Did you start a new journal for the new year? Are you thinking of jumping into the bullet journal world? Please do. It’s creative, organized, supportive, and just plain fun. Still on the fence? It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Bullet journals can be whatever you want them to be. That’s the simple beauty of them. Looking for bullet journal supplies and/or inspiration? Read on.
All you need to start a bullet journal is a notebook and a pen. That’s it. Sure, there’s plenty more to add if you want to. Some people like specific notebooks (but a basic composition book will do). Others love washi tape (me!). Some people like colored pens or pencils (me again), and some love fountain pens. My daughter uses sticky notes in hers. The possibilities are endless.
I have been keeping a bullet journal for about six months now. It is the longest I have kept a journal or any sort since I was a child. There is something about the system that keeps me motivated and encouraged. I would recommend it to anyone.
To help you get started, I have compiled a list of websites I have used for supplies and inspiration. There are some affiliate links (see disclosure page)here, but also links to websites I just find incredibly helpful.
One thing to keep in mind, you don’t need to keep a bullet journal perfectly. It’s more about the process. A lot of the examples you see on Instagram , Facebook, etc. have been made specifically to look perfect for internet consumption. My bullet journal has mistakes, sloppy writing, and even scribbles. And it’s okay. There is no need to be a professional calligrapher to keep a bullet journal. You don’t have to be an expert doodler, artist, or even draw straight lines. Just have to do what works for you.
Bullet Journal Inspiration
Here is a short list of my favorite blogs, Instagram pages, and Facebook Groups for bullet journals.
- bohoberry.com – Kara Benz is a bit of a bullet journal guru these days. Her blog is beautiful. She also has a YouTube channel that is very helpful and informative.
- pageflutter.com – Megan’s blog is full of helpful tips and positive vibes. I also love her Instagram account.
- Plannersimplicity – Lisa has more of a minimalist style. If that’s what you’re looking for check out plannersimplicity on Instagram.
- Tinyrayofsunshine.com – Kim is also more minimalist in her journal style. She has been using the bullet journal for over 2 years and has tons of great ideas. She is also on Instagram.
- Bullet Journal Junkies – Is a Facebook Group for Bullet Journal enthusiasts. It is a very supportive community and there is something for everyone there.
If you are looking for something more local, check out Facebook. I belong to a California bullet journal group. I have seen groups for just about every local. There are also groups that deal with specific topics such as mental health, religious affiliations, weight loss, and groups specifically for students.
You can also look for inspiration on Pinterest. Here is my bullet journal board to get you started.
Bullet Journal Supplies
Notebooks
I use the standard Leuchtturm 1917 medium notebook. It is what the inventor of the bullet journal system uses. His name is Ryder Carroll and you can find his website here. But as I said before, you can use any notebook you like. I prefer the a hardbound notebook that is small enough to carry in my bag, but large enough to fit everything I need it to. You can use dotted paper (that’s what Ryder uses), graph paper (I have one of these), lined paper (easiest to find anywhere), or even blank paper.
Here are some of the best places to buy a notebook if you want something a little more than one you can find at your local store.
Amazon
Amazon has loads of notebooks. Here is my favorite, the Leuchtturm 1917 in yellow. It comes in more than a dozen colors which is another reason I like it. But Amazon also caries Rhodia, Essentials (great price, but only in black), Moleskine, Scribbles That Matter, and more companies are jumping on the band wagon everyday.
JenniBick
I ordered a journal for my daughter through jennibick.com. They have great service and a great selection. And their prices stay the same. On Amazon, prices can fluctuate. They also carry beautiful albums and specialty items such as handmade leather journals. This is the place to go for something special.
J.B. Welly
Jbwelly.com is another fantastic source for notebooks, but also pens and pencils. They carry the offical bullet journal Leuchtturm designed by Ryder Caroll. It has some extras that regular Leuchtturms don’t have and comes in black or emerald green.
Pens and Pencils
I have tried a bunch of different pens in the past six months. I love color and I love nice pens. Here are my favorites (so far).
Pilot Eno Mechanical Colored Pencils
I LOVE these. They are fine point (.7 mm), refillable, erasable, and blendable. I only wish they came in more colors. I use my Tombow blending pen to blend them. It works great! The colors can be soft or more opaque depending on how you apply them. See the picture below. It’s my book tracker page for 2017. I use them to color in the books I add.
Tombow Dual Brush Markers
These markers are great for many different projects. They had two tips and each set comes with a blending bend. It takes alittle practice to use them, but they’re lots of fun and come in TONS of colors. The blending pens works with other products (like the Pilot Eno pencils above). Tombow has great products besides these pens. You can find them here.
Mildliners
Maybe you didn’t know, but some of the best stationery products come from Japan. These pens are no exception. They come in lots of beautiful colors and have two points (chisel and fine point). They make great highlighters too. My daughter likes these for her bullet journal.
Fine Tip Pens
I use these Micro Line Pens from Amazon. I bought them because they were highly rated but cheaper than some of the others and I have been very happy with them so far. There are 11 different colors and 5 black pens of varying tip sizes.
I know that a lot of other bullet journalists use Staedtler pens. This pack is similar in price to the Micro-Liners. There are more colors, but fewer black pens in this set. It also has great reviews on Amazon.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Washi Tape
I bought my first washi tape from Amazon. You can find just about any pattern or design you want there. But I also look for it in stationer stores, office supply stores, and even Target (check out the dollar section). I try not to pay too much for it. Lately, I have been looking for the thinner type of washi. I use it to divide different part of my pages.
Other supplies I use include a small ruler to make straight lines, a pencil pouch for my ever growing collection, and white out to cover up mistakes that washi can’t. If you want to tape things in your journal, you’ll need some of the sticky stuff (if you don’t use washi).
And that’s about it. If you are interested in starting, just do it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. You can if you want to, but you probably have all the basics in your house right now. I started with a Leuchtturm because I knew if I spent the money I’d be more likely to stick with it and because I liked the hardcover and choice of colors. But that’s me. Do what works for you.
Thanks for reading and please share.
