Types of Journaling and some Journal Recommendations
As you all may know, I love journaling, and I have one of almost every type of journal there is. There are so many types of journaling! Any kind of journaling can be done in any kind of notebook, and the writing is what truly matters. But, because I tend to be a notebook addict, and because I love to do many different types of journaling, I do have specific ones for different purposes.
I realized that at the blog I haven’t ever really talked about the types or physical forms that journals can take, based on their purpose. So, I have some suggestions.
For example, for simply writing about daily life, a notebook of any kind will be fine, even a plain spiral bound one.
Although It’s not necessary, if you want your pages to remain strong, a high quality journal with acid free paper is nice step up. Also, if you’ll be using markers or fountain pens, paper thickness is important. And, the page colors vary. Some journals have cream pages, some have white, some have ivory, and some even have black pages.
I’ve done a little shopping for you, and here are some of the different journals that I can recommend, based on the type of journal you want to start.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Daily Life, List books, or Bullet Journaling
The Rhodia Rhodiarama Softcover Notebook is a lovely, softcover notebook with smooth ivory paper. This paper is one of my favorites, due to its smoothness. It also won’t bleed or feather with most pens. Fountain pen lovers adore it. Rhodia is a favorite brand of many because of the quality of the paper. (That does come with a bit of a higher price point, though!) It comes in a dot grid (linked here), as well as lined paper and comes in different sizes. I have the A5.
The Persian Grove Journal from Peter Pauper Press. is probably my favorite hardcover, bound, lined journal, ever. It’s gorgeous quality, a wonderful value, and it’s just absolutely beautiful. The pages are acid free, very smooth, and friendly to many kind of pens. (They’re even gilded on the edges.) There are other cover designs to choose from, too. This one is very hard to beat, if you’re looking for a bound, lined journal, especially at such a great value.
This lined hardcover notebook has several pretty cover designs to choose from. (Note: The colors aren’t as vibrant on mine as they appear online but still pretty.) It has thick, acid free paper. The pages are not as smooth as the Peter Pauper Press one above, and the quality isn’t as nice as that one, but if you want to save a couple of dollars, it’s still a nice notebook.
For an elegant writing experience, this lovely leather journal looks like a good pick. (I don’t have this one.) The paper is thick and acid free. The journal is real leather, so something to be aware of, if you have concerns about that. According to the product description, the company donates a percentage of the profits to a charity in Africa, protecting children from cruelty.
Art Journaling, Photo Journaling, or Sketch Journaling
For art journaling or photo journaling that you won’t be doing every day, you might prefer blank pages with paper made for all kinds of media. I have this mixed media sketchbook for art journaling.
Another great idea for an art journal is to simply make your own. A discbound journal is perfect, because you can remove the pages easily and move them around. This is also perfect as a planner. Visit my blog post at the link above to see how I make my own.
Planning
For planning, a simple binder works well, too, because just like the discbound notebook, above, you can remove pages and move them around. I use pocket dividers that I bought separately, for the sections, and I just include some notebook paper for notes.
This one is really pretty.
Of course, if you stroll through the discount stores, there are plenty of other pretty journals and planners. Really, any notebook will do to record your thoughts or plan your days.
And, if you need some ways to fill your blank journals and notebooks, I have some ideas here.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little sampling, and I hope you will join me this year and commit to keeping a journal of some kind!
Linking to:
Gingersnap Crafts, My Girlish Whims, Artsy Fartsy Mama, Home Matters, Make it Pretty Monday, Create with Joy, Life and Linda, Lou Lou Girls, Building Our Hive, Senior Salon Pit Stop, My Random Musings, A Pinch of Joy, Life and Linda, Keeping it Real, Tuesday Turn About, Fluster Buster, Wonderful Wednesday, Wednesdays in the Studio, Thursday Favorite Things, Mostly Blogging, Jenerally Informed, French Ethereal, The Answer is Chocolate, Funtastic Friday, Crazy Little Lovebirds, Shabby Art Boutique
I love gorgeous journals. And I still don't really know what a bullet journal is. I can sort of get it, but I can't explain it well to others.
Have you read Love Lettering from Kate Clayborn? I think you'd like it!
I'm the same way about bullet journaling — To me it's more of a pretty planner! But I love the way journaling terms morph over time and so more people get interested in journaling! I haven't read that book, but now I want to!
I love a good journal, and just reading about journals makes my heart happy!
I feel the same way, Michele!
Thank you for this! I always start the year intent on getting better at journaling and then somehow never take that last step. After reading this, I want to give it a try again.
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party this week. Pinned.
I do the same thing every year, Teresa. I decided that this year I would really do it! Thanks so much for pinning.
When I saw your post on the link party, my eyes got wide and I grinned. JOURNALS! 😀 I just love my journals, notebooks, and all things paper, pen, and marker. I just started using a dot grid journal for my lists. (While I love the artistic talent some use in their Bullet Journals, I don't have that and haven't been great at keeping at using one.) I have been better at using the dot grid for lists than in previous attempts. I think it's due to a book I read as well as a couple of blog posts on how to be productive with notebooks and lists. I'm a writer and this journal is helping me get things organized. (It's not perfect yet, nor do I expect it to be so. I am seeing what works for me with this current journal. When I need a new one, I'll have a better idea of what I will/won't use it for.) I've bookmarked this so I can revisit when I'm in need of a new journal (or three). Adrienne from Gluten Free Preppers and a member of the Blogger's Pit Stop Crew
Ah, I love meeting kindred spirits! Journals, notebooks, and all things paper, pen, and marker–oh yes! Thanks for visiting and commenting! (P.S. I have celiac, so I'm excited to find your blog.)
I love journals! Especially anything that is extra big and has flowers on the cover! I will always be a paper and pen gal!
I will always be a paper and pen gal,too, Kim — and oh, yes, I almost always choose florals!
A very interesting article with a lot of information. Very well write up 🙂
Thank you, Khadija!
Journals are so nice. I wrote one years ago with my very first cancer. It is so interesting to go back and read what I wrote. Thanks for sharing Pam. I am happy to feature your post at Love Your Creativity. Happy New Year!
Thanks so much, Linda – I appreciate the feature! Happy New Year to you, too!
Great post Pam! You know how much I love notebooks and journaling. Happy New Year!
Thanks, Maria! Happy New Year!
Hi Pam, Thanks for participating and sharing your posts at our Linky. I just love that leather journal, so pretty. Shared on SM
Lots of ideas here, love the leather one! Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 65. Pinned!
I enjoyed your article about the various journals, Pam. And I enjoyed reading about how to make the disc journals, thanks for sharing.
I love all types of journals, so this was right up may alley!
I’m so glad, Jennie! Thanks for reading!