Why a DIY Journal Sometimes Works Better for Memory Keeping

Premade journals often serve me well, but there are times when they don’t offer the flexibility or customization I want. That’s why I sometimes turn to DIY journals, which let me design every detail for a perfect fit.

Sometimes I have a clear vision for a project, but the right journal just doesn’t seem to exist. Last year, for instance, I wanted to document a summer trip with tickets, postcards, photos of different sizes, and handwritten notes. None of the journals I found offered enough pockets or space for foldouts, so I put one together myself, using patterned paper for pockets, wider pages, and a binding that allowed me to add or move sections as needed. In these moments, making a journal becomes less about crafting for its own sake and more about shaping a container that supports the story I want to tell.

That flexibility can be extremely meaningful.

It reminds me of something I often return to: the container is there to serve the creative project, not the other way around.

Sometimes I use tools like a Cricut or a Cinch, which make cutting and binding repeatable pieces much easier. For example, I designed a template in Cricut Design Space that I can reuse for different journals. It includes elements I can mix and match — page inserts, flip-outs, flip-ups, journaling spots, envelopes, pockets, and more. The Cinch then binds everything into a finished book.

But you don’t need special machines—patterned paper, scissors, a hole punch, ribbon, or binder rings can work just as well. The goal is always the same: to create a journal that supports your unique creative process.

Experimenting with a handmade journal is less about perfection and more about discovering what supports your ideas and creative process. There is room to play, to make mistakes, and to let your journal reflect your own story.

In my latest video, I share the process of making a creative journal from scratch and reflect on why I sometimes choose a DIY format instead of a premade one. 

Do you make your own journals?