There is something so special about summer memories. I grew up in a very rural area of Long Island, New York. It is a very small town called Wading River. Everyday over the summer, I walked to the beach, The Long Island Sound. I have some of the best memories of growing up in Wading River and loving the beach.
Maybe it is the sunshine, the beach days, the little road trips, the sandy flip-flops by the door, or the fact that summer always seems to hold onto moments we wish we could bottle up forever. And that is exactly why I love creating memory journals like this one.
Today I want to share how I put together a beach summer themed memory journal from one of my paper craft kits — and why projects like this are such a fun, simple way to create a little self-care while making something meaningful at the same time.
This journal is bright, cheerful, beachy, and filled with little pockets, tags, cards, and spaces to tuck away photos, notes, receipts, and memories from your summer adventures.
You can order your own Memory Beach Journal right here and make it your way!
And the best part? It starts as a stack of printed cardstock pages… and turns into an adorable keepsake journal.
Honestly, that never stops amazing me.
From Paper Pack to Memory Keeper
One of the things I love most about these kits is how simple they are to put together. Everything coordinates. Everything is designed to work together. And once you start gluing and folding, the whole thing begins to come to life.
This beach journal kit includes:
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printed medium cardstock pages
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ribbon
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extra ephemera
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tags
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cards
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pockets
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decorative elements
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step-by-step video instructions
At first glance, it just looks like a neat stack of papers.
But once you fold, glue, layer, and clip it together, you end up with a beautiful accordion-style summer journal filled with personality and possibilities.
It is kind of magic, really. Paper-crafting magic. And no, I am not being dramatic. Okay… maybe a little. But still true.
Why I Love These Paper Craft Kits
I started as an acrylic artist, and painting will always be my first creative love. But over time I discovered paper crafting and junk journaling, and now I am completely hooked on the joy of creating with paper, scissors, and glue.
There is just so much you can do with simple supplies.
You do not need fancy machines.
You do not need a giant craft room.
You do not need every trendy tool that the internet tries to convince you that you absolutely must own by Thursday.
You really can create something lovely with:
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paper
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scissors
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glue
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clips or clothespins
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a little time
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and your imagination
That is part of what makes these memory journal kits so fun. They are approachable, relaxing, and easy to personalize.
How the Beach Journal Comes Together
To build the base of the journal, I start by gluing the numbered pages together. These pages become the accordion-style inside pages of the book.
Once those are clipped and drying, I move on to the cover pieces and folded sections that create the structure of the journal. Some pages fold inward like file folders. Some become tuck spots or pockets. Some are decorative inserts. Some become flaps for journaling or photo storage.
As the pieces come together, you start to see the book take shape:
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a cover that folds closed
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inside accordion pages
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little pocket sections
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extra journaling spots
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tuck-ins for notes, tags, and mementos
Then comes the really fun part — decorating and adding the interactive pieces.
That is where the journal becomes your journal.
Pockets, Tags, and All the Cute Little Extras
This beach summer journal is filled with little details that make it feel playful and personal.
There are pockets for:
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photos
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notes
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receipts
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postcards
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tickets
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little lists
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gift cards
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keepsakes
There are tags and cards that can be tucked into the pockets or tied together with ribbon to create little dangling embellishments.
Some of the cards can be folded in half like tiny note cards. Some can be used as journaling cards. Some can hold a special message or memory. Some can be layered together for a more decorative look.
I love combining a large tag, a medium tag, and a long narrow tag with a piece of ribbon to make a cute little dangle cluster. It adds texture, color, and movement to the journal — and it just looks adorable.
Because let’s be honest, adorable matters.
What Can You Use a Beach Memory Journal For?
A beach summer memory journal can be used in so many different ways. It does not have to be complicated or precious. It can simply be a place to hold the moments that made you smile.
Summer vacation memories
Add photos, maps, tickets, receipts, brochures, and notes from a beach trip or family vacation.
Beach day keepsakes
Tuck in snapshots, seashell sketches, little journaling notes, or even a list of your favorite summer moments.
A journal for each summer month
Create one for June, one for July, and one for August to capture the full season in pieces.
Grandkids’ summer adventures
Save photos, funny quotes, little drawings, and stories from days spent together.
A gift for someone special
Add photos, notes, or a gift card and turn it into a sweet handmade memory book.
A personal summer reflection journal
Use the cards and journaling spots to write about your favorite days, what brought you joy, what you learned, or what you want to remember.
You can even use it as a “10 things I love about you” type of gift for a birthday, vacation send-off, or just because.
There really are no rules here. Once the structure of the journal is built, the rest is up to you.
This kit makes it so easy to create! You can get yours here and take it with you on vacay for a family craft night. All you need is these kits, scissors and glue!
Memory Beach Journal
No Rules — and That’s the Beauty of It
That is one of my favorite things about paper crafting and junk journaling.
There are no rules.
Once you create the base of the book, you get to decide:
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where the pockets go
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which tags go where
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how much to decorate
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which pages hold photos
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which pages hold writing
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whether you plan everything out first or just go for it
You can be methodical and lay out every piece before gluing anything down.
Or you can be the kind of person who says, “Well, this looks cute here,” and stick it down and keep moving.
Both are valid.
Both are creative.
Both end in something uniquely yours.
A Few Favorite Supplies I Use
You do not need fancy products for this kind of project, but here are a few basics I like to keep on hand:
I also love using thinning shears — yes, actual barber thinning shears — to create fun faux postage stamp edges on paper pieces. It is such a simple little trick, and it gives tags and cards a cute decorative edge without having to hand-cut every tiny detail.
Little hacks like that make crafting even more fun.
Why This Kind of Crafting Feels Like Self-Care
This project is not just about making a journal.
It is about the process.
That part matters so much.
When I sit down and cut paper, glue tabs, fold pages, and clip things together, something shifts. The noise in my head quiets down. The constant thinking, planning, worrying, and mental clutter all soften for a bit.
It is relaxing.
It is grounding.
It is creative without being overwhelming.
Sometimes I will sit and cut pieces for half an hour, and that alone feels therapeutic. Not because I am making some grand masterpiece, but because I am giving myself time to slow down and be in the moment.
That is what I want more people to experience.
Not pressure.
Not perfection.
Not another project that makes you feel like you are behind.
Just simple creating.
Simple joy.
Simple self-care through your hands.
Paper Crafting Can Be Beautiful and Budget-Friendly
Another reason I love this kind of project is that it can be very economical.
You do not need expensive tools or a huge craft stash to enjoy paper crafting. In fact, part of the beauty of junk journaling and memory keeping is using what you already have.
You can add:
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tissue paper from a gift
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bits of scrapbook paper
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printed art
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old book pages
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packaging
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stickers
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ribbons
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receipts
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little notes
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recycled envelopes
That is part of the charm. It is not meant to be perfect. It is meant to tell a story.
Final Thoughts on This Beach Summer Journal
This beach-themed memory journal came together in under an hour, even while chatting, demonstrating, and moving pieces around. And once the structure is built, you can keep adding to it over time as your summer unfolds.
That is what makes it such a sweet little project.
It is quick.
It is creative.
It is relaxing.
And it gives you a place to keep the moments that matter.
If you have been craving a simple creative project that feels light, fun, and meaningful, a memory journal like this is such a lovely place to start.
You can fill it with beach days, sunshine, family memories, little adventures, handwritten notes, or just the everyday joy of summer.
Because sometimes the smallest projects end up holding the biggest memories.
-teresa XO
