Journal Tips

A few helpful tips to make your journal journey smoother, more creative, and more fun for everyone involved!

Set Up Your Journal Before Sending
• Include your name somewhere inside/on the journal
• Add an “About Me” spread so your group can get to know you
• Include an “If Lost, Please Contact” information section somewhere in the front or back of the journal
• A guest sign-in page so everyone who contributes can leave their name, location, dates, or little notes throughout the journey
• Measure your journal pages before shipping your journal out — it’s super helpful later when group members ask about page sizes for prepping spreads ahead of time

Planning Ahead
• Think ahead between shipping rounds! Brainstorm spread ideas, prep layouts early, print photos, gather stickers, or work on pieces ahead of time so you’re not rushing during shipping week
• Many members like to keep a small folder or pouch of “ready-to-go” supplies specifically for their journal groups
• Mark your calendars with the bi-weekly shipping deadlines so packages stay moving smoothly for everyone

Building Durable Spreads
• Journals travel a LOT, so durability matters
• Consider gluing or combining two pages together to create a sturdier base for heavier spreads
• Be mindful of overly bulky pages that may strain the journal binding over time
• Allow glue, paint, and taped elements time to fully dry before packaging

Shipping Tips
• Reuse packaging when possible — many members recycle bubble mailers and boxes throughout the round
• Always double check the address before shipping
• Sending tracking information in the group chat helps everyone follow the journal’s journey
• If you anticipate a delay, communicate early — life happens, and communication helps everything run smoothly

Community Guidelines
To keep the journals welcoming and comfortable for everyone:
• Please avoid religion and politics in your spreads
• Be respectful of different styles, themes, and creative abilities
• Encourage creativity over perfection — messy, heartfelt, silly, artistic, scrapbook-y… it all belongs here
Most Important Tip
Have fun with it ❤️

These journals become little time capsules filled with creativity, memories, inside jokes, art, favorite books, recipes, stickers, handwriting, and moments from people all over. Don’t stress about making “perfect” pages — your contribution is what makes the project special!