How I Turned Wallpaper Scraps Into a Dreamy Photo Journal
If you're anything like us, you probably have a stash of wallpaper scraps, paper bits, and leftover packaging tucked away somewhere—too pretty to toss, but you're not quite sure what to do with them. This weekend, I finally put some of mine to use and created a dreamy photo journal spread that's personal, whimsical, and full of memories.
Whether you're into creative journaling, scrapbooking, or just looking for a relaxing weekend craft idea, here's exactly how I transformed wallpaper scraps into a beautiful, vintage-inspired layout—and how you can too.
Start With a Vision (Even a Loose One)
Before gluing anything down, we spent a few minutes laying everything out on the page. Think of it like styling a flat lay—you want a balance of colours, shapes, and textures.
We started by using a piece of Cottagecore Wallpaper as the focal point. Then we built around it with floral wallpaper scraps, old receipts, bits of gift bags, and other paper treasures.
Creating a vision doesn’t mean you need to plan every detail, but having a general mood or theme helps. Ours was soft, romantic, and vintage-inspired—think rosy tones, faded prints, and layered textures.
Use What You Have (Really!)
Here’s the fun part: almost anything can become part of your DIY photo journal.
- Wallpaper scraps – these make sturdy backgrounds and offer gorgeous texture.
- Receipts from special days – perfect for adding a personal touch.
- Gift bags or packaging – often come with cute patterns worth reusing.
- Stickers, stamps, and washi tape – great for adding charm and visual flow.
Half the joy of paper crafting is rediscovering forgotten treasures. You really don’t need to buy a thing—but we did find some fun supplies on Amazon under $15 if you want to treat yourself.
Layer It Up: Play With Texture and Pattern
One of the easiest ways to elevate your journal spread is through layering. Try mixing matte wallpaper with glossy photo paper or combining structured grids with flowing florals.
In my layout, I used a soft blue gingham wallpaper scrap as a border, added rose print accents, and layered in a pale grid design to help guide the eye across the page. Torn paper edges and different finishes add natural texture and depth.
Add Meaning With Words
This is where your journal really becomes a reflection of you. A simple phrase like “dream on, little dreamer” can bring the entire layout to life.
You can:
- Use word stickers or alphabet stamps
- Cut text from magazines
- Print your own quotes or song lyrics
Whether you’re documenting a specific day or just a feeling, a few well-placed words can turn a beautiful spread into a meaningful memory.
Make It Yours
The best part about this project? There are no rules.
You don’t need fancy tools or a picture-perfect vision. All you need is a bit of time, some creativity, and a willingness to play. This little project reminded me that memories don’t have to be polished to be special—they just need a place to land.
This project reminded us that memories don’t need to be perfectly polished to be meaningful. You don’t need fancy supplies or tons of time—just a little creativity and intention. So dig through your drawers, grab your scraps, and start playing. You might be surprised by the story that unfolds..
Happy journaling ✨
More Resources
- Use our wallpaper calculator to find the perfect fit.
- See how easy it is to install our peel and stick or traditional wallpaper.
- Check out more design inspiration on our blog.