Inspired by the artwork found in various hidden 'cats' video games.
This month's journal design theme was inspired by several hidden object video games by Devcat. The pages are filled with doodles and hidden cats.
I used calendar stamps, stamp inks, archival ink pens, water-based markers, and blending tools. I also used a pencil and eraser for my initial sketch.
NOTE: While the page layouts are similar to Bullet Journal (BuJo) setups you have seen online, I use this journal as a diary/memory keeper, not for productivity. The BuJo-inspired pages encourage me to make note of the good things in life, even on the worst days.
In case it's helpful, below are the main points covered in this post:
Calendar Overview Pages
I was inspired by several hidden object video games by Devcat. There are also a few puzzle games available.
I found hidden object games a relaxing way to pass time when I want to take a break from being productive while on my laptop. I am looking forward to the release of A Park Full of Cats and A Building Full of Cats 2 this year.
The ink doodles are similar to my September 2023 Journal Design, except I attempted to add a pink stamp ink gradient for the background. The blending was not great. Next time, I may use gouache paints instead of stamp ink.
The calendar overview is where I note important dates I want to document in my journal. For example, I will make a short note of something that happened on different days.
I also highlights the best and worst things to happen during the month. I primarily want to document positive things on the decorated pages, but I feel it is also important to document bad things, especially if it is a lesson learned.
How many cats can you find on these two pages? (The answer is at the end of this post.)
Hobbies & Dogs' Pages
I doodled more hidden cats on these pages than I did on the previous pages. Throughout the month, I may color in the cats to add a touch more color on all pages. I attempted a blue stamp ink gradient for the background.
While many journal enthusiasts track their habits, I track my favorite hobbies as a reminder to dedicate time for fun. I also track things I want to do for my dogs to ensure their happiness and well-being.
The hobbies I track are:
art + crafts,
writing, and
gaming.
I also track the following for my dogs:
when they go for a joy ride (their favorite thing to do),
when they go for a long walk,
when I care for their coat with a brush, leave-in shampoo, or bath,
when they receive teeth care with brush chews or teeth brushing, and
when they get to relax with a picnic in the park.
I especially wanted to track my young dog's training progress. We will focus on mastering a few skills. I would love for her to become a Canine Good Citizen one day.
New for this month's design is a BINGO game. This is just a goofy activity to fill what would otherwise be negative space. No matter what happens with the boxes by the end of the month, my dogs will receive awesome goodies anyway.
How many cats can you find on these two pages? (The answer is at the end of this post.)
Highlights and Mood Pages
These pages consist of the least number of hidden cats. I attempted a purple stamp ink gradient for the background.
Every night, I write a line of text highlighting one good thing about the day on the highlights page (left). It forces me to think on the bright side, especially on the most challenging days when my depression hits hard.
I treat my mood tracker page (right) as a coloring page of sorts. Each night, I will color-in a part of an image or shape that represented my overall mood for that day.
How many cats can you find on these two pages? (The answer is at the end of this post.)
What's Next?
Why not decorate your journal pages in honor of something that has captured your attention? It would be a creative way to remember something that made a positive impact in your life, even if just for the time being.
In case you were wondering, there were:
15 cats on the pink August Calendar Overview Pages.
16 cats on the blue Hobbies & Dogs' Pages.
14 cats on the purple Highlights and Mood Pages.
Have you set up your journal design? Comment below to share what theme you went with and the materials you used.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
~Simply Jelly Jam
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