How to Make a Nature Journal
Just like Miss Prim, discover the wild wonders around you! Use a journal to draw, write, and capture the beauty of nature. I have one child who especially loves having a nature journal close at hand and will periodically run in from the yard to record what he’s seen.
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Option 1: DIY Nature Journal Using a Notebook
Supplies:
A blank notebook (lined, unlined, or a sketchbook)
Colored pencils, pens, or watercolors
Glue, tape, paperclips
Small envelopes (for collecting tiny nature finds)
Steps:
Decorate the cover with stickers, pressed flowers, or drawings of nature
If you’d like, create sections with tabs or sticky notes (e.g., "Birds," "Flowers," "Weather").
If trying to go more in-depth with kids, add an observation guide in the front with prompts like:
What do I hear?
What do I see?
What do I smell?
Include pockets or envelopes inside for collecting leaves or petals
Option 2: Folded Paper & String Journal
Supplies:
5-10 sheets of blank or watercolor paper
Hole punch
Twine, ribbon, or yarn
Steps:
Stack the pages and fold them in half.
Punch two or three holes along the fold.
Thread twine or ribbon through the holes and tie a knot to bind them.
Decorate the cover with a print or a nature quote.
Optioin 3: Mini Pocket Nature Journal
Supplies:
Index cards or small squares of cardstock
Hole punch
Keyring or binder clip
Steps:
Punch a hole in the corner of each card.
Clip them together with a keyring or binder clip.
Use each card for a quick sketch or note about something seen outdoors.
What Goes inside?
Consider including some of the following:
A running list of birds spotted
Memories made together outdoors
Your garden plan with lists of local plants you want to try
An occasional photo of time outside together or an interesting nature find
A week of observations (like Miss Prim!)
Quotes or verses about nature
A place to press flowers or leaves
