I'm lazy and I buy mine off the shelf but if you are inspired by crafting as well as journaling, there are plenty of ideas for DIY journals. Big or small, DIY journals are perfect for you or for gifts. If you're into smash books (a recent trend I hadn't heard of) or planners, the ideas for DIY journals are transferable to those too. Make a journal or smash book you'll treasure for many years.
1 One Line per Day
There's no reason why DIY journals have to be in book format. I love the idea of just writing one line every day for a few years (actually a lot of years 'cos there's the reverse of each card too).
Make this from fabrics of clothes that have meant something to you.
15 Collage Technique
Am loving this. Use transparent tape to pick up words.
16 Journal Pen Holder
You know how you can never find your pen? Not now!
17 Journal Pen Holder
Or here's another version.
18 Journal Pen Holder
And here's another. What a great way to recycle some old jeans.
19 Make a Journal out of Used Grocery Bags
Ok, my green and eco-conscious friends, this one is for you. Tutorials available online.
20 Dress up a Plain Journal
Buttons and ribbons don't need a lot of skill or imagination but are very effective.
21 Memory Jar
Fill the jar with thoughts on all the good things that happen through the year. Next time you're felling down or need a smile - open the jar and take out a thought.
22 DIY Book
This is called Japanese binding and you can find lots of tutorials for it.
I like the idea of recycling old books. Stick your mementoes to the old pages and affix paper sheets in for writing on. Remove sections of the old pages with a craft knife to make room. Embellish the cover too.
The only limit to DIY journals is your imagination – oh, and maybe your crafting skills. I might just be inspired to buy a plain journal next time and DIY it. Do you buy or make your journals?