How to Make Epic Nature Journals

 Have you ever attempted to make a DIY Nature Journal? If so, do you always end up using the stapler to hold the pages together? What if I told you, you can turn those “blah” journals into pieces of art with an added “Wow” factor? 

So what is a Nature Journal anyway? A Nature Journal is a tool to write, draw, and and document experiences and observations from nature. Nature Journals provide, children and adults alike, a vehicle to connect with Nature in different ways. Nature Journals can be beautiful works of art both inside and out. 

There are so many benefits to nature journaling. Here are a few.

Nature Journals…

• create a love of nature.
• offer a place to document things children might see in nature.
• spark imagination and creativity.
• promote connections within nature. 
• boost academic success.
• offer a “pause” which can be healing and soothing. 

STEP 1: Gather Materials

• Card-stock, heavy water-color paper or thin cardboard
• Paper
• Rubber band
• Stick ( this approximate size of your journal) 
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Ruler & pencil

STEP 2: Punch holes for “hinges.” 

• Make sure everything is aligned and punch 2 holes for hinges.
• Tip: Make sure you don’t punch too far in or too far to the edge as you want to be able to open the journal easily. 

STEP: 3: Get Ready! 

• Cut card-stock, watercolor paper or thin cardboard and paper to the size you want the journal to be.
• Stack all the pages with the card-stock/watercolor paper or thin cardboard on the outside.  

STEP 3: Put it all Together

• Take the rubber band and loop it over the stick and then through the first hole.
• Stretch the rubber band along the back and through the other hole, looping it on the other end of the stick. (see pictures) 

Journals can be all shapes and sizes. There are no set rules on how to use your Nature Journal. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Journal Ideas:

• Create a Map
• Incorporate tree and leaf rubbings
• Press and glue flowers
•  Add photographs.
• Take notes from nature observations
• Draw
• Answer prompt questions
• Make a field guide
• Add names of plants and animals and try to memorize

Ultimately, Nature Journals have the ability to inspire a love for Nature while sparking imaginations and nurturing academic success. 

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