What's a Pass It On Journal?

A Pass It On journal is a fun and artistic way to share hopes, dreams, thoughts, ideas...anything you can think of, with your friends. You create a one of a kind journal to “pass” back and forth with your pals. Example: Got a story or poem you're dying to share with your best friend? Write it in the journal. When you see her the next day, pass it to her! I even used this idea for a far-away friend; kept us tight for a year! Think of it as an old school Twitter with a colorful and personal touch =)

How do I begin this masterpiece?

Decide what friend you'd like to pass it to. You can pass it on to just one friend, or you could pass it onto several. Choose whichever you would like, and make sure you're discreet with the passings so you don't make another beloved bud feel left out. Then decide on how often you're going to pass your journal. I personally think the most fun time period is once a week. But you could pass your journal once every month, to once every day. Whatever works out best for the majority of the passers. Be sure to set a page limit, too. One friend gets two-three pages per pass, etc.

Got it. What next?

Now you need a blank journal. This could be a simple spiral notebook, a posh journal, or maybe a composition notebook. I've found the spiral or composition notebooks work the best (bonus: and they're the cheapest). A good rule of thumb is if the notebook has the ability to lay flat on a surface- it's easier for you to write, and add other goodies. To kick off the passing of your journal, have your friend(s) over to put journal rules and pass dates on the inside of the cover, and to decorate both sides of the cover!

...But what should we all add to the journal? Spark my creativity, please.

The possibilities are endless. Get colorful. Let your imagination run wild. Use pens, pencils, paints, markers, crayons, and more to make your blank journal beautiful. Write stories, poems, and wishes. Doodle some drawings. Don't forget to let your journal get three dimensional. Here are some ideas of what you can add with some tape or a glue stick...

• Leaves/Flowers/etc.
• Stickers
• Beads
• Photos
• Ticket Stubs
• Googly eyes
• Ribbon
• Magazine/newspaper clippings
• Candy wrappers
• Homemade fortunes for your friends to pull out
• Travel maps
• Envelopes taped in with additional notes or goodies
• Charms
• Magazine perfume samples for your friends to rate
• Stamps...

Anything you can think of!

Is that it?

That's it. Now you've got a great and colorful way to communicate with your friends- even past your PC curfew. Grab your own circle of friends, and go get Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants/Ya Ya Sisterhood...journaling style!