So you were browsing Pinterest or Instagram and you stumble upon the term “Bullet Journal”. It looks like a planner, but it seems like there’s more to it than that, people are excited and there’s a whole community…
“What the hell is this and how do I get involved?” we hear you ask!
Here is our definitive guide to all things Bullet Journaling…
What is a Bullet Journal?
This is a question we get asked a LOT!
In its most basic form the Bullet Journal is an organisational tool; part diary, part planner, part to-do list. But it’s so much more than that…
It can be a self-care tool, mindfulness exercise and creative outlet. In short, it can be whatever you want or need it to be!
Most bullet journalers create what are known as ‘spreads’, outlining their months, weeks and days, then adding to-do lists and areas to track the important parts of their lives.
Where did it come from?
The Bullet Journal Method®, or Bujo® for short, was created by Ryder Carroll.
“It’s designed to help you organize your ‘what‘ while you remain mindful of your ‘why‘. The goal of the Bullet Journal is to help its practitioners (Bullet Journalists) live intentional lives, ones that are both productive and meaningful.” – Ryder Carroll, 2013
Essential Supplies
The Notebook
There are an endless amount of variations in what type of notebook you could use. They vary in size, paper weight, number of pages, page design (plain, lined, squared or dot-grid), even page colour.
The default style for many is a dot-grid notebook, which lends itself to the style of spreads preferred by those who Bullet Journal.
Choosing a pen
This, again, depends on personal choice. Pencil, Biro, Fountain Pen, Fibre Tip, etc. It can be overwhelming…
Our Pen of choice is a Pigma Micron Pen in 0.4 thickness which works perfectly with Oops a Daisy stencils.
Pigma Micron Fineliner
Tools to help you create your spreads
We have created some super smart journaling tools that will help you set up your spreads, leaving you time and energy to get creative with decoration.
If you are new to Oops a Daisy we have created a beginners bundle which contains our essential tools for getting started!
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Product on sale
Essential Oops a Daisy – Beginners Journaling Kit (B5) – Save 10%Original price was: £33.50.£29.50Current price is: £29.50. (£24.58 Exc. VAT) -
Product on sale
Essential Oops a Daisy – Beginners Journaling Kit (A5) – Save 10%Original price was: £31.50.£28.50Current price is: £28.50. (£23.75 Exc. VAT)
Getting Creative
You really only need a notebook and a pencil to get going, however most Bullet Journalers seem to be closet stationery addicts!
Here are a few of our favourite journaling supplies…
Stencils
First up, stencils! I love stencils, they make setting up spreads so simple, and you can add design touches easily! Our Oops a Daisy Stencils are durable, lightweight and gentle on your precious pens. As you can see from our shop we have LOTS of designs available, but we have created a range of Bestseller Collections which are perfect for getting started.
Washi Tape
Once you enter the world of journaling you will be quickly introduced to the mighty Washi Tape! A pretty patterned tape that can be used in your journal in a variety of different ways and is available in an infinite amount of patterns.
We have split our tapes into functional and decorative categories to make finding what you need even easier.
Stickers
Stickers can be used to add design elements or functional elements to your journal.
We have a huge range of designs available, from our full page “Super Easy Sticker Sheets” to functional and decorative designs.
Check out our full selection of journal stickers here.
I have all the kit, what now?
We have created a programme to walk you through the set up of your next journal, hop over to the Journal with Oops a Daisy page to find out more!
Our Advice
We have 3 key pieces of advice for anyone that is new to Bullet Journaling!
1. DO NOT FEAR THE JOURNAL!
You are in charge of it, it is not in charge of you. If setting up your journal starts to feel like “work” then switch up what you are doing. Maybe simplify your spreads or use printables. Journaling should be fun, not stressful!
2. THERE ARE NO RULES!
The journal is yours and you can include anything you want. If you find you don’t use a daily spread, leave it out. If you want it to be brightly coloured, great! If you prefer monochrome, go for it!
You can start mid-week, ignore it for a few days and then jump back in, it’s all up to you! The most frustrating thing we see in Bullet Journaling groups is “Is it ok if I…??”
3. DON’T RUN BEFORE YOU CAN WALK
One thing we would suggest when you first get started is to not get too ahead of yourself. Do a few pages and see how they work for you. There is nothing worse than creating a whole month worth of daily spreads only to find out that daily spreads don’t work for you and you would rather use weekly spreads.
Your journal only has to work for you. If it helps you be more productive, or if you enjoy creating your pages and being mindful, these are the only things that matter! Don’t copy others just because you think you should!