Visionary Vibes: Crafting Your Dream Board
Start Your Vision Board Journey
I often dabble in mindfulness practices, and one activity that I gravitate to on a regular basis is vision boarding.
I like to believe that positive thinking impacts aspects of our lives, be it spiritual intervention or a self-fulfilling prophecy. Manifestation is having a moment, and though I don’t think manifestation will magically gift you all your hopes + dreams, I certainly believe that positive thinking and planning are a proactive way to work toward those goals.
Over they years I’ve crafted vision boards in a variety of mediums. Here is a list of platforms for your consideration - featuring an innovative and exciting idea that transforms vision boarding into a dynamic, 3D, interactive experience.
DISCLAIMER: Vision boards, whether physical or digital, are intended to inspire and motivate. Results may differ from person to person, and no specific mental, emotional, or physical outcomes are guaranteed.
-
One of the original digital formats, PowerPoint (or any similar program) is an easy platform for creating a vision board.
Drop in photos or screenshots
Arrange as desired
Layer in text, shapes, icons, etc.
Idea! Save + use as your desktop background for daily inspiration.
-
This platform has a wide variety of colors, fonts, and graphics to supplement your vision board.
Use a template or build from scratch
Add images, graphics, word art, color palettes, etc.
Export your design once done to use as a desktop background
-
Simpler than PPT, Pinterest is perfectly suited to house a vision board.
Create an account, and add a new board
Search for elements to add to your board (e.g., house or outfit inspo)
Pin images, quotes, etc. that speak to you
Idea! Add one or more Pinterest widgets to your phone for visual flair & inspiration. Select your vision board(s), then the widget will feature the pinned images on a rotating basis for recurring visual reminders.
-
I mention Milanote regularly as my go-to platform for most life planning activities - and vision boarding is one of the many opportunities. Though similar to PPT, this option can be housed among your other life data for convenience.
Create an account, and a new board
Add images via the Milanote database, or via your library or screenshots (perhaps from Pinterest!)
Add text and / or arrows to add commentary, and add other preferred visual elements
Idea! Use digital stickers (Etsy has a ton of options) for additional flair and fun.
-
If you bring your planner with you throughout your day, or reference your planner regularly, this may be an ideal spot for your vision board.
Use a pre-set template or create an ad hoc version with markers, paper elements, stickers, etc.
Idea! Consider a build-as-you-go vision board where you add new ideas as they come. Add a sketch one day, tape in a visual scrap you happened upon another day - endless opportunities for creativity & manifestation.
-
The OG vision board method.
Gather sources from which you'll pull graphic elements (magazines, old post or greeting cards, wrapping paper, etc.)
Cut-out inspirational images, phrases, etc.
Select your board medium (poster board, cork board, canvas)
Adhere images in a methodical or random design
Idea! Save catalogs for use when you start a new vision board. Even seasonal/holiday themed versions will contain words & graphics that may be relevant.
-
A larger version of the planner option.
Select your board medium (canvas, paper, poster board, etc.)
Draw paint, watercolor, etc. to add the main vision board elements
Add texture, depth and movement via 3D elements like puff paint, puffy stickers, dried flowers, material samples, etc.
-
Leverage curated kits to craft beautiful vision boards in a consistent aesthetic.
Cards included offer a large variety of images, words & quotes to select & assemble
An interactive experience that guides you through creating a thorough + beautiful vision board
-
Can be used in conjunction with a physical vision board on on their own.
More on this option below!
IntenChains
The concept
IntenChains are a physical representation of ideas, inspirations, feelings, goals, manifestations and intentions. They act as a medium to direct energy, ignite creativity, evoke feelings, spark motivation, and serve as reminders.
The inspiration
2024 has not been my best year. Each time I experience a low point, I’m reminded to intake & output positive energy so that better times will return.
In a recent challenging time, while trying to “grasp” onto positive thoughts, I had an idea to create a physical item that would help me connect with a specific concept. I pulled out my collection of beads and crafted a few keychains (pictured below) that I could carry with me throughout the day.
Each keychain represents a different theme, allowing me to choose the one that aligns with the feeling I need most and concentrate on that energy.
I opted to make keychains so they could be used in various ways, rather than limiting them to a wearable asset such as a bracelet or necklace.
Expanding on the intention theme, I discovered these chains could also represent goals, and perfectly align with a vision board. The primary photo for this blog depicts a vision board where each featured graphic has an affiliated IntenChain.
How to use
Each keychain features a charm that can symbolize a wide range of feelings, motivations, or goals — how you choose to interpret and use it is entirely up to you.
Whether you seek to evoke love, peace, joy, confidence, strength, friendship, prosperity, health, wit, memory, organization, timeliness, focus, clarity, or adventure — IntenChains can represent these concepts.
Assign one IntenChain to each vision board element, then determine which to focus on each day. Grab that keychain, and out it into action using one of the below suggestions. Swap put your IntenChain daily or at your preferred cadence.
Attach them to your keyring, place them in your planner, loop them over your water bottle straw, rest them on your bedside table, hang them from your rearview mirror, or clip them to your purse, fanny pack, dog leash, or any other frequently used item. These keychains are designed to be carried and utilized throughout your day.
Gather multiple keychains to create a personalized vision board, giving you a selection of intentions, goals + manifestations to focus on each day.
A few examples:
VB element: travel more. Bring luck with you on your road trip to keep you safe and avoid traffic
VB element: get a promotion. Channel a good night sleep prior to a big interview, meeting or event
VB element: win a championship! Send good vibes to your favorite team on game day
VB element: find peace. Revisit your intention for peace & spirituality each time you take a sip of water
VISION BOARDING TIPS
Include hopes, dreams, wish list items, ideas, inspiration, reminders, etc. Don’t limit your creativity, expression + vision.
Utilize multiple formats - I currently have a Pinterest board, a cork board of various IntenChains, and a Bold Tuesday vision board.
Have multiple vision boards for specific life elements. Last year I crafted 3 vision boards in Canva: Serenity, Self-care and Experiences
Change quarterly or annually - or create a board to achieve a specific goal.
Assign actions to achieve vision board elements. This is key for manifestation. Proactive planning & execution will get you much further than waiting passively.
Use a combination of graphics and words. Graphics allow interpretation while words can be more direct and complete a story.
Keep some “white” space so that you can clearly see everything in your board. Clutter and chaos can be overstimulating resulting in lost focus.
Keep adding to your vision board over time - it does not have to be set in stone upon the day you craft it. If you hit a creative block, come back to it later and keep refining it until it feels right.
Use your vision board to reflect at the end of the year (or quarter, or milestone). What did you accomplish? How do you feel? Do you want to make any changes moving forward?
SUMMARY
Vision boarding is a timeless practice that remains highly relevant as many of us seek balance, change, and new beginnings.
While the core idea remains unchanged, the techniques have significantly evolved.
Select the methods that resonate with you, and embrace the creativity and mindfulness they bring.