How to customize your journal

Journals are great, but many people like the ability to fully customize their blog.
That's why I made this list of ways to customize your journal as if it were a blog.


1-CHANGING FONTS/FONT COLORS

This one is pretty simple.  To change the font, simply take your pen or pencil and style what you are writing to your preference.  To change the color, write in colored pencil. 

2-POSTING A VIDEO

This one doesn’t require as many supplies, but is very expensive.  You will need:

·         1 roll scotch tape

·         1 or more ipod touch device (depending on how many videos you want to post)

First, turn on the ipod touch and locate the desired video.  Click (tap) the video to play it.  Pause the video as soon as it begins to play.  Turn the ipod touch off by pressing the button at the top.  Tape the ipod touch to the desired page in your journal.  Write instructions beneath ipod touch: “To play video, press button on side and press play button in center.  When finished, press button on side again.  DO NOT PUSH THE CIRCLE BUTTON!”  It may be helpful for some if you also post the picture to the right next to the directions (SEE- "POSTING A PICTURE" BELOW)

3-POSTING A PICTURE

This one is slightly more difficult.  You will need:

·         1 roll scotch tape

·         Scissors

·         1 ink cartridge (preferably colored)

·         1 printer

·         1 computer

·         Internet connection (depending on whether the desired image is saved to a hard drive, or you need to find it yourself)

First, find the desired image on the computer and print it.  Second, cut out the desired portion.  Finally, tape the picture into the journal.

4-CREATING A SLIDESHOW WIDGET

This is very similar to the “POSTING A PICTURE” instructions, but you will also need a stapler and staples.  Print all of the pictures that you want to include in your slide show.  Don’t cut them out.  Staple all of your pictures together at the top left and top right corners (Bonus tip- to conserve staples, put only one staple in the top center of the pages.)  Staple the packet to the desired page in your journal. 

5-CREATING A MUSIC WIDGET

The second method is very similar to the “POSTING A VIDEO” instructions, but you will need one more supply.

·         iTunes (free to download here)

You will need to put your music on to iTunes, either by purchasing it, or uploading music from a CD that you already own.  Next, connect the ipod touch to the computer using the USB cord.  The ipod touch should show up in the iTunes sidebar.  Drag the desired music onto the ipod touch device in the sidebar.  Wait until the music has finished uploading, then disconnect the ipod touch from the computer.  Turn on the ipod touch and locate the desired playlist.  Once the playlist is opened, turn off the ipod touch and tape it into your journal.  Make sure to leave some similar directions for the reader.

6-CREATING A “PAGE VISIT” COUNTER

This one will require some cooperation from others.  At the bottom of each page, draw a little box.  Write instructions that say: “Each time you read this page, please put one tally mark in the box above.”