What you need to start creative journaling
You may have seen different types of creative journaling doing the rounds on social media recently. Junk journaling has become very popular, as well as bullet journaling, journal writing, and other forms of journaling that involve a combination of writing and craft. As the owner of Write and Craft, I have had to get on board with anything that combines two of my biggest passions (as the business name suggests): Writing and crafting. While I am not nearly as creative as some of the amazing people I see online, I have enjoyed getting started on some creative journaling and having a go at making my own creative journal.
In case you haven't seen it, here are some examples of creative journaling below. I desperately wish I could claim these as my own, but unfortunately, my own attempts aren't quite Instagram (or blog) worthy yet! As you can see, there is both craft and writing together on the one page. The purpose of these creative journals is to use journal as a creative outlet for both writing and crafting. Anyone who loves to write a daily journal and keep an archive of their lives and of everything they like to do will love creative journaling, as well as those who love drawing, art, scrapbooking, and different types of crafts.
If you want to start doing some creative journaling, there are only a few things that you need to get started. I've put together a list of some things you need to start with. Some can be purchased here at our online store, others you can collect from around your home or wherever you go.
Basic supplies for creative journaling:
1) A journal or notebook:
If you plan on drawing or junk journaling, you might like to use a blank journal. If you plan on including lots of writing, the lined journals will be best. I recommend a journal with a hard cover so it will be easy to keep safe and protect all of the pages. You will also want to check the thickness of the pages to ensure they are thick enough to keep from ink, glue, or drawings from leaking through the paper. If you are looking to buy a journal or notebook, I recommend checking out our journal collection here. I like the smaller sized journals for my creative journaling as they make it easy for me to carry around in my bag. However, a larger one like this art journal would also make a good option.
2) Pens, markers and pencils
Some good quality writing and drawing tools are essential. If you plan on writing a lot, some nice ballpoint pens are great, or if you want your writing to feel a little bit more special, a fountain pen gives it that extra nice touch. For drawing and for your headings, some nice textas, coloured pencils or markers are exactly what you need. If you're looking for some luxury pens and markers, here is a link to our collection.
3) Glue, scissors, and tape
These are just a few of the items you need for the decorating and junk part of your creative journaling. You might like to keep a collection at your desk so you have some ready as you need to use them.
4) Stickers and embellishments
I love some stickers to add to my creative journaling! You can also use any kind of scrapbooking or journaling embellishments. If you're in a craft store, just choose any of the little embellishments that you think will fit with your journaling style. We have some lovely journal stickers here.
5) Junk and memorabilia
This is most important if you plan on junk journaling, or if you plan to add pieces to your creative journal. Whenever you go out for the day, keep some pieces of everything you collect. This could include wrappers from food, receipts, paper bags, public transport tickets, and anything else that you can create with. I've seen some amazing spreads on social media of people using fast food wrappers, receips, snack wrappers and everyday items that would otherwise be thrown away. Get creative and put in whatever you like!
6) Photos
This is optional, but I love to take some pictures and put them into my journal as well. This is something especially great to do for a travel journal. I like to choose a photo from my day and print it to put in my journal, along with some stickers, decorations, and, of course, my writing about my day.
7) Paints, stamps and stencils
You can add any other art supplies here. Creative journaling is all about self-expression and finding a creative outlet, so you can create whatever you like. It's your journal and your art, so use whatever art supplies you make to create something unique and something that you love.
Remember that journaling is all about your self-expression. After reading this, I hope you're able to get out and create something unique in your journal and enjoy the process. There are no rules, it's all about your creativity. I hope you've been inspired to get creative!
Welcome to Write and Craft If you love journaling, stationery, and creative writing, you've found the right place. Here on my blog I talk about all things journaling, writing, stationery, planning, and more. If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, please put your email address below, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Tiktok. I'm also working on a guide for 365 days of journaling which I can't wait to share with you! Make sure you put your email below so you don't miss out.
- love, Rachel xx