7 Bullet Journal Supplies You Already Have At Home
Have you wanted to start a bullet journal but decided against it because you didn’t want to splurge on supplies?
I am here to tell you there is no need to buy any supplies when you are first starting out! (Ok you might need to buy one thing, which we will discuss at the end). Of course if you want to purchase some new supplies, have at it!
You may not realize it, but you probably have these 7 bullet journal supplies already laying around the house…
Pencils
Seriously, the products are this simple. I would say this is the first ‘tool’ you will need when you are thinking about starting a bullet journal. Unless you are the ultimate daredevil I suggest outlining your spreads with pencil before using something more permanent. I’m all for embracing mistakes, but it is nice when a spread comes out pretty close to perfect.
Also, using pencils usually means there will be erasing involved. Most of the pencils I found had already been rubbed clean of any eraser so be aware of that before you start sketching away!
Pens
Naturally, this is the next step after the pencil. You technically don’t need any fancy pens to start a bullet journal, they are just slightly more fun and can be useful for different techniques. Any regular pen will do, but a fine ball point pen is where it’s at. Especially if you want thin lines for spreads.
Markers, Colored Pencils, Crayons
If you want to add some color into your bullet journal then look no further than your standard coloring supplies. I’m talking crayola. We all have a few, slightly worn down, cases of crayola markers or crayons laying around somewhere. Why not use up what you already have? I actually found some highlighters from high school that were perfect.
Using these different supplies will also help you find your style. Maybe you like the flow of markers (but be weary about it bleeding into the next page), or maybe you enjoy the lightness of colored pencils. This will be useful information when you are ready to buy more supplies, because trust me, you will become addicted.
Ruler
I’m going to be completely honest. I didn’t even use a ruler for my bullet journal until a few months ago. I would just used old mail…I have video evidence of this. So, if you don’t have a ruler at your house, don’t fret, just get creative. I have since started using a 6 inch ruler that was given to me as a gift (progress). A ruler, or something to act as a ruler, is SO HELPFUL, if you want straight lines. If you could care less, then by all means, skip this part.
Personally, I want most of my spreads to be nice and neat. If you are the same, then I’m sure you will find a ruler right next to those crayola markers.
Tape/Glue
Yes, that good ol’ scotch. You may not even need any tape or glue at all, depending on what you want to create. If you want pictures in your bullet journal, then fire up that printer and tape away! Another good idea is to create a ‘memories’ spread in your journal where you can tape some souvenirs onto the page (tickets, polaroids, etc). This can be super fun, and super free!
When you are ready to spend some moolah on your bullet journal here is what you should buy…
#1 JOURNAL
Remember in the beginning when I said you might need to buy just one little supply, well its this. Most of us don’t have a blank journal just lying around. You do not want a journal with lines, but dots are fine. There are super cheap options for this. Think Amazon and Walmart. Obviously this is essential because you need a place to use all the supplies you’ve just gathered!
Here are some options:
Fun Colors and Lots of Options
Amazon has everything, whats new
Washi Tape
Y’all, this is by far my favorite bullet journaling tool. There are endless options, they make any spread pop, and its so easy to use. I’m lucky because I’ve gotten most of my washi tape as gifts and I still haven’t even come close to using up my supply.
My favorite place to buy washi tape is Michaels, they usually have multiple rolls or single rolls for the low. Also, don’t forget to support your small businesses! There are tons of Etsy shops that sell bullet journal supplies.
Options:
Stickers
Right after washi tape comes stickers. If you don’t have time to doodle, or can’t really doodle * cough * me * cough * then stickers are so useful. There are stickers for any and every occasion, there will never be a sticker shortage on this earth. Here are some examples of ways you can use stickers:
My favorite type of stickers are ones that are pictures! Once you have outgrown the print and tape method then you can upgrade to the sticker method! (but the print and tape will always be handy when you want a specific picture). I got my sticker pictures from Quinn Bouley!