What To Put inside Your Creative Journals

Over the years, I’ve learned that what goes into a journal doesn’t have to follow any rules.

I realized that creative journaling isn't just an aesthetic journey and it’s not just about filling a book just to fill it, but about creating a treasure trove of personal memories, artistic experiments, and whimsical touches.

Your journal is entirely yours, and the best pages come from the most unexpected materials.

Here’s a peek at some of my favorite things to add to a creative journal, just in case you’re looking for inspiration for your own.

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Messages in Tea Bags + Packaging

This one is a personal favorite. Every time I steep a cup of tea, I hold on to the little tag at the end of the string. Sometimes they have those cute, inspiring messages—“Breathe deeply and let go,” or “Joy is in the small moments.”

Other times, I scribble my own thoughts on the actual tea bag with a fine-tip pen. Then, I carefully flatten the tea bag, dry it, and stick it into my journal as a delicate, crinkled reminder of a cozy afternoon.

And the tea wrapper that holds the bag? I use it as a journal pocket!

Mini Time Capsules

Think about this: What if your journal became a little museum of your life?

I love creating mini time capsules by tucking small things into hidden pockets or envelopes—movie ticket stubs, pressed flowers, handwritten notes, or even a coin from a vacation. These little artifacts might seem insignificant now, but trust me, flipping back to them years later is a magical experience.

Movie Screencaps

Whenever I’m rewatching my favorite movies (or discovering new ones!), I take screenshots of moments that speak to me. A particularly dreamy landscape, a quirky outfit, or even a character’s subtle expression can inspire a journal spread. I print them out on sticker paper or plain cardstock and build a page around the mood of the scene.

Super tip: Pair them with quotes from the movie for an extra layer of meaning!

Journal Fodder I Make

If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t resist creating your own journaling supplies. I’ll take a lazy Sunday to paint a sheet of paper with watercolors, layer it with stamps, and splatter it with ink.

Later, I’ll tear it up into irregular shapes and use it as “fodder” for collages and page borders. There’s something extra special about knowing your journal elements were crafted by your own hands.

Stamping With My Own Stamps

Stamping has become my go-to when I want to jazz up a page but don’t have a ton of time. Recently, I’ve started carving my own stamps out of rubber erasers using this linocutting tool.

The process is surprisingly meditative, and the designs—simple stars, abstract shapes, or little botanicals—add such a personal touch.

Even if the carvings are imperfect, they have that handmade charm that fits perfectly in a creative journal.

The only ink pads I can vouch for being the absolute best for my process are these Ranger ink pads. (I feel like they last forever!)

QR Codes

Here’s a techy twist I’ve been loving lately: QR codes.

They’re perfect for linking to a favorite song, a funny TikTok video, or a photo album from a memorable day.

There are free QR code generators online that let you create a scannable link for just about anything. Print + paste one in your journal, and voila!

It’s an interactive element that brings a modern twist to a traditional medium.

Why Doing Any of This Matters

When I flip through my journals, what stands out isn’t the prettiest spreads or the most “finished” pages. It’s the elements that capture little fragments of life—the tea bags from quiet mornings, the screencaps from movie nights, and the crumpled tickets that once lived in my pocket.

These bits and pieces might seem random, but together, they form a map of who I am at this moment.

And isn’t that the whole point of journaling?

It’s not about perfection; it’s about preserving your story, one little detail at a time.

Here's A Gentle Nudge to Start

If you’re sitting there thinking, That sounds great, but where do I even begin?—don’t overthink it.

Start with what’s around you. First you'll need a journal, here are some other essentials to start your creative journal journey.

That candy wrapper from your afternoon treat, that dried-up flower petal on your windowsill, or that little doodle you made while daydreaming.

Once you let go of the pressure to create something perfect, you’ll find that your journal starts to feel like a true reflection of you.

Here’s to filling your pages with your magic. ✨