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Favorite Bullet Journal Supplies

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New to Bullet Journaling? Check out some of my favorite Bullet Journal Supplies that I use to create my journal including paper, pens, markers, paint, and more!

The Best Supplies for Bullet Journaling

Bullet journaling is something that I have done off and on for years, even before it was called bullet journaling. Last year, my oldest kids and I rediscovered a passion for it and it’s something that we enjoy together!

What is a Bullet Journal?

A bullet journal is a specific kind of journaling that incorporates lists and “bullet points” to help stay organized and help design future goals and create habits. I find it a really great way to reduce stress by getting thoughts out of my head and on to paper, and creating lists with the information is quick and easy.

Best Bullet Journal Supplies

I have spent a lot of time trying out bullet journal supplies over the last year from several sources and we definitely have our favorites! I’m admittedly a stationery supply junkie (my site is Pineapple Paper Co. after all haha!) and I have always loved sketching and designing with new journals, notebooks, pens, and other art supplies. I find that a bullet journal is a fun way for me to incorporate small pieces of art into my to do lists and schedule.

If you’re just starting a bullet journal, I’ll show you the BEST supplies that we use for our bullet journals, so you don’t have to waste time and money buying supplies that are not ideal for journaling. You definitely don’t need all of these supplies at the beginning but you can use this as a reference as you explore new techniques and supplies! As you continue to journal you will find the supplies you love or dislike and develop your own favorites. Pin this image to your bullet journal board so you remember it later:

The Best Supplies for Bullet Journaling

If you’re looking for a specific category of bullet journaling supplies, you can click on these links to head to that section of the post. Or just keep on reading and see them all! You’ll find supplies for beginners and also extra ideas if you’re already into journaling or have more experience with art supplies!

Notebooks and Journals

Since your notebook or journal will be the base of your entire year of journaling, you want it to be a good one. You can definitely use a basic journal and some pencils if you’re just starting, but if you want a journal that will LAST and also work with a variety of art supplies, you’ll want to purchase a notebook with high quality paper.

I prefer working with paper that is 160gsm, so that I can use a variety of paints without bleed through. I recommend anything about 100-120gsm or thicker.

In addition, you need to consider what type of journal you want – as in lined, dot grid, or if you would prefer blank. Hands down, I recommend a dot grid journal and it is the most common type of bullet journal used. If you’re a seasoned pro (which means you likely aren’t reading this post haha), you could use a journal with blank pages.

My favorite journal is the Archer & Olive Dot Grid Journal. It has incredibly thick 160gsm paper, and I can use markers, paint, or watercolors without it going through. It is as much of an art journal as a bullet journal! <—That is NOT an affiliate link, I just love them THAT much!

I have used these inexpensive dot grid journals available at Michaels, and with 100gsm paper it’s good for basic use.

There are some other good options from Amazon if you would like to get one quickly, and although I have not used this Dot Grid Notebook, it has thick paper and good reviews!

There are a couple of other options to consider when picking a journal: size and color of paper. The first is size of your journal. I prefer an A5 sized journal for bullet journaling, but if you want to go with something a little larger, you can get a B5 notebook.

You can get journals in many colors including cream, kraft, and black paper. I prefer white, but I LOVE using these other color papers for journaling details. Consider grabbing some journals in other colors so that you can use the pages for crafting the perfect bullet journal.

I inserted a piece of black paper in the front of my journal to use as my cover page. I used white and metallic pens and I LOVE how it turned out!

2021 Title Page for Bullet Journal - Harry Potter Theme

Pencils and Pens

Your pencils and writing pens are the tools you will probably use most in your journal. Since bullet journals include lots of doodles and artistic elements, you’ll want to have a set of sharp pencils for sketching and good black fineliners for small lettering and outlining. You can use a variety of brands that will work well and they can be quite affordable.

I prefer mechanical pencils because the point remains sharper in comparison to traditional lead pencils. Both kinds are inexpensive to buy.

My favorite black fineliners are Micron pens, and I also use my Flair felt tip pen.

You can buy a variety pack of Micron Pens in different sizes, which are perfect for all sorts of writing, lettering, and outlining.

Micron Pen for Outlining in Bullet Journal

In addition to writing pencils, you’ll want to grab a good eraser as well. I prefer this white hi polymer eraser, available on Amazon. You’ll find yourself using it all of the time!

Adhesives

You can use adhesives like tape and glue to add pictures, other papers, and fun design elements to your bullet journal. I recommend using glue that is fast drying and archival quality like Beacon Zip Dry so it will not discolor or wrinkle your paper. There are also a few tape runner adhesives that we use all of time, too!

Best Adhesives for Bullet Journaling

Colored Pens and Markers

This is by far my FAVORITE category of supplies for bullet journals, and the one I enjoy using and experimenting with the most! I use several different kinds of pens and markers in my journal ALL of the time, and these are by far my favorites.

In the front of my journal, I create a few Color Swatch pages where I draw a simple design with each of my markers so I can refer back to it throughout the year to check colors and size of the tip.

Color Swatch Pages for Bullet Journaling

The color swatch pages are some of my favorites, mostly because I just love markers and pens. It brings happiness to my inner child LOL.

Archer & Olive Acrylograph Pens for Journaling

Acrylograph Pens

Another of my favorite products from Archer & Olive, these curated collections of Acrylograph Pens are INCREDIBLE and are more of a splurge item. They are paint pens that come in .7mm and 3mm tips.

Archer & Olive Acrylograph Pens for Journaling

The ink is wonderfully opaque and can be used on any color paper. I recommend them only if you’re using a thick, art quality journal. These acrylic pens work best for writing and outlining – like most paint pens they can streak when used to cover large areas. Bonus: They also come in gorgeous storage boxes to keep your collections together and stored properly.

Archer & Olive Acrylograph Pens for Journaling

Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens

PaperMate Flair Felt Pens for Bullet Journaling

Flair Pens come in tons of colors and can be used in all aspects of your journal. Felt tip pens/markers are comfortable to use and affordable. You can find various color collections on Amazon.

Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens for Bullet Journaling

Zebra Mildliner Pens

Zebra Mildliners for Bullet Journaling

Simliar to highlighters, Mildliners write in pastel colors! I absolutely love them and use them all of the time. They come in different tips including Brush, Fine, Super Fine, and Bold/Chisel. They even come in dual tips!

Zebra Mildliner Different Tips

The different tips are great for swatching and coloring!

Mildliner Color Swatch Page for Bullet Journaling

The colors are SO great. I use them for lists and filling in details all of the time. I even used them for the entire top of one of my yearly calendar pages.

Mildliners for Coloring in Bullet Journal Example

Gelly Roll Pens

Sakura Gelly Roll Pens are a unique kind of pen that are perfect for using on colored paper. They even show up on black paper! They are great if you’re looking to add some fun and creative details to your journal.

Gelly Roll Pens for Bullet Journaling

Paints

I use paints as a way to really take my journal to the next level. I have always enjoyed painting and I create small pieces of art in my journal to satisfy my desire for this medium. It requires less time than a large painting but it still allows me to be creative.

Note: if you would like to use paint in your journal, it is VERY IMPORTANT to have a journal with thick, high quality art paper. Otherwise you can ruin your journal!

Gouache Paint

Gouache Paint for Bullet Journaling

Gouache paint has a consistency that’s in the middle of watercolor and acrylic paints. You can thin it out like watercolor paint or use it full strength like acrylic paint. I use it for all of the full art pages in my journal, and I love the matte finish of gouache.

Gouache Painting in Bullet Journal

Gouache can be a little pricey, so I watch for an Amazon Deal – and of course you can use them for other art projects. You might learn to love the feel of gouache! I own the Arteza set with 60 colors (it was on Amazon daily deal!), and it’s a great starter set if you don’t want to mix colors. If you’re experienced, there are definitely higher quality paints to be had, but these are perfect for a journal.

Watercolor Pens

Watercolor Brush Pens are perfect for when you want to use watercolors in a small area or for shading and outlining. Most sets also come with a water pen that you can fill and use for blending. They require a little less water than watercolor palettes, which is why I like using these.

Other Accessories

There are TONS of accessories that you can use for journaling. As you continue to journal, you may enjoy some of these extras!

Washi tape is great for adding a splash of color or design to plain pages. I tend to use the solid colors, but my kids like the patterned and glitter washi tape.

Stickers are an easy way to add decor elements without drawing. There are tons available on Amazon and Etsy. You can find whole sets or single stickers that you will love. You can also print your own stickers – like with FREE Printable Stickers from my blog!

I work on my journal in the evenings more often than not, and I love using a lap desk! Some even come with storage for pens and markers.

If you don’t have a Cricut machine already, it’s a great addition to your journaling and your craft room! I use it to cut shapes and design elements for my journal, like calendar squares and stickers. The options are endless! You could even use your machine to write for you. Design your own spreads or use the THOUSANDS of free images that come with a Cricut Access subscription.

I use printable vinyl and sticker paper for ALL of my printable stickers, and I particular love the Cricut variety so I know it works well with my Cricut machine settings for Print then Cut. But the other options below have great reviews!

Even beginners will benefit from a journaling ruler. A lot of them come pre-designed to fit 5mm bullet journals! It makes it easier to divide your journal, create blocks and calendars, and more!

Once you’ve collected as many journaling supplies as I have, you may need a larger storage solution, but these pencil cases are great for expanding your collection! You can keep your pens right with your journal and carry them around your house (between your desk and bed haha) or for when you travel!

I hope you’ve found some new bullet journaling supplies to try out or have been reminded of some old favorites. If you have any bullet journal or art supplies you love, make sure you let me know in the comments so I can give them a try!

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about charynn

ABOUT CHARYNN

Hi, y’all! I’m Charynn, the owner and designer of Pineapple Paper Co. I’m a mom of four kids (two girls and two boys) living in Pittsburgh. I love hand lettering, anything southern, cocktails, and of course, pineapples! I am excited to share my SVG files, printables, and craft projects with you! The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality, and I welcome y’all to my little corner of the internet. Read more…

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