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Learn how to make a cute and easy DIY One Line a Day Journal with this fun tutorial ... keep this homemade journal for yourself or give it as a gift!
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I've always enjoyed journaling, but I have the tendency to go strong for a few weeks or months and then stop.
Which is exactly why I love the concept of a Line a Day Journal ... that I can keep up!
I had so much fun putting together this DIY One Line a Day Journal, and you will, too! It's simple to make, and the creative possibilities are endless!
DIY One Line a Day Journal
If you've ever wondered how to make a homemade journal easily, then this project is for you!
This DIY Line a Day Journal is made from basic supplies - index cards and tape - but the end result is amazing!
Have you ever used washi tape? It's one of my favorite craft supplies, and it's pretty much the star of this project!
Washi tape is endlessly versatile; you can use it to decorate anything from cards and envelopes to bangles. And unlike regular tape, it applies and removes easily. If you make a mistake, just pull if off and start over.
Plus, washi tape comes in a ton of cute colors and patterns.
With the holidays just around the corner, this DIY journal makes a great gift ... although you may have a hard time giving it away!
And if you're looking for a fun party ideas for your girlfriends, why not gather everyone together to make their own homemade line a day journals? Sounds like fun to me!
***Although pictures don't show it, I've updated the free printable files for the current year (2018 to 2020)... get them at the end of the post.***
How to Make a DIY Journal
Want to make your own homemade diary? Here's what you'll need:
- 4 x 6-inch plain white index cards (no lines)
- colored card stock
- printer
- scissors
- corner rounder
- Scotch Expressions Washi Tape and/or Masking Tape (choose an assortment of patterns and colors)
- Double Sided Tape
- Decorative punches, stickers, twine, stamps, gel pens, etc.
- A container to hold the calendar together
Starting by printing the days of the month file on the index cards.
I've created a free printable file for you to use (scroll to the end of the post for the updated 2018 to 2020 file), or have fun and create your own layout.
I used Word to set up mine. There is space on each index card for three years worth of entries!
Creating the Month Dividers
Next, print out the month tabs on colored card stock (there's a template at the end of the post).
Cut out the tabs, then use a corner rounder on the edges, if desired.
Adhere the tabs to the index cards using double sided tape. I staggered the tabs to make them more readable.
Decorating the Dividers
Now for the fun part ... decorating the month dividers! I'm sharing a few easy ideas but have fun coming up with your own, too.
When working with washi tape, don't worry about cutting it to the perfect length. Extend it past the edges of your card, then turn the card over and trim off the excess washi tape with a scissors.
For this card, I simply laid strips of washi tape over the card at an angle.
Another fun thing you can do with washi tape is cut out shapes.
Adhere slightly overlapping strips of washi tape to a piece of wax paper.
Cut out the desired shape, then peel off the wax paper and apply the washi tape shape to the desired surface.
My next idea is one of my favorites!
I placed a strip of black and white stripe washi tape at an angle across the card.
Then, I used a heart punch to create a bunch of mini hearts. Finally, I ran the hearts through a sticker maker (double sided tape would also work) and adhered them to the card. Cute, right?
A mini bunting is another creative thing to make with washi tape.
Cute a length of twine, then fold the washi tape around the twine with the sticky sides of the tape touching.
Trim the ends and add a message if you'd like!
The card below took minutes to make!
I simply used some colored dots I found in the office aisle to create a polka dot pattern.
Did you know that Scotch Brand also makes chalkboard tape? It is so cool!
From masking tape to spray adhesives and everything in between, there really is a Scotch Brand product for every project!
For this card, I simply adhered the chalkboard tape to the card, then outlined it with Decorative Masking Tape.
Finally, I used a chalkboard marker to add a message.
After you've finished decorating the month dividers, placed all the cards in a decorative container.
I used a cardboard jewelry box for mine, but feel free to get creative.
A recipe box, basket, wood crate, or anything else that fits the cards will work.
To make the gift complete, I added some cute pens and more Scotch Expressions Washi Tape.
That way the gift recipient can accent their journal entries with the beautiful tapes, too!
Printable One Line a Day Journal
Here are the printable files for the month tabs and the days of the month. Click anywhere on the images below (except the "Pin Me!" button) to access the DIY One Line a Day Journal files.
Tip: For best printing results, when your printer dialog box opens, make sure that the box under “Paper Size & Handling” is marked “Actual Size” (not “shrink oversized pages” or “fit to page”). That way your printer won’t shrink the image size.
What is your favorite way to use washi tape?