How to Start a Wildcraft Journal: A Simple Guide

A wildcraft journal is a beautiful way to capture nature’s small wonders—delicate flower petals, fallen leaves, a bit of tree bark, or even sand from a special place. Unlike a regular nature journal, this isn’t just about writing observations. It’s about preserving tangible pieces of your experiences, so flipping through the pages instantly brings back the feeling of that moment.

Whether you’re an experienced nature lover or just starting out, setting up your wildcraft journal the right way makes all the difference. Here’s how to do it.

1. Leave the First Few Pages Blank for an Index

Before jumping into collecting and writing, set up an index on the first few pages. This will help you easily find specific memories later, especially if you don’t add something every day.

Your index can be as simple as:

• Date – The time period covered in that section.
• Location – Where you gathered most of your items.
• Notable Additions – A quick note about anything special, like a pressed wildflower from a hike or a petal from flowers a loved one gave you.

Having an index helps keep things organized without feeling overwhelming.

2. Decide on Your Layout

Your wildcraft journal setup can be flexible—there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Here are a few ideas:

• One page per day – Great if you collect something small every day.
• One page per week or month – Perfect for those who want a mix of regular journaling and nature collecting.
• A dedicated section – If you already have a daily journal, just reserve one page at the end of each month to add nature-inspired memories.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable journal for wildcrafting, check out our hardcover journals—they hold up beautifully over time.

3. Collect & Attach Nature’s Keepsakes

Adding pieces of nature to your journal is what makes it special. Consider including:

• Flower petals – From a nature walk or a bouquet.
• Leaves – A vibrant autumn leaf or a small fern.
• Tiny twigs or bark – From a tree that caught your eye.
• A sprinkle of sand or soil – From a memorable place.
• Thorns, feathers, or seeds – Unique textures that remind you of the outdoors.

How to Attach Them

• Flat items (petals, leaves, small feathers) – Press them between pages or tape them in with washi tape.
• Slightly thicker items (bark, dried herbs, tiny twigs) – Use glue dots or place them inside a small envelope attached to the page.
• Sand or soil – Store them in a tiny adhesive pocket or a folded paper flap taped inside your journal.

For a journal that matches the beauty of nature, explore our floral journal collection—perfect for

4. Write a Few Notes for Context

Even if you don’t journal daily, adding a few words alongside your keepsakes makes them even more meaningful. You don’t need to write a lot—just a sentence or two about where you found it, how the day felt, or why it stood out to you.

For example:

"This tiny thorn fell from a cactus on my morning walk. The air was crisp, and the sun was just rising. Everything felt peaceful."

It’s these little details that bring memories flooding back when you look through your pages later.

5. Keep It Simple & Enjoy the Process

A wildcraft journal isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. Some months, you might collect several things, and other times, just one or two. Both are equally valuable. The goal is to slow down, notice the small things, and create a personal record of your experiences with nature.

Looking for a journal with a unique, creative vibe? Our Boho-Chic journals are another great choice for wildcrafting.

A Quick Safety Note

If you come across a tiny mushroom, be cautious. Some wild mushrooms are poisonous, even if they look harmless. It’s best to research before handling them, and when in doubt, take a photo instead of picking it up. Stick to fallen leaves, petals, and other safe natural elements.

Want to learn more about wildcraft journaling? Check out our in-depth guide here.

No matter how you choose to set up your wildcraft journal, the most important thing is to make it your own. Collect what speaks to you, write when you feel inspired, and enjoy the process of connecting with nature—one page at a time.