Capsule Journals: One idea, from beginning to end

I have a deep love for tiny, handmade journals. They're on my mind A LOT, and I'm always tinkering with new variations.

Tiny journals exercise all of my favourite creative energies – making, folding, cutting, sewing, painting (occasionally), and, of course, journaling.

And they're super easy to make! The binding requires only three stitches – and one lovely bow in the middle.

In just minutes, you’ll have in your hands a tiny journal you've made yourself. As a sweet bonus, it's immediately ready for action. You can grab the nearest pen and dig right in – capture a memory, figure out the next step, or notice something new.

Here are three of my recent experiments in tiny journaling:

They're digitally hand-drawn and lettered, then printed, cut, and bound with embroidery floss.
 
I'm also trying out a new name for them: capsule journals.
 
Because they're meant to be assembled and journaled in one sitting. One idea, from beginning to end. Each self-contained booklet becomes its own rewarding form of making, self-expression, and discovery. A playful approach to serious work.
 
The journals in the current set measure 3.5 inches high by 2.5 inches wide and contain 11 pages of prompts. Best of all? Each journal is made from a single sheet of letter-sized (or A4) paper printed front and back!

 

Good Things Mini Journal

Made from a single sheet of letter-sized paper filled with my favourite good things prompts — printed front and back, cut to size, and folded into 2.5”x2.5” pages.

Colourful cover of my Good Things Mini Journal
 

Welcome to my studio!

It’s early days in this space, but I have high hopes for what it will become.

Here, you’ll find:

  • Ideas in progress, which may someday become journal pages

  • Projects other than journal pages — handmade journals, experiments in hand lettering, and other crafty adventures

  • Studio hours! Every Tuesday at 1:00 pm ET

I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions along the way. You can comment on ongoing projects or stop by for a virtual studio hour on Tuesdays, where we’ll chat about the things we’re working on and journal for a short while. I’ll bring the prompts!

xoxo,

Christie

P.S. If you’d like to learn why I think everyone should have a studio, you’ll find my thoughts — and some background on this space — in my newsletter.

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