How To Start Your Own Bullet Journal | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Creating Your Own Bullet Journal

Where to begin in the crazy world of bullet journaling.

259
Creating Your Own Bullet Journal
Isabelle Bartolmeo

In This Article:

Bullet journaling adds creativity and excitement to organizing your life. Most of the time, I cannot wait to update my journal or try something new! It's a great expressive outlet that can be for your eyes only or shared with the world. There's so many options and possibilities through bullet journaling it may seem a bit overwhelming at first. That is why I am going to give you a simple guide on how to begin you very own bullet journal.

1. Pick a journal.

The first step is to pick a journal. It may not seem complicated, but there are many options to choose from, including size, color, and even type of paper! I personally have a moleskin journal with dotted paper to create my templates but there are journals that are lined, gridded, as well as blank to suit what you need. The size matters too. I have a big enough journal that I can do detailed enough designs but carry it around in my back pack. You can typically get journals anywhere, from Walmart to Barnes and Noble to any craft store.

2. Gather the materials.

You could have as little as a pencil or as much as full art bin to create you journal. It depends on your style and what you want. The most common materials I see used for journaling are pencils, pens, markers, and washi tape. If you want to get fancy you can use water color too and paint out designs or create a pretty background. If you don't think you are capable of the cute details that you want, do not worry and definitely don't give up! There are companies that make stickers just for bullet journaling! Just one example is Create 365, which has a wide variety and can be found in Michaels craft stores and Amazon.

3. Find your inspiration.

Instagram @january.journal

The possibilities with what you can do through bullet journaling are endless. You can have a simplistic journal, or a crazy colorful one. That is why it is a great idea to look at ideas from other people to see what you didn't think of! Key places to look are on Instagram, Pinterest ,Tumblr and Youtube, under the hashtags #bulletjournal or #bujo. You may even find accounts that you'll like enough to follow and keep up with their style. Without Pinterest, I would not have half the pages I do in my book. I am a creative person but I'm all about working together and bouncing ideas off each other.

4. Figure out what you want to track.

It's not a requirement, but it is fun to see progress throughout the year no matter what it is. I like to keep track of the books I've read and their ratings, as well as how my day has been. Sometimes in my weekly schedules, I've tracked how much water I drink and my migraines but more commonly my school assignments and doctor appointments.

5. Start a table of contents.

Once you've decided on what you will track and organize and how you'll do it, start planning on the order of the pages. I started my journal with pages that consist of tracking things throughout the whole year, such as the books I've read, my mood for each day, and special moments I like to remember. After that I started my monthly and weekly templates to plan out my schedules. There is no wrong way to putting this book together. It is entirely up to you.

6. Be creative!

This is your journal! Hopefully, Instagram and Pinterest gave you the inspiration you needed to start but don't stop there. Grab materials You've never used before and try them out, such as watercolor. This is a new experience and a place to experiment! So go grab those pens you've been eyeing and put them to the test!

7. Set a time each day to work on your journal.

Setting at time aside each day will keep you from being stressed and falling behind. I like to fill out all my trackers and prepare for the next day right before bed. It is a nice reflection of the day and relaxing time for myself.

8. Don't get frustrated!

You are not perfect, and your bullet journal certainly won't be. Mistakes will be made and that is okay. Your bullet journal is supposed to be relaxing a fun so don't stress about the little things. If there's one thing I've learned in art the hard way, there are no mistakes. Take a deep breath when needed and carry on!

9. Begin your bullet journal!

Now that you've done all the necessary prep to keep you sane through this process, you can finally begin journaling! Don't be afraid to try new ideas, invest in some materials, and put your journal on display. Bullet Journaling has a great a community and we can't wait for you to become part of it!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
April Ludgate
NBC Universal

Everyone who is in college right now, or has ever been, knows the struggle of pulling in the strings at the last second. It seems impossible, and you have to do a LOT of things in order to assure your future for the next semester.

April Ludgate, historically, is a very annoyed person, and she doesn't hide it. Of all the times that I binged and re-binged "Parks and Rec," her attitude relates more and more to me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

To The Cheerful Person On Their Rainy Days, You Are Valid

The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

390
pug covered with blanket on bedspread
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Ask friends of mine to name a quality about me, and one a lot them will point out the fact that I am almost always smiling. I like to laugh and smile -- not to quote Buddy the Elf in April, but smiling is my favorite! It is probably my favorite go-to expression. However, what a lot of people do not see is that I have my down days. I have days when smiling and laughing is a real struggle, or when I have so much on my plate that going out of my way to behappy takes more effort than I have stored in me. Be it a symptom of college and growing up or a facet of life, I cannot always be content.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

11 Struggles of Packing for College

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

432
a room with boxes and a window

1. Figuring out when to start

Timing is key, you don’t want to start too early or too late.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times 'Parks and Recreation' Has Summed Up Your Life

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

318
parks and rec
Liz Keysmash

Amidst my hectic college career, I always find time for one thing, even on the busiest weeks: Parks and Recreation. This show has made me laugh and has made me cry, but most of all I have related to this show more than I would like to admit.

Here are some "Parks and Rec" moments that relate to life struggles that just about everyone faces.

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate
Facebook

April Ludgate from Parks and Recreation is notorious for her "I don't care" attitude. She speaks her mind without caring what anyone thinks of her. Fans love her because she isn't afraid to be herself. April can seem cold and negative, but she's really just fearless and strong-minded. And despite her sometimes harsh words, April truly cares about the people she's closest to. These are all reasons she is the epitome of a college student. April complains whenever she has to do any kind of work, but ends up doing the work anyway. April Ludgate is the ultimate college student spirit animal.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments