As someone who has been bullet journaling for a while now, I can confidently say that bullet journaling is not just a trend.
It is an incredibly helpful tool that has transformed the way I plan and organize my life.
But what makes bullet journaling, even more, fun and exciting is having the right supplies to make your journal stand out.
In this guide, I will share with you the ultimate guide to bullet journal supplies that every beginner and seasoned bullet journaler needs.
Whether you’re looking for essential supplies or additional supplies to add creativity to your bullet journal, this guide has got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!
4 Essential Bullet Journal Supplies
Hey there! Are you into bullet journaling but finding it hard to get started or to create the perfect spreads? Well, don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
One of the most important things when it comes to bullet journaling is having the right supplies.
That’s why, in this guide, I want to share with you my top four essential bullet journal supplies that have helped me create beautiful, organized, and personalized spreads.
These supplies have been a game-changer for me and I hope they’ll be just as helpful to you. So, let’s dive in and make your bullet journaling journey a success!
1. Notebook
Choosing the right notebook is essential when it comes to bullet journaling. There are a few things to consider before buying a notebook:
Dotted, Grid, or Lined Notebook?
One of the first things you’ll notice when shopping for bullet journal notebooks is that they come in different styles: dotted, grid, and lined.
Each style has its own benefits, and the one you choose will depend on your preference and the type of spreads you plan to create.
- Dotted Notebook: Dotted notebooks have small dots instead of lines or grids. They provide a guide for your writing and drawing without being intrusive.
Grid Notebook: Grid notebooks have a series of small squares that form a grid. They are perfect for creating spreads that require a lot of structure or that need to be drawn to scale.
Lined Notebook: Lined notebooks have lines that run horizontally across the page. They are perfect for people who prefer to write in paragraphs or for creating spreads that require a lot of writing.
Dotted and grid papers are perfect for creating spreads that require a lot of precise measurements or for people who like to draw. While lined papers are good for writing paragraphs and contents.
What Size Notebook to Use?
Another thing to consider when choosing a notebook is the size. Bullet journal notebooks come in different sizes, including A5, B5, and A4.
The size you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of spreads you plan to create.
You can even take your bullet journaling to the next level by creating your own DIY mini journal notebook, allowing you to fully customize the design and size to fit your preferences.
A5 is the most popular size for bullet journaling as it is portable and easy to carry around. B5 and A4 are larger sizes and provide more space for writing and drawing.
Personally, I prefer using a dotted A5 notebook as it provides the perfect balance between portability and space to create spreads that require precision.
For example, I love creating mood trackers or habit trackers that require a lot of precise drawings.
I also love the flexibility that dotted notebooks offer as they allow me to create different types of spreads without feeling constrained by lines or grids.
When it comes to notebooks, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of the most popular brands for bullet journaling include Leuchtturm1917, Scribbles That Matter, and Archer & Olive.
These brands offer high-quality notebooks that are perfect for bullet journaling and are available in different sizes, styles, and colors.
2. Pens
One of the most important supplies for bullet journaling is pens. The right pen can make a huge difference in how your bullet journal turns out.
In this section, I will discuss the different types of pens you need for bullet journaling and how to choose the right ones for your needs.
Black Pen
The first pen you’ll need for bullet journaling is a black pen. A black pen is essential for writing in your journal, outlining spreads, and creating headings.
When choosing a black pen, there are a few things to consider:
- Ballpoint Pens or Gel Pens?: Ballpoint pens are the most common type of pen and are perfect for everyday use. They are reliable and easy to use, and the ink dries quickly, so it won’t smudge.
Gel pens, on the other hand, have a smoother writing experience and are perfect for creating headings and outlines.
They come in a wide range of colors and are great for adding a pop of color to your journal. - Fine or Broad Nib?: The nib size of a pen refers to the thickness of the line it creates. Fine nibs are perfect for writing small text and creating intricate designs.
Broad nibs, on the other hand, are great for creating bold lines and filling in large areas. It’s important to choose a nib size that works for your needs. - What Are the Best Pens for Bullet Journaling?: Some of the best black pens for bullet journaling include the Micron Pen, the Staedtler Pigment Liner, and the Uni Pin Fineliner.
These pens are high-quality, reliable, and come in a range of nib sizes.
Personally, I prefer using a black ballpoint pen with a fine nib for writing and outlining spreads. I find that it provides a good balance between precision and ease of use.
For headings and outlines, I like to use a gel pen with a broad nib to add a pop of color and create contrast.
For example, if I’m creating a spread about my fitness goals for the month, I’ll use a black ballpoint pen for writing the text and a red gel pen for creating headings and outlines.
Colored Pens
In addition to black pens, colored pens are also essential for bullet journaling. Colored pens are perfect for creating headings, and outlines, and adding color to your journal.
When choosing colored pens, there are a few things to consider:
- What Colors to Choose?: The colors you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of spreads you plan to create.
It’s a good idea to have a range of colors, including light and dark shades. - What Type of Pens to Use?: There are different types of colored pens, including gel pens, brush pens, and fineliners.
Each type has its own benefits, and the one you choose will depend on your preference and the type of spreads you plan to create. - What Are the Best Colored Pens for Bullet Journaling?: Some of the best-colored pens for bullet journaling include the Tombow Dual Brush Pen, the Zebra Mildliner, and the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner.
These pens are high-quality, come in a range of colors, and are perfect for adding color to your journal.
Personally, I love using the Tombow Dual Brush Pens for creating headings and outlines.
These pens have a brush tip on one end and a fine tip on the other, which makes them perfect for creating different styles and sizes of lettering.
I also like using the Zebra Mildliner for adding a pop of color to my journal. These pens have a mild, translucent ink that
3. Ruler
A ruler is another essential supply for bullet journaling. It can help you create straight lines, measure spaces, and create grids.
When choosing a ruler for your bullet journal, there are a few things to consider:
Material
Rulers come in different materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. Plastic rulers are the most common and affordable option. They are lightweight and durable.
Metal rulers are more expensive but are also more durable and precise. They are perfect for creating precise lines and measurements.
Wooden rulers are less common but offer a unique aesthetic and can be more comfortable to hold than plastic or metal rulers.
Size
Rulers come in different sizes, including 6 inches, 12 inches, and 18 inches. The size you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of spreads you plan to create.
A 6-inch ruler is perfect for creating small spreads, while a 12-inch ruler is perfect for creating medium-sized spreads. An 18-inch ruler is perfect for creating large spreads.
Shape
Rulers also come in different shapes, including straight rulers, T-square rulers, and triangle rulers. Straight rulers are the most common and can be used for creating straight lines and measuring spaces.
T-square rulers are perfect for creating right angles and precise measurements. Triangle rulers are perfect for creating angles and triangles.
When it comes to rulers, I recommend choosing a clear plastic 6-inch ruler. It is affordable, easy to use, and perfect for creating small spreads.
If you need to create larger spreads, a 12-inch clear plastic ruler is also a good option.
4. Washi Tape
Washi tape is a versatile and decorative supply that can add color and personality to your bullet journal. It is a type of paper tape that comes in different colors and patterns.
When choosing washi tape for your bullet journal, there are a few things to consider:
Width
Washi tape comes in different widths, including 3mm, 5mm, and 10mm. The width you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of spreads you plan to create.
A 3mm width is perfect for creating small details or borders, while a 10mm width is perfect for creating larger designs.
Pattern
Washi tape comes in different patterns, including stripes, polka dots, floral, and geometric patterns.
The pattern you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of spreads you plan to create.
It’s a good idea to choose a pattern that complements your overall bullet journal theme.
Quality
Not all washi tape is created equal. Some brands are more durable than others, and some may not stick well to paper.
When choosing washi tape, it’s important to choose a high-quality brand that is reliable and easy to use.
Some of the best brands for washi tape include MT, Paperchase, and Scotch. These brands offer high-quality washi tape that is easy to use and comes in a range of colors and patterns.
Personally, I love using washi tape ideas to add color and personality to my bullet journal. I like to use a 5mm width for creating small borders or details and a 10mm width for creating larger designs.
For example, if I’m creating a spread about my favorite books, I’ll use blue polka dot washi tape to create a border around the page and yellow floral washi tape to create headings and designs.
In addition to adding color and personality to your bullet journal, washi tape can also be used to cover up mistakes or create white space.
For example, if you make a mistake in your journal, you can use a piece of washi tape to cover it up and start over.
Additional Supplies
In addition to the essential supplies covered earlier, there are several additional supplies that can add creativity and personality to your bullet journal.
These supplies include stickers, stencils, decorative paper, TOMBOW Dual Brush Pens, and whiteout tape.
1. Stickers
Stickers are a fun and easy way to add creativity to your bullet journal. They come in different shapes, sizes, and designs, and can be used to decorate your pages, add labels, or create headings.
When choosing stickers for your bullet journal, it’s important to choose ones that complement your overall theme.
2. Stencils
Stencils are templates that can be used to create shapes and designs in your bullet journal. They come in different shapes and sizes and can be used to create intricate designs or add structure to your pages.
When choosing stencils, it’s important to choose ones that are durable and easy to use.
3. Decorative Paper
Decorative paper is paper that comes in different colors, patterns, and textures. It can be used to create backgrounds, decorate pages, or add texture to your spreads.
When choosing decorative paper, it’s important to choose ones that are high-quality and complement your overall theme.
4. TOMBOW Dual Brush Pens
TOMBOW Dual Brush Pens are high-quality pens that are perfect for creating calligraphy and lettering in your bullet journal.
They come in different colors and have a brush tip on one end and a fine tip on the other. They are perfect for creating different styles and sizes of lettering.
5. Whiteout Tape
Whiteout tape is a type of tape that can be used to cover up mistakes in your bullet journal. It is perfect for creating white space or covering up mistakes without having to start over.
When choosing whiteout tape, it’s important to choose ones that are durable and easy to use.
These additional supplies can add creativity and personality to your bullet journal. Personally, I love using stickers and stencils to add structure and design to my pages.
I also love using decorative paper to create backgrounds and add texture to my spreads.
TOMBOW Dual Brush Pens are perfect for creating calligraphy and lettering, and whiteout tape are perfect for covering up mistakes without having to start over.
Build Your Perfect Bullet Journaling Kit with These Essential Supplies
In conclusion, bullet journaling is an incredibly useful tool that can help you plan and organize your life. Having the right supplies can make a huge difference in how your bullet journal turns out.
In this guide, we covered the essential supplies, including the right notebook, pens, ruler, and washi tape.
We also discussed additional supplies, such as stickers, stencils, decorative paper, TOMBOW Dual Brush Pens, and whiteout tape, that can add creativity to your bullet journal.
Now that you know all the supplies you need for bullet journaling, it’s time to build your perfect bullet journaling kit. Start by choosing the right notebook, pens, and washi tape that work for your needs.
Then, add additional supplies like stickers, stencils, and decorative paper to add a personal touch to your journal.
As a bonus, I recommend trying out the meal plan section on the daily page of the FREE bullet journal printable templates. Planning meals ahead of time can save time and reduce stress.
The daily page also includes a to-do list section, a health/fitness section, and a notes section, which can help you stay organized and productive.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your bullet journaling journey today and build your perfect bullet journaling kit!
Check out the Bullet Journal Templates printable and try out the meal plan section today.
FAQ’s
What stationery do you need for bullet journaling?
Pens, Markers, Washi tapes, Stickers, Fineliners, Pencils, Notebooks, stationery, Mildliners, Highlighters, and everything you need to create your BuJo.
What are the 2 most important items in bullet journaling?
To get started with a bullet journal, you really need only two things: a dot grid notebook and a no-bleed pen.
Look for a journal with a lay-flat spine, high-quality paper, a dot grid that’s light and easy on the eyes, and numbered pages.
Are gel pens good for bullet journaling?
In short, yes, gel pens are a great choice for most types of journaling, including Bullet Journaling. Â They typically create clear, sharp lines, and the marks appear much darker than those from a ballpoint pen.
What type of paper is best for a bullet journal?
Common paper types in notebooks include blank, lined, graph, or dot grid. The most common type of paper in the bullet journal community is by far dot grid.
Dot grid paper allows for almost endless journaling possibilities – while still providing the structure that blank paper doesn’t have.
Can you bullet journal on plain paper?
If you’re getting started on bullet journaling, you may want to know if you can bullet journal on lined paper.
The answer is, you CAN! In fact, if you don’t have a notebook you can bullet journal on loose-leaf lined paper and put it in a ringed binder to make your own bu-jo.