How to make an Easy Self-Care Journal for Beginners

Mar 13

Do you love creating your own journals? Or maybe you’re looking for easy journal ideas to help you get started? In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make a simple self-care journal using an easy layout and binding technique. This project is perfect for beginners and a lovely way to create a space for creativity and everyday reflection.

Is 2026 calling you to do some self-reflection? I am in that new year, new me mindset. So, when I saw the Journal Ephemera pad from the Hell You Collection, I instantly knew that I wanted to create a Self-Care Journal.

Step 1: This will be an XL Passport-sized journal, so I used the base page die from the Tri-Fold Slider Pocket Die. I cut three base pages using papers from the Backgrounds Volume 4 pack.

Step 2: Each page will have a simple page mat. I used a parchment paper from my stash to cut 10 page mats. Each mat is 5 1/4” x 3 1/2”

Step 3: I wanted to keep this journal simple and easy, so I chose a stamp and encouraging sentiment for each page. First, let’s stamp the page mats using the Flower Scribbles Stamp and Die Set. Then I selected some sentiments from the Journal Ephemera Pad and don’t forget to add some of the gorgeous die cuts from Lace All Over!

Step 4: With all our ephemera pieces cut, it is time to put our pages together. Mix and match the page mats and sentiments. Using the Lace All Over die cuts, I added some trim on the inside cover and a velum pocket on the inside back cover.

Step 5: For the front cover, I kept it simple. The Journal Ephemera Pad had the perfect sentiment for the front cover, and the Lace All Over die set has a die perfectly sized for the XL Passport page! I love how this turned out.

Step 6: Now that each base page has been decorated, we are ready to assemble our journal. I used a page binding tool from my stash to pierce holes in the spine of each page and used a needle and thread to secure these pages together.

Thank you for following along as I made a Self-Care Journal! Hopefully, you are feeling inspired to use the “Hello You!” collection to make a journal of your own! Have a great day! – Valerie