Supplies

For those of you that have decided to follow along with me on the new “Bullet Journal” venture, I thought I would dedicate this particular post to supplies.

Keep in mind that this will be a place to keep all of your planning and lists. You can record everything during your day that you either want to remember to do, or those things that you did. You are able to make this whatever you need and want it to be. Nobody can tell you what is the right or wrong way. Okay?

There is something that I would like to mention here that I have rarely seen on any of the videos or blogs that I have looked at – and there are TONS. The whole idea of a bullet journal should not be stressful, and it shouldn’t put you in debt. I know that might sound silly, but I have seen supplies that might cost some a month’s wages. Please do NOT let others tell you what you should or should not do. This post is going to be informative only and you will need to decide for yourself what you are able to do. Remember, this is a tool to help you become more organized. It should not turn out to be one more thing that will take up so much of your precious time that you can no longer do what you need to get done. Make sense?

Let’s get started. Choose your supplies and in the next post we will get started putting things together.

Here are basic supplies:

• Notebook – of any kind
• Writing utensils – pens, pencils (probably not markers at this point)
• some kind of straight edge

Simple, right? So look through your cabinets and drawers and see if you have these items laying around. It might be good to start here and play around with what you like and don’t like. That way if you think you mess up, you won’t feel guilty, right?

Step up: These supplies are for those that maybe have already been journaling and have a few extra supplies already laying around the house. Purchasing these will add to the cost, obviously.

• Notebook with thicker paper (you can find this at department stores or Barnes and Noble usually has some in their discount aisle) Think about size here. Will you be carrying it with you all the time, or will it stay at home)
• Writing utensils – fine sharpies, gel pens, Micron markers
• Some kind of straight edge
• Miscellaneous – stickers, Washi tape

Next step up: This is for those that have the money to invest and want to spend it.

• Notebook – there are so many to list, but you can start by researching Amazon for Moleskine, Leuchtturm 1917, or Midori. Or while you are at Barnes and Noble, browse the notebook section. They have some wonderful designs. Just make sure you are getting thick, quality paper and that you get the style you like, whether lined, blank, grid or dotted.
• Writing utensils – Now you can use Fountain pens, Farber-Castell markers, and Staedtler markers – both color and black. Depending on the paper quality, you might even be able to get away with watercolor paints.
• Some kind of straight edge
• Miscellaneous – Stickers, washi tape, rubber stamps, inks

OK – How are we doing so far?

I wanted to give you a quick peek at the different kinds of paper to which I was referring. There are typically four different kinds of paper – ruled, blank, grid and dotted. You will want to think of how you want to use your bullet journal. If you love art and creating, you might prefer the blank or dotted paper. If you are basically going to be writing in it, as in journaling or making lists, you might prefer the lined or grid. Everyone has their preferences. Look at the size of the space in between the lines as well. Do you tend to write larger? Get something that will accommodate that. Do you like writing on the diagonal, not necessarily left to right? Then get the blank pages. See where I am going with this? Here are a few samples of the kinds of pages:

Also, consider the size. You might like the small sizes, but you might need the larger one because you have many tasks and activities to keep up with. If you plan on keeping it in your already bulging handbag, the smaller sizes might work better for you.Will you be taking it to church to record sermon notes and write down the announcements? Keep that in mind as well

There you have it.

I will be back in a few days to talk about our first entries and what we are planning to do with this new Bullet Journal of ours. In the meantime, in the comments below, tell me what your plans are with your bullet journal. How are you going to use yours? What size did you decide to get? What supplies did you find? Post your pics! I want this to be our journey together. And if you already have one going, tell me how it is working out for you.

If you haven’t already done so, go back and read my previous post about how I got started. Maybe it will give you a little inspiration or insight.

Until next time,

Petra