If you’ve ever stood at the kitchen bench holding a soda can tab and thought, “That feels too solid to throw away,” you’re absolutely my kind of person.
For years I tossed them straight into the recycling bin without a second thought. Then one afternoon — after cleaning up yet another collection of fizzy drink cans courtesy of the teenagers — I actually looked at one properly.
That tiny oval shape.
The built-in hole.
The smooth metal edge.
And suddenly I could picture it stitched onto a vintage junk journal page.
Let me tell you — soda can tabs have never looked cuter in a junk journal.
If you’re searching for recycled junk journal ideas, eco-friendly craft embellishments, or budget junk journal supplies, this simple upcycled idea is about to become your new favourite detail.
Why Soda Can Tabs Are Perfect for Junk Journaling
Junk journaling is all about creative reuse — transforming everyday scraps into something layered, textured, and meaningful.
Soda can tabs tick every box:
- Free and easy to collect
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Built-in hole for threading ribbon or twine
- Adds metal texture and dimension
- Perfect for mixed media junk journal pages
If you love vintage junk journals, memory journals, or shabby chic paper crafts, these tiny metal pieces add unexpected contrast without costing a cent.
How to Prepare Soda Can Tabs for Craft Projects
Before adding soda can tabs to your junk journal, give them a quick clean.
- Rinse in warm, soapy water.
- Dry completely.
- Lightly sand edges if needed (most are smooth, but always check).
That’s it. No fancy tools. No complicated prep.
You can leave them raw for an industrial mixed media look, or give them a light coat of gesso or acrylic paint if you prefer a softer vintage finish. Personally? I love the natural silver shine against tea-stained paper.
Creative Ways to Use Soda Can Tabs in a Junk Journal
Here’s where the magic happens. These little pieces are surprisingly versatile.
Turn Them Into Page Pull Tabs
Thread ribbon, lace, seam binding, or embroidery floss through the opening and attach them to the edge of a page.
Instant interactive pull tab.
They work beautifully on flip-outs, hidden journaling spots, or secret pockets.
Create Mini Tags
Slide a tiny handwritten note or mini tag through the opening and secure with stitching or a brad.
Suddenly that humble soda tab becomes a focal embellishment.
This works especially well in memory junk journals where you’re documenting small moments.
Use Them as Photo Holders
Glue the flat side down and tuck the corner of a small photo underneath.
Perfect for polaroid-style pictures, vintage snapshots, or printed everyday memories.
If you’re building a family memory journal, this is such a clever detail.
Stitch Them Onto Fabric Pages
If you’ve added denim, muslin, lace, or repurposed fabric into your journal, try stitching the tab directly onto the page.
The contrast between soft fabric and cool metal is stunning.
It adds tactile interest and makes your journal feel layered and collected.
Create a Recycled Charm Cluster
Thread several soda can tabs together with beads, buttons, keys, and scraps of lace to create a dangling charm for your journal spine.
It’s playful, slightly boho, and completely unique.
Why Metal Details Elevate a Junk Journal
Junk journals are meant to feel layered, textured, and personal.
When you mix materials — paper, lace, stitching, handwriting — and then add a touch of metal, the page instantly feels more dimensional.
Soft vintage paper.
Delicate lace trim.
Handwritten journaling.
Then a flash of silver.
That contrast keeps pages from feeling flat.
And if you love mixed media junk journaling, this tiny addition makes a surprisingly big visual impact.
Make It Personal – Add the Story Behind the Tab
One of my favourite parts of using recycled materials in junk journaling is the memory attached to them.
Was that soda tab from:
- A family barbecue?
- A beach picnic?
- A New Year’s Eve celebration?
- A quiet afternoon on the patio?
When you attach that tab to your journal page, it becomes more than embellishment — it becomes a memory marker.
That’s the beauty of memory keeping through junk journaling.
Eco-Friendly Crafting That Doesn’t Look “Crafty”
Let’s be honest. Not every recycled craft looks elegant.
But soda can tabs in junk journals? They actually look intentional.
This is sustainable crafting that feels stylish, not scrappy.
If you’re building a budget junk journal or want to avoid buying specialty metal embellishments, this is a brilliant alternative.
This is a quick and easy idea that could be used to dress up just about anything! Collect up some pull tabs from your soda cans, some ribbon and rhinestones and you are good to go to embellish all sorts of crafts, planners and decorations with recycled soda can tabs. Pop on over to the blog Scrappy Chick for more creative ideas.
Looking for printable journaling items? Check these out on Etsy.
