Capsule journals are my love letter to a joyful, fulfilling journal practice.
They combine the benefits of journaling — seeing and understanding who we are, recognizing what’s important to us, and taking action that makes a difference — with playful moments of papercraft and creative making.
These tiny, handmade treats keep me coming back to journaling, even when I feel like I have nothing new to say, when I’ve been away for a time, and especially when I need a little inspiration and encouragement in the middle of a busy life.
Here are three delightful reasons to give capsule journaling a try:
1. Capsule journals are tiny — in both size and time commitment.
These journals measure 2.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall and use only one sheet of paper printed front and back! They can be made — and journaled — in just minutes.
This is why their name feels perfect to me. Capsule journals explore one idea from beginning to end in the tiniest of packages. And, as you cut, sew, and write, each one becomes its own rewarding, handmade object of self-expression and discovery.
2. Capsule journals put your creative and reflective energies to good use.
When you’re craving a few moments of creative rejuvenation, crafting a capsule journal gives you something to focus on: a tiny book you’ve made with your own two hands and a collection of lighthearted journal prompts to tickle your imagination and inspire your next steps forward.
And, since they’re printables, you can make new capsule journals to write about your days and explore your bright ideas again and again.
3. Each capsule journal becomes part of a growing library of your life story.
As it grows, your collection of tiny volumes tells the story of your days, your experiences, your memories, and the meaningful steps you’re taking toward the things that matter most to you.
If you’d like to try one for yourself, the printable template for my 12 Little Things About Your Day capsule journal and step-by-step instructions for putting it together are below! You’ll also find an ever-growing collection of quick and colourful capsule journals in my shop.
12 Little Things About Your Day
This cheerful little journal is all about noticing the tiny details of your day. It ends with an invitation to choose one idea or insight you’ll take with you into the days to come.
Step 1 - Download your capsule journal template
I’ve created two different files depending on which size paper you’re using:
Step 2 - Printing
Print just the first page of the template. Then, turn your printed page over, put it back into your printer’s paper drawer or feeder, and print page 2 on the other side.
The images below show the front and back of the single-page template.
Step 3 - Gather your other supplies
You’ll need:
scissors (or a paper trimmer)
something pointy for poking holes (I use my little red sewing awl)
a sewing needle
a 10-12 inch length of thread (I use embroidery floss)
a pen, pencil, marker, or colourful pencil for journaling!
Step 4 - Check to make sure your pages are aligned
After you’ve printed your template, you’ll notice a blue dot in the upper right-hand corner on the cover side. When you turn your page over, there should also be a blue dot in the upper left corner. If you hold them up to the light, they should be back to back so you know your pages are correctly positioned.
Step 5 - Cut out your pages
Using the edge of the cover page and the grey boxes around the remaining pages as guidelines, cut out all four page sections. I like to cut just inside the edges of the cover page and grey outlines.
Step 6 - Fold and place your pages
Fold your page sections in half so the front cover and pages 1, 3, and 5 are on the top half of the fold (as shown below). Then, place the pages inside the cover.
Step 7 - Make three holes for sewing
Use your awl to make three holes in the middle fold of your stacked pages. I start by estimating the centre of the fold and poking the hole there first, then adding one hole below and one above.
Step 8 - Bind your journal
To sew the binding:
Holding the journal open in front of you, pass your needle and thread through the front middle hole, leaving a tail you’ll use later to tie a small knot and bow. (Image below, top left).
From the back of the journal, pass the needle through the bottom hole to the front of the journal. (Image below, top right).
Pass the needle through the top hole to the back of the journal. Ensure your tail is to one side of the long stitch you’ve just made (Image below, bottom left).
From the back, pass your needle back through the middle hole, this time coming through the front on the side of your long stitch opposite to the tail (image below, bottom right).
Step 9 - Complete your binding with a bow
Separate your needle from the thread and tie a knot in your thread on top of the long stitch in your journal’s binding. Tie a lovely little bow and snip the ends of the thread. As an extra step to keep the bow from loosening, you can add a tiny dab of glue to the knot.
Your journal is now completely assembled and ready for journaling! I hope you fill it with oodles of observations, reflections, and memorable moments from your days.
Happy journal-making!
P.S. If you’d like to make more capsule journals, visit my hand lettered shop for more tiny templates!