Here are 12+ creative ways to make a DIY art journal. Because we are so different – so are the types of crafts we want o make, even when it comes to book and journal making! I hope you like one of these ideas and try it out!
No matter what time of the year, month, week or day, I’m always in the mood to create a new book by hand. There is something so captivating about building a collection of blank pages, ready to be filled with ideas, thoughts, drawings, sketches and whatever else.
I happened to be looking online for new ideas for my next art journal project when I decided to put together a round-up so we can all get inspired together!
I’ve also mixed in some of my favorite projects I’ve made throughout the years. When I do make a new journal, I’ll make sure to share the tutorial here!
Click on the titles for the links.
1. Record Album Scrap Page Journal
For this one, I gathered up all sizes of leftover paper pieces and incorporated them into this book. I made three signatures and glued them inside a record album that I cut to size.
Here’s a video I made about it DIY art journal!
2. Art Journal Made From Cardboard, Muslin, Paper and String
The fabric really makes these come alive and gives them so much personality. What a nice way to use up excess fabric, too!
3. Journals made from cereal boxes, by Bee-Inspired
Everyone has these supplies on hand. I can’t believe how clean this looks, so beautiful! Sometimes it’s okay to go the minimalist route, especially in order to get your thoughts straight.
4. Ribbon Trimmed Composition Book
A.k.a Mexi-Boho style! If you don’t feel like making a book from scratch, simply use ribbon and glue to the front of a blank book or journal and you are good to go!
Dig through your trim and ribbon stash. all of them together make such a cool “composition.”
5. Composition Book-Turned-Journal
This is freaking amazing! Ashley from Lil Blue Boo took an old school composition book and transformed it into a mixed media art journal.
It looks hefty and artful, ready to be put to good use!
6. Bliss Book
Find a random book, blank or otherwise and decorate at will. Just make sure you fill it with all the things in life that bring you bliss. Then when you are having a down day, you can go back and look at it and get cheered up!
7. Quick and Easy Journal by Jen of Eve Designs
If you want to get going on something fast so you can get to the fun part of decorating, check out this tutorial!
8. Mini Journals by Flop Cloud
These are so cute, you can fit them in the palm of your hand! They would also be nice to give in groups, tie them together with embroidery thread.
9. Stenciled Scrapbook Paper Journal
If you want to skip the blank pages, here is a great way to add texture. My inspiration was the gorgeous handmade papers from India!
10. Cloth Journal by Ayala Art
Whether you want to make this project or not, it’s just plain fun to watch! She goes to great lengths to make this beautiful book!
11. Resin-Covered Journal
I poured resin on wax paper to create a large sheet, then cut it up to make book covers! I used all kind sof papers inside!
12. Junk Journal by Sugar
This is the journal I want to make! OMG, so cool!
Which one is your favorite?
RELATED:
I al an addict to journaling. I even teach in my blog (Spanish) how to journal as a form of meditacion.
I love the idea of the Junk journal and the cereal one and the composition notebook. Can’t wait to try doing some of them for my collection.
I’m starting an art journal and it has been such a fun experience. It’s good for me because you need to get creative and messy, it’s a good exercise to not try to make everything look perfect.
Love your video with the mini Frida Kahlo nichos. How cute!
This is on my To Do List. So many fun projects, so little time!