If you’re looking for fresh and fun ways to jazz up your journaling, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into 12 cute journaling ideas that will not only make your pages aesthetically pleasing but also boost your creativity and mental well-being.
Are you ready to make your journal pages pop with creativity and cuteness?
I am always on the hunt for fresh ideas on how to spice up the pages of my journal. If you are new to journaling or just looking to add some fresh cuteness to your pages, then you are in the right place.
In this blog post, we will dive deep into creative and cute journaling ideas and also discuss how creativity can actually reduce stress and improve your thinking!
This blog post is all about cute journaling ideas.
Journaling isn’t just about writing down your thoughts, feelings or situations. It’s an art that reflects your personality, mood and growth. Having a cute, visually appealing journal can transform your journaling experience, making it more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Did you know that engaging in creative activities like journaling can positively affect your brain?
INSIDE LOOK: When you immerse yourself in the creative process, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This boost in dopamine can enhance your mood, reduce stress, and even improve your cognitive functions.
So, let’s get those creative juices flowing and make your journal pages pop!
Essential Supplies for Cute Journaling
Before we talk about the ideas, let’s discuss the essentials. You don’t need a ton of supplies to start, but a few key items can make a big difference:
- Basic Supplies: A good-quality notebook, a variety of pens (think coloured gel pens and fine liners), and some markers.
- Decorative Elements: Washi tape, stickers, stamps, and embellishments.
- Creative Tools: Scissors, glue, stencils, and maybe even a little watercolour set.
I have some great suggestions for these supplies listed in my blog posts:
12 Cute Journaling Ideas to Make Your Pages Pop
1. Colorful Washi Tape Borders
A Washi tape is a journaling staple and for a good reason! cute journaling ideas
These decorative tapes come in endless colours and patterns, perfect for adding borders to your pages. Try creating frames around your daily entries or using washi tape to divide sections. You can also create shapes, highlight important pages in your journal, and make a reading mark, the possibilities are truly endless with this one!
INSIDE LOOK: The tactile experience of applying washi tape can be incredibly satisfying and can help enhance your focus and mindfulness.
Here are some of the most liked washi tapes, that journalers love and are available on Amazon:
2. Hand-drawn Doodles and Illustrations
I know, it seems impossible to draw in my journal when I don’t have an artistic bone in my body! But for anyone curious about how drawing works, doodles are the perfect solution.
You don’t have to be a professional artist to add a bit of flair to your journal. Simple drawings like flowers, stars, and cute animals can make pages come alive.
Start with simple shapes and patterns. Pair these with quotes that inspire or motivate you. Write the quotes in different fonts and styles to add variety. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: Drawing can activate your brain’s right hemisphere, which is associated with creativity and spatial awareness.
Here are some tips on HOW TO START DOODLING:
- Freeform Doodling: Let your pen wander aimlessly across the page, allowing shapes and patterns to form naturally.
- Theme-Based Doodles: Choose a theme or topic, such as nature, emotions, or abstract shapes, and doodle related images.
- Zentangle Patterns: Explore the world of Zentangle, a structured form of doodling that uses repetitive patterns to create intricate designs.
- Line Variation: Experiment with different line weights and styles to add depth and interest to your doodles.
- Negative Space Doodling: Instead of filling in shapes with doodles, try leaving some areas blank to create contrast and visual interest.
- Pattern Play: Create your own patterns or borrow inspiration from textiles, architecture, or nature.
- Embellishments: Add embellishments such as dots, dashes, swirls, or flourishes to enhance your doodles and make them pop off the page.
- Coloring: Experiment with adding color to your doodles using markers, colored pencils, or watercolors.
- Inspiration from Nature: Take a walk outside and observe the shapes, textures, and patterns in the world around you.
If you want to learn how to doodle, I recommend you choose one of the following guides:
3. Using Journaling Stickers for Decoration
Journaling stickers are the simplest of ways to add personality to your yournal. From cute animals to motivational quotes, there truly is a sticker for every theme. cute journaling ideas
Try layering stickers for a collage effect or using them to highlight important entries, express your mood with them, use them for keeping track of your habits or just stick them for some colour.
INSIDE LOOK: This tactile activity not only enhances your journal’s aesthetic but also engages your brain in a rewarding task, boosting those feel-good neurotransmitters.
Here are some of the most liked stickers, that journalers love and are available on Amazon:
4. Creative Lettering and Fonts
Why write in plain old handwriting when you can experiment with creative lettering and fonts? Try your hand at calligraphy or bubble letters for headings and important notes. This can make your journal look like a personalized work of art. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: Engaging in this type of detailed work can improve your fine motor skills and enhance your concentration.
Here are some tips on HOW TO START CALLIGRAPHY:
- Get the Right Tools:
- Pens: Start with felt-tip calligraphy pens.
- Paper: Use smooth, high-quality paper.
- Learn Basics:
- Grip and Posture: Hold the pen at a 45-degree angle.
- Strokes: Practice upstrokes, downstrokes, and curves.
- Study Fonts:
- Choose Simple Scripts: Start with Italic or Foundational.
- Consistency: Focus on uniform letter size and spacing.
- Use Guidelines:
- Practice Sheets: Use printable guides.
- Ruled Paper: To keep writing straight and even.
- Warm Up:
- Daily Drills: Practice basic strokes regularly.
- Letter Formation: Master individual letters before words.
- Be Patient:
- Progress Takes Time: Practice regularly and track improvement.
- Stay Motivated: Keep old practice sheets to see progress.
- Online Resources:
- Tutorials: Watch videos for techniques.
Here are some tools that can help you on your journey to creative calligraphy writing:
5. Incorporating Photos and Polaroids
For more vivid descriptions of our experiences try adding photos to your journal. Print out your favourite memories or better ye use a Polaroid camera to capture moments and paste them to your journal pages. cute journaling ideas
This is the best way to preserve memories, with a picture and a written description, there is no way you won’t remember the day in detail. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: Reviewing these photos can evoke positive emotions and reinforce happy memories, which is great for your mental health.
Here are some of the best and most affordable Polaroid cameras and Photo printers to start your picture journal journey:
6. Themed Pages for Special Occasions
Creating themed pages for holidays, birthdays, and special events can add a festive touch to your journal.
You can do that by incorporating colours that mark the occasion. For instance, you can use red, white and green for Christmas, add some doodles (now that you know how to do them :)), and you have yourself a Christmas journal page. Jazz your Halloween page with pumpkin stickers and scary quotes and add flowers and hearts to your Valentine’s Day journal page. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: Celebrating these moments in your journal can enhance your emotional connection to these memories.
7. Inspiration Boards and Collages
Why not create a mini vision board in your journal? Gather images, quotes, and elements that inspire you and create a collage. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: This visual representation activates the brain’s planning and motivational centres, enhancing your drive to achieve these goals.
HOW TO CREATE AN INSPIRATION BOARD JURNAL PAGE:
- You are going to need a lot of pictures that represent your goals. You can get them from magazines, draw them or print them out. One of the best websites for aesthetic pictures is Pinterest.
- Then turn up some music, prepare a fresh drink, get into comfortable clothes and gather all the supplies. You are going to need some stickers, glue, scissors, pens, and a big poster.
- Then the only thing left to do is let your creativity flow. Arrange the pictures so they make sense to you. They can be categorized by goals, timeline, colour or randomly scattered over your poster.
Have fun with it, there really are no rules on how to make it happen. The only thing you should remember is that the pictures need to be meaningful to you so that when you look at them, you feel the emotion of the goal you want to achieve.
Here’s a vision board I recently created using old magazines:
If you want to create something similar, you’ll need:
8. DIY Envelopes and Pockets
Adding DIY envelopes and pockets to your journal can be both cute and functional. Use them to store keepsakes like ticket stubs, notes, and other memorabilia. This is a fun way to store memories and also adds a bit of an interesting element to your pages. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: The act of creating these pockets and envelopes can be a mindful activity, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
You are going to need:
9. Mixed Media Art Techniques
Don’t limit yourself to just pens and markers – explore mixed media art techniques! Incorporate elements like watercolours, acrylics, and collage art. This can add a dynamic and textured look to your journal pages. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: Engaging in mixed media art can stimulate different areas of the brain, enhancing your overall cognitive flexibility and creativity.
Things you will probably need:
10. Using Journaling Stamps and Stencils
Stamps and stencils are great tools for creating consistent and intricate designs. Use stamps to add patterns and motifs, and stencils for precise shapes and lettering. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: The repetitive nature of stamping can be quite soothing, similar to the effects of meditation, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a calm state of mind.
Here are some good options:
11. Adding Texture with Fabric and Ribbons
Incorporate fabric pieces and ribbons into your journal for a tactile and textured experience. Use them to create bookmarks, page tabs, or decorative borders. cute journaling ideas
This adds a unique and sensory element to your journal, making it a multisensory experience. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: The different textures can stimulate your sense of touch, providing a grounding and calming effect.
You are going to need:
12. Personalizing with Custom Prints and Designs
The last one out of 12 cute journaling ideas is all about personalization. Use tools like Canva to create unique stickers, inserts, and graphics. cute journaling ideas
This will allow you to tailor your journal to your exact preferences and needs. cute journaling ideas
INSIDE LOOK: Personalization can increase your emotional connection to your journal, making it a true reflection of your identity.
