How to Keep a Pretty Journal Without Drawing : Part 1
Would you like to enhance the pages of your journal but don’t know how? Do you think you lack an artistic touch? No worries, you’re in the right place! In this three-part series, I’ll share simple and quick tips to add an aesthetic touch to your journal, even if you don’t know how to draw.
The Essential Supplies for Decorating Your Journal
In this first article, we’ll explore how to create beautiful layouts using simple decorative elements. You’ll find plenty of examples from my own journals. Enjoy your reading, and feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or if you’d like to share your own tips.
1. Stickers
Stickers are a simple and effective way to enhance your journal. They add a subtle visual touch to your pages, like in this example, where my entry was about the movie adaptation of the book "The School for Good & Evil."
They can also be used to simply fill empty spaces.
Larger stickers are also very handy for creating beautiful monthly covers. For my January 2024 cover, I first placed my sticker on a notepad sheet and then glued it onto my page—simple as that.
Layering stickers and washi tape is also a great idea, adding an extra touch of sophistication to your pages.
2. Washi Tapes
It’s always a good idea to have a few rolls of washi tape on hand. You can use them to separate two entries, which helps organize your pages and prevents them from becoming too cluttered or unreadable.
Like stickers, washi tape can be used to fill empty spaces or create an elegant margin.
You can also use it as a starting point to design a distinctive header.
One trick I particularly like: don’t hesitate to layer two washi tapes. For example, pair a minimalist design with a more elaborate one to create a subtle and original contrast.
Or, combine stickers and washi tape, as mentioned earlier.
Another decorative tip: use a beautiful washi tape to create a frame, as illustrated here with the Naranja pattern.
If inspiration strikes, let your creativity flow by making a gingham pattern.
Don’t hesitate to tear your washi tape lengthwise to achieve a raw, textured effect.
If you already have several washi tapes, you can create a swatch on one of your pages.
3. Dried Flowers
Although I haven’t yet experimented with adding dried flowers to my pages, I love the idea. After some research, here are my recommendations:
- Preparing the flowers: If using fresh flowers, press them for 2 to 3 weeks until they are fully dried to prevent moisture and mold.
- Arranging before gluing: Lay out the flowers on the page before sticking them down to visualize the layout. Tweezers can help handle delicate flowers.
- Applying the glue: Use glue dots or a fine layer of adhesive applied with a toothpick or small brush.
- Choosing the right glue: Opt for PPA glue, LineCo glue, or spray adhesives, as they leave fewer visible marks.
- Final adhesion: Gently press the flower onto the page for a few seconds to ensure it sticks well. Add more glue if the edges lift.
- Additional details: Personalize your page by noting the flower’s origin, the date it was collected, or its name.
4. Photos and Polaroids
If you’re lucky enough to own a Polaroid camera, use it to capture special moments and include them in your journal. It’s a unique way to preserve memories.
5. Stamps and Stencils
Personally, I rarely use this type of material simply because I own very few stamps—just "La Rêveuse" and alphabet letters—and no stencils at all. However, I do prefer stamps since their slight imperfections add a charming touch.
Conclusion
That’s it! I hope this first part has inspired you to decorate your journal pages. Feel free to try out these ideas and share your thoughts in the comments. In the next article, we’ll explore a variety of creative paper-related ideas.