How to Use Printables to Enhance Your Creative Journaling

Use printables in your creative journaling to unlock your creativity and explore new ways to express yourself.

If you’re just getting started with creative journaling it can be daunting to know just where to start.

You might find it intimidating to try something new, or you may have trouble finding the time to commit to a creative journaling practice. You may find it difficult to stay motivated and inspired when you lack inspiration. Or maybe you’re not comfortable expressing yourself artistically by drawing or painting in your journal.

Using printables is an easy way to get started with creative journaling. Printables are easy to use and come in a variety of designs and themes. They give you a structure to work within and provide a visually pleasing way to organize your thoughts and ideas.

What is Creative Journaling?

Creative journaling is a form of self-expression that combines images and words to create a unique and personal narrative. Because there are no rules, it’s a way to explore and express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a creative and meaningful way that is personal to you.

You can use creative journaling to explore a wide range of topics, from personal reflections to creative projects. You can document and capture moments in time, reflect on experiences, and explore your innermost thoughts and feelings.

Creative journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, healing, and growth. As with traditional journaling it’s good for your health, and can help to reduce stress, increase creativity, and provide an outlet for self-expression.

How to Use Printables for Creative Journaling

If you don’t already have any printables in your paper stash, you can find a range of creative journaling printables here in my online store.

Alternatively, get started by downloading these free vintage printables.

Download the Free Vintage Ephemera Printables

These free printables are available for download in the Free Junk Journal Printables Library.

Print the Printable Page

Print the page onto a piece of good quality copy paper. I like to use 24lb weight copy paper which is a slightly heavier weight than standard copy paper but not as thick as cardstock. This weight paper is thick enough to prevent ink from bleeding through to the other side when you’re writing, and it’s is also a good weight that will support stickers and glued on clipart and ephemera.

Alternatively, you could also print the page onto sticker paper to make stickers from the clipart. Using sticker paper you don’t need to use glue.

Cut out the Clipart

Once you’ve printed out the page, cut out all the pieces. When cutting clipart with intricate shapes you can leave a small border around the edge to make it easier to cut.

Select a Journal

Before you design your journal layouts, you need to select a journal. You can use any type of blank page notebook or journal to get started with creative journaling. You can buy one or you can easily make your own.

For this tutorial I’m using a standard size travelers notebook insert with blank pages for my creative journal. I like this size because the page is large enough to make a creative layout, but small enough that it doesn’t take up too much time.

Design the Layout

Once the clipart is cut out you can now begin designing the layout in your journal.

There’s no right or wrong way to make your page layouts. This is your journal and you don’t have to show it to anyone if you don’t want to, so you get to do it your way.

When designing your pages, simply start playing around by layering and moving the pieces around until you’re happy with the way things look. Once you’re happy with the design, then you can start gluing the pieces in place.

Shop for Creative Journaling Printables