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Best Journal Supplies: Top Picks for Creative Journaling
Journaling is a great way to express yourself and be creative. The right tools can make your writing better and help you think more deeply. You can find everything from top-notch notebooks to cool washi tapes and durable pens.
This guide will show you the best supplies for journaling. Whether you’re starting out or looking to improve, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of journaling together.
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Essential Foundations: Choosing the Perfect Journal
The right notebook is key to a great journaling practice. Look for high-quality paper, different binding types, and various sizes. These features make your journal a perfect place for creativity.
Premium Paper Quality and Grammage
For the best journaling, choose notebooks with 160gsm paper. This weight can handle many writing tools without bleeding. Leuchtturm1917 and Archer and Olive offer top-notch premium stationery for a better writing experience.
Binding Types and Durability
The journal’s binding is very important. Go for lay-flat bindings like spiral or saddle-stitched. They let your journal open flat, which is great for dotted notebooks and leather-bound journals.
Size and Format Options
The A5 size, my personal choice, (5.8 x 8.3 inches) is a good middle ground. It’s big enough for writing but small enough to carry. If you want something smaller, A6 (4.1 x 5.8 inches) is a good option.
Last year, I ordered the A6 size planner, thinking its small size would be perfect for tossing in my purse. While it was super convenient to carry around, it turned out to be a nightmare for my big handwriting. If you tend to write larger, you might find this size frustrating—just one note could take up an entire page in the A6! However, if you have small, neat handwriting, this could be the ideal planner for you.
Writing Instruments for Creative Expression
Whats a journal without pens? I happen to love pens and have a slight problem buying them. I have so many pens so I am the perfect person to tell you the good ones and the ones that left me disappointed.
Gel pens, like Paper Mate, glide smoothly, great for writing and drawing. I have found them to be reliable and affordable. They have a comfortable grip and consistent ink flow, great for daily journaling.The colors are also great and they have a variety of options to choose from.
Fineliners, like Pigma Micron 0.3mm, add fine details to your art or are perfect if you like to write smaller. They have very fine tips so you can get very small lettering and fine details done with no problem. They are also available in several colors.
Fountain pens offer a classic writing feel. Lamy and Platinum have many styles, from the affordable Safari to the elegant Plaisir. Use archival-quality ink to make your writing last.
Brush pens, like Tombow Dual Brush Pens, are great for creative touches. They let you add flair and calligraphy to your journal. Try the broad tip and fine point for different effects.
| Pen Type | Recommended Brands | Key Features | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel Pens | Muji, Uniball, Paper Mate | Water-resistant, fade-resistant, smooth writing | $5-$15 |
| Fineliners | Pigma Micron, Crayola Super Tips | Precise lines, detailed work, no bleed-through | $8-$20 |
| Fountain Pens | Lamy, Platinum | Traditional writing experience, archival ink | $15-$30 |
| Brush Pens | Tombow Dual Brush, Sharpie Fine Markers | Versatile for calligraphy, headers, and illustrations | $8-$15 |
Using different writing tools can make journaling more fun. You can try gel pens, fineliners, fountain pens, or brush pensto find what works best for you. Each one can help you express your creativity in unique ways.
Best Journal Supplies for Every Style
Choosing the right journal supplies can really enhance your journaling. Whether you love luxury items or prefer something more affordable, there’s something for everyone. Let’s look at some top journal supplies to boost your creativity.
Luxury Writing Tools
For a touch of elegance, consider high-end fountain pens and leather-bound journals. Luxury writing tools like the Montblanc Meisterstück gives a smooth writing experience. Premium journals from Shinola or Paperblanks offer a luxurious space for your thoughts.
Decorative Elements and Embellishments
Make your journaling more fun by adding different decorations. Washi tape offers many designs for borders, highlights, or whimsical touches. Get a set of journal stickers, like Target’s Noted line, to add fun and useful details to your pages. Don’t forget about decorative paper clips or bookmarks. They help mark special pages or notes. These small items can make your journal truly yours, showing off your style and creativity.
- Try stamps and ink pads for unique designs and patterns
- Use stencils and paints for standout backgrounds and textures
- Add ribbons, lace, fabric, buttons, charms, and beads for extra flair
- Use old photos, postcards, ticket stubs, and other items for a vintage look
Decorating your journal is all about being creative. Let your personal style shine with these versatile decorations and embellishments.
Organization Tools and Accessories
As a journal lover, I’ve found that organizing your tools is key. You’ll find everything from bookmarks to tab systems to help you stay organized. These accessories make journaling easier and more enjoyable.
Bookmarks and Page Markers
It’s important to quickly find your place in your journal. There are many bookmarks and page markers to choose from. I like using different ones to keep my place and add a personal touch.
Tab Systems and Dividers
Organizing your journal into sections is a big help. Tab systems with colorful dividers make it easy to find what you need. I mix pre-made tabs with DIY ones to make my system my own.
Storage Solutions
To keep everything tidy, you need good storage. Pen pouches are essential for protecting your pens. CICIMELON offers large pencil cases that hold lots of pens and markers.
| Item | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mildliner Brush Tip Pens | 2 | Versatile dual-tipped highlighters for accents and shading |
| Pigma Micron Pens | 4 | Precision fine-line pens for sketching and detailed work |
| Black Brush Pens | 2 | Flexible brush tips for calligraphy and expressive writing |
| Other Fine Line Black Pens | 1 category | Additional options for precise line work |
Keeping your journal supplies organized boosts your creativity and makes your notebook more functional. Try out different journal organizers, tab dividers, and pen pouches to find what suits your style best.
Artistic Supplies for Journal Customization
For those who love adding a personal touch to their journals, there’s a world of artistic supplies to explore. You can choose from watercolor pens, brush markers, or art supplies for journaling. The choices are endless.
The Tombow Dual Brush Pen is a favorite for journal customization. It lets you write and color with ease. The soft brush tip adds texture, while the fine point is great for details.
For a budget-friendly option, try the Crayola Markers. They can turn your journal pages into a rainbow of colors. Their bold, vibrant hues add a playful touch to your entries.
- Watercolor Pens: Ideal for adding washes of color and subtle shading
- Brush Markers: Versatile tools that can be used for both writing and painting
- Colored Pencils: Perfect for more delicate, blendable coloring effects
Colored pencils are also great for your journal. They offer a softer, more nuanced coloring approach. You can create beautiful gradients and blends with them. With many colors to choose from, your journal pages can become works of art.
Whether you like the bold strokes of watercolor pens, the versatility of brush markers, or the classic appeal of art supplies for journaling, there’s endless possibility. Try different mediums and techniques to find what suits your style and artistic expression.
Premium Stationery Essentials
For those who love luxury in journaling, premium stationery can make a big difference. High-end paper products like Rhodia notepads give a smooth writing experience. Specialty papers, like those for fountain pens or watercolors, boost your art. Check out Japanese stationery brands for their quality and detail.
High-End Paper Products
Investing in top-notch notebooks can change your journaling. The Leuchtturm1917 Dotted A5 notebook is a hit, with its dot grid. It comes in sizes from A6 to B5, all with great paper.
The Archer & Olive Watercolor Dot Grid Journal is great for watercolor fans. It has white pages that work well with ink and paint. The Archer & Olive BlackOut! Book has black paper for bold journaling and planning.
Specialty Writing Papers
Try specialty papers for different writing needs. The Rhodiarama Dot Notebook has a soft cover and premium pages for smooth writing. The Moleskine Soft Cover Dot Grid Notebook is slim and perfect for journaling on the go.
Discover Japanese stationery, known for its quality. Brands like STALOGY and Midori offer papers that elevate your writing. They’re ideal for those who want the best in stationery essentials.
Travel-Friendly Journaling Tools
For journaling on-the-go, you need compact and portable supplies. Look for smaller notebooks like the B6 size or traveler’s notebook inserts. Multicolor pens can also save space by reducing the number of items you carry.
Find pen quivers or closures that attach to your journal cover for easy transport. Brands like Midori offer compact and durable options perfect for travel journaling.
When packing for a trip, choose portable journal kits that fit easily in your luggage or bag. Opt for travel-sized pensand compact notebooks that save space. Consider a dedicated journal for your adventures, like a lightweight hardcover or a refillable traveler’s notebook system.
- Opt for B6-sized notebooks or traveler’s journal inserts for maximum portability.
- Multicolor pens, like the Muji Gel Pens, can streamline your writing tools.
- Pen loops, quivers, or elastic bands on your journal cover keep pens secure and accessible.
- Brands like Midori, Leuchtturm1917, and Dingbats offer high-quality, compact journaling options.
Remember, the key to successful travel journaling is packing light and focusing on the essentials. With the right portable journal kits, travel-sized pens, and compact notebooks, you can capture your adventures with ease, wherever you go.
Digital Integration and Hybrid Solutions
In today’s digital world, many people are looking to mix technology with their journaling. Digital planning tools can help keep your journal organized and safe. You can also use journal scanning apps to turn your handwritten pages into digital copies.
Digital Planning Tools
Hybrid planners are gaining popularity. They mix the feel of paper with digital benefits. For instance, the Rocketbook Fusion lets you digitize your notes with the Rocketbook app.
Devices like the Boox Note Air 3 and reMarkable 2 offer a unique digital journaling experience. They let you write, sketch, and annotate PDFs. Plus, they sync your work to the cloud.
I have also purchased a few digital planner templates from Etsy. They have hundreds of planner templates that can be used with an iPad, the Apple Pencil, and then an app like Goodnotes. This is a way to use digital planners but still have the feeling of using pen and paper when you use the Apple Pencil. I love my digital planners but I find I still am a paper and pencil kind of girl at heart.
Scanning and Storage Options
If you like keeping a physical journal but want digital copies, try apps like Kindle Scribe or the Moleskine Pen+. They make it easy to capture and store your journal pages digitally. Adding technology to your journaling can make it more organized and accessible. Look into different digital tools and apps to find what works best for you.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options
For those who care about the planet, there are many green choices. Look for notebooks made from recycled paper or stone paper. Brands like Decomposition, 1environ, and Agood Company offer quality journals for $6 to $36.
There are also vegan journals from Dingbats* and notebooks from By Amber & Rose made from upcycled cotton. Environotes even uses sugarcane and post-consumer waste for their spiral-bound notebooks. These options let you journal without harming the environment.
Looking for eco-friendly journals, pens, or other supplies? There’s a lot out there. By choosing wisely, you can support your creativity and the planet. Check out the recycled, renewable, and responsibly sourced options to find your perfect journal.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Journaling is such a fantastic way to express yourself and let your creativity flow. I’ve shared some of my favorite supplies—from premium notebooks and pens to fun decorative elements and handy organizational tools—that can really take your journaling to the next level.
Whether you’re into the classic vibe of a leather-bound journal, curious about digital options, or keen on eco-friendly choices, there’s something out there that’s just right for you. Remember, the best journal supplies are the ones that inspire you and make you excited to put pen to paper (or stylus to screen!).
Don’t hesitate to mix and match different tools until you find the perfect combo that sparks your creativity. So grab that notebook you’ve been eyeing, pick up your favorite pen, and happy journaling!
