Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-expression and creativity through journaling? Whether you’re new to journaling or looking to enhance your current practice, this guide to journaling supplies will help you get started. From the essentials to the optional extras, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make your journaling experience enjoyable and fulfilling.
THE ESSENTIALS
What are the essential journaling supplies you need?
Something to write on and something to write with. That’s it!
Fancy journals, the latest viral markers seen on social media, decorative tapes, and a million various stickers can be fun to play with but aren’t strictly necessary. You can journal effectively, (and even art journal) with a plain notebook and a pen.
SELECTING YOUR SUPPLIES
When selecting supplies, think about the type of journaling you want to do. Would you prefer to jot down your thoughts, or do you want to add decorations and even art to your pages? This will significantly influence what supplies you’re going to want.
If you want to keep your journal simple and functional, a basic journal or notebook and your favorite pen will do.
For more artistic and decorative pages, you can look at various markers, washi tape, stickers, and even paint, plus a journal with paper that can handle all of them.
The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to journaling supplies, and to avoid getting overwhelmed with a myriad of supplies you may not even like using, take your time adding to your collection of supplies and decorative items.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING OUT YOUR JOURNAL
A quality journal can enhance your writing experience and make it more enjoyable. There are 3 main things you should consider when picking out your perfect journal.
1. Size
2. Paper Format
3. Quality of Paper
Size
There are at least six different sizes of journals, from the smallest pocket-sized A6 to the almost-the-size-of-a-sheet-of-printer-paper B5. And when it comes to journaling, size matters.
How do you know which size is right for you? If you need something portable and easy to throw in your bag or pocket, a smaller journal like an A6 or a Traveler’s Notebook will work. Maybe you want space for additional decoration and art or enjoy creatively cutting your pages — then look into a large B5.
You can also consider your handwriting. Writing in large, bold letters may make you feel cramped in a smaller journal. Likewise, if you write with smaller letters, a larger size may feel like there is too much blank page to fill out.
The most popular journal size is A5, which is about a medium size, and is great for both artistic expression and writing.
Paper Format
Journals come in three paper formats: lined, unlined (blank), and dot grid.
Lined pages are ideal for keeping your writing neat and organized, though there may be better choices if you want to incorporate art or decorative elements.
Unlined pages offer complete freedom for artistic expression but can make it challenging to maintain tidy writing.
Dot grid pages provide the best of both worlds, allowing you to write in straight lines while remaining unobtrusive for artwork and decorations.
Quality of Paper
Even more so than size and paper format, the quality of your journal paper will affect your experience. Paper quality is typically measured in grams per square meter (g/sm). The g/sm rating indicates the thickness and sturdiness of the paper; higher g/sm numbers mean thicker, more durable paper.
For general writing with pens or pencils, a paper with a g/sm of 80-100 is usually sufficient, offering a smooth surface and minimal bleed-through. If you plan to use markers, fountain pens, or watercolors, consider a higher g/sm, around 120-180, to prevent ink from bleeding through and to handle the added moisture with minimal warping.
When choosing a journal, always consider the type of media you will be using to ensure the paper quality matches your needs.
The TL;DR
There are 3 main things to consider when picking out a journal: size, format, and quality. If this seems too overwhelming, and you’re thinking, let me buy a notebook and start — go with a dot grid, A5 journal, with at least 100 g/sm. This is the most popular size, and the dot grid will allow for both freedom to be artistic and structure to write neatly on the page.
Exploring Writing Tools for Journaling: Finding Your Perfect Match
From pens and markers to brush pens and fountain pens the key to picking your writing tools is to find what suits your style and preferences. Let’s explore popular writing tools and their pros and cons to help you find your perfect match.
Ballpoint Pens
Pros: Ballpoint pens are a staple, widely available, and come in various colors and tip sizes. The ink dries fast, reducing the risk of smudging, and they write smoothly on most paper types.
Cons: The writing experience can sometimes feel scratchy, especially with cheaper models. The ink flow can be inconsistent, leading to occasional skipping or blotching.
Gel Pens
Pros: Gel pens offer vibrant, bold colors and a smooth writing experience. They’re perfect for adding color to your journal and often come in various hues, including metallics and pastels.
Cons: The ink takes longer to dry, which can lead to smudging, and they can run out of ink more quickly than ballpoint pens.
Markers
Pros: Markers are great for adding bright, bold lines and colors to your journal. They’re ideal for titles, highlights, and illustrations.
Cons: Depending on the paper quality, markers can bleed through to the other side of the page.
Brush Pens
Pros: Brush pens are a favorite among calligraphers and bullet journalers because they offer a versatile range of strokes, from fine lines to broad sweeps. The flexible tips allow for expressive and dynamic writing, decorative lettering, and even coloring and illustrations
Cons: Brush pens require some practice, especially if you’re new to modern calligraphy. They can also be more expensive than regular pens and may not be ideal for everyday writing tasks.
Fountain Pens
Pros: Fountain pens provide a luxurious writing experience with smooth, flowing ink. They’re highly customizable, allowing you to choose different nib sizes and ink colors. Fountain pens are also more environmentally friendly as they are refillable.
Cons: They can be expensive and require more maintenance than other pens. The ink can take longer to dry and might bleed through thinner paper. Beginners might find them tricky to write with initially.
Fineliners
Pros: Fineliners are perfect for detailed writing, drawing, and outlining. They offer precise lines and are available in various tip sizes. The ink is usually waterproof and fade-resistant, making your journal entries more durable.
Cons: Fineliners can dry out quickly if not capped properly. They are also prone to bleeding through thin paper, so choosing the right journal paper is crucial.
Adding Decorative Elements to Your Journal
Journaling is an opportunity to express yourself through words, art, and design. One way to elevate your journal is by incorporating decorative elements like stickers, washi tape, watercolors, and other embellishments. These fun and versatile supplies can enhance your entries, making your journal a repository of thoughts and a visually appealing keepsake. Let’s explore how to use these decorative elements to bring your journal to life.
Stickers
Stickers are an easy and versatile way to add personality to your journal. They come in endless designs, ranging from functional (such as date stickers and labels) to decorative (like florals, animals, and inspirational quotes).
Use stickers to highlight important events, add visual interest to your pages, or bring a smile to your face. Functional stickers can help you organize your thoughts and plans, while decorative stickers can add a touch of whimsy and color.
Washi Tape
Washi tape is a decorative masking tape made from natural fibers like bamboo and hemp. It’s available in various colors, patterns, and widths, making it perfect for adding accents to your journal. Washi tape is easy to tear by hand and repositionable, which makes it a forgiving and flexible decorative element.
Use it to create borders, section off parts of your page, or add colorful accents. It can also be used to attach photos, tickets, or other mementos to your journal pages without damaging them. Layer different washi for a textured look, or use them to frame important notes and headings.
Stamps
Stamps can add an artistic touch to your journal without the need to draw anything. They come in various designs and can be used with different colored inks.
Use stamps to create repeating patterns, add borders, or emphasize specific entries. Alphabet stamps are great for creating custom headers and titles, while decorative stamps can fill empty spaces with beautiful designs.
Die Cuts and Ephemera
Die cuts and ephemera are pre-cut paper shapes and images that can be glued into your journal. They come in various themes and styles, making them a versatile addition to your journaling supplies.
Glue die cuts and ephemera to add depth and dimension to your journal pages. They are perfect for creating collages or enhancing specific entries with visual elements.
Colored Pens and Highlighters
While not strictly decorative, colored pens and highlighters can add visual interest to your journal. They allow you to differentiate between types of information, making your entries more organized and easier to navigate.
Use colored pens to write headers, underline important points, or doodle in the margins. Highlighters can emphasize key information or create colorful backgrounds for text.
Watercolors
Watercolors add a soft, artistic touch to your journal pages. They are perfect for creating backgrounds, adding subtle color, or painting detailed illustrations. Use a journal with thick pages (high gsm) to prevent the paint from bleeding through.
Tips for Using Decorative Elements
Start Small: If you’re new to using decorative elements, start with a few stickers or a roll of washi tape. Gradually incorporate more as you become comfortable with your style.
Mix and Match: Feel free to combine different elements. Mixing stickers, washi tape, and stamps can create a rich and layered look.
Balance Function and Decoration: While it’s fun to decorate, remember that the primary purpose of your journal is to capture your thoughts and plans. Ensure that decorations enhance rather than overwhelm your entries.
Stay Organized: Keep your supplies organized and easily accessible. A small pouch or box can help keep your stickers, tapes, and other supplies in one place, making it easier to decorate on the go.
Reflect Your Unique Personality: Decorative elements can transform your journal into a work of art and are an excellent way to reflect your unique personality and style right on the page. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or a richly embellished layout, the key is to have fun and let your creativity shine.
IN SUMMARY
The essentials for journaling are just pen and paper, but the possibilities are endless when selecting the perfect supplies that suit your style and preferences. From the size and format of your journal to the type of writing tools and decorative elements, there is no right or wrong way to journal.
It’s all about finding what works best for you. So, try different supplies, mix and match, and most importantly, have fun with it.
As the great writer Henry David Thoreau said, “Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding.”
Happy journaling!
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