Trying out some new envelope shapes today. Not a right angle in sight. Next up, some irregularly shaped mini journals to tuck inside.
Handmade mini guided journals and envelopes
This little collection is both very much like and not at all like my other journals.
In the very much department, the each of the ten envelopes pictured above contains a mini guided journal, lightning round, or single journal prompt featuring prompts very much like the ones you’ll find in my printable journal pages.
In the not at all department, and in a departure from my usual digital format, each tiny* journal and envelope is carefully and thoughtfully handmade. I’ve loved sourcing a variety of papers for the journal covers and envelopes and I’ve hand sewn the binding in each journal.
(*They are truly tiny. The journals measure 1.75”x2.25” and the largest envelopes are 2.5”x2”. It gets smaller from there.)
I’ll grant you, these journals are a little unusual. Maybe more than a little. But to me they feel joyful. They hint at the delight to be found in journaling purely for the unexpected discoveries. Who knows what you’ll find in each tiny envelope? Even better, who knows what you’ll learn about yourself with each prompt and where it might lead you?
If you’d like to take a closer look, I’ve posted more images and information over on my new handmade page.
My collection of tiny handmade envelopes is growing . . .
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?
Journals in progress
I’m up to five mini guided journals, each with five different prompts on five themes. There are still a few details to be worked on and sorted out on the inside pages. The text spacing’s not quite right and the prompts need a bit of tweaking, but I love the size (1.75”x2.25”) and the colourful covers and stitching. After that, I’ll just have to figure out what to do with them.
What kinds of details are you working on and sorting out today?
Mini guided journals
I made a teeny, tiny guided journal to tuck into one of my new envelopes. It’s a combination of all of my favourite things — journal prompts, a bit of colourful paper, and a fairly decent excuse to break out the embroidery thread and hand stitch the binding. I’ve created several mini prototypes to test out — each with a different mini theme. I love the capacity for a side project to illuminate new pathways and new ideas.
What sorts of projects are you working on right now?
More envelopes
New project in the works — starting with tiny envelopes.
What are you up to 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”?
10 minutes to recognize the good stuff
One of my first 10 Minute journal pages and still one of my favourites.
What things, people, and places are you adoring today?
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?