Journaling guides
Explore our simple, step-by-step guides that show you how to make something for your journal using various creative techniques and styles, including drawing, writing, collage and painting.
You don't need any particular skills or experience to get started, and all the resources on our website are free.
Our guides are made by artists, therapists, birth workers, parents, and friends from the Maternal Journal community and illustrated by Merlin Evans or Sophie Blinstrub.
For lots of our guides, you’ll find more information about the artists and projects when you view them. And there are even more guides to discover in the Maternal Journal book.
Writing
Find a writing guide that works for you, from comedy and recipes to freewriting.
Each exercise focuses on parenting experiences and reflections.
Drawing
Experiment with painting and drawing on newspapers, hone your mark-making skills or transform images on your phone. Our easy-to-use exercises are designed to spark inspiration and support authentic expression.
Poetry
Create beautiful poetry with our step-by-step guides. Learn to weave Haikus, craft mnemonic poems, or turn lists into unique poems with tips from expert poets.
Collage
Collage is a simple way to get creative. You can start with newspapers and paper cuttings or combine them with paint and pens for added effect.
More
Setting up a group
Thinking about running your own Maternal Journal group? Find out more
What people make
Explore artwork from journaling groups all over the world. See the gallery