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.

WATCH VIDEO

CLICK HERE to watch a little video with our ideas!

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:

1. Decorate the cover with stickers, pressed flowers, or drawings of nature

2. If you’d like, create sections with tabs or sticky notes (e.g., "Birds," "Flowers," "Weather").

3. 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?

4. 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:

1. Stack the pages and fold them in half.

2. Punch two or three holes along the fold.

3. Thread twine or ribbon through the holes and tie a knot to bind them.

4. 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:

1. Punch a hole in the corner of each card.

2. Clip them together with a keyring or binder clip.

3. Use each card for a quick sketch or note about something seen outdoors.

What Goes inside?

Consider including some of the following:

1. A running list of birds spotted

2. Memories made together outdoors

3. Your garden plan with lists of local plants you want to try

4. An occasional photo of time outside together or an interesting nature find

5. A week of observations (like Miss Prim!)

6. Quotes or verses about nature

7. A place to press flowers or leaves

Grab your copy to follow Miss Prim’s wild journey!

Art Demo, Amazing Grace

(Click on the video above for a snapshot of this week’s art project!)

I’m struck by the beauty of time and how we can give to each other through God-given gifts like words and songs. I picture John Newton 300 years ago, sitting by candlelight, writing the words to Amazing Grace, and then how those words traveled over seas and land to touch so many. This week it was heard by our little class on women hundreds of miles and years away. Creating is such a gift. 

Perhaps you might like to take a few minutes and create something similar this week.