Journaling is such a healing process for many birthmoms. (And adoptive moms too!) For April’s crafting segment, I want to share “Journal in a Jar” which can be adapted to fit adoption situations.

Journal in a Jar is a really neat and easy idea that you can make for yourself or for a friend. If you are intimidated by journaling or do not think you can journal well, this is a great tool to get you started and introduce the habit of journaling. Journaling in a jar provides you with prompt questions to get you started.

By visiting this website, you can print pre-made journal prompts which takes a bit of the work out of this for you. The questions are already thought of and provided on colorful backgrounds that you just print out from the comfort of your home. You could also make up questions of your own and add them. Adoption related questions added to the mix would make a great journal in a jar gift for birthmother friends.

To assemble your Journal Jar, print the colorful journal prompts pages. Cut apart each printed strip, and fold it so that the colored graphics are folded to the outside, with the journal assignment on the inside. Fill the jar with journal slips, and attach the free printable gift tag.

Below are a few samples that may appear on the pre-made journal prompts.

• What is your favorite childhood memory?



• Who was your first date with and where did you go?



• What was your favorite subject in school and why?



• What is your full name and were you named after someone or is there a story behind your name?

Below are a few adoption sample questions that you could create on your own.

• Did you choose the adoptive parents for your child? If so, why did you choose these particular parents?



• What are your dreams for your child?



• Did you give your child a name? If so, what is the name and why? If not, what would you have named your child?

You can jazz up the jar as much as you like. Put stickers on it to decorate it. Add a bow at the top. Top it off with some fabric and ribbon. Or glue beads on the lid. The options are endless so just be creative.

There is a tag that you can attach to the jar with instructions for the recipient instructing them to choose a random slip, glue it to a journal page, and write about the question.

Pair the journal jar with a glue stick, a nice pen, and a pretty journal and you have a great gift for a friend or a great treat for yourself!

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Related Posts:
Operation Thankful: Journaling
Journaling for Birthmoms
Other craft posts