How to Create a Book of Your Favorite Quotes and Proverbs

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Create a Book of Your Favorite Quotes and Proverbs

How to Create a Book of Your Favorite Quotes and Proverbs

Since I was young I was fascinated by quotes - words & sayings that resonated with my own dreams & values. Many years ago I started saving my favorites. Here's how...

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Quotations, proverbs, sayings . . . why are these important? And why would we want to save them?

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Certainly there are words that have inspired you. A saying that reminds you about something that is important to you. A proverb  that has guided your own philosophy of life.

Certainly there are words that have inspired you. A saying that reminds you about something that is important to you. A proverb that has guided your own philosophy of life.

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Putting these in a journal means that later you can come back to them when you need  inspiration.

Putting these in a journal means that later you can come back to them when you need inspiration.

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Or maybe to share them with others.

Or maybe to share them with others.

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Or perhaps you want to create something you can pass along to your children someday.

Or perhaps you want to create something you can pass along to your children someday.

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πŸ“– So where do you find quotes? πŸ“–

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Books are a major source. Often you'll find an opening quote (epigraph) that captures the story's essence or sets the stage. Sometimes these are literary and sometimes they're drawn from pop culture.

Books are a major source. Often you'll find an opening quote (epigraph) that captures the story's essence or sets the stage. Sometimes these are literary and sometimes they're drawn from pop culture.

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There are countless books dedicated to quotations. The granddaddy of them all is "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations." First published in 1882, the book has been revised and updated many times since.

There are countless books dedicated to quotations. The granddaddy of them all is "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations." First published in 1882, the book has been revised and updated many times since.

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Family sayings - is there a family saying or proverb that's been passed down from your ancestors? Be sure to include that in your book.

Family sayings - is there a family saying or proverb that's been passed down from your ancestors? Be sure to include that in your book.

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Magazines sometimes have quotes at the opening of articles or in an article that you might like. Just remember to write down anything that resonates with you.

Magazines sometimes have quotes at the opening of articles or in an article that you might like. Just remember to write down anything that resonates with you.

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Religious books are a great source.

Religious books are a great source.

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Facebook - people often post quotations or if you look at the About page of any of your friends, there's even a section where they put their favorite quotations.

Facebook - people often post quotations or if you look at the About page of any of your friends, there's even a section where they put their favorite quotations.

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On the app Pinterist, do a search for quotations and see what comes up. Lots!

On the app Pinterist, do a search for quotations and see what comes up. Lots!

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Google "quotations" and tons of websites come up.

Google "quotations" and tons of websites come up.

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You can even google a specific topic like quotations about love and get pages and pages of quotes related to this theme.

You can even google a specific topic like quotations about love and get pages and pages of quotes related to this theme.

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The possibilities on the web are limitless!

The possibilities on the web are limitless!

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Emails - sometimes people will include a favorite quote down at the bottom with their signature. Whenever I come across one that I like, I just save it for later to include in my book.

Emails - sometimes people will include a favorite quote down at the bottom with their signature. Whenever I come across one that I like, I just save it for later to include in my book.

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Song lyrics are an excellent source. Think of how many times you've actually quoted from a favorite song. All you need is love!

Song lyrics are an excellent source. Think of how many times you've actually quoted from a favorite song. All you need is love!

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Even on the street – there are quotations around you everywhere. You just have to keep your eyes open.

Even on the street – there are quotations around you everywhere. You just have to keep your eyes open.

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πŸ“– Putting Your Quote Book Together πŸ“–

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First step is to find a journal. You want it sturdy and well-made so that it will last for many years to come. Who knows?  Even for generations.

First step is to find a journal. You want it sturdy and well-made so that it will last for many years to come. Who knows? Even for generations.

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There are thousands of different styles and designs, lined or unlined, blank pages or illustrated, spiral or leather bound.

There are thousands of different styles and designs, lined or unlined, blank pages or illustrated, spiral or leather bound.

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Remember your quote book is a work in progress. You'll be adding to it constantly, whenever you find a quote that you want to include.

Remember your quote book is a work in progress. You'll be adding to it constantly, whenever you find a quote that you want to include.

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Here's my quote book - a bit weathered as I've been adding to it for over 30 years.

Here's my quote book - a bit weathered as I've been adding to it for over 30 years.

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My book happens to include some images from nature so I just write my quotes around them. When you can, attribute your quote to the person who said it. Sometimes though you have to write "anonymous."

My book happens to include some images from nature so I just write my quotes around them. When you can, attribute your quote to the person who said it. Sometimes though you have to write "anonymous."

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Over the years I've used different color pen ink. Sometimes I print; sometimes I write cursive. I don't put the quotes in any particular order. How you put it together is all up to you.

Over the years I've used different color pen ink. Sometimes I print; sometimes I write cursive. I don't put the quotes in any particular order. How you put it together is all up to you.

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Sometimes you'll find quotes that are with an image so you might want to cut them out and paste them in your book rather than just write the quote itself.

Sometimes you'll find quotes that are with an image so you might want to cut them out and paste them in your book rather than just write the quote itself.

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Sometimes you will find a quote already printed on paper and you can just cut that out and glue that in your book like I did here with this quote from Jack London.

Sometimes you will find a quote already printed on paper and you can just cut that out and glue that in your book like I did here with this quote from Jack London.

Step 29 of 29
I hope you've enjoyed this guide. Be sure to leave feedback and any other ideas you might have to share with others. Now you can get started - all you need is one quote!

I hope you've enjoyed this guide. Be sure to leave feedback and any other ideas you might have to share with others. Now you can get started - all you need is one quote!

You're Done

Check out other guides by this author!

Bay Area, California USA
I love to create! All kinds of things. Food, crafts, jewelry, art, photos, theater, events, history, social justice. My proudest creation is my daughter!

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23 Comments
Supplies

Blank Journal or notebook

Pen

Quotations, Sayings, Proverbs

Felicia Gustin

So glad you enjoyed the guide and thanks for sharing your personal quote, Ian. As to your question, my book will go to my precious daughter.

(author) 3 weeks ago

ian πŸ‘€ zaq

Such soothing guide you've shared, thank you. Knowledge - fulfilling to share & to get. Experience - you'll have to do it, to get it. That's my personal quote. Felicia, I have one question though. Your book I believe is very precious. To which particular person would you pass it down to?

ian πŸ‘€ zaq 3 weeks ago

Felicia Gustin

Thanks Alyssa!

(author) 3 weeks ago

Alyssa James

Awesome!

Alyssa James 3 weeks ago

Felicia Gustin

Thanks Ashley!

(author) 4 months ago

Ashley Walker

Love this!! What a great idea!

Ashley Walker 5 months ago

Felicia Gustin

That's a great idea, Nancy! Wish I had done that when I started my book.

(author) 5 months ago

Nancy Manning

My personal quote book will include the date I added the quotation. When reviewing it over the years, it will show what was important to me at that time

Nancy Manning 5 months ago

Nancy Manning

For decades I,too have loved quotes. Now,after reading your how to guide, I am starting my own personal book. It will include

Nancy Manning 5 months ago

Felicia Gustin

So glad you enjoyed the guide Serene!

(author) 5 months ago

Serene Snapguider

❀ this great guide as i ❀quotes! Now i know what to do the next time i chance across an inspiring one πŸ“šπŸ“–. Thank u!

Serene Snapguider 5 months ago

Felicia Gustin

Thanks all! So glad you all like this guide!

(author) 8 months ago

Velvet Chique

nice

Velvet Chique 8 months ago

Sophia Ross

Thanks for the idea Felicia! Now all I have to do is find a note book lol!

Sophia Ross 8 months ago

Barbara Cameron

I've been collecting quotes for years too. Saw a movie with Jaqueline Smith as a reporter who goes out on a boat with a fisherman who has quotes written all over his walls. Fell in love with that idea! That's what started me collecting quotes. Also comics i want to laminate & cover the wall with.

Barbara Cameron 8 months ago

Felicia Gustin

You're right Peggy, quote books DO make great gifts. I took all the love quotes and put those in a book as a wedding present. Instead of hand writing them though I typed them on a computer using a pretty font. Then I cut each quote out and glued it in the book. The couple loved it!

(author) 10 months ago

Peggy Suarez

I made something similar to this for a secret Santa gift. The only thing I did different was put lyrics to favorite christmas songs and quotes from favorite christmas movies. I decorated a hard covered sketch book with wrapping paper and little things and gave it to in a small bag. She loved it!

Peggy Suarez 10 months ago

Megan L

Awww such a sweet idea I love quotes but I've never considered this before! I think I'm going to start one!

Megan L 10 months ago

Corinne Dexter

I like it. A scrapbook of words.

Corinne Dexter 10 months ago

Felicia Gustin

@ Clarke - once you have your book, it really doesn't take any extra time. Sometimes I won't put any quotes in my book for months. And then I'll come across a bunch that I want to include. It really is a work in progress that goes on for years. Have fun!

(author) 10 months ago

Shelley Tang

Like your idea ;)

Shelley Tang 10 months ago

Rima Mathewson

nicely done

Rima Mathewson 10 months ago

Clarke McRae

I love this !!!!!!!!!!! ❀ I think you just gave me a project to work on , on my spare time ! :)

Clarke McRae 10 months ago

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Amalia Mesa-Gustin

Lol!

Amalia Mesa-Gustin 10 months ago

Amalia Mesa-Gustin

Hahahaha!!

Amalia Mesa-Gustin 10 months ago

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Daniella Sforza

We have one that all of us thought was a universal quote until we tried looking it up. When someone in a conversation tells you something that does not make sense you tell them: "you are mixing your spinaches."

Daniella Sforza 9 months ago

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Aly Riot

everclear's & placebo's lyrics I'm pretty sure have saved my life. this is such a great idea thanks:) totally going to start one of these.

Aly Riot 10 months ago

Felicia Gustin

And Van Morrison, Brian McKnight and Aaron Nevilles ... ✨

(author) 10 months ago

Jasmin Piercy

Michael Buble ❀

Jasmin Piercy 10 months ago

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Taylor B..(:

Wow that's awesome

Taylor B..(: 10 months ago

Clarke McRae

Oh wow ! I like this , :) I'd like to read it some day ! Hehehe

Clarke McRae 10 months ago

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Jazlynne PV

Ahahaha;) i love Pinterest

Jazlynne PV 10 months ago

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