Newbies often struggle with the right journaling tools. Buying too little means they might run out when they need them, while buying too much means they'll just sit there gathering dust, a wasteful waste. As someone who's been through this, I've compiled a beginner's guide to buying the right tools and instructions. We're all about buying the right ones, not too many. With these seven essentials, you can start creating your perfect journal in no time!
1.Some white cardstock or a blank notebook
If you're interested in journaling and want to give it a try, you can even buy some white cardstock as a base. Getting started is key.
Start your creations with blank cardstock
If you want to organize your artwork more systematically, purchasing a journal with blank pages is a great option. Blank pages allow for greater creative freedom, without lines or patterns interfering with your work. As for sizes, A6 and A5 are suitable, as they're more suitable for most stickers and tape patterns.
Cute Character Portable Journal
Loose-leaf Journal - Add or remove pages at any time
2. One Style of Tape/Sticker
Beginners shouldn't overdo it! Of course, if you have the money, you can go wild. However, I recommend starting with a style of journal you like and want to create, such as vintage stickers/tapes, cute stickers/tapes, landscape stickers/tapes, etc. It is wise to only buy enough tape or stickers to create one style of journal for the first time. As you continue to explore journaling, you may find yourself drawn to a wider variety of styles.
Vintage Sexy Character Stickers
Cute Anime Girl Tape
Nature Scenery PET Tape
Tapes are available in full rolls and in tape splitting products. If you're unsure if you'll like the tape for the first time, it's best to buy purchase split tape rolls like I did. A roll of tape usually consists of multiple loops of patterns, a roll of divided portion usually contains all patterns at once, so you can get a full pattern even with a tape splitting products . For the same price, you can try more patterns with repackaging tape than with a full roll—a great deal!
The product page will usually indicate the size of the pack
Stickers typically come in bags, though some also come in boxes. You can choose the packaging you prefer. The quantity included in each sticker product can vary greatly. The quantity is usually indicated on the product page, so it's best to check before purchasing to avoid overbuying or underbuying. Once again, choose the style based on the type of journal you want to create.
The information in the upper right corner of the product page indicates that this bag contains 20 stickers
The upper right corner of the product image indicates that this product comes in a bag of 46, with 23 designs
Green letter stickers in a tin box
3. Background Paper
If you're not satisfied with a completely blank background, and feel the waste of covering it entirely with stickers or tape is a bit wasteful, I recommend purchasing some background paper based on your desired style. Background paper plays a crucial and convenient role in setting the tone for your journal. You can cut or collage it into any size and shape you like.
Using Two Floral Background Papers for a Collage
Two background papers can be stacked together to create a double layer effect.
Vintage Butterfly Background Paper - Set a Vintage Mood
Christmas Background Paper - Quickly Create a Festive Atmosphere
4. Require Two Pairs of Scissors
Scissors are essential for crafting, but why do I say two pairs? Because the items we need to cut in journaling fall into two categories: adhesive and non-adhesive. Scissors used for a long time will become sticky and difficult to clean. Using adhesive scissors on non-adhesive items can cause sticking and residue. Therefore, two pairs of scissors can be used separately. If one pair of scissors becomes difficult to use, you can easily grab a fresh pair, ensuring you never interrupt your immersive journaling.
Quality Stainless Steel Scissors Minimalist Design Transparent Scissors
Buy an extra pair to use separately
5. Scrapbook Knife + Pad
After buying the tape home, you may encounter the following problems: each pattern appears separate, but when you try to tear it, all the patterns fall off. This is because some tapes haven't been slit, meaning each pattern isn't individually detachable. Using scissors to cut each piece individually isn't impossible, but it's very difficult. If you're not careful, you might damage the pattern or even cut through the entire tape. Therefore, I recommend buying a Scrapbook knife. Its small blade allows for more precise operation. Sweep along the entire edge of the pattern to easily remove each piece.
Colorful Stationery Knife - A Design That Combines Beauty and Practicality
When you pick up a scrapbook knife, remember to bring along a scrapbook pad. Otherwise, the Stationery Knife will mercilessly cut through your notebook pages or your desk, unless you prefer a desk full of scratches .
Pads are available in various sizes, depending on the amount of free space on your desk. Mini scrapbook pads are more portable and flexible, while larger scrapbook pads offer a more secure feel, ensuring you don't have to worry about scratching your desk.
Colorful Mini Cutting Mat
Larger size fairytale style mat
6.Dot Glue
Many material and background papers don't come with adhesive, making them difficult to stick to your journal. Dot Glue solves this problem. It's also compact, with a small adhesive dispenser, allowing for more precise application. It won't overflow like glue and get stuck to unwanted objects like your fingers and hair.
Double sided Tape Limited Edition for Journal and Scrapbooking
7. Tweezers (depending on your needs)
If you have fingernails or don't mind fingerprints on the tape, you can go wild with your bare hands. However, if you don't like the feel of glue on your hands and don't want glue on the transparent part of the tape, I recommend buying tweezers, ones with fine, pointed tips.
Colored Metal Journal Tweezers
This tapered head allows for more precise tweezer use
With these seven items, you can start enjoying your journal creation journey right away. On DESKCOSMOS's Instagram account, you can see the creations of many great journal designers, and perhaps you'll find the style you're looking for.
After you finish reading this blog post, we have a special offer for you. Use the discount code [B15] when you purchase something on the DESKCOSMOS official website and we'll give you a free sticker storage box worth $5.99. Click here to start shopping!
