Bullet Journal Supplies 101

So you're ready to tackle your first bullet journal? Don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed by all the options in bullet journals. Read on to determine the best bullet journal for you!

Below are some of my favorite spreads from my bullet journal of 2023, and you can do this too! Bullet journaling is my favorite outlet at it lets me practice my lettering, drawing, and recording memories all in one place!

So let's get you started!

Where to get bullet journals

You can find bullet journals at Wal-Mart, on Amazon, or at Michaels! Not all bullet journals are created equally though. Here's what you need to know about your bullet journal purchase:

1. Paper Quality: Quality matters! The higher the GSM number, the thicker the paper and the better the quality. I aim for at least a 160 GSM so that I can use watercolors in my bullet journal if I want to do so. This also keeps markers from bleeding onto the next page!

2. Size: I prefer A5, though I don't have a great reason for this preference. Just know that you can get your bullet journal in several sizes, so be aware before you purchase so that you are getting what you want!

3. Number of pages: Bullet journals can come with 80, 160, and 190 pages. Keep in mind that there are 52 weeks in a year, plus 12 monthly spreads if you're doing those, so that requires mores pages. My first bullet journal had 80 sheets, and I was able to comfortably squeeze a year's worth of tracking into that bullet journal, but this year I went bigger! Go big or go home, right!?

4. Dotted, Lined, and Solid: Bullet journal paper can be dotted, lined, or blank. I love the dotted bullet journal as it allows me to line everything up easily and space my letters out better, but lines take away from my layouts. I don't like blank because I tend to struggle in easily lining up elements.

5. Paper Color: You can get bullet journals with white or ivory paper, which is pretty standard and what I usually go with, but do know that you have more options! You can also get kraft paper or black paper in your bullet journal, depending on where you order bullet journals from!

6. Spine: I encourage you to invest in your bullet journal. I got a soft spine for my first bullet journal and was heartbroken when I finished the last spread of my bullet journal and it fell apart the same day. I had not even used it other than to set it up and create each layout! My bullet journal for 2023 is from Archer and Olive, and I have confidence in this bullet journal holding up better since it has a hard spine.

Where can I get my Bullet Journal

Supplies for Writing in a Bullet Journal

This is something that will require experimenting in the bullet journal you have chosen. I personally have found that Tombow and Crayola markers are great in my bullet journal, but Karin Markers have a tendency to bleed through. I use the last page of my bullet journal and test supplies before using them.

Keep in mind that even if your supplies bleed through the page, there are some fun solutions HERE!

This articles does include access to affiliate links.