Every year I am envious of the beautiful and aesthetic book journals I see being posted on Instagram and I am always too intimidated to start one for myself, BUT NO MORE! 2023 will be the year I finally decide to make one for myself. With that being said, I have scoured the internet for some useful book journal tools to help start me off right.
I have also decided to annotate my books more, and maybe try decorating the pages as I go because there are some really beautiful annotated books out there as well. I am only slightly worried about the fact that I have zero artistic capabilities…only slightly worried.
Before we begin with our list, please take a moment to look at my talented friends gorgeous book journal here too!
BOOK JOURNAL TOOLS AND ESSENTIALS
JOURNALS
There are so many beautiful journals to choose from but the two main things I was looking for were: 1) Type of paper and 2) How well the journal opens.
Aesthetically I like the look of spined journals, but spiral bound journals allow you to fully open the page to allow for easier writing. It’s all about personal choice. Here are a couple that I found especially beautiful…or handsome 😉
PENS
A major component of a book journal consists of writing a review for the book in question. If you have beautiful handwriting I envy you. If you are like me, and have mediocre handwriting… then welcome! I am going to attempt to disguise my non-aesthetic handwriting with the use of cute and colorful pens. However, I am also considering typing the reviews out and printing them, to then paste into the book in a cute aesthetic layering way. I know you’ve seen the cute layers in book journals! Just imagine that!
These pens are also perfect for annotating in books without the ink bleeding or showing through the next page too much
HIGHLIGHTERS
I am planning on using the highlighters for annotating the books I am reading and I am really looking forward to using these pastel colors instead of the normal neon that I used while in school!
WASHI TAPE
I like the idea of adding texture and layers to the journal page with decorative washi tape so I am stocking up with a few different patterns. I am also going to get a sticky adhesive roller for attaching extra bits onto the page without tape too.
STICKY TABS
Sticky tabs are another tool I am using for annotating this year and I am going to be EXTRA fancy and try to match the vibe of my book with the color palette for my sticky tabs. Just a little something to make the whole experience feel intentional.
SCRAPBOOK PAPER
The scrapbook paper is another added element to help the page look visually more striking. Small scrapbook pages allow you to store the pages easier, and (I am hoping) will reduce some of the paper waste that might have happened with larger pieces.
STICKERS/RIBBON
I am going to stick with using packs of vintage stickers for now, but I want to eventually graduate to adding some bookish stickers into my collection as well. I recently saw someone using little tweezers to peel the stickers off and now I simply must have that in my life as well.
CUTTING TOOLS/ TWEEZERS FOR STICKERS
Speaking of book journaling tools to make your journaling journey easier, you can get a whole pack of tools too. It comes with paper pressers, tweezers, cutting tools, etc…
I feel like these tools are akin to gift wrapping tools. Every year I say that I should get them and then every year I procrastinate and never get them…and regret it. I will not make this mistake here!
ORGANIZER/ PENCIL POUCH
Finally, we need something to hold all of our book journaling tools in. For now I am going to keep my small tools and pencils in a pencil pouch, and my bigger tools and paper in a basket on my desk. If my collection gets bigger I might spring for a whole storage system though.
I would love to see your own book journals! Whether you are a master and super experienced, or just starting on your first book journal please feel free to send me pictures on insta! Let me know some of your own tips and essentials down below too.
If you’re looking for more bookish essentials check out this list of my personal must have items for taking Bookstagram photos.
