How to start a
'Sisterhood of the Traveling Journal'
Circle of Sisters.
Many hearts.
Infinite stories.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Journal is a creative, heart-centered way to connect artists, writers, and crafters through a journal that journeys from one sister to the next; each adding her own unique touch before passing it along.
Here’s how to start your own:
Getting Started:
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Step 1: Gather Your Sisterhood
Invite 6–8 like-minded creatives who love junk journaling, storytelling, or mixed media. Smaller groups keep mailing costs and turnaround times manageable. Choose people who are reliable and excited to participate - this project works best when everyone is committed to the journey.
You can recruit participants through your social media, locals group, art community, or journaling circles. Encourage members who share similar vibes - kind, reliable, and passionate about creativity and connection.
Start with one group before branching into multiple “circles.”
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Step 2: Choose Your Journal
Each sister pick her own sturdy, travel-friendly journal. An A5 journal (size 6x8) or similar makes for easy mailing. You want something with enough pages for everyone but not too bulky; Composition, moleskin, even A5 binders work great!
You might even want to get creative and make your own.
As a group you decide the order in which you're going to ship. You ship each journal to the same person each time, completing the circle when your book comes back to you.
I highly recommend setting up a group chat, facebook group, tiktok group, or some way to communicate as a team throughout the weeks ahead; this is part of the bonding experience, fun and encouragement!
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Step 3: Create your Journal
Each sister decorates their own book in any way that suit them.
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Add an intro page or letter explaining the journey, rules for your journal, etc
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Create an 'about me' spread to introduce yourself to the other girls.
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Don't forget to decorate your cover and make this book totally you!
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Maybe add a travel log for each participant to sign-in & date when the journal visited them.
Optional additions:
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A map to track the journal’s travels,
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A “sister photo page”,
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Pockets or envelopes for letters, charms, or flat keepsakes,
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see more ideas below!
Step 4: Set Some Ground Rules...
To keep the journal moving smoothly:
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Decide how long you have to work in each person's journal; like each sister has 2–3 weeks to create her pages before mailing it forward.
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Always ship with tracking, things do get delayed and lost in the mail; so tracking helps!
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Take photos or a video before mailing to preserve the journey.
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If delays occur, communicate with the group; the magic is in the sisterhood, not perfection.
Step 5: Share the Journey
Create a private Facebook group, group chat, or page to share updates, sneak peeks, and inspiration. Sisters can post their spreads, journal reflections, and stories behind their art before the next mailing.
Step 6: Celebrate Its Return
When the journal completes its travels, host a virtual or live reunion reveal! Share everyone’s pages, reflect on the journey, and perhaps even digitize the finished book into a PDF or video flip-through to preserve its legacy.
Pass on the Magic
Encourage others to start their own Sisterhoods. Each round creates a chain of creativity, storytelling, and friendship — proof that art and connection can travel farther than we ever imagine.
Page Inspiration
Include a book check-in card or sign-in spot for each person's name / date. Each person can leave a note or exchange for the next person.
Create a two page spread all about you; the region you live in, your interests, hobbies, pets, etc.
Leave space for each sister to add their about information, suggest a two page spread.
Add an envelope, tuck, or page spot for sister to leave and take some stickers, papers, ephemera to use or keep.
Design a page with a charm bracelet and ask each sister to add a charm that represent them, and write a quick why they chose it.
Create a spread for music interests, have each 'sister' add their favorite band, music genre, or image of a concert they've attended.
Happy moments spread where each 'sister' can add what was the most exciting thing they did this year and include a photo.
Create a sticker page were each sister can add stickers to your collage. Include a little envelope for sticker exchange too.
Include a map of the US and have each sister pin their approximate location, or color in their state.
