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Home » beginning a bullet journal

Beginner Supplies for Bullet Journaling

January 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

Favorite Beginner Bullet Journal Supplies + Why | ChocolateMusings.com #bulletjournal #supplies #favoritesupplies
Bullet Journal Supplies Explained: Resources for Beginners + Beyond - Choose the Supplies You Need + Why | ChocolateMusings.com #bulletjournal #bulletjournaling #supplies #artsupplies

What are the best beginner supplies for bullet journaling? I’ve compiled a list of my favorite supplies for bullet journaling (and WHY!). Beginner or not, this list is sure to get you going.

If you just started bullet journaling or lettering (or would like to start and don’t know what you need), you’ve come to the right place.

I don’t care what time of year it is, whether the first of the year has passed or if you’re well into spring, summer, or the leaves are starting to turn preparing for winter. Anytime is a good time to start your bullet journal or lettering journey. You don’t have to wait for the perfect day to start.

Table of contents

  • Looking for Handlettering Supplies?
    • Are you interested in Handlettering?
  • What Basic/Beginner Supplies do I Need for Bullet Journaling?
  • Know Your ‘Why’
    • Why do you want to bullet journal?
  • Some Reasons to Start a Bullet Journal
  • The Most Basic Beginner Supply for Bullet Journaling: The Notebook
    • Scribbles That Matter A5 Dot-Grid Notebook
    • Could you Use a Sketchbook?
    • Pens – Another Essential Basic Tool for Bullet Journalers
      • Other pens I like:
  • Bullet Journaling + Fountain Pens
    • Want to Learn More About Fountain Pens?
    • Pencil
    • Erasers
    • Rulers
    • Correction Tape:
      • Why Not Whiteout?
    • Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens
    • Other Brush Markers I Love:
    • Tombow Dual Brush Pens
    • Water Pens
    • Watercolor Paint
    • Crayola Markers
      • Features of Crayola Markers:
    • Colored Pencils
    • Micron Pens
    • Washi Tape
    • Zebra Mildliner Markers
  • Getting Started – All the Essentials
  • What Are Your Favorites?
  • In case you missed it

Looking for Handlettering Supplies?

Are you interested in Handlettering?

Head to this post on getting started with handlettering. I break down all the supplies and what they do. And detail which supplies are best for beginner letterers on up to intermediate users and beyond.

What Basic/Beginner Supplies do I Need for Bullet Journaling?

Honestly, you need just a notebook and a pen. Because bullet journaling is about simply recording your days & to-dos. Find out more about the basics of bullet journaling in this post. You can also learn about the original intent of the bullet journal system here. You can see that I deviate significantly from the original creator’s basic use of the notebook.

If your intent is to be more artsy in your bullet journal, start a sketch diary, doodle book, or something geared toward the more artistic variation of Bullet Journaling – I can help you with that.

Know Your ‘Why’

Why do you want to bullet journal?

First, it’s essential to know why you want to start using this hobby/productivity tool. Knowing what you want to try or practice will determine what type of supplies you choose.

Pro Tip: you probably have several supplies around your house – gather what you do have and start with those.

Remember – you don’t have to get each one of these to start bullet journaling. Try something for a while, and then add to your supplies when you want to try something new.

Some Reasons to Start a Bullet Journal

I created a list below of reasons to start & use a bullet journal. Most people will select multiple items from the list so you don’t have to narrow it down (this is in no way comprehensive – it’s merely to get you thinking about what you want to do).

  1. Do you want to organize your day-to-day schedule?
  2. Do you want to start adding some creativity to your life?
  3. Create a collection of inspiring quotes
  4. Do you want to track miscellaneous things in your life, such as budget, dreams, sleep, period/mood tracking, books read?
  5. Include Church Doodles or self-care & motivational practices?
  6. Start or Continue your Lettering Practice?
  7. Doodle Practice
  8. Journal & Record Keeping

I use my bullet journal for every single one of those things on that list. I feel that including a bit of art/creativity regularly in my life has brought me out of the dark ages of my life.

The Most Basic Beginner Supply for Bullet Journaling: The Notebook

Scribbles That Matter A5 Dot-Grid Notebook

Monthly Calendar - Favorite Supplies | ChocolateMusings.com #creativeplanning #bulletjournal #monthly

There are a lot of other notebooks out there that would work just fine for writing and recording thoughts. I use Scribbles That Matter because it holds up to all the markers & art I throw at it. I’ve personally tested about 15 of them (so far) and I’m very pleased with the paper in this notebook.

  • A5 is a portable size, and the dot grid allows me to turn my book horizontal or vertical and work form a grid.
  • Dots are non-obtrusive and provide a guide without getting in the way.
  • The 160 gsm paper in the Scribbles That Matter notebook holds up to nearly everything.
  • Accessible – available on Amazon, so I can get the order quickly with a Prime Membership.

Could you Use a Sketchbook?

If you want to start a sketchbook, blank pages might be more your speed. Canson has a mixed media book in 8.5×5.5 and the pages hold up to a variety of uses, including watercolor. I love the dot grid in my notebooks because I can draw straight lines and create planning spreads in addition to art in my notebook.

Target also has an inexpensive wire-bound notebook that I like which puts up with most techniques and has a good number of pages.

Botanical Garden Illustration Inspired by Emily Dickinson Museum Garden for Skillshare Class | ChocolateMusings.com #flower #watercolor #painting

Pro Tip: The paper in a sketchbook or mixed media book isn’t as smooth as a majority of the dot grid notebooks – be aware of this when using your markers, particularly, your dual brush pens.

You don’t have to use a bound notebook if you prefer a 3-ring binder or disc-bound notebook – there’s a whole world of possibilities out there for you to explore.

I’ll review notebooks from time to time, so check out my list of reviews here!

Tuumbitri Meri Notebook Review Header Image
Tumbitri Meri Notebook Review
Read the Post
EVO Planner - header
EVO Planner Review
Read the Post
Hustle Co Notebook Review Heavy Bleeds for Crayola, Tombow & Water Pens is a Deal Killer | ChocolateMusings.com Review
Hustle Co Notebook Review
Read the Post
Product Review: The Black Page Journal
Read the Post
How to Turn a Ring Planner into a Traveler’s Notebook for $12
Read the Post

Pens – Another Essential Basic Tool for Bullet Journalers

  • All the things - Journal Page with Paint Bucket Splash | ChocolateMusings.com #bulletjournal #journaling
  • Paint drip weekly view bullet journal page | ChocolateMusings.com #bulletjournal #weekly

Beyond a pen & notebook, everything else is just extra. But I never said I was a minimalist bullet journalist. I love creative planning and discovering bullet journaling was the catalyst for reigniting my passion for creativity.

My personal favorite pens are Papermate Ink Joy

  • I love them because they come in a variety of colors
  • The ink dries quickly
  • Available online or in many different stores

Other pens I like:

  • Energel (.5 & .7 mm)
  • Papermate Flair Pens

Do you crave more simplicity? Ballpoint pens work just fine.

Bullet Journaling + Fountain Pens

Seeds of Thought Brain Dump Page - Simple Floral Border | ChocolateMusings.com #bulletjournal #braindump #floral #linedrawing

Some people like to pair bullet journaling with fountain pens. I have several fountain pens – but lean more to the doodling & marker usage rather than fountain pen use in my books.

However, if you wanted to try fountain pens for the first time, start with these:

  • Pilot Metro Pop Medium Nib
  • Pilot Metro Pop Fine Nib

Both of these will need replacement cartridges.

Want to try a fillable fountain pen? Try this Noodler’s Konrad Fillable demo pen then choose your ink. (Demo means it has a clear barrel and you can see the ink in the pen.)

Want to Learn More About Fountain Pens?

Like most products related to Creative Planning or Bullet journaling, fountain pens are a rabbit hole of options. If you want to learn more about fountain pens, I say go to the experts.

Goulet Pen Company is a great place to start. From what I’ve seen, they provide a lot of insight, guidance, and have a lot of information available for newbies and beyond.

Pencil

Bookcase line drawing - Bullet Journal Reading Collection | ChocolateMusings.com #reading #goals #books #booktracker

Pencils are a perfect beginner (+beyond) supply for bullet journaling.

I like to sketch my calendar & artwork in pencil first and typically use this mechanical pencil by Papermate or this Energize Pencil by Pentel. I prefer the .5mm, but I know most people prefer the .7mm lead.

But if you are diving in and doing a minimal bullet journal without creating calendars or doodles, you can carry just a pen and your notebook.

Erasers

If you’re using a pencil to sketch or do work prior to finishing with a pen, you’ll need an eraser. I go through erasers like crazy (that’s partially why I like Papermate pencils – because they have a bigger eraser than other pencils).

  • Pentel Plastic Eraser – my favorite & go-to eraser.
  • Papermate White Pearl Eraser
  • Clic Erase – Retractable Eraser

Rulers

I’ve been drawing for years and need a ruler even though the pages have a grid to follow – I use a ruler every day for ease & to soothe my perfectionist tendencies (although I usually still mess it up).

I love the 6” cork-backed ruler by Westcott. If you’re using a dot-grid notebook, you’ll need a ruler that measures centimeters and millimeters (as most dot-grid notebooks are spaced with 5mm dots). Westcott also has this amazing protractor ruler. Any ruler should work and there are some flexible options on the market as well.

You can store your ruler in the back pocket of your notebook, so you have it with you all the time. Just don’t forget where you put it and tear apart your office/house two to three times before finding it. #truestory #oops #thatreallyhappened

If you want to include circles in your book – hands down my favorite circle maker is the Helix circle maker. I bought three (so I could have backups) when I thought I lost mine.

I also have their 12″ helix ruler for making bigger circles.

Check out these posts for making circles in your bullet journal:

  • Circle Measurements
  • Loose Circle Wreaths

Correction Tape:

  • Books Read Bullet Journal Collection + Handlettering | ChocolateMusings.com #bulletjournal #collection #books #handlettering
  • Art Supply Watercolor: White Out Tape Watercolor Painting | ChocolateMusings.com #gears #artsupply #watercolor
  • Art Supply Watercolor: White Out Tape Watercolor Painting | ChocolateMusings.com #gears #artsupply #watercolor

Because mistakes happen. No matter what, once you add ink to the page, you’ll smear or screw up in some way. Use your correction tape enough to fix the mistake or smear and move on.

One time I got a whole box of the Tombow correction tape at Costco. But I also order online (yes, I use it A LOT). Many brands would work, but I like the tape track Tombow has because I don’t have to spend a lot of time fixing it if the tape jumps off the track. I also find that it stays taut and doesn’t need wound up.

Why Not Whiteout?

If you want to ruin your life and the lives of everyone around you, go ahead and use whiteout from a bottle.

If you can’t tell, I am not a fan of white-out. It takes too long to dry and never seems to work just right. It may come back from my copy center days – where people would use whiteout and not let it dry thoroughly (you think it’s dry, but it’s NOT!) and then lay their painted pages on the copier glass or run it through the feeder

After they leave, I spent the rest of the day (or the rest of my life – whichever) scrubbing at the glass & feeder rolls to get that dang white-out off. Yep, pretty sure that’s where my passion against whiteout comes from and curse you if you ever do that to a copy shop.

Ok, I’ll put away my soapbox now. Just don’t get involved with whiteout from a bottle. It’s not worth it.

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens

Planning Goals in my Bullet Journal | ChocolateMusings.com #goals #goalplanning #planning #lettering #handlettering
  • Dual pack of Hard & Soft Tip in black ink – Great for beginners to start learning the thick and thin strokes of handlettering.
  • Comes in a multi-color pack (hard-tip only)

My favorites are the hard-tip markers. I feel like I have more control over them. Even though I recommend these markers for beginners, they are STILL my favorite brush pen. Great for creating headers in your bullet journal or for church doodles.

Other Brush Markers I Love:

  • Sharpie Brush Pens (these aren’t your typical bleed-through paper Sharpies) and the brush tip is good for beginners. If you want to start with color brush tips (rather than just black – these are a good option).
  • Pentel Sign Touch Brush Pens – easy to use and a great range of intense colors, it also has surprising flexibility in the tip of the pen & writes very well.

Tombow Dual Brush Pens

  • Fall Tombow Dual Brush Pen Colors | ChocolateMusings.com #fallcolors #dualbrushpens #tombow
  • Brush Marker Samples | ChocolateMusings.com #dualbrushpens #brushpen #markers
  • Weekly Polaroid & Camera Bullet Journal Spread | ChocolateMusings.com #weeklyspread #weekly #bulletjournal

Get 96 Colors at once or start with smaller packs. Here are a few of their smaller packs:

  • Bright 10-Pack
  • Primary 10-Pack
  • Secondary 10-Pack
  • Galaxy 10-Pack
  • Grayscale 10-Pack
  • Landscape 10-Pack

I would say the Bright & Primary packs would be my top picks for starting with these markers. You can use them to add color to your planner/notes or step up your lettering game.

Pro Tip: Use Tombow Dual Brush Markers only on smooth paper – any paper that is rough or has a ‘tooth’ will eventually damage the tip of your brush and fray the end.

Water Pens

Waterpen + Bullet Journaling | ChocolateMusings.com #watercolor #waterpen #bulletjournal

Water pens are useful for blending waterbased markers like Tombow Dual Brush pens or Karin Markers and provides quick, mess-free watercolor painting – it acts as the water & the brush.

Pro Tip: be careful how much you blend/add water to markers in your book, it’s the only thing that I’ve found bleeds through in every book.

Watercolor Paint

  • Watercolor Paint Swatch | ChocolateMusings.com #watercolor #paintswatch
  • Paul Ruben Shimmer Watercolor Paint Swatch | ChocolateMusings.com #watercolor #paintswatch

I started watercolor painting in my bullet journal. I’d never tried watercolor before I started bullet journaling and fell in love with it. Use watercolor when you want to add additional art & painting to your planner. Make sure to test your pages to see if they will withstand watercolor.

There are so many kinds of watercolor paints. I use mostly watercolor cakes when painting in my journal (not liquid from a squeeze bottle).

I started with the cheap sets from Michaels and have tried many others since then. It’s kind of a personal preference, but if you want to try watercoloring – start with inexpensive pans and go on from there.

Currently, I use a variety of watercolor paints – but my favorite shimmer paints are Paul Ruben Watercolor.

To use watercolor paint, you’ll either need to use a water pen or brush and water. I also watercolor with Crayola makers + a brush pen or brush and water.

Want to know how I watercolor with markers in my planner? Here’s the post explaining how I do it.

Crayola Markers

  • Floral Line Drawing Habit Tracker - Bullet Journal | ChocolateMusings.com #bulletjournal #habittracker #flower #floral #illustration
  • Gratitude Quote Bullet Journal Page - Watercolored with Crayola Markers | ChocolateMusings.com #gratitude #watercolor #bulletjournal
  • Bookcase Bullet Journal Book Tracker | ChocolateMusings.com #booktracker #bulletjournal #crayola #watercolor
  • Beach Sign Welcome Page - Watercolor Painted with Crayola Markers | ChocolateMusings.com #welcomepage #bulletjournal #watercolor #crayola
  • Bullet Journal Weekly Banner With Crayola Markers | ChocolateMusings.com #weeklyspread #bulletjournal
  • Crayola Marker Color Variety | ChocolateMusings.com #crayola #crayolaart
  • Crayola Marker Bouquet - Bullet Journaling Supplies | ChocolateMusings.com #crayola #bulletjournal

There are so many plusses for Crayola Markers. Yes, those markers you thought you left behind in elementary school. They’re back (actually never left) and they’re awesome. I personally like the super tips (they’re the smaller markers – but the bigger barrel size works great too.)

100 Pack | 50 Pack | 20 Pack | Metallic

Features of Crayola Markers:

  • Inexpensive
  • Available in many local stores
  • Cones in many different package sizes
  • Dries quickly
  • Waterbased – can blend colors
  • Can use for lettering (yep! you read that right!)

Colored Pencils

Another blast from your elementary school past. Colored pencils are great for blending & they don’t bleed through your pages.

  • Range of choices (I was gifted the Prisma Color colored pencil pack, but you can use Crayola or other brands)
  • Inexpensive options
  • Available online or locally
  • Doesn’t bleed through

Micron Pens

Lettering Style Variations Bullet Journal Weekly Spread | ChocolateMusings.com #weekly #bulletjournal #lettering #handlettering

When outlining my calendars or doodles I usually reach for a Micron pen. They come in a variety of point sizes and the ink dries quickly. My favorite sizes are the 02/.30mm or 03/.35mm.

Washi Tape

Some people go overboard with washi tape. I decided to find a few favorites and just use them – so I chose a color scheme. I use to mark the edges of essential pages I need to refer to over and over again, such as the start of a month, a monthly calendar or an important collection.

  • My Favorite Pattern Washi Tape
  • Favorite Overall Washi Tape (I buy this by the pack because I like the black and white stripes so much)
  • Skinny Washi Tape – I use the micro washi tape for very thin borders or columns

Zebra Mildliner Markers

  • Mildliner Marker Fan | ChocolateMusings.com #mildliner #midliner #marker
  • Weekly Bullet Journal Task Tracker | ChocolateMusings.com #weeklytracker #bulletjournal
  • Minimal Weekly Timeblock View - Bullet Journal | ChocolateMusings.com #minimalweekly #weekly #bulletjournal
  • Mildliner Weekly Spread with Paint Splotches | ChocolateMusings.com #weekly #bulletjournal #weeklyspread

I see this all the time in various Facebook groups & other forums. It’s not MID liner it’s MILD liner. You’re welcome (you’ll thank me later).

MILD – meaning the colors are mild. It took me a while before I decided to buy these chisel-edge markers. They are great for highlighting and creating spots of color in your book. The colors are not so intense so you can write over them or use them as highlighters.

Pro Tip: I find that the Papermate Inkjoy pens + the Mildliners work well with each other. They come in a variety of colors and are available online & in many stores.

Zebra just came out with some dual brush markers geared more towards handlettering, but I haven’t tested those out yet. If you’ve tried, them I’d love to know how they compare with other brush markers.

Bullet Journal Supplies - the ins and outs of all the popular Bullet Journaling Supplies | ChocolateMusings.com #bulletjournal #supplies #creativity

Getting Started – All the Essentials

I hope this has helped you decide what you need to get started and see what kinds of supplies are the most popular. Remember that you don’t need all of them to start.

A simple notebook & pen will get you started bullet journaling. Add in the items you want to try and build up from there. Don’t get everything at once – you won’t need it, and you need time to decide what you want to try or focus on.

What Are Your Favorites?

Do you have any favorite creative supplies? I don’t care if they are on my list or not, I’d love to know what your go-to supplies are & what you love about them. Leave me a comment below!

In case you missed it

Here’s my post on Staring Handlettering – I break down all the supplies you’ve probably seen around on Instagram and what they do + what is best for beginner letterers on up to intermediate users and beyond.

Want to start doodling flowers? Here’s my post on floral doodle & reference books. Or try out these other posts related to Bullet Journaling.

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Blog, Bullet Journal, featured, Get Creative, Get Inspired, Get Organized & Start Planning, My Muses (My Favorites & Inspiration), Product & Book Reviews, Start Handlettering Here, Start Planning Here Tagged: beginner supplies, beginning a bullet journal, Bullet Journal, how to begin, supplies

What is Bullet Journaling – The Basics + Infographic

January 5, 2020 4 Comments

What is bullet journaling - Basics + Infographic | ChocolateMusings.com #bulletjournalbasics #bulletjournal #bujo

Bullet Journaling – what is it? Is bullet journaling a journal or a list of things to do? Yes.

Bullet Journaling is whatever you need it to be. I ran across this infographic from Quill.com and decided to share it with you.

It’s especially helpful if you’re just getting started in the world of Bullet Journaling – the graphic below generally breaks down the bullet journaling notebook into sections and how you can use them in your own notebook.

Other Resources:

Ryder Carroll – Founder of The Bullet Journal & The Bullet Journal Method you can also view his video on Journaling vs. Bullet Journaling

Is a Bullet Journal *Just* a Journal?

Yes. And no. Honestly, it’s what you want it to be.

If you’re like many people, you might have kept a journal at some point over the years. I know I have many half-filled notebooks recording the day-to-day minutia of my teenage angst. Some of these books have just one or two pages scrawled with the promise that I would write every day.

Maybe you recorded one during your pre-teen or teen years, working through all the emotions and developmental stages by putting pen to paper. Or perhaps you journaled at work as a way of monitoring your tasks or what you had to work on. Some recorded their achievements (I wish I would have done that so I had a record to reflect on!). Some people journal as adults, too, recording photos or other momentous events in their lives.

Whether you currently journal or haven’t recorded anything since your high school days, bullet journaling is a type of journal that appeals to a wide range of people – and you might want to try it out, too.

Is a Bullet Journal Just a Journal? Basic Bullet Journaling Questions answered to get you started #bulletjournal #bujo | ChocolateMusings.com

What is Bullet Journaling?

Initially developed to be a rapid logging system of things to do and what I’d call stream of conscious where you get all the thoughts of the things bogging down your mind onto paper so you can sort, edit, schedule, or eliminate the unnecessary items.

Bullet journaling’s definition has evolved into DYI calendar-life tracker-doodle book all in one. As you can tell, I’m not a purist to the bullet journal system.

Of course, you are free to use this system as you wish and how it benefits you the most. If you prefer to keep everything to a minimum, do that. If you need an artistic outlet, please, do that. (I’m a huge advocate for finding a creative outlet!)

Bullet Journaling – A Diverse Way to Manage Your Life

I would call bullet journaling a diverse way to manage your life. Whether you need to manage to-dos, include journaling of your thoughts, ideas, and passions, stay on track with your calendar & appointments, use it as a creative outlet, or a combination of all of the above – one notebook can suit your needs.

Not to be overdramatic, but I found that it’s changed my life. Really. There’s a reason why I started blogging about it.

Bullet journaling is a new type of recording that’s a more recent development. It has some easy tips and ways for you to get started. Want to take it on? This graphic may help break it down for you.

Bullet Journaling Basics: The Breakdown

Scroll through to the bottom. It’s worth it.

Productive Bullet Journal

How I use Bullet Journaling

Personally, I use bullet journaling to replace my planner, my sketchbook, the brain dump notebook (that I used to keep beside my bed to log all my thoughts so I could sleep), journal, and life reference book. It sounds like a lot, but it works for me, I keep my schedule organized, and it makes me happy. This is why I want to share it with you.

What Happens if Life Gets Busy?

Some seasons of my life are busier than others. When this happens, I’ll switch to a daily log as shown in the graphic to keep track of more items on my to-do list and I will minimize the amount of doodling and art I include in my planner. But most of the time, I create a weekly spread that covers two facing pages in my book.

I love adding collection pages to my notebook. One page I include all the time is my brain dump page. Don’t like the term brain dump? Here’s a list of alternate names for brain dump.

Starting your Bullet Journal

If you’re starting out, I would start with the minimum that you can do. Don’t overdo it.

Ask yourself: What do you need to organize in your life? Do you need to keep a strict schedule, or do you have a lot of ‘to-do’ items during the week? Is your life filled with appointments?

Start with the most significant issue in your life and use the bullet journal to see if it fills that need. At first, don’t add all the bells and whistles until you establish a habit of using your book and recording the items you need help with the most.

Then, when you feel comfortable using the system, add to it if needed. After you’ve fulfilled your basic needs and wand a creative outlet – turn to a blank page for doodles. Try your hand at creating some fun headers for the week or month. Start small initially, and do only what you want to do. Please don’t do what others (or even me!) tell you what they do solely to follow someone else. Find what you’re comfortable with, and use it to fulfill a need in your life.

P.S. If you missed starting in January for the first of the year – it’s ok. I have eight journals, and two began in January. Start where you are.

Why Do I Love Bullet Journaling?

Honestly, the reason why I love bullet journaling is that I can make it mine and the beauty is that you can make it yours, too. Once you’ve given it a chance, figure out how you can customize it even more to your needs. Then when you need to change it, change it. No need to buy a new planner if your needs change. Modify your pages or your workflow and forge on.

Don’t Be Afraid to Customize For YOUR Needs

After you’ve been bullet journaling for a while, you might discover that you dislike creating your monthly calendar each month? Solve that issue by printing a calendar or using a monthly log like in the infographic above. If you discover not long after you’ve started that you need to include a cleaning calendar to keep your house sparkly. Well, my friend, that’s easy, simply add those tasks to your book.

After a month or so, colors in all hues might be calling your name beyond those black and white pages. If this is the case, a whole world opens up with the flick of a page and the brush of a marker. Customize this bullet journal to be what you need it to be. Keep in mind that it may change month-to-month or week-to-week. Allow yourself the freedom to change.

Bullet Journaling – A Journey

I hope you’ve found some interesting information that helps answer your question “What is Bullet Journaling”. And I hope it’s enough to propel your curiosity to dip your little toe into this world. Come on in, the water is fine.

I’m excited for you to go on this journey. I’ll be glad to help you along that path. Find me on Instagram or add a comment below if you need guidance. Let’s go, my friend. Let’s go see where this journey leads.

Feel free to bookmark this page and save it until later. I have a whole list of posts all planned out to help answer your questions about bullet journaling. Check back often or better yet, sign up for my newsletter!

No Matter Which Notebook I use – You’ll Always Find These Supplies Close at Hand

Get Started Bullet Journaling with Some of My Favorite Supplies:

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Filed Under: Blog, Bullet Journal, Get Inspired, Get Organized & Start Planning, Start Planning Here Tagged: #BuJo, beginning a bullet journal, Bullet Journal, Bullet Journal Advice, bullet journaling, how to start bullet journaling, starting your bullet journal

Begin Your Bullet Journal – Don’t be Afraid to Start

May 24, 2018 6 Comments

If I could open up a drawer of all planners past, there would be an excellent collection. You’d find all different kinds of planners. I tried them, and I didn’t use them. I liked the idea of them, but then I’d neglect them for a month or so and have all these blank pages in the middle of my book. Then I faced a with a problem. Do I tear out the pages? Do I leave them blank? Usually, I would abandon the planner altogether.  I found the bullet journal system and haven’t looked back. Here’s my advice to you as you begin your bullet journal.

Bullet Journaling is Versatile

Starting a bullet journal can be daunting and overwhelming. Maybe you’ve thought these before:

  • Where do I start? (If you haven’t watched video on the original Bullet Journal by Ryder Carroll here’s the link begin here, so you understand bullet journaling’s foundation)
  • What should I include?
  • I’d like all the collections, but what do I do with them? Where do I start?
  • Everyone has pretty lettering and how do I get that?
  • I need all the fancy on my pages.

The critical thing to know is that your bullet journal will morph with you. If you need to track appointments, start with a Future Planner of some kind, a Monthly Log or Monthly Calendar and a Weekly log. That’s it! Once you are comfortable with your journal, that’s when you start customizing. My journal has morphed into an art journal/art therapy notebook. MommaBearLife.com explains this concept in her blog post. Check it out!

Future Log: 1 month to a page - large goal planning areas & space for lots of to-dos

Recap: Where to Start:

  • Future Log – somewhere to put future appointments and plans
  • Monthly Calendar / Log – overview of the month
  • Weekly Log – if you don’t know how much you need, start here, if you have a lot to plan or keep track of on a daily basis, switch out with a daily log, you can also use the space to write a journal entry
Minimal monthly welcome page wreath with calendar

Begin Your Bullet Journal: Follow a Set Format to Start

Begin your bullet journal with the basics. Start with your monthly calendar in a log format which is simple, straightforward and easy. Start with weeklies and work in dailies if you need them. Find a simple, easy-to-create format for your beginning weeklies. Set aside 2-5 minutes every day to plan your day or the following day to make it a habit. Eventually, you’ll become comfortable with the style of a bullet journal and morph it into your own personal style.

I don’t have a lot of plans per se in the day both when I was beginning a bullet journal and even today. There are things I to do, but I don’t have an exorbitant amount of appointments I need to meet and tasks done weekly, rarely on a set day. So using weeklies has been my go-to planning style. If you are a lot busier and have tasks that need to get done on a specific day, use a daily log, either one page or part of a page for each day when setting up your bullet journal. If you use dailies, the needed space will expand and compress based on the day.

My Inspiration

I started watching planning videos with Alexis at strangecharmed.com and found my way over to Kara at Bohoberry.com.  Clark Kegley and his method of journaling also profoundly influenced me. Quickly adapting many ideas from these inspirational entrepreneurs and others and created a style to fit my needs. I started my own YouTube channel, and I love going through the planning process with you! Follow me on YouTube. To inspire you, I have a new series in the works creating headers for collections and other pages, and I am very excited to share it with you! Follow along!

Chocolate Musings on YouTube!

Need to Track Something Instead of Appointments?

Ani over at TheAniKay.com said that she started slow – with just an exercise tracker. Then eventually added more things in, she’s recently switched to a digital planner, and I love seeing the evolution of her planning journey.

My very first and most important recommendation if you are considering bullet journaling – choose the most important thing to track for you and track it. Need to track appointments? Start with a weekly or monthly calendar and add the dates there. If your goal is to lose weight – by all means jot it down! Start with that and add the other stuff in later.

We Manage What We Monitor - handlettered quote #change #habits #handletter #quote #handlettered
Unfinished Projects Bullet Journal Spread

Creative Outlet

In desperate need of a creative outlet? Choose a drawing or doodling challenge, map out a week at a time with seven boxes and doodle one thing every day. Start small. Do not try to do everything at once and do not expect perfection. My bullet journals have at least one mistake per spread, and it’s one thing I’ve learned to accept. Sometimes a whole spread, but the benefits to me of this little book for me outweigh any mistake. Begin your bullet journal adventure without a lot of frills, and begin your bullet journal for you.

Who I am & what I like to do, a definition of me, Bullet journal Collection

Collections

My VERY FAVORITE thing to track in my bullet journal are collections. Collections in your bullet journal are where you can get into a lot of fun. These are things that are uniquely you. Books read, books to read, movies watched, movies to watch. Oh, the possibilities are endless (my ultimate personal favorite is my 10-minute task list). But here’s the deal: Don’t start with everything.

My collections have come out of need. Check out AsARye.com and her array of collections starting the year. Take ideas from sources and turn them into something that works just for you. By the way, I recommend crediting anyone who you reference, they will love it for one thing, and it’s just nice.

Random thoughts and great ideas bullet journal spread idea tracker brain dump

What if You Don’t Want to Mix Them?

So then there’s the age-old question of ‘I don’t want my collections mixed in with my monthly and weeklies – where do I put them?’ A simple answer for me is in the back of the book. One idea is to start on the back page and worked forward, so your planner and your collections meet in the middle.

In March, I started a separate book for my long-term collections and enjoy it. But that is because my journal has evolved with me, don’t try to start too much all at once. Beginning a bullet journal is an ongoing process,  it is not going to all happen at once.

Moving to a New Bullet Journal - in the middle of a year

All the Fancy – Begin your Bullet Journal Simply – the Fancy Will Come

There are gorgeous spreads out there, some that are jaw-dropping. I can tell you, mine did not start out that way, and not all of mine end up picture ready (I have quite a few planner-fails under my belt). The pretty lettering and the gorgeous spreads took time; I had to get used to planning out my days before I could use bullet journaling as a hobby.  And it took lots of time and lots of practice.

Though I have studied fonts and writing styles for nearly my whole life, I still forced myself to learn the fundamentals of brush lettering so I could make the ‘pretty’ letters on my own. It’s still developing, and I know this: it won’t come overnight, and it will require time, effort and patience.

November Called for Structure

I love the bullet journaling system’s versatility, and you can make it adapt to your needs. For a while, I needed a very structured week/month – see November – Plan with me. I had a theme – it was 12×12 boxes. Really. That was my November theme.

Whimsy Defined December

December was all about free-flowing spreads; there were lots of sketches, lots of open spaces. December was A Christmas Story-themed.

January Used the Best of Both (in my opinion)

My yearly theme is Grow. I fully intended to do flowers and other growing items like leaves all the way through, but sometimes you have to go with what comes to you. That’s my tip now. Don’t try to force it. January’s theme was all about transportation. But I used essential elements from both November and December to have structure and art. Each page uniquely reflected a new mode of transportation. I tried out new ways of creating as well. (Watercolor with markers? Yes. – I show you how I do it on my YouTube Channel). I think the combination of November’s function and December’s form created a cohesive feel that met both my planning and my artistic needs.

January Review - Whats Changing in my Bullet Journal next month

The point is when you begin your bullet journal, it seems scary but if you start with my recommendations of a future log, monthly calendar, and weekly log and then the pages won’t stay blank for long, and soon you’ll find a unique style that fits you. In the meantime, you are welcome to use any inspiration you need from me.

February

The second month of the year tried too many things, and it flopped. Many of these tried-and-not-yet-true details didn’t even make it to the blog (yet), but I learned a lot from them.  I hope to revisit some of the ideas, tone them down, and use them later.

March Gave Birth to Two New Journals & April started a Color-Trend

As mentioned above, in March I separated my planning journal from my long-term collections journal. At the rate I was going, I’d start a new journal every six months. The books in my bookcase tracker would hardly have enough time to gather dust before I flipped to a new book!

Minimal monthly welcome page wreath with calendar

Hoping to slow the speed at which I flew through the pages in my notebooks, all long-term collections claimed a new house; I have to say, I like it. In April, I started color-coordinating my designs. It developed into a whole Pinterest board (one of my very favorites), and I love it.

 

April Monthly Plan With Me, I limited my color palette to create a greater stretch of creativity. Love the results! The circular April Monthly will be available in the Chocolatemusings.com shop!

Condensed May + Traveler’s Notebook

Conserving more space (because I didn’t need it), May’s spreads took up all of 10 pages, two of which are welcome pages. Two weeks to a spread works well for my free-spirited summer-itis.  Keeping a condensed version of my standard planning style keeps me in the habit of planning and journaling and keeps my conscious guilt-free as I’m not leaving blank pages or too much empty space.

June has a few month-related collections, but the planning is very minimal. That’s what happens in the summer, and I am pleased because I know that when I need more planning space, I add it back into this little notebook and when I don’t need as much space, I consolidate.

May Monthly Layouts & welcome pages - ombre watercolor fades using Crayola Markers - Plan With Me

Sometimes I want to have a template and print it rather than creating it over and over. That’s where my traveler’s notebook came into play. I built one for about $12 and use it for collections or lists and change them out regularly. Over the last couple of months, I’ve used my Alphabet inspiration booklet insert to create new typefaces and practice styles. It’s available in my shop!

ChocolateMusings.com shop

What’s the point?

The point is this little system is entirely up to you. Do what suits you best, find your style, experiment, let yourself have fun and know you can change it. Don’t get so stuck on making it perfect or doing too much. The evolution of my first bullet journal to now is eye-opening and utterly fantastic. The bullet journal notebook is the first planner I’ve fully completed, and I look forward to creating many more. I hope you bite the bullet and begin it.

The ultimate point is to begin your bullet journal and put aside your fears of starting. I promise the hardest thing is to make that first mark in your book. Once you do that, you’ll never look back, or maybe you will, and smile because it’s a grand adventure.

Remember to plan your life, so you live beautifully.

~Tricia

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Filed Under: Blog, Bullet Journal, Get Creative, Get Inspired, Get Organized & Start Planning, My Muses (My Favorites & Inspiration), Start Planning Here, Tutorials & How To Tagged: beginning a bullet journal, beginning a journal, beginning journaling, Bullet Journal, how to start a bullet journal, inspiration, Inspire, page layout, starting bullet journal, Weekly Layout, weekly spread, welcome page, where to begin

About Me


Hi! I'm Tricia, the creative behind ChocolateMusings.com, I know how it feels to lose your inner muse. After years of darkness (which I call the dark ages of my life), I found my inner muse hiding in the forgotten corners of my soul, I vowed never to lose sight of her again.

Bullet journaling helped reignite the passion for art and living life again while organizing my days. I also discovered modern calligraphy and watercolor. Since then, my use of the bullet journal system has evlolved and I call it 'creative planning'. Here on the blog, I show you how to use your planner to ignite your inner muse and explore creativity and art while staying beautifully organized and living a joyful life.

I invite you to grab some good chocolate and dive into my musings. Let’s ignite your inner muse.

Read more on the about me page. You can also find my policies and disclosures here.

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