Creating a Nature Journal

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I will admit that I am writing this post for me. 🙂 We have always done nature notebooks instead of nature journals. Nature journaling seemed too intimidating for this overwhelmed momma, but now that the kids are older I want to give it a go!

I’ve done some searching for helpful info on types of nature journals, sketching lessons, and watercolor techniques. There are also links to books on nature journaling, and some nice examples. I’m always inspired by seeing someone else’s idea. 

Choose Your Book

A nature journal typically starts with a blank book or sketch book. You can find these at book stores, craft & hobby stores, office supply stores, and some big box stores.

I found these highly-rated ones on Amazon. Be sure to read the description if you will be using watercolors because some are not as well-suited for paint.

• Pocket Journal Sketch 6×8
• Pocket Journal Sketch 3×4
• Sketch Paper Pad
• Giant Hardcover Sketch Book
• Landscape Sketch Book
• Watercolor Field Book
• Urban Accordion Sketch Book
• Square Drawing Book

These books are beautiful:

• Hand Made Leather Journal
• Legacy Leather Journal
• Tree of Life Journal
• Laced Edge Leather Journal
• Buffalo Leather Journal w/handmade flower paper
• Vintage Leather Journal w/handmade parchment paper

(There are too many pretty ones to list, so here is the handmade leather journal search.)

Sketching Lessons

• How to Draw worksheets for the young artist – categories on the right
• Drawing with children for nature journals
• Nature drawing with John Muir  youtube channel

Read drawing ebooks for free through he Open Library.

Watercolor Lessons

• Dry brush watercolor tutorial
• How to paint a bird from a photo
• Watercolor art lesson plans
• How to paint a basic leaf with watercolors

Read watercolor ebooks for free through the Open Library.

Books on Nature Journaling

• Keeping a Nature Journal
• Nature Journal: A Guided Journal
• Illustrating Nature
• Painting Nature in Watercolor

Nature Journal Inspiration

• Opening the World through Journaling – free curriculum
• Nature Journaling for Kids – free download
• Why nature journals are important
• How to turn nature studies into books
• Journal tips @ Handbook of Nature Study
• Charlotte Mason-style nature journal
• How to make a nature journal
• Nature journal examples
• Mixed media field journal
• Examples of a nature journal without drawings

This nature journal Pinterest board has great ideas.

Take a look at these gorgeous examples on Pinterest.

 Is a Nature Notebook more your style? Here are 100+ FREE Nature Notebooking Printables.

Have you grabbed your Holiday Nature Walks yet?

Hang Out with Us

• See the entire 31 Days of Exploring Nature series
• 26 bloggers x 31 days = 800+ tips for YOU!
• Join our new Facebook group Homeschooling Tips for Moms
• All your favorite tips are in one spot on Pinterest

     

Follow Amy T @ Are We There Yet?’s board Homeschool – Nature on Pinterest.