All Activities
Soul Writing and Scrapbooking Journal

Soul Writing and Scrapbooking Journal
Green highlight

Create a personal "soul writing" and scrapbooking journal by decorating pages, writing feelings, adding photos, and assembling keepsakes creatively and safely.

Orange shooting star
Download Guide
Collect Badge
Background blob
Challenge Image
Skill Badge
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to create a Soul Writing and Scrapbooking Journal

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

From Tiny Paper Scraps to Tiny Journals: How to Make Handmade Books With Scraps

What you need
Adult supervision required, blank notebook or stack of blank pages, child-safe scissors, coloring materials (markers crayons pencils), glue stick, pen or fine tip marker, printed photos or photocopies, small envelope, small flat keepsakes (ticket stubs leaves small drawings), stickers or decorative tape

Step 1

Gather all your materials and place them on a clear table so everything is easy to reach.

Step 2

Pick a notebook or a stack of pages and lay it flat to make your journal.

Step 3

Decorate the cover with drawings stickers or tape to show your personality.

Step 4

Write your name on the inside cover so everyone knows this journal is yours.

Step 5

Write today’s date at the top of the first page to mark when you began.

Step 6

Write a short soul writing paragraph about how you feel right now for about five minutes.

Step 7

Pick one word that best describes your feelings right now and write it in big letters.

Step 8

Choose a photo or a flat keepsake that matches that feeling.

Step 9

Attach the photo or keepsake to the page using glue or tape.

Step 10

Write a one sentence caption that explains why this photo or keepsake matters to you.

Step 11

Glue a small envelope to the page to make a pocket for extra keepsakes.

Step 12

Decorate the page with stickers or drawings around the photo and pocket to make it bright and fun.

Step 13

Write one short promise or hope to your future self at the bottom of the page.

Step 14

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder
Challenge badge

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have glue, photos, or stickers?

If you don't have glue, photos, or stickers, use clear tape or a glue stick to attach magazine cutouts or printed phone pictures for the "Attach the photo or keepsake" step, and decorate the cover with colored paper or fabric scraps instead of stickers.

My photo or envelope won't stick well—what should I do?

If your photo or the small envelope won't stick when you "Attach the photo or keepsake" or "Glue a small envelope to the page," press glue around all edges, reinforce corners with clear tape, and weigh the page under a heavy book until it dries to keep everything flat.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages?

For preschoolers, replace the five-minute "soul writing paragraph" with a two-minute drawing and have an adult write the name/date/caption, while older kids can write for ten minutes, choose more meaningful keepsakes, and try layered scrapbooking techniques when decorating the cover and page.

How can we make the journal more special or keep it growing over time?

To enhance the journal, add numbered pages, attach extra pockets or the glued envelope for future keepsakes, include a sealed "future self" note under the one-sentence promise, and personalize the cover with photo collages, washi tape, or sequins to create an evolving memory book.

Watch videos on how to create a Soul Writing and Scrapbooking Journal

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN Journal EASY start to finish scrapbook papers junk mixed media

4 Videos

Facts about journaling and scrapbooking for kids

✍️ Spending 10–20 minutes writing about your feelings can help you feel calmer and think more clearly — journaling is a powerful emotional tool.

📖 Famous personal writings like Anne Frank's diary and Marcus Aurelius's Meditations started as private reflections that later became important books.

🌸 In the Victorian era, scrapbooks often included pressed flowers, calling cards, and handwritten notes — they were little memory museums.

📔 People have kept private journals and "commonplace books" since the 15th century — they're the ancestors of modern scrapbooks and diaries.

📸 To keep photos and keepsakes safe for years, use acid-free paper, photo corners, and archival tape instead of ordinary glue.

How do I make a soul writing and scrapbooking journal with my child?

Start with a blank journal or binder and plan a few themed pages (feelings, favorite memories, photos). Let your child decorate each page with paper, stickers, washi tape, and drawings. Add writing prompts like “Today I feel…” to encourage reflection. Use photo corners or glue to attach pictures and tuck keepsakes into pockets. Finish by labeling the cover and storing the journal in a safe, private place for revisiting.

What materials do I need for a soul writing and scrapbooking journal?

Gather a blank notebook or scrapbook, colored pens and markers, safety scissors, glue sticks and photo corners, patterned paper, washi tape, stickers, and envelopes or pockets for keepsakes. Bring printed photos, ribbons, and recyclable ephemera (ticket stubs, notes). Consider laminating sheets for fragile items and adhesive dots for heavier pieces. Choose child-safe, non-toxic supplies and a small tray to keep tiny items tidy and supervised.

What ages is a soul writing and scrapbooking journal suitable for?

This activity fits a wide age range. Preschoolers (3–5) enjoy stickers and simple drawings with adult help. Early elementary kids (5–8) can write short feelings sentences and arrange photos. Older children (9–12) benefit from reflective writing, photo layouts, and more intricate decorating. Teens can use it for deeper journaling and mixed-media art. Always match tools and supervision to the child’s fine motor skills and maturity level.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making a soul writing and scrapbooking journal?

Journaling and scrapbooking support emotional expression, vocabulary, fine motor skills, and memory keeping. It builds self-awareness and creativity while creating a treasured keepsake. Safety tips: supervise scissors and small items, use non-toxic adhesives, avoid choking hazards, and get consent before adding others’ photos. Teach children to keep private pages secure and respect personal boundaries when sharing entries.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Discovery Tools

DIY Wiki

DIY TV

Creativity Tools

How to draw

Teacher Tools

SafeTube

DIY Blog

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.