How to Make a Journal Jar

Journal jars are a great tool to use for journal writing, for creative writing projects (such as short stories, novel writing and other fiction writing), for writing memoirs and also for scrapbooking. There is so much that can be done with a journal jar.

To make a journal jar you will need several things. You will need:

A jar (whatever size you would like)

5 to 6 sheets of paper (can be white or colored paper)

scissors or a paper cutter

journal prompt ideas

anything you would like to decorate the journal jar with (ribbon, glitter, candy, etc.)

Begin by finding a jar that you like. Many people like to use quart sized Mason jars, the type of jars that many people use for canning. But there are so many jars out there that you can use.

Then it is time to think about your journal prompts. Most journal jars can hold about two hundred prompts. This is usually about five sheets of paper, set at a three column width. It can run a little longer, onto a sixth page, depending on font size that you are using on your computer. Some people also like to hand write their journal prompts, especially if they have pretty handwriting.

People use journal jars for many different reasons. Think of what you would like to use your journal jar for and come up with about ten different subjects. Then generate questions based on the questions for those ten subjects.

Another great idea is to add quotes from people who have inspired you to your journal so that you can comment on these. Another idea is to consider adding images to your journal jar because images can be very inspiring. Think of things that would inspire your writing, and whatever you think would inspire you, this belongs in your journal jar.

Once you have an idea of your journal prompts, print them up on the computer, or hand write them onto the slips of paper. If you have printed them on the computer then cut them up and put them into the jar after folding them into half. Try to mix them up so that the journal prompts are not all in one specific area, so that when you reach in for a prompt you will find prompts on different subjects.

Now that your jar is full of prompts it is time for you to decorate your jar as you would like to. Some may prefer not to decorate your jar at all. One great way to decorate the jar is to simply put a ribbon around its neck, that will look very pretty. You can also write your name and the words "journal jar" on the journal jar using markers that will write on glass. Or you can paint on the glass using glass paints. Another idea is to cover the journal jar using stickers, those little star stickers are great stickers to use.

When your journal jar is decorated, it is ready to use. Happy journaling!