Creative Ways to Journal

Journaling is my favorite hobby. I always have a journal of some sort going, and I truly enjoy expanding my knowledge and finding new ways of creating journals. The most important aspect of journaling, though, is to find a way that reflects you. Just because someone else does it one way, doesn't mean you have to follow suit. Journaling is as diverse as you are. No two journals are ever the same, even from the same person!

A couple of recommended journals, perfect for art journaling or the Catch All Journal, are the Cloudy Sky Journal and Submerged Rocks Journal. Both allow you to chose your paper, blank for art journaling and lined for the Catch All Journal.

Use A Binder - This was a relatively recent trick I figured out. Journaling in a binder allows much more flexibility then a traditional hardbound journal. You can incorporate many of the ideas below into one journal when using a binder.

Catch All Journal - This is a book or notebook that is kept with you at all times. Write down your random thoughts, grocery lists, ideas, etc. This book can provide later journal fodder, or just be a way for recording daily life. Get something unique, and that you won't mind keeping with you all the time. A good size is 5x8 or smaller.

Art Journal - Who said journals were written? If you have an inner artist, paint or draw your life. You can add words if you feel like it, but they're not necessary.

Scrapbook - Don't let scrapbooking intimidate you. Its a photo-journal, that's it. Add words, embellishments, or just slap some photos on a page like an album. Do it page by page, or buy scrapbooking albums. Great for the family historian!

Dream Pages - Cut sayings, pictures, and other items out of magazines and create dream pages. Use one page for each dream or aspect of a dream, or group them all together. Incorporate things you want to buy for the dream, sayings that remind you of it, anything you want. The possibilities are endless.

Favorite Quotes - Everyone has those quotes that they love. Write them down, and say a few words on what speaks to you about the quote. Is the speaker a hero of yours? Is it something a favorite family member said over and over again?

Family Journals - Keep a notebook on a table or counter for family members to write in. Make sure that each family member writes their name next to or on top of their entry! This is a great way to keep a family history as well, and children love hearing the stories.

Many of these ideas can be mixed and matched, or even used together. Its your journal, make it reflect you. There are thousands of ways to make a journal, experiment until you find a way that works for you. Personally I incorporate all of these ideas. That's why my favorite tip is to use a binder!