Envelope Journal

I’ve been feeling the itch to make something new. Something fun and journal-related. Something with pretty paper.

When I pulled out my paper stash, my mini envelope templates were right on top. It got me to thinking . . . How about a journal made of envelopes?

I chose several sheets of pretty paper and my 2.5”x2” envelope template and started tracing.

And cutting.

And folding.

And sewing.

I figured out the binding pattern as I went along, which explains the big stitch right at the top. If anyone asks, I totally meant for that to be there. It’s decorative.

Here’s the finished binding:

And the finished journal, from a bunch of different perspectives:

There are ten envelopes in total. I just need to decide how to fill each one. Any ideas?

Cloud journal

This week, I’m working on a new set of prompts and a tutorial for my mini accordion journals and envelopes. In the meantime, I thought I’d share this little cloud journal I put together with a few scraps from my paper stash. At first, I thought it might be a fun weather journal, but now I think I’ll fill it with my most unconventional ideas. (The list continues to grow!)

What are you up to today?

P.S. If you’d like to make your own mini cloud journal, I’ve posted a quick tutorial and free printable template to help you get started.

Mini guided journal in my journal

I added one of my mini guided journals — in its tiny envelope — to my journal. Then I cut out some scribbles, so I could write a little story about its beginnings.

I almost always find it easier to journal when I give myself a limited or unusual space to write. Today was no exception. Added bonus: it was fun!

What are you journaling about today?

And then some

“Let me be who I am, and then some,” wrote Mary Oliver in her essay Building the House. (From Upstream, 2016, p. 164.)

Imagine that. Going all in on who you are. Even the parts you might sometimes hold back or worry are just a little too much for public consumption.

My “and then some” might be more experiments with uncertain outcomes, more eye contact, more idealistic enthusiasm (or would it be enthusiastic idealism? I’m not sure.)

What is your “and then some”?

Making today better

I almost didn’t post this one. While the notion that each of us plays a significant role in the quality of our own days usually energizes me, today it feels like a lot of pressure. I think I’m feeling a bit of proactivity fatigue, if there is such a thing.

After some thought and a walk with our pup out in the sunshine, I decided to accept the fatigue rather than fight it and, to my surprise, felt better almost immediately.

So here’s my thought on this prompt: One thing I can do to make today better is to be open to the day as it unfolds — without rushing it or forcing it, and with the knowledge that it isn’t over yet. Its proportions haven’t been fully determined. There’s still room for joy or adventure and I’m open to the possibilities.

How about you and your day?

What are you making today?

A little page to celebrate making in all its forms.

What are you making today?

Journal prompt - your day and your natural disposition

At first, this one felt quick and easy. Reading, writing, and making, in some form or another, are almost always included in my daily routine and they feel as natural to me as breathing. Done. On to the next thing.

Except . . . the more I thought about this prompt, the more I found myself considering the daily tasks that do not suit my natural disposition. (Some days it’s a pretty long list.) But there’s a sense of possibility, I think, hidden in this prompt. Perhaps paying close attention to the things that make the most of our strengths and interests might also offer hints about new ways to approach or connect with the things that don’t. I do love it when a journal prompt takes an unexpected turn!

How about you? Which parts of your day suit your natural disposition?

Journal prompt - important moments

Even on the most routine days, there are important moments. This prompt makes me think about those unscheduled, unplanned moments that we notice all at once, while they’re happening, or hours later, when we have the chance to take a breath and think back on the day.

Reflecting on the events of my day, one moment that feels important was opening up to a friend and colleague about a difficulty I’ve encountered and requesting a short postponement to some work we’re doing together. I worried I was letting her down, but her understanding and support turned my day around and I can’t wait to take the next steps together.

Which of your moments today felt important?

The soul knows

From my recent margin notes and into my journal — the soul knows. A haunting thought or a hopeful one? A bit of both, I think.

I considered making a prompt of it, perhaps “one thing your soul knows”, but it feels like it requires further explanation. Back to the drawing board for now.

In my journal today . . .

I’m finally finding my rhythm in a project that feels overwhelming in scope and difficulty. I was reminded today, after a few false starts and more than a few postponements, that doing the hard work feels so much better than avoiding it — so much so that I’m adding that thought to my journal.

What are you working on today?