Journaling can be a simple as a collection of writing, or it can be as complex as drawings, lists, photos, cutouts, etc. Journaling is a lot of fun for many people, and if you’re into it, you could spice up your journal with a few tools and supplies. For years, I have been a pen-to-paper kind of journal person. I write everything out. A lot of people are that way too.
Recently, I started adding drawings, colors, and other things to my journal to give it a little more life. I also think about other people reading through my journals, and that makes me really want to include some more cool visual things to keep them interested. In case you are interested in adding a little spice to your own journal, I wanted to give you some ideas to get started. Check out the cool, fun journaling ideas that I’ve listed below to help you spice up your journal.
How to Spice Up Your Journal
Color Pens: Color pens are a quick and easy way to add a little flavor to your journal, without changing much. Just by adding color to the page, it can seem more exciting, even if you continue to simply write out your journal entries.
Markers: Markers serve a similar purpose as color pens, but typically they are thicker. Because of this, you can use them to draw attention to certain sections, or to bold letters/words/numbers.
Color Pencils: Using color pencils is a good way to color over pen or marker without overpowering its boldness. I prefer using color pencils in an unlined journal or sketchbook, but they can look great on lined paper, depending on how you choose to use them.
Watercolor Paints: A lot of people use watercolor paints in their journals, and they look amazing. I haven’t tried this yet, but I plan to do so. If you’re interested, I’d say go for it! Add a splash of color, and create your entry on top of it…or the painting can be your entry for the day.
Related Reading: 20 Things to Journal About
Stencils: Stencils are a lifesaver for those of us who have trouble drawing boxes and shapes. It makes for a much neater looking page. You can get stencils on Amazon for really cheap. I found a few rectangle shapes, circles, and pattern designs. I use them all the time to make my journal look a bit more exciting.
Ruler: Rulers are great for creating straight edges, building sections, etc. in your journal. I use a ruler mostly when I’m designing pages in my scripture journal. It comes in handy, especially on such a large page. Oh yea…my scripture journal is huge!
Stickers: Stickers are an easy and fun way to spice up your journal. I found some really cool, beautiful stickers at the Dollar Tree, of all places. You don’t have to break the bank to get useful supplies for your journal.
Deco Tape: Deco tape is another thing you can find at your local dollar store, and it adds so much life to your journal. I have only really used my tape to line the edges of my pages, so far, but they look great! When I find more ways to make the tape look good on the page, I’ll be sure to share with you, via my Instagram feed.
Magazine Clippings & Photos: Cutouts give your journal a little more dimension, and takes a lot of the work out of the process for you. Instead of describing something in detail, or trying to draw it out, you can simply cutout a photo of what you want, and add it to the page. Try it out!
Design Hole Punch: Have you seen the hole punches that are shaped like hearts, stars, and other things? If not, they’re out there, and they are super cute. Hole punches are a quick and easy way to add a little something something to your journal.
The most important thing you should remember, when you set out to spice up your journal is to have fun with it! It isn’t so serious that you can’t make a mess of it. Try anything, everything. Find out what you like and get rid of what you don’t. Journaling should be fun and therapeutic. Happy journaling, friend!
I would love to see how your journal entries are turning out. Feel free to tag me in your social media posts! @aNDrieaDEnise
