How to Start a Personal Reading Journal Using Canva
- Rea Weeks
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
+ Design Your Own Bookmarks (Pretty, Personal, and Printable!)
Let’s be real: If you love books, chances are you’ve thought about starting a reading journal. You know — a cozy little space where you can track what you’ve read, remember your favorite quotes, swoon over fictional crushes, and maybe even plan your next trip to the bookstore. 📚💛
But if you’ve been overwhelmed by where to start (or stuck on how to make it cute and functional), this post is for you.
We’re going to create a personalized reading journal in Canva — and I’ll even show you how to design your own matching bookmarks to go with it. Spoiler alert: It’s going to be fun, aesthetic, and 100% YOU.
Let’s turn your love of reading into something creative and lasting. ✨
📖 What Is a Reading Journal?
A reading journal is your space to record your reading journey. It can include:
What you’re currently reading
Star ratings and reviews
Favorite quotes or characters
Reading goals + challenges
TBR lists (To Be Read)
Genre trackers, mood logs, or book bingo!
Literally anything you want
Some people keep it simple. Some go full scrapbook style. There’s no wrong way to do it — especially when you’re designing it in Canva!
🎨 Why Use Canva for Your Reading Journal?
Because Canva makes it so easy to create something beautiful — even if you don’t consider yourself a designer.
You can:
Use drag-and-drop templates
Add digital stickers and pretty fonts
Customize with your favorite colors, aesthetics, or book vibes
Print it out or keep it digital on your tablet or phone
Duplicate pages or layouts for every book or month
Want to skip the design process and just start journaling?📚 Check out my printable reading journal kits + Canva templates in my Etsy shop:👉 A Rea of Treasures on Etsy
✏️ Step-by-Step: Start Your Reading Journal in Canva
1. Choose Your Format
Decide how you want to use your journal:
Digital? Use 8.5x11 in or tablet-sized pages.
Printable? Same sizing works great for printing at home or in a binder.
On-the-go? Try 5x7 in or A5 pages for smaller planners.
Open a new custom design in Canva based on your size.
2. Plan Your Layouts
Start with a few core pages:
Reading Log – Book title, author, date finished, star rating
Monthly Tracker – Books read per month, genres explored
Quote Collector – A page just for favorite lines
Review Template – Your thoughts on each book
TBR List – Track books you want to read next
🎯 Bonus: Add space for personal notes, like where you read the book or how it made you feel.
3. Customize Your Aesthetic
Here’s the fun part — make it you.
Choose a color palette (neutral, cottagecore, dark academia?)
Add Canva elements like florals, vintage textures, or starry backgrounds
Use pretty fonts for headers + cute icons for ratings or moods
Insert photo frames to add book covers or personal pics later
✨ Don’t forget: You can reuse the same layout for multiple entries — just duplicate the page!
4. Save + Use It However You Want
Use it digitally with apps like GoodNotes or Notability
Export as a printable PDF to bind or add to a planner
Print single pages for journaling with real pens and markers (yes, please!)
📚 Design Your Own Matching Bookmarks (Because… Why Not?)
Want to take your bookish joy to the next level?Let’s create matching bookmarks in Canva that reflect your personal reading journal style.
Here’s How:
Open a new Canva design at 2x6 in or 2x7 in (standard bookmark size)
Use elements from your journal design — same colors, patterns, or graphics
Add your name, a favorite quote, or even a mini reading tracker
Decorate with book icons, washi strips, or florals
Print on cardstock, laminate, or keep them digital for your e-reader
💡 Pro tip: Make seasonal or themed bookmark sets! (I do it all the time.)
💌 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. ✍️✨
🛍 Explore My Reading + Journaling Templates
If you want to save time and jump straight into the fun part, check out my premade kits:
Reading journal printables
Canva templates for tracking books + reviews
Aesthetic digital paper + elements for mood boards
Printable sticker sheets + bookmarks
📚 Browse the full collection:
Made with love for bookworms, journalers, and creative souls.
✨ Final Thoughts
Starting a reading journal isn’t just about keeping track — it’s about creating a space that reflects you as a reader. The thoughts, feelings, and memories behind every story.
With Canva, you can make your journal beautiful, personal, and totally printable — and add extra joy to your reading life every single day.
So light a candle, grab your current read, and open Canva.Your stories deserve a place to live. 💛
Happy journaling,
Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures