Birdwatching is not only a calming way to connect with nature, but it also offers the perfect opportunity to get creative. If you’re someone who enjoys documenting your bird sightings, you may already have a birding journal filled with notes about the species you’ve spotted, the places you’ve visited, and the wonderful moments you’ve experienced. But why stop there?
Adding a whimsical touch to your birding journal with washi tape and stickers can transform your journal into a vibrant, quick personalised work of art. Here’s how you can infuse some fun and creativity into your birdwatching entries!
1. What Is Washi Tape & Why It’s Perfect for Birding Journals
Washi tape is a decorative adhesive tape made from traditional Japanese paper. It comes in a variety of colours, patterns, and designs, which makes it a fantastic tool for creative journalling. The beauty of washi tape is that it’s not only fun to use but can quickly fill your pages with beautiful illustrations. They are also easy to remove or reposition, so you don’t have to worry about making permanent decisions.
In a birding journal, washi tape can serve multiple purposes:
- Borders and Frames: You can use washi tape to create colourful borders or frames around specific bird sightings. A simple line of tape along the edge of a page can brighten up the layout and draw attention to your notes.
- Highlighting Sections: Have a particularly interesting observation or story? Use washi tape to underline or circle that section. It helps to accentuate key moments or details, making them pop visually.
- Decorative Accents: You don’t need to use washi tape just for functionality—it can also serve as pure decoration. With floral patterns, animal motifs, or even soft textures, washi tape brings a playful vibe to your journal.
2. Stickers: A Fun & Easy Way to Fill Your Birding Journal
Stickers are another excellent tool for adding a whimsical touch to your birding journal. There are endless varieties of bird-themed stickers, nature designs, and fun patterns, all of which can help visually capture the essence of your birdwatching adventures.
Here are some ways to use stickers in your birding journal:
- Representing the Birds You See: Stickers of specific birds can be placed next to your handwritten notes to represent the species you’ve observed. From realistic bird stickers to more abstract or cartoonish designs, they add personality to each bird sighting.
- Themed Pages or Sections: You can create whole sections of your journal dedicated to particular types of birds—like forest dwellers, waterfowl, or raptors—and use stickers to decorate those pages. Consider using matching sticker sets to create a cohesive look.
- Accentuating Emotions: Stickers can also express the mood of a particular birding experience. For example, if you witnessed an exciting and rare bird sighting, you might use bright, bold stickers that represent that sense of wonder or surprise.
- Adding Quotes or Fun Facts: Place stickers with fun nature-related quotes, whimsical sayings, or even a motivational word or phrase. These stickers not only decorate but also add a layer of personality to your entries.
Stickers are an easy way to instantly enhance your journal, making it more visually appealing while reflecting your unique style.
3. Layering Washi Tape & Stickers for a Whimsical, Playful Look
The magic happens when you combine washi tape and stickers on the same page. Layering these elements can create a delightful and whimsical vibe in your birding journal. Here are a few ways to do it:
- Create Backgrounds with Washi Tape: Before adding your notes or stickers, lay down a few strips of washi tape to create a background or grid pattern. This adds texture and depth to your page.
- Decorate Around Your Notes: If you’re writing about a specific bird sighting, use washi tape to create a frame around your written observations. You can place bird stickers in the corners of the page or around the writing to add extra charm.
- Use Stickers as Focal Points: Choose one or two large, detailed bird stickers to be the focal point of the page, then surround them with decorative washi tape borders. This draws attention to your favourite sightings and adds a playful, almost scrapbook-like feel to your journal.
4. Use Washi Tape & Stickers to Track Your Birdwatching Progress
If you’re looking for a way to organise your birding journal with a touch of whimsy, consider using washi tape and stickers to track your progress. This could be as simple as:
- Colour-Coding Your Journal: Use different washi tape colours or sticker styles to represent different types of birds. For instance, you could use floral washi tape for woodland birds, ocean-themed washi tape for seabirds, and so on. This makes it easy to visually navigate your journal while adding a fun, colour-coded element.
- Create a “Bird Checklist”: If you’re trying to spot a certain species or group of birds, use stickers to mark off each one as you spot it. You can add a small sticker next to the bird’s name in your journal each time you make a sighting.
- Track Seasons and Locations: Use washi tape to mark different seasons or birdwatching locations. A certain pattern or color of tape could represent your spring birding trips, while another could represent your summer sightings, helping you visually track your birdwatching adventures.
5. Experiment with Different Styles to Match Your Personality
The beauty of using washi tape and stickers in your birding journal is that it allows you to experiment with different styles and looks. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach with simple black and white designs or a bold, eclectic style with colourful tapes and cute stickers, you can make your journal truly your own. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Nature-Inspired: For a more subtle, nature-themed journal, choose washi tape and stickers that feature floral patterns, animal prints, or earthy tones.
- Playful and Fun: If you prefer a lighthearted and fun aesthetic, go for bright, colourful washi tape and quirky bird stickers. These can bring a sense of joy and excitement to your journal as you recount your birdwatching experiences.
- Vintage Vibes: For a retro look, consider using vintage-style stickers and neutral-toned washi tape, perhaps in shades of brown, green, or mustard yellow. This adds a charming, old-school feel to your pages.
6. Create a Whimsical Journal That Inspires You
Adding washi tape and stickers to your birding journal is more than just a way to decorate your pages; it’s a way to infuse your love for birdwatching with creativity and joy. Whether you’re capturing a rare bird sighting, documenting a memorable day outdoors, or simply organising your birding adventures, these simple additions can bring your journal to life in a way that’s both playful and inspiring.
So go ahead—let your imagination run wild and add a whimsical touch to your birding journal with washi tape and stickers. After all, your birdwatching experiences are already extraordinary, and your journal should reflect that sense of wonder and creativity!
Happy journalling and birdwatching!
