𖦹 recent journal pages + bday spreads ★

Hey journal fam! ✨ I wanted to dive a little deeper into one of my favorite ways to add a super personal and aesthetic touch to my journal spreads: using receipts! You might have seen some peeks in my latest post, especially those birthday spreads, but there's so much more fun you can have with them. For me, receipts aren't just boring proof of purchase; they're tiny little snippets of my day, my adventures, and even my mood! Think about it – that receipt from Burlington? It's not just a list of clothes; it reminds me of the excitement of finding a great deal, or that fun shopping trip with friends. The same goes for my TJ Maxx or Marshalls hauls. Each one tells a mini-story. I even found a Coach receipt once that just screamed 'special occasion' and had to save it! So, how do I actually use them to make my journal pop? 1. Collage Elements: This is probably my go-to method. I love tearing or cutting receipts into interesting shapes and layering them with other ephemera. Sometimes I'll just paste a whole receipt, like that one from Michaels or even Publix, directly onto a page and then build around it with stickers (hello Kirby and Miffy!), doodles, or washi tape. It adds texture and an unexpected pop! I even keep a little stash of unique ones, like a coffee shop receipt or a cool-looking one from a special event, and my 'Shopping spree!!!' receipts are always fun to look back on. 2. Memory Triggers: I often use receipts to spark memories for my journal entries. For example, if I have a receipt from Sarku Japan (yum!), it might prompt me to write about what I ate, who I was with, or how my day was going. Receipts from places like Hobby Lobby or even just a quick stop at Ross can also be great conversation starters for my journal. I might add a little note next to it: 'Remember that amazing find?!' or 'This was the day for 'national girlfriend day!'' 3. Background Texture: Sometimes, I'll use a particularly long or interesting receipt as a subtle background element. I might even add a light wash of watercolor over it, or stamp some patterns to blend it into the page. It's a great way to fill space without making the page look too busy, and it still ties into the theme of daily life. 4. Interactive Flaps: Get creative! I've seen people fold receipts into little pockets or flaps where they tuck tiny handwritten notes or even small pictures. Imagine a Hollister receipt, and underneath, you've written your outfit details for that day! Super cute and engaging. Making Them Aesthetic: It's not just about sticking them down! I love to think about the overall vibe. Cutting & Tearing: Don't be afraid to snip parts off or tear edges for a distressed look. Layering: Combine them with floral tape, strawberry-themed tape, or other washi tapes. Layer them under or over other stickers (like Peanuts or Snoopy ones!) or pictures. Highlighting: Use a colored pen or highlighter to pick out key words or dates on the receipt. Maybe that 'MUNDi' logo or 'ECO FRIENDLY' sticker deserves a spotlight! Color Matching: Try to match the receipt's colors with other elements on your page for a cohesive look. When I'm collecting receipts, I look for ones with cool logos (like Pandora!), interesting fonts, or even just a nice pop of color. And for my birthday spreads, I definitely saved all my 'MORE BDAY STUFF' receipts to remember all the fun treats and gifts like Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno wrappers! Even a simple 'art creation sketch book' label can spark an idea. Don't be afraid to experiment! There's no right or wrong way to incorporate these little pieces of daily life into your journal. They truly make your pages uniquely *yours*. What kinds of receipts do you love to keep for your journal? Let me know!