There’s something incredibly special about giving old, forgotten items a brand new life. Over the last little while, I’ve fallen in love with creating handmade journals using thrifted finds, vintage books, reclaimed papers, and unique ephemera collected over time. Each journal has its own personality, history, and charm — no two are ever exactly alike.
Flip through of the Mister Dog Journal
Some of the journals I’ve created started with vintage book covers, while others include thrifted fabrics, aged papers, maps, music sheets, envelopes, ledger pages, and little treasures that may have otherwise been discarded. I love the idea of turning these pieces into something beautiful, functional, and meaningful again.
I’ll be sharing photos throughout this post along with links to flip-through videos so you can see all the little details and interactive elements inside each journal.
Flip through of my Scotland journal (before)
One of my favourite projects so far has been creating a custom travel journal to document a trip to Scotland. I incorporated vintage-style papers, pockets for memorabilia, journaling spots, layered textures, and interactive pages designed specifically for preserving memories from the trip. It will become more than just a journal — it will turn into a keepsake filled with stories, tickets, photos, notes, and special moments.
That’s one of the things I love most about handmade journals: they can become whatever you need them to be.
Flip through of The Tale of Peter Rabbit journal
Ways You Can Use a Handmade Journal
These journals are incredibly versatile and personal. Here are just a few ways people use them:
- Travel journals and memory keeping
- Junk journals for creative expression
- Art journals and mixed media projects
- Scrapbooks for special occasions
- Daily journaling or gratitude journals
- Recipe collections
- Wedding or baby keepsake books
- Book journals or reading trackers
- Nature journals
- Faith journals or devotional notebooks
- Creative writing notebooks
- Heritage or family history albums
Some people love them because they enjoy the tactile experience of working with beautiful papers and vintage textures. Others enjoy slowing down and creating something meaningful away from screens and technology. They also make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts that can be customized for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, retirements, or special trips.
Pear Themed Altered Book Flip Through
Custom Journals Now Available
I’m also excited to share that I am now open to taking custom journal orders!
If you’ve been dreaming of a journal designed around a specific theme, colour palette, trip, memory, occasion, or style, I would love to create something unique just for you. Whether you prefer vintage and shabby chic, botanical and nature-inspired, travel-themed, minimalist, or heavily embellished styles, each journal can be personalized to suit your vision.
Custom journals can include:
- Specific themes or colour schemes
- Personalized names or wording
- Extra writing space or interactive elements
- Pockets and tuck spots
- Space for photos and memorabilia – maybe you’ve got personal photos or keepsakes you’d like included – I can do that!
- Specialty papers and embellishments
- Vintage or modern aesthetics
Because many of the materials I use are thrifted, vintage, or one-of-a-kind finds, every journal becomes a truly unique piece.
If you’re interested in a custom journal, feel free to reach out to me and we can chat about ideas and possibilities. I’d love to help create something meaningful that tells your story or preserves your memories in a creative way.
And if any of the journals that I shared in this post speak to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to see if they are still available! You can also find many more examples of some of the journals I’ve made on Instagram.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to share my passion for creating these one-of-a-kind journals.
Until next time,
Sherry
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