Journal Spreads I’ve Made So Far

I've found so much joy in diving into creative journaling, especially making my pages burst with color! It's not just about writing down thoughts; it's about creating a visual story that truly expresses who you are. If you're looking to make your journal spreads more vibrant and unique, I've picked up a few tricks along the way that I'd love to share, inspired by my own journey and the spreads I've been creating in 2025. One of the easiest ways to add immediate color and personality is with stickers. Think about those fun 'sticker dump' pages – they’re a fantastic way to use up your collection and add instant visual appeal. Whether it's a cool Yeti sticker, themed ones like Vet Tech or Anatomy of a Border Collie, or even festive gold bell stickers for holiday spreads, they instantly brighten things up. Don't be afraid to layer them or use them to highlight important notes. Beyond stickers, washi tape is a game-changer. It comes in endless patterns and colors, perfect for creating borders, dividing sections, or simply adding a decorative strip. I love using it to frame photos, like those childhood pictures or a snap of my dog in snow for a festive feel. Speaking of photos, don't underestimate the power of incorporating actual pictures! Printing out small versions of your favorite memories – whether it's a family shot with your younger brother Matthew or a cute animal from a Pet Expo MKE – makes your journal incredibly personal and visually rich. The Frida Kahlo design on one of my journals even inspired me to think about iconic art. For even more texture and depth, try junk journaling. This is where you can really let your creativity shine by using various ephemera. Think about collecting interesting items like flyers from events (like the Midwest's Best Pet Lover's Show), a pretty Yogi tea bag wrapper, or even a label from your favorite drink, like that watermelon moscato label. These seemingly random bits and bobs create a unique, layered look, perfect for telling a story or simply capturing a mood. Color isn't just about stickers and tape; it's also about your writing tools! Experiment with different colored pens, markers, and highlighters. Brush pens are fantastic for creative lettering, especially when you're adding quotes from authors like Maya Angelou or Emily Dickinson. A dedicated "Lots of Quotes!" or "So Many Quotes!" spread can become a beautiful array of different fonts and colors. The content itself can be colorful too. Themed spreads are a brilliant way to organize your thoughts and make pages engaging. I've enjoyed creating "A Little Bit About Me!" pages to capture personal details, or "January Recap" spreads to document my favorite songs, movies, and shows. You can even dedicate a page to "Lyrics" from songs you love, using different colors for each line or verse. Or, like my "Oh, I Love Being A Woman" spread, list all the simple joys that make your day – journaling, shopping, taking pictures – each entry can be a little splash of color. Remember, your journal doesn't have to be perfect. My own spreads, even in 2025, are definitely not flawless, but that’s part of their charm. The goal is to express yourself and enjoy the process. So grab your supplies, gather some interesting bits and pieces, and start making your journal pages as vibrant and unique as you are. Happy journaling!