33 DIY Journal Ideas That Will Inspire You to Start Writing (2024)

Maybe you are like me and your mind is always racing with thoughts. I am constantly needing to write things down that are important to remember which I just don’t want to forget. I tend to go through a lot of notebooks, journals, diaries, or really anything you can write or draw in. So I thought to myself, why not make a DIY journal of my own?

Making your own journal is fulfilling to do and makes writing so much more pleasurable. You can really customize and decorate your journal to fit your own personal style and taste. You will have a blast doing these DIY journal projects with your kids, your friends, or just on your own.

In this curation, we have 33 different DIY journal ideas for you to choose from. So, pick your favorite and let’s start crafting!

Creative DIY Journal Ideas

1. Wooden Journal

Learn to make this modern wooden journal here. You can personalize it with your name or give it as a gift with the name of your friend!

2. Sharpie DIY Journal Cover

A lovely way to spend an afternoon. As recommended, find a good podcast, grab some tea, and your favorite coloredthin sharpies. You can really get creative designing some fun and unique journal covers for school or to give as gifts!

3. Medieval Journal

This unique medieval journal is sure to grab some attention. People will be asking you where you got such an awesome journal and you can proudly say “I made it myself!” This tutorial walks you through the process from beginning to end.

4. Leather DIY Journal Cover

A beautiful and simple leather journal cover to make your journal feel lovely. This project requires some time but you will really enjoy making your own leather cover to fit your journal.

5. Circuit Board Journal

This is such a unique project! The instructions walk you through the entire process of making thisjournal from fitting the pages to attaching the cover.

6. Envelope Journal

I absolutely love this idea! If you are the type of person who likes to save festival wristbands, ticket stubs, business cards, or any other small memorabilia, this is the journal for you! You can add lined paper in each envelope to tell the stories that go with the items.

7. Simple Leather Journal

Only 13 steps and then you will have your very own simple, beautiful, and homemade leather journal. You will have a blast creating this journal from beginning to end.

8. Travel Journal

The blog post is not in English, but there are an incredible amount of inspiring photos that will surely get you started on your own travel journal. The pages are lined with maps, photos, buttons, coins, and everything else to help you remember your travel experience.

9. Journal Necklace

Wow! How adorable is this tiny journal that you can wear around your neck? Are you someone who likes to take notes as things happen? Or, maybe you are learning a new language and you want to write down new words as you hear them? This is the project for you!

10. Watchband Notebook

A clever way to use old watchbands as a journal clasp. I love the vintage feel these leather bands give to an otherwise simple journal. Simple and sweet!

11. Easy Bound Journal

I love the result of this antique looking journal. The instructions are easy to follow along and you will be so pleased with the result of your handmade journal.

12. Recycled Jean Journal

A journal made from recycled jeans! I love the idea of using the old jean pocket as a place to store your journal pens. Never worry about hunting for a pen to write down your epiphanies when you’ve got them right there and ready to write!

13. Cereal Box Notepad

This is an awesome idea to make your very own journal, notebook, or sketchbook from an empty cereal box! With some simple cuts and a quick bind, you will have your very own and personalized journal in no time.

14. Simple DIY Journal

A simple journal that is lovely to make. The added pencil holder at the back is to keep the journal closed and is a clever idea. I love the mossy green color of this journal but you can use any color or pattern you desire.

15. Book Binding

Here I have found a great tutorial that will help you bind your very first journal. I love the cover that they made for this example, and the binding looks clean and sharp. Give it a try!

16. Ombre DIY Journal

I pretty much love ombre anything, so I will definitely be giving this DIY ombre journal a try! It’s simple to make and has a beautiful result at the end that will make you want to pick up your book and start writing.

17. Mod Podge Journal

This is a great way to decorate your journal. Using mod podge and your favorite photos or magazine images you can create a personalized cover for your writings. The triangle shapes give it a cool geometric look that is definitely appealing to the eyes.

18. Scrapbook DIY Journal

I love how these journals look! The flamingo one is oh so cute! This blog post has some amazing ideas for creating your very own scrapbook journal that looks great inside and out.

19. DIY Photo Journal

I love this journal idea! It uses your printed photos to give a visual memory to the one you write down. This book will be such a nice keepsake to look back on at the end of each year.

20. Journal Cover

A wonderful handmade DIY journal cover that you can design as you like. It has a special pocket on the front to hold your pens, pencils, and everything else you may need to get your thoughts on paper.

21. Goals Journal

A goals journal is a great way to keep track of the many goals you would like to accomplish. You can keep notes and write due dates next to each goal and try your best to complete as many as you can.

22. Pocket Travel Journal

This pocket DIY journal is absolutely adorable. It’s a creative and unique way to save your memories and your thoughts as you’re on the road and exploring the world.

23. Fabric Notebooks

Some lovely fabric notebooks that are fun, bright, and colorful! You can choose your favorite fabric for this project and even color coordinate according to what you want to write in each journal! One for cooking… One for groceries… One for all your crazy ideas… You can make as many as you need!

24. Easy to Make Journal

These DIY journals are super easy to make and for that, they make great gifts for friends and family. Simple, cute, useful, and fun!

25. Paper Bag Notebook

This project takes all of 5 minutes and uses very basic materials. Reuse your brown paper bags and make something you can use! Decorate the cover how you like when you’ve finished.

26. Back to School Notebooks

Decorate and customize these journals to fit your personal style. You will love writing in these beautiful journals and maybe even get excited to take notes in class!

27. Stamped Journal

A simple journal project that takes only moments to do. Use your favoritestamps and decorate as you like, or do like the example in the photo and spell out a word, your name, or anything you want.

28. Reading Journal

This is a great journal idea for the kids. The reading journal is to help you and your kids remember the books you’ve read together and towrite down your favorite parts.

29. Stitch Journal

Get your kids to draw something fun on the cover of the journal and then stitch over top. This is a really fun project that both you and your kids will enjoy.

30. Hardcover Journal

A nice, simple, and colorful hardcover journal to write down your many thoughts and epiphanies! Fill this book with your next DIY journal project ideas!

31. Eyelet Journal

Another creative way to bind a journal is by using eyelets to clasp your pages together! These journalslook beautiful when finished and you are sure to get positive comments from your classmates.

32. Felt Embroidered Journal

Ohh! I absolutely love the design of this journal cover. The little smiling chalkboard is charming and fun and the deep red felt makes writing look enticing.

33. Leather Journal Cover

Another leather journal cover tutorial this time in a stunning white leather. This cover will make any journal look fresh, chic, and desirable to write in. You won’t want to put this journal down!

That’s a lot of DIY journal ideas! Leather covers, vintage styles, embroidered designs, and hardcover patterns, all these journals are unique and fun to make. Don’t worry if you can’t pick just one design, journals make a great present for friends and family and are always useful to have around the house. So, which one is your favorite?