Tools you need to keep an Aesthetic Journal

1. A Quality Journal or Notebook

The foundation of any journaling journey is the journal or notebook itself. The best experience is when it’s something you can create custom to your liking. If that’s your style, head on over to our Shop to select a journal and book binding tools. Choosing the right one can set the tone for your entire experience. Here are a few things to consider:

Paper Quality: Look for journals with thick, smooth paper that can handle various mediums, from pens to markers to watercolors, without bleeding or ghosting. Whether you’re buying a journal or making one of your own, a minimum of 100gsm paper is ideal for most journaling activities.
Binding: Depending on your preference, you can choose between hardcover, softcover, spiral-bound, or even travellers’ notebooks. A journal that lays flat when open is really the most convenient for drawing and writing.
Size: Consider the size that works best for you. A5 is a popular choice for portability and ease of use, but larger sizes like A4 can offer more space for creativity. Choose the format that suits you best and all that you have to express.
Choosing a journal that feels good in your hands and suits your style can inspire you to write and create more frequently – totally the basic requirement when you’re building a new habit.

2. Pens and Markers

Any journaling girlie needs to have a well-curated collection of pens and markers  for writing, drawing, and embellishing her journal pages. Here’s a breakdown of some must-have options:

Fine-liner Pens: Ideal for writing and drawing, fine-liners come in various tip sizes and are known for their precision. Brands like Micron and Staedtler are popular choices, among others and they are great for creating outlines for designs and layouts.
Gel Pens: Known for their smooth flow and vibrant colors, gel pens are great for adding pops of color to your entries. They’re available in a wide range of shades and effects, including metallic and glitter – check out our favourites in our Shop.
Brush Pens: Perfect for calligraphy, hand lettering, and adding bold strokes, brush pens come with flexible tips that mimic the feel of a paintbrush. Abeier Alcohol Dual Brush Pens and Ohuhu Watercolour Brush Pens are highly recommended.
Highlighters: Use pastel or mild-colored highlighters to emphasize important points or create subtle color blocks without overwhelming your pages.
Markers: Alcohol-based markers like Copic or Prismacolor can add rich, vibrant colors to your journal, but be cautious of bleeding. Water-based markers like Crayola Super Tips are a budget-friendly alternative.
Investing in a variety of writing tools allows you to experiment with different styles and techniques, adding depth and character to your journal. Building your collection can take a while, so don’t feel overwhelmed or pressure to “buy it all at once”, but enjoy the feeling of adding to your collection one item at a time.

3. Washi Tape

Washi tape is fun. Tape that’s pretty and makes crafting in your journal immediately a touch more elevated. Made from natural fibers like bamboo and hemp, washi tape comes in countless colors, patterns, and widths. Here are some creative ways to use it:

Borders and Frames: Use washi tape to create borders around your journal pages or frames for photos and illustrations.
Tabs and Dividers: Mark important sections or create DIY tabs for easy navigation.
Accents and Decor: Add pops of color, texture, and pattern to your entries. Layer different tapes for a unique look.
Best part, if you made a mistake, Washi tape is easy to reposition and remove, making it a forgiving tool for beginners and experienced journalers alike.

4. Stickers and Ephemera

Stickers and ephemera are perfect for adding personality and flair to your journal. They can range from functional to purely decorative. Here’s what to consider:

Stickers: Choose from a variety of themes, such as floral, vintage, quotes, or illustrations. Stickers take all of us back to when we were kids. It’s a love that never dies. Stickers can be used to mark special events, add decorative elements, or even serve as writing prompts.
Ephemera: This includes vintage papers, postcards, ticket stubs, and other small, collectible items. Incorporating ephemera into your journal can give it a nostalgic and personalized touch.
Stamps: Rubber stamps and ink pads can create consistent patterns or motifs. They’re great for adding dates, headers, or decorative elements.
Stickers and ephemera are easy ways to bring your journal’s visual appeal to another level without needing artistic skills. Sign up for our Self Care Subscription and get a new selection each month!

5. Coloring Tools

Coloring tools like colored pencils, watercolor paints, and pastels can bring your journal pages to life with vibrant hues and textures. Here’s a quick guide to each:

Colored Pencils: This is the basic tool – versatile and easy to control, color pencils are perfect for adding color to illustrations and creating shading and gradients especially when you’re starting out.
Watercolor Paints: Ideal for soft, dreamy washes of color, watercolors kits can help you create beautiful backgrounds and highlight elements in your journal. These are beautiful and it takes a bit of practise to get the hang of using watercolours but they are just a special way to bring your journal storytelling to life. Word of caution: make sure your journal’s paper can handle water without warping!
Pastels: Both oil pastels and chalk pastels offer rich, opaque colors. They’re great for creating bold artwork and adding texture, but they can be messy and require fixative sprays to set – but as long as we’re getting raw and vulnerable with our feelings, a colourful messy page seems like the perfect complement.
Experimenting with different colouring tools can help you discover your unique style and add depth to your journal pages. Because remember just like with whatever you write in your journal, there is no right or wrong way to add creative flair to your journal.

6. Stencils and Templates

Ya we’re getting into serious territory here. Stencils and templates are helpful for creating clean, consistent shapes and designs. They come in various patterns, including geometric shapes, borders, alphabets, and more. Here’s how they can be used:

Headers and Titles: Use stencils to create neat, uniform headers and titles for your entries.
Decorative Elements: Add flourishes, borders, and other decorative elements with ease. This is great especially when you’re a beginner and aren’t quite so confident about your ability to make the exact same swiggle in all 4 corners of a page.
Trackers and Charts: Use templates to create habit trackers, mood charts, or other organizational tools.
Stencils and templates are great for those who want a polished look without spending too much time on intricate designs, and for those who might really be unforgiving with themselves when it comes to “page perfection”.

7. Glue and Adhesives

Reliable adhesives are essential for securing photos, cutouts, and other elements in your journal. Consider these options:

Glue Sticks: Ideal for paper-to-paper adhesion, glue sticks are easy to use and mess-free. If you have kids, you probably will find these all over the house.
Double-Sided Tape: Perfect for mounting photos, ephemera, and other embellishments without adding bulk. As a serious scrapbooker, double-sided tape is a must-have, so feel free to double duty this tape in your journal spreads.
Liquid Glue: Provides a strong bond but can be messy. Use sparingly to avoid wrinkling the paper. Same issues you faced with your kindergarten art, they haven’t made liquid glue ideal for journaling. But if this is all you have, best way is to place a few dots of it on your paper, and spread it with a popsicle stick to it spreads thin and evenly.
Having a variety of adhesives on hand allows you to attach different materials securely and neatly – because the last thing you want is for things to start falling out of your journal.

8. Scissors and Cutting Tools

Scissors and cutting tools are needed for trimming photos, cutting washi tape, and creating custom shapes. Here’s what to have in your toolkit:

Scissors: A pair of sharp, small scissors is essential for precise cutting. Consider decorative edge scissors for added flair – these are so pretty and if you’re going to be a journaling girlie, this is kind of a must-have in your toolkit.
Craft Knife: For more intricate cuts, a craft knife paired with a cutting mat is invaluable. 
Paper Trimmer: For straight, clean cuts, a paper trimmer can save time and provide professional-looking edges.

9. Rulers and Measuring Tools

Rulers and measuring tools are perfect for creating straight lines, grids, and evenly spaced elements. A clear acrylic ruler is best because you can see what’s on the other side and line up without any doubts. Rulers in general can be used with cutting tools for that straight cut. Consider a metal ruler for use with craft knives to avoid accidental cuts. For those who enjoy creating detailed layouts, a geometric or stencil ruler can offer more design options.

10. Storage Solutions
To keep your journaling tools organized and easily accessible, consider investing in storage solutions. Here are some options to review:

Pencil Cases and Pouches: Keep pens, markers, and other small items in one place with a handy pencil case.
Drawers and Bins: Store larger items like stickers, ephemera, and stencils in an art supplies drawer.
Portable Storage: A rolling cart or a portable storage box can keep all your supplies within reach, whether you’re journaling at home or on the go.
Organized storage lets you keep your creative process smooth and enjoyable so make sure that as your collection grows, you find the right method to store your tools.

Maintaining an aesthetic journal is really an adult version of arts and crafts that also doubles as a healing habit. You can document your life, express your individuality, and explore your artistic side. The right tools are obviously going to make the process more enjoyable and help you create beautiful, meaningful pages. 

As you build your collection, remember that journaling is a personal and evolving practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools and techniques to discover what resonates with you. Whether you prefer minimalist designs or elaborate spreads, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and create a journal that reflects your unique personality and style. So gather your supplies, find a cozy spot, and let your creativity flow onto the pages of your aesthetic journal. And as always, be kind to yourself and those around you!