Whilst I love adding lots of decorative elements to my journal pages, it's really important for me that those pages have some meaning and purpose in my life.
The meaning may not always be apparent to the observer, but for me they are always representing something of value.
In this blog post I will be sharing some examples of how I make sure that I bring meaning into each of my journal pages in the hope that it inspires you too.
One thing I really like to use my journals for is setting out intentional plans for the month ahead. I look through my commitments for the month and any appointments, along with a list of things that I would really like to get done. I then set about recording my thoughts, ideas and plans for the month so that I know everything is well considered before I get started. In these pages, I have added some collage to the left-hand page, which represents all the different layers running through my life. These are really useful to read back through at the end of month before setting any new plans in place. It helps me to feel in control of my life, rather than just caught in a whirlwind of tasks and external expectations.
Products used: Flexbook, Pilot Iroshizuku ink - tsutsuji, fountain pen from Stanford Pen Studio and washi tape from London Gifties. You can use the code Helen for a free roll of washi for all orders over £35.
Another great way to add meaning to your journals is by spending a little time on self-reflection, especially things you are doing well at. If you're anything like me, you will find it easy to run off a list of things you think you haven't done well at, but this exercise is a great way of offering yourself a little self-praise and boosting your own confidence. It can feel tricky at first, but over time you will get more comfortable with recognising your own achievements on a regular basis.
Products used: Flexbook, images cut from London Gifties tape. You can use the code Helen for a free roll of washi for all orders over £35.
This art journal page is focused on letting go of things that no longer make me happy or that have value in my life. Hidden underneath my pastel page, I wrote out all the things I wish to let go before covering it up with something decorative. This is such a therapeautic exercise and one that I do on a regular basis. You can hide all sorts of worries, thoughts and feelings underneath decorative papers and artwork. It's really helpful to get them all out of your head, even if you don't want to see them and read back through them again.
Products used: Flexbook, pastels from Jackson's Art, set 5.
These art journal pages are focused on the activities that make feel energised. When I start to feel tired and lacking new ideas, it's often because I've been spending too much time on things which drain my energy. I really recommend spending some time reflecting on this topic in your journal. It helps you to make better decisions and to fill your life with activities that make you feel good. It's far too easy to go through our days without really considering how we are spending them and how things make us feel.
Products used: handmade junk journal and various mixed media.
Using photos in your journals is a great way of bringing meaning to your pages. These can be photos of trips away, a walk around your local area, a book you're reading, a meal you're loving, absolutely anything which helps to make those pages personal to you.
Products used: Hobonichi Avec Cousin and photos printed using Brother Colour Label & Photo printer.
These journal pages are focused on the small steps that I need to take, to help move me closer to my goals. Again, they're really useful pages and they help bring meaning to my journal as nobody else will have quite the same things they are working on. Big goals can feel so intimidating and out of reach, but taking lots of small steps feels much more approachable.
Products used: Flexbook, Tombow Fudenosuke brush pen - firm nib, Jane Davenport scrapbooking paper and various Distress Oxide inks.
Adding special quotes to your journal is another great way of adding meaning to your journal pages. I really enjoyed lettering out this quote and it's a great reminder to bring my attention back to a more mindful way of life.
Products used: Flexbook, Tombow ABT brush pens and London Gifties tape. You can use the code Helen for a free roll of washi for all orders over £35.
These pages are another reminder to focus on Mindfulness, but created in a completely different way, focused more on colours, layers and patterns. Even very abstract art journal pages can hold lots of special meaning, through patterns, colours, imagery or text.
Products used: small Dylusions art journal, watercolour and acrylic paint.
*Some of the links contained within this blog post are affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
I really hope this blog post has inspired you to find new ways of bringing meaning into your journal pages. Each month on Patreon I share journal prompts and exclusive video content to help guide you through a more personal form of journaling. You can find out more about it here.
I will leave you with a YouTube video I released a little while ago, all about bringing meaning to your art journal pages, Helen x