
At my local thrift store, I came across this old book whose title was the same as my name - Katherine.
I just couldn't resist and thought it was a sign that it was time to start my own Smash Book.
This book is old and completely awesome! The copyright date is 1964, and all of the pages are uneven.
Prep Pages
When using a preexisting book, you must prep the pages before writing, painting, and gluing over the words.
Applying Guesso helps thicken the page and makes it more sturdy.
This is an excellent tutorial on how to Prepare Book Pages with Guesso.
Journal Prompts
Deciding what to journal about can be the most challenging step. Here are a few fun ideas.
- Favorite Instagram Photos
- Favorite Quotes
- Favorite City
- 10 things about you
- Postcards from your city
- 10 facts about the city where you live
- Favorite Person
- Photos from somewhere you used to live
- Favorite Recipe
- What happened the year you were born
- Favorite band/concert
- If you had $1000 and had to spend it in one store, what would you buy
- Favorite hobby
- Favorite Trip
- Favorite Poem
- Last movie you saw
- 10 reasons why you love someone/something
- About your pet
- Top 10 favorite books
- Top 10 favorite songs
- About your parents
- Your most embarrassing moment
- Favorite Restaurant
Notice all of those "favorite" ideas? This memory book should be all about you. So don't be afraid to write about anything and everything you love!
Smash Books Ideas
When creating, I like to look at what others have done. It always gives me great ideas! These are some of my favorites. Aren't they fun?!
1. My Red Smash Book from Inspiration Everywhere
Smash book ideas straight from a late-night craft marathon. Flip through these quirky, colorful layouts for inspiration that’s anything but boring.
2. Smash Book Travel Album from Polkadot Chair
Turn your trip pics into something way more incredible than a photo dump. These smash book ideas double as a travel album and a sneaky travel journal.
3. Making a Composition Book Art Journal from Ashley Hackshaw
Grab a composition book and get messy—this art journal is filled with smash book ideas, doodles, and creative chaos even the kids can get in on.
4. Vacation Smash Book from The Realistic Mama
Ditch the scrapbook stress—this tutorial shares easy smash book ideas to help you capture life’s moments without the glue panic.
5. Smash Book with Kids from The Mad House
Want a fun summer project for the kids? These smash book ideas let them scrapbook in a messy, memorable way—no rules, just creativity.
6. Rubber Band Bound Junk Journal from Art Journalist
This junk journal tutorial makes page-binding ridiculously easy. Move pages around, decorate later, and just have fun with it.
7. Creative Junk Journaling on Old Book Pages from Kerry May Makes
Junk journaling on old book pages is half thrift, half therapy. Here’s how to turn vintage paper into something totally you.
8. Making a Craft Log with a Smash Book from Tried and True
Scrapbooking feels like too much? Same here. These smash book ideas make logging your crafts quick, messy, and way more doable for busy brains.
9. Art Journal in an Old Book from Pink Spark Studio
Turn that old book into your next art journal. Paint, doodle, glue—these pages are ready for your creative mess, no pressure included.
10. The Joy of Junk Journals from Journal with a Purpose
From daily thoughts to random paper bits, junk journaling is the perfect low-pressure way to get it all down—no rules, just creativity.
There is No Wrong Way
The biggest thing to remember is that there is no wrong way to Smash Book. It is supposed to be messy and maybe even a little chaotic, but that is what makes it so much fun!
More Journaling Ideas
Here are a few more ideas to inspire your journaling.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Kara @ Petals to Picots
Very neat idea! I had not heard of smash books before.
One bolt short of a toolbox
Great idea, I'd never heard of them beore.
rachel
Hello!! I am your newest follower here. I absolutely love your blog, especially this post!! So very creative. I'm excited to see more 🙂
Rita
I love smash books and I am in the process of making some for Christmas gifts! Thanks for the share.
CC
I've seen them but I think I am too much of a perfectionist to use one. 😉 I haven't scrapbooked in years, but the idea of just smashing things in makes me cringe. 😉 I do think they look cool though!
Renee
I think the smashing is just a figure of speech.....you can glue pictures over existing pictures in a book. And glue over existing word pages etc.
Micah and Katie
I think it will be fun to do a smash book for my school aged kids. Start it this year in kindergarden and go through until grade 12.
Scarlett @Scarletts Excellent Adventures
That's a really cute idea! Being a scrapbooker, I'm not sure about Smashbooks, but how fun for the school years!
Sandra Fleenor
I didn't know much about smash book or journals....but you gave me such good advice,an the books I've made are really smashbooks....not journals..I can't wait to see other things you do....love your work an learning new things...I'm 72,who said ya can't teach an old dog new tricks
Pam
I have been wanting to do a smash book. I love the examples here! It kind of takes off the pressure to make the perfect layout, so it's not as intimidating as scrapbooking for me. Thanks for sharing!
Shiloh
I've never heard of them. I think I'm old. I just always called it a scrap book.:)
Bonny Yokeley
While I have lots of scrapbooks, I had not heard of a smash book. They look neat.
Wendy @ E1A
I have a smash book but haven't updated it in ages! Must dig it out 😀 Thanks for the reminder!
Kadie
What a neat idea! I hadn't heard of smash books either. What a great outlet! Thanks for sharing with us at Link It Up Thursday.
Michelle's Tasty Creations
Katie,
I've never heard of a Smash book but this is such a cute idea. I bet my daughter (18) would love to make one of these. She just started college and will have many memories to come. Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can’t wait to see what you share next week. Have a great weekend.
Michelle
Debi Bolocofsky
I like this post. I have a smashbook but your idea is great. I have a link party on Wednesdays, and I would love it if you would link this and any other posts. It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party. It runs from Wednesday to Sundays.
I hope to see you there. I am your newest follower, and I would love for your to follow me also. Have a great Day.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
Me and My DIY
Hi Katie, this is my first visit to your blog, I found you from onecreativemommy.com. I had never heard of Smash books either but may have to give them a try some time. I've been collecting old Reader's Digests (the pretty hardbound ones) and had been wondering what to do with them. I may have to start with that!
Julie Kelley
Love that you found a book with your name!! How cool is that?
4 You With Love
Wow, this is great. I've never heard of a smash book...but I have now, thanks to you! 😉
Vanessa
I love the smash book idea. It's great for when you want to be createive but don't have time to commit to a full blown scrapbook. What I normally use is a notebook from the dollar store and then just use my scrapbook supplies. Works great!
Amanda @ Life, Experience Needed
I have a Smash book but I'm so intimdated by it. I think I need to find someone to do it with.
Rachel
I had never even heard of smash books before...it's such a cool idea, I won't be surprised if they really take off!
Randi~Dukes and Duchesses
I love the smash book idea ... what a great book to start with!
Jenn
This is so cute. I bought a smash book with fun stuff to put in it for one of my friends daughters. I think they're such a fun idea!
Carrie
That is a great idea!! I am so going to have to do this!!
Stopping by from Crazy Mama's Hop!
Helen Graham
I WANNA MAKE A SMASH BOOK NOW!! Thanks so much for sharing! This is awesome!
Two Succulent Sisters
I've heard of the smash books. My sister who is up on everything told me about them. I take it that they are simply sloppy journals. In other words smash things in there quickly so that you don't end up not doing it. Quick is good. I love fast wonderful crafts. I have old books and can do this also. Thanks, Linda
Holistic Homemaking
I don't have a Smash Book, but would like to. I haven't decided on which layout/style I like most yet (part of why I don't have one yet). Ha ha.
Theresa
Smash books & journaling are fun. I love creating in mine. Be sure & share it when you get creating in yours! & feel free to link it up @ DearCreatives.com
Deanna crazed
This is an awesome idea! I want to do one!
Darlene Bishop
Do you just work right on the pages as they are? Or do you cover them with paper first? Haven't seen one done though I have heard of them.
Katie Adams
You can really do it however you want. You can cover the pages with Gesso (which is a painting canvas prepper), glue on patterned paper, or just write right over the top of the typed pages. That is what makes this book so fun! Great question by the way!
AmieAnn
Love this! I have wanting a smash book.. but just couldn't bring myself to pay for one I could make.. thanks for the inspiration.. can't wait to drag out one of my old books I have been saving (or hoarding) for craft projects!
Thanks for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party!
xoxo
Amie @ Pinkapotamus
Debra Kapellakis
I don't have a smash book. Now that you showed me one I want one. lol 🙂
Heather
I have only seen the ones sold in the scrapbook section. I never thought about using a real book! I love books, though, so I don't know if i could bring myself to glue/paint/write over it 🙂 If I can get over it, I think I'd like to make some for my sisters for Christmas! I have 2 in college, 1 in high school & 1 who is 10. This seems like something girls of all ages would love. Thank you for the idea!
I found your blog through Holistic Homemaking!
Billie Lloyd
SmashBooks have been around for at least a dozen years in the artist community...but they were simply known as what they are..."altered books" 🙂
Kat
So cool! I just arrived at your blog from Pinterest. I just ordered my daughter and I Smash books. Can't wait to get started. I started an adventure group 3 years ago and have all of these trickets and pictures from that I will add. Thanks for the post. Kat
Makeiteasycrafts.blogspot.com
Sounds intriguing! I've never heard of smash books before. 🙂
MixedKreationsJewelryDesigns
I picked up an old book at half price books to make one of these smash books. But haven't got started yet. Didn't know that it was called a smash book though. Will check them out on Pinterest. Thanks for sharing!
Linda @ MixedKreations.com/blog
Anna-Leigh
Such a good idea! I'm off to the thrift store 😉
Jocelyn
Very cool! The thing I love about smash books is they don't have to be perfect - I'm always trying to overcome my natural perfectionist-ness (haha, not a word), and these are good for that.
Bethany
I have never heard of a smash book, cool idea! I like the idea of reusing old, useless books.
Diana - FreeStyleMama
I've heard of them but didn't know what they were. Love the book you found!
TitiCrafty by Camila
I love this and I had never heard of this and I love it! Wow so cool and fun! Thanks so much for sharing this with me at Bewitch Me & Titi! Hope to have you back with another awesome share! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!!
Hugs
Cami @ TitiCrafty.com
Anna M.
Wow, I actually did that years ago with a lousy novel, but I didn't know there was a name for it.
Carey Werlein
haha... i found this looking at journalling on pinterest... I descend from the Katherine that book is about. I read it because of the genealogy I did and discovered how I am connected to her. I got it on kindle. Its a remarkabley good book, too bad you didn't read it first! LOL I too alter books, no worries... just funny... you might like it, its a true story.
Renee H
My 13 yr old just told me she is going to start one of these for the new year! Thanks for the ideas!!
Hank da peacock
Awesome!!!!!!
ana
We have being working with this kind of mixed media, using books and transforming them, we call them Altered Books. They came to the artist community about 10 to 15 years ago. Its a neat way to transform old books. Have fun !!!!!!
Teresa
Don't forget to take out pages to make room for what you will smash in! The unevenness of the pages is evidence that the book is composed of quite a few signatures of several pages apiece (probably 5-10, which, when folded in half, creates 10-20 pages) which are then sewn into the spine. An easy way to remove pages is to find the center of each signature and remove the top few sheets in each one. The center of each signature is in the middle of each grouping of pages, where the sewing is. You could also take out alternating entire signatures, or at least about 1/3 of them. Otherwise, your book will become so fat that it will be impossible to close it! Best wishes!
Katie
Thanks for the great tip Teresa!
Leanna
It looks like you introduced the smash book to a bunch of new readers. I am part of a long list who never knew about them either. Its a cute idea.
Katie
Thanks Leanna! Smash books really are a lot of fun. I'm glad I could introduce you to something new!
Kendall
What a neat idea! I can see this being useful for homeschooling or keeping up with the changes of littles as they grow! 🙂
Katie
Hi Kendall! Great idea! You are right, A smash book would be perfect for that!
Lisa/Syncopated Mama
I'd never even heard of smash books and I feel like I still don't quite "get" them, so I guess I know what I'll be googling more of later! 😀 Have a great weekend!
Katie
Hi Lisa! I am so glad I could introduce you to the world of smashing! 🙂
Pam
Love it! I have been wanting to make s smash book for a long time to get all of my little bits of memorabilia and scraps into one place. Thanks for the great inspiration!
Katie
You are very welcome Pam! Thanks for stopping by!
betty
i have a smash book i am working on, like it a lot. so much fun. didou paint the pages first?
Katie
Thanks Betty! It depends on what you are going to be coloring on your pages with? If it is colored pencils then no need, but if you are wanting to use paint or ink I highly suggest it. It keeps the paint/ink from seeping through to other pages.
Sharon Romey
This is the 1st time I've heard of a Smash Book. Can you please tell me what the difference is between a Smash Book and a Junk Journal? I think it's a great idea.
Thanks,
Sharon.
Katie
Hi Sharon! A Smash Book and Junk Journal are the same things, just a different name.
Nikki
Nope. They’re completely different. This article has confused junk journals, creative journals, scrapbooking….and the only one that is close to a smashbook is the first one. Smashbooks are not imperfect scrapbooks, they are not memory keepers, they are much looser creative messy journals to just have fun. Those travel ones couldn’t be further from smashbooks lol
Katie Adams
Hi Nikki, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I think a smash book can be whatever you want it to be. It has no rules so you can use it however you want.
Kyrin
I've been keeping one for over 20 years- I call it my sketchbook. Every one of them is "smashed"
Katie
Oh I love it! Such a great collection of memories!
L Doss
How is this different from visual journaling?
Katie
It really isn't. Just different names for the same thing. Thanks L Doss!
Chelle
You’re still going strong from 2012! Personally I think this is the best way to journal! Great tutorial!
Katie
Thank you so much!! ❤️
Diana G
Absolutely love this idea. Starting ASAP!! Ideas to include in mine. My bucket list. My favorite inspirational quotes. My favorite silly jokes guaranteed to make me smile. Draw my cat ( doesn’t matter that I can’t draw) art therapy is fantastic! Write a letter to a passed away friend or relative. Write a letter to your 5 year old self. What would you want them to know? A favorite memory where you felt safe and loved. Hope you find inspiration!!
Katie Adams
I love all of your ideas! Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Tina
I'm confused. What is the difference between a smash book and a junk journal?
Katie Adams
Really nothing, it has several names. But it is basically the same thing.
Gina
I hope to start a smash book for the new year! I have the book just need to get started! Thanks for the info!
P Eberhart
I’m old. When I was in school a “smash or slam book” was a spiral notebook. Each page had a schoolmate’s name on it. It was passed around the class and people wrote things about the person whose name was on the page. Many times not nice things. Schools banned them because they were VERY mean.
Katie Adams
Oh no! This is not that kind of smash book 😆
Vanessa Dennis
Ive recently started my 2nd Smash/Junk journal. I chose a used day planner i had found from the year before last. i never fully use them up and have many blank leftover pages at the end of the year. Added bonus, i always pick a planner with a cute design with designs printed on the pages. it just seemed like such a waste to throw it away and this is the perfect project to recycle it.
Katie Adams
Hi Vanessa, That is perfect! It is such a fun hobby!