IN THIS POST: You’re going to love these 30 printable journal jar prompts to get you started on your journaling adventure! You can even turn this into a gift!
Need more journal prompts? I’ve collected more than 1000 journal writing prompts right here.
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Journaling is a fabulous way to work through your thoughts and feelings… even the ones you didn’t realize you had! 😉
Whether you’re taking part in a 500 Words challenge or simply trying to make sense of the thoughts swirling in your brain, journaling can literally be a lifesaver. Let’s be honest, sometimes adulting can be a little overwhelming.
And while you could simply print out the list of prompts on a piece of copy paper and check off the ones you use, I discovered recently that a journal jar can be so much fun! (And simple… even if you’re like me and not at ALL crafty.)
There’s just ‘something’ about the anticipation of choosing a fresh journal jar prompt every day and never knowing what it’s going to be until you open it.
Here’s how to make your own journal jar with a set of prompts that look so cute, you’ll want to fill your jar with all the writing prompts you can find. And I recommend you do that!
Related: 15 Must-Have Creative Writing Gift Ideas
Making Your Journal Jar
Simple, simple, simple… Believe me, I wouldn’t do anything like this if it weren’t super-easy! Seriously, it takes about 10 minutes unless you get caught up in the endless selection of pretty papers you can use. Just choose one quickly… you can always do a different one another time.
This is how I made my journal jar. And please accept my apologies for the horrendous photos. I tried to fix them and they’re still bad… but at least they give you an overview of the process.
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1. Use a quart-size wide mouth mason jar.
2. Find a free scrapbook paper pattern. There are several here: https://scrapbooking.lovetoknow.com/Free_Scrapbook_Paper_to_Print
An even easier option… use a pre-printed paper like these Paperhues prints in 8.5″x11″ size.
3. Print the paper. Set the PDF to 100%, use good paper (like this Epson matte presentation paper), and choose a higher-quality print setting. Here’s a video that may help:
4. Download the 30 Journal Jar Prompts printable (sign up in the box below to have a copy emailed to you).
5. Print the Prompts on the back side of the scrapbook paper. (On my Epson WorkForce, that means I put the paper back in the tray with the already-printed side UP.)
6. Let the ink dry and cut the Prompts apart. Fold each one in half, and then in half again to make sure you can’t cheat and read it. 😉 Plus they look better in the jar when only the scrapbook pattern shows.
7. Throw the prompts in the jar, shake it up, and you’re done!
8. To turn this into a gift, add a canning jar lid and a pretty tag. Best when given with a simple journal notebook and a nice pen.
The Journal Jar Prompts
Sign up below to have the printable emailed to you >>
- What is your favorite childhood memory?
- What is your worst childhood memory?
- What do you love most about your life today?
- What ONE thing would you change about your life?
- What do you envision for your life 10 years from now?
- How does your life compare to what you imagined it would be?
- What ONE goal do you want to accomplish this year? How will you do it?
- Write down five things you are thankful for RIGHT NOW.
- What is ONE thing you want your children to remember as they grow?
- What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
- Close your eyes and write what you hear.
- What are three things you can’t live without?
- Describe the place where you are happiest.
- What are your core values? Do you live them daily? Why or why not?
- What is your favorite time of the day? Why?
- What is your dream job?
- What book or movie character would you most like to be? Why?
- What are you afraid of? Why?
- How would you spend a day with no electricity or technology?
- What is the best advice you ever received?
- What is the worst advice you ever received?
- What has been your biggest challenge this year? What have you done to overcome it?
- How do you make a positive impact on others?
- What is your favorite quote? Why does it have special meaning?
- Describe your perfect vacation.
- Name three everyday tasks you would prefer to never do again. What would happen if you didn’t do them?
- Name two things you wish you could do every day. Why don’t you?
- What positive changes have you made this year and how have they affected you?
- How do you think others see you? Are they correct?
- Name three positive things you are good at.
More Inspirational and Journaling Posts
22 Fantastic Gratitude Journal Prompts You Need Today
24 Intentional Living Quotes to Inspire Your Best Life
28 Confidence Journal Prompts to Improve Your Self-Esteem
35 Beautiful Quotes to Celebrate the Last Day of Winter
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Hi! Your journaling prompt jar idea is a great idea! I have been trying to establish a daily journaling practice this year and will definitely try this. Also, I would love to invite you to link up your project at Whimsy Home Wednesdays to inspire others and have a chance to be featured