8 Must Haves For A Creative Planning & Jounaling

There are so many new, fun, exciting and interesting methods of planning and journaling. I personally employee an eclectic variety of both planning and journaling methods.  Who needs to be married to the same old boring planning methods.  Not this mum!

The art of planning and journaling appears to be enjoying a new revival via the various social media networks. As a wife, mother and home educator I have been planning for years.  At times rather successfully ... Other times, not so successfully.

Over those years my style and methods have changed. A few constants throughout every stage of my planning in journaling have remained the same:

• I must is be inspired visually by the planning and journaling method I use.  I am not a naturally organized individual.  I am, however, an creative artist with lots of ideas floating around in my noggin!

• I must be able to mark my accomplishments off of my checklist. This just makes me happy.

• I must enjoy the process of documenting all of my planning and journaling. To me it is better when it feels enjoyable and fun, rather than cumbersome and a chore.

In light of the current planning revival and having the experience to share, I thought you might enjoy knowing the planner and journaling supplies I cannot do without.

1. Sticky Notes - Without shame I must say that I am a great fan of whomever invented the fabulous "sticky note". In my daily planning it is the convenience & versatility of sticky notes, that make my planning & journaling a much less daunting task.

2. Gel Pens - My Insta-friend, Nicole, is responsible for creating the gel pen monster I have become. I enjoy the smooth and ease of the Gelly Roll brand pen. In fact, I am getting a bit snobby about using anything else. 

3. Washi Tape - I need a sign that says, "Will work for washi tape!" If Washi tape grew on trees, my pocketbook would suffer much less affliction. I enjoy the versatility that washi tape lends to my planning in journaling. Plus it's really pretty.

4. Mod Podge - Pass me the Modge Podge please! This adhesive is easy to use and can be used in many different ways.

5. Ephemera - I love all the pretty things made of paper. Embellishments, magazine clippings, project life cards, doilies, old stamps ... And the list goes on and on and on.

6. Planner Clips and Bookmarks - Clips, of all shapes & sizes cater to my Type-A personality. They help everything stay in its proper place, thank you very much.

7. Junk Journals - I started recently making in using Junk Journals. I'm a little addicted to making and using them now. The idea is to use bits and pieces of paper, scraps, bits and baubles to create a versatile junk journal that can be used for many different purposes.

8. Planner Bands - Yet another accessory that appeals to my anal-retentive personality. These simple to make and decorate bands help keep journals closed to the outside world.

Get some great planning and journaling ideas from my Choose Joy Planner feed on Instagram. I also have an amazing Pinterest board chalk full of planning and journaling inspiration. 

Follow Living Books Nook's board Planner and Journaling JOY on Pinterest.  

What planning and journaling items must you have at the ready?

Joyfully Learning with You,

Living Books Nook

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Heather's Highly Recommended Helps: 

• Planner Squad blog & be sure to join our Facebook group!

• Homeschool Mom Winter Summer - A weekend for the tired & overwhelmed home educator to fill-up & get refreshed! See you there!