Starting a Bullet Journal

With summer just starting and things slowing down, I found myself with some extra time on my hands. My sister and I decided to take on the overwhelming task of creating our first Bullet Journals. After two days, I was hooked and spent hours hovering over a tiny notebook daily. So after several tries (and fails) at finding what works best for our bullet journals, here is what we've come up with.

Keep in mind that everyone has different schedules and different things that are a priority in their lives. Just because writing down certain things for one person works doesn't mean it works for everyone. Here are just some tips I've come up with.

1. Get the Right Supplies

Most importantly, you need a proper notebook. Make sure its dotted or graphed, not just a regular lined one. You don't need to spend hours finding the perfect one in the prettiest style, just find one small and functional. I chose this simple graph one (mostly because it was the only option available right then), but I've found it really functional. Although dotted notebooks are the preference for most bullet journal junkies, I like that there are already graphs drawn in this notebook.

You'll also need good pens. I'd recommend thin-tipped markers, but whatever is around works. I found mine all over the house from places like school, hotels, stores, etc. Anything really works.

Washi tape is about my favorite thing in the world (besides chocolate). Its not necessary, but I would totally recommend it. It can fill empty space, cover mistakes, or just jazz up your page a little.

2. Find Inspiration

Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, blogs, anywhere you can find it. The second I heard the idea to make a Bullet Journal, I started a Pinterest board for it. There's almost no way that you are going to create a perfect and creative bullet journal by yourself, especially not on your first try. You can check out what I've gathered here: Bullet Journal Pinterest Board

3. Practice

Nobody is perfect on their first try. The first time I did my "weekly layout" it looked like... yeah. I ended up trying three different methods until I found what worked best. Don't be afraid to have a pile of practice papers before you make your first mark in your bullet journal.

Now here's some inspiration for you...

These are some pages from mine and my sisters bullet journals. Most were inspired and adapted from other peoples ideas.

Most people start with an index page (like a table of contents), but I wasn't sure exactly what I would include when I first started. I did leave a page blank in the beginning if I change my mind later. This "Year In Pixels" idea caught my eye and started of my journal with some color. Next to that you'll find my key, which changes for every person based on what they'll need in their journal.

Next I had my "Highlights" page, but starting so late in the month I skipped over most of June. I started my weekly spreads for July, too, because I started on a Thursday. When July starts, I'll write the best part of every day on the calendar.

Tip: start early in a month and preferably around Sunday or Monday.

I had weekly spreads after that. This photo is from my sisters journal, but after testing out many layouts we both decided on this one. It's small and concise, and only takes up one page, which is nice. If needed, I've seen one similar that takes up two pages.

On the other page next to my weekly spread I'll do random pages such as shopping list, a Summer Bucket List, and Books I've Read. I recommend using darker markers for everything as more neon colors aren't as visible. The "Books I've Read" page and the second summer bucket list are also my sisters. Mine, in the middle, is a work in progress and I'll add to it as I come up with more ideas.

My sister also decided to include a Miracle Morning page, based off the book The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. It's a morning routine that helps start off the day right. One of the steps is affirmations, which is why the bottom half of the page has inspirational quotes and scriptures.

I hope this post gave you guys some good tips and inspiration! Comment if you'd like more tips and inspiration for bullet journals.

♡Eliza

#BulletJournal #Craft