How to Create Matching Journaling Cards and Embellishments Using Canva
- Rea Weeks
- Aug 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Let’s talk about one of my favorite things to design: journaling cards and embellishments that actually match.
Whether you’re memory-keeping in a digital planner, decorating your scrapbook pages, or prepping a cozy printable kit to share with your audience — creating a set of cohesive, gorgeous journaling elements doesn’t have to be complicated. Especially when you have Canva on your side. 💛
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make your own matching journaling cards and embellishments — even if you’ve never designed a thing in your life. (Spoiler: it’s easier than you think.)
Let’s jump in!
💡 What Are Journaling Cards and Embellishments?
If you’re new to the world of creative journaling or scrapbooking, here’s a quick breakdown:
Journaling Cards are small, decorative cards where you can write quotes, prompts, memories, or lists. They’re usually 3x4" or 4x6" in size.
Embellishments are the “extra” — the stickers, tags, word strips, icons, and accents that give your pages personality and flair.
When they match in style and color? ✨ Chef’s kiss. That’s when your spread really comes to life.
🧰 What You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy software or expensive tools — just a few things:
A free Canva account
A color palette you love (Canva has tons of free ones!)
Fonts and graphics (Canva’s library is amazing, or use clipart from Creative Fabrica)
Optional: Printable paper + scissors or a digital journaling app
Pro tip: If you want to speed things up, I have ready-to-go Canva templates and printable kits in my Etsy shop: A Rea of Treasures
🎨 Step-by-Step: Create Your Matching Set
Step 1: Choose a Theme + Color Palette
Decide on the mood or vibe of your set. Is it:
Cozy fall aesthetic 🍂
Bright summer fun ☀️
Soft florals and pastels 🌸
Vintage grunge 🖤
Once you’ve got the feel, pick 3–5 colors that work well together. Canva’s “Styles” panel is a lifesaver here — you can find pre-made palettes or generate your own.
Step 2: Design Your Journaling Cards
Create a new design in Canva using 3x4" or 4x6" dimensions. Then:
Add decorative borders, washi tape strips, or background textures
Use your fonts to add quotes, dates, or journaling prompts
Leave space for handwriting or digital journaling
Repeat the style across 2–4 cards to build your set
💡 Make sure the colors, fonts, and layout elements are consistent — this is what ties your cards together!
Step 3: Create Matching Embellishments
Open a new design (or use the same canvas with grouped elements) and start designing:
Word strips using the same font you used on your cards
Icons or illustrations using your theme (hearts, books, leaves, etc.)
Shapes or banners with your color palette
Add white outlines to turn them into digital stickers!
You can also use clipart elements from Creative Fabrica or Canva’s library — just recolor or filter them to match your cards.
Step 4: Group Them All on One Printable Sheet (Optional)
Want to print your set or turn it into a digital download?
Create an 8.5x11" design in Canva
Drop in your journaling cards and embellishments
Align everything neatly with space in between
Export as PDF Print (for printing) or PNG (for digital use)
✨ Boom — a custom, matching journaling kit you can use over and over again.
💌 Join My Mailing List for Freebies + Creative Prompts
Want a free character profile template to get started?Join my email list and get:
A printable + digital character sheet
Monthly creative freebies and Canva tips
First access to new Etsy launches
Encouraging emails for your writing + storytelling journey
Let’s make writing feel like a cozy adventure again. ✍️✨
🛍 Shop My Ready-to-Use Kits + Canva Templates
Not into designing from scratch? I've got you.
Browse my printable journaling cards, Canva templates, scrapbooking kits, and digital paper bundles — all created with love and ready for your journal, planner, or creative project.
📝 Let’s Wrap This Up
🌟 Final Thoughts
Matching journaling cards and embellishments don’t just look pretty — they bring cohesion and creativity to your pages. And with Canva? You don’t need to be a graphic designer to make it happen.
So grab your favorite palette, open up Canva, and start creating!And if you do? Tag me or send me a photo — I love seeing what you make.
Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures
Comments