My Creative Bullet Journal Process from Start to Finish

HAY, how art you? Looking to start your bullet journaling journey but feeling overwhelmed? Let me walk you through my creative bullet journal process for setting up my monthly spreads, from choosing themes to putting everything together. Keep reading to learn more!

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Bullet Journal Process Step 1:
Coming Up With a Theme

The journey begins with selecting a theme – arguably the most challenging yet exciting part of the process. I find inspiration by exploring my existing stationery collection, browsing Pinterest and Instagram (with a strict time limit!), and drawing from my daily experiences. This personal approach ensures my journals remain meaningful and purposeful while making the most of my supplies.

Bullet Journal Process Step 2:
Limiting the Supplies

Once the theme is set, I organise my materials by gathering all theme-related stationery into a dedicated folder and box. This simple organization hack not only saves time but also maintains visual consistency throughout the month’s spreads. It’s like creating a mini art station specifically curated for your monthly theme!

Bullet Journal Process Step 3:
Drafting the Layouts

Planning comes next, where I sketch tiny thumbnails of all monthly spreads before diving in. This bird’s-eye view helps me visualise how everything will flow together. I then mark preliminary layouts in pencil using my Grid Spacing Ruler, ensuring precise measurements and balanced designs.

Bullet Journal Process Step 4:
Setting Up the Spreads

The final step is where the magic happens – bringing all the plans to life! With my organised supplies and planned layouts, I can focus entirely on the creative process. I typically set up two to three spreads in one sitting to maintain creative momentum and make the most of my setup time.

What Is Your Bullet Journal Process?

Remember, bullet journaling is a personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. This process has evolved through years of experimentation, and I encourage you to adapt these steps to create a system that works best for you. The key is finding a balance between planning and creativity that makes journaling both enjoyable and functional!

More Bullet Journal Ideas

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more bullet journal setups! Check out these videos for my setup for the annual setups:

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Related articles, videos and resources:

Article – Creative Journaling Prompts to Kickstart Any New Year
Video – TIEFOSSI Bullet Journal Unboxing & Pen Test
Article – 20 Bullet Journal Spread Ideas to Get Your Life Organised

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small percentage of commission via those links, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra!