Nature Noticing Journal Part 1
Thoughts on nature journaling and some pages from my 2022 nature journal
In March of 2022, I decided to start a gardening journal which soon evolved into a nature journal and then more of an everything journal. Since then, I’ve kept a journal fairly religiously (especially so this year - see my Dose of Whimsy posts for monthly journal recaps). Being an illustrator, these journals have been a wonderful place to play and explore new ideas. They’ve also been a safe haven and a way to calm my nervous system when life gets too hectic. Something that I find always grounds me is to step outside, take some deep breaths and write down what I see/hear/smell, bonus points if I take some time to draw something too. Why not try it yourself? Even just 5 minutes outside noticing the world around you can do wonders for your stress levels.
Have a browse below of my 2022 pages for inspiration and maybe send me some photos of your journal in the comments or via return email… let’s share the journaling love!
A well loved book featuring my wombat illustration. These notebooks were made locally using brown kraft paper and had 100 pages. I sold them for years and still love them. Maybe I’ll organise purchasing more… if you’re interested in getting one, make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter and I’ll let you know when they are available again.
I didn’t know the term ‘nature journaling’ then!
Love a good mind map!
A great example of writing down what I see in the moment.
Adding in bits from adventures away.
I also used the book to help me research and remember.
Graphite paint.
Little bits of imagination.
Drawing practise.
Playing with crayon and watercolour.
Finding the magic in the most unexpected places - like blackberry roots!
Dodgy poetry that no one was ever meant to see!
I’ll post the other half of this 2022 journal next month. In the meantime, happy journaling!
If you enjoyed this little lesson and would like to do more, every month I post at least one art class here on Substack. It only costs $5 per month or $50 per year (AUD) for this and a bunch of other lovely stuff, why not consider subscribing?
I also teach in person classes around Adelaide (South Australia) and am available to visit your School or Library. Contact me here and check out my upcoming workshops here.
With love and a dose of whimsy,