This post is all about personal diary decoration ideas.
Move over girlies. Personal diaries are no longer just for kids.
The adult version might look a little more like a self-discovery or gratitude journal, but it’s a personal diary nonetheless.
If you’re tired of staring at a dull, generic cover, this post is for you.
I’ve gathered some personal diary decoration ideas that will transform the look of your diary or journal into something uniquely you!
15 Creative Decorating Ideas for Your Diary
When something is “pretty,” I feel more motivated to use it. If you’re the same way, you’re going to love these diary decorations.
1. Journal Cover
I’m mentioning this first because many of the ideas below can be incorporated into your journal cover. There are endless ways to jazz up the front of your diary using printer paper, glue, scissors, fabric, needle and thread, ribbons, you name it.
I particularly love the combination of lace, pressed flowers, and scrapbooking stickers.
2. Marker Board
Did you know they make “peel and stick” dry-erase board material that can be cut to any size or shape?
If you’re not really into fabric or stickers, you should give these a go.
You literally just cut, peel, and stick to either your notebook cover or any internal page that you want to make “dry erase” style.
(This would be an amazing addition to a junk journal!)
3. Patches and Embellishments
Try embellishing your journal by sewing on buttons, ribbons, beads, or fabric.
If you are using a large notebook, you can even sew on patches to give your journal a more masculine or feminine look.
This would be a great way to create custom sections or dividers to help you quickly find the page you need.
4. Kaleidoscope Cover
Do you remember kaleidoscopes as a kid? I was mesmerized by all the colors, shapes, and movement.
Why not incorporate that fun design into your diary? It’s a simply way to decorate your diary with nothing more than paper.
Just cut out several squares (or a variety of shapes in varying sizes) of colored tissue or construction paper and arrange them into a design.
Glue usually works better than tape. Just be sure to apply the glue lightly so they don’t seep through the pages. Glue sticks may be best.
5. Fabric Overlay
If you really want to make your diary attractive, go for a fabric overlay.
You can attach fabric or paper to any cover using double-sided tape, a glue gun, Mod Podge, or even staples.
Check your store’s fabric scrap bin to get great discounts.
6. Zipper Design
If you want to decorate the first page of your personal diary with something special, try a zipper!
They are surprisingly easy to sew onto a page, and they can actually be functional.
7. Binder Clips
Why use a boring bookmark when you can kick things up a notch with a beautiful binder clip.
You’re no longer limited to the dull black ones we grew up with in school. They have color-coded clips, metallic sheen-style, even monogrammed clips!
Besides holding your place in your diary, binder clips are good for attaching pictures, index cards, or memos to your pages.
8. Altered Photo
I like the idea of incorporating altered or antiqued photos into any type of journal. If you fancy yourself a photographer, try snapping photos of your day-to-day life to preserve in your diary.
An especially whimsical idea I saw recently was a cover made from a collage of different selfies, sporting different facial expressions that express all the facets of you—perfect for a personal diary!
9. Magazine Pictures
You can use magazine pictures to decorate your journal cover by arranging them in any design.
Magazines are typically printed on super thin paper, so you may want to glue it to construction paper or even a trimmed piece of cardboard before adhering to your journal.
Beyond pictures, try cutting out affirmation words or powerful quotes that inspire you.
10. Sewing Machine
You can make your journal cover more creative by using a sewing machine to sew beads, buttons, ribbons, and other decorative materials.
One benefit of this type of diary decoration is that you can snip it off and rearrange it if you don’t like the placement.
11. Water-Soluble Paints
Water-soluble paints can be used to create all sorts of designs.
If your diary is more of an art journal, you can use watercolor markers, such as Copic graphic markers, instead of water-soluble paints. The colors are vibrant, and you can create precise designs with them.
12. Stencils
This is one of my favorite ways to decorate a diary on the inside. Using stencils gives your journal a professional look, even if you aren’t particularly crafty.
You can go for the typical stripes and polka dots, or let your creativity flow with florals and animal prints.
13. Glow-in-the-Dark Stickers
A new way to decorate your journal cover is by using glow-in-the-dark stickers so you can see the designs even at night.
If a burst of inspiration hits late at night or early morning and your partner is still asleep, this is a creative way to find your diary without turning the light on.
14. Magnets
Did you know they make magnets with adhesive backs? You can stick them practically anywhere!
Magnets are a fun way to give your diary a more secretive, “locked” feel.
To make a magnetic closure for your journal, you simply peel and stick, lining up the two magnets on opposite pages.
15. Seed Packets
If you love gardening, this one is for you! Try transforming your diary cover into a collage of seed packets!
Many seed packets are delightfully colorful, so they’re naturally pleasing to the eye.
How Do You Decorate Your Diary or Journal?
Bear in mind as you pick your diary decorations that you’re not limited to just one. Mix and match all sorts of materials and concepts for a fun, eclectic look. Make it you!
Do you have any cute diary decoration ideas to share? I’d love to hear them!
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