One of the best feelings in the world is receiving a brand-new journal. The crisp new pages are begging for your ideas, creativity, and imagination, but what pen should you use? With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start so we've compiled a quick guide to help you select the best journaling pens & markers.
Smooth gel ink feels great on our 100 gsm notebook pages. We love having a rainbow of colors to pick from when journaling. Great for writing adding cute lil doodles to your page. Takes a few seconds to dry to become smearproof but ink appears bold & vibrant. We also love the metallic and neon inks for fun accents!
An excellent choice for small, detailed writing and drawing. Dries quick & writes smooth every time.
A perfect choice if you're looking to practice hand-lettering in your journal. The flexible tip allows quick thin-to-thick brush strokes for beautiful script lettering. The PAPERAGE Brush Pens also include a fine liner tip so you can add accents and doodles to your lettering art.
Another great pick for the lettering artist. The chisel shape makes calligraphy a breeze. It's also a great pick for bold and colorful heading and accents in your journal. The PAPERAGE Dual-tip Markers include a smaller felt tip end for writing lists or underlining your writing.
Soft, translucent markers or highlighters are a staple for your journaling toolkit. Create calendar headers, spread borders, page accents & so much more with highlighters. A dual-tip set makes it easy to switch between coloring small & large areas.
A tried and true classic. Great for writing long long journal entries.
Another classic must-have for your journaling toolkit! We recommend starting any bullet journaling layout with pencil before inking with your pens & markers.
]]>We tend to think of journaling as a private or solo activity and while there are tremendous benefits when we write for ourselves, there are also benefits when we have a shared journal. You’re probably thinking, “I could never share my journal!” and you could be right, but the type of shared journal we’re talking about is different.
A shared journal can be between spouses, between a parent and child, or even between best friends. In the spirit of spring and summer travel, how about creating a journal to share between travel buddies?
Your travel journal can also be a way to record your adventures. Include everything from your packing lists and itinerary to images of places you went or your favorite highlights from each day.
The first step is to choose a journal. We recommend our PAPERAGE Blank, Dotted, or Lined Journal so you can add photos and memorabilia to illustrate your entries. Next create your travel journal kit for all your on-the-go art needs. Final step? Start writing, here are a few prompts to get you started:
Happy trails!
Explore the full assortment of journals, pens, & markers in the PAPERAGE Amazon Storefront.
]]>PAPERAGE is a fan of all things sketchbooks: doodles, hand lettering, art journaling. We’ve recently discovered the idea of sketching your day or drawing your life as a mindful meditation practice or a way to document memories.
Sometimes the pressure to “make art” in a sketch book can seem overwhelming and brings out the perfectionist in all of us. What about taking off some of the pressure and simply drawing what’s around you, at the moment?
A great way to start this practice is by picking up a two pack of PAPERAGE sketchbooks and one of these inspiring books on drawing your day:
If you need more instruction and want to take a class, here are two excellent options to get you motivated to pick up your pad and pens:
And last, but not least, share your creations using the draw your day hashtag!
Let’s make sketching fun and no pressure, after all it’s an excellent way to relieve stress.
]]>When it's back-to-school time what better way to get ready than with a new planner! Fresh pencils, new notebooks, and an academic planner will help you start the school year off on the right foot. Did you know using a planner can help decrease your school stress? Read on to learn how.
Decrease school stress when you develop good study habits. Let’s face it, studying isn’t always fun, especially if you forget you have a term paper due or a big exam and need to cram the night before. Good study habits include scheduling regular study sessions. Turns out consistency is key! When you use your paper planner to write down the planned sessions, you start to develop better habits that can bring a sense of calm and peace of mind.
Speaking of writing things down, did you know your memory improves when you handwrite notes, to-dos, and assignments? Research shows better recall and understanding when you put pen to paper. There’s nothing more stressful than forgetting you have an assignment due or finding out you read the wrong chapter. Stress less and make use of your paper planner’s weekly spread to keep all your assignments in one place. And of course, use a bright pen to write everything down.
Another way to combat school stress is to keep track of achievements and milestones. Maintaining a positive outlook is important to mental health as well as academic success. Write down the goals you reach and the tests you pass so you can celebrate each and every win! You deserve it!
Set yourself up for a school year of accomplishments with a PAPERAGE Academic Planner and get off to a great start!
Need more advice? Check out our post 3 Steps to Use an Academic Planner like a Pro.
]]>Are you always looking for the right pen for journaling? Does it seem like your pens and journals never stay in the same spot and you’re always searching for one or the other? We’ve got an easy DIY Journal Kit to make it easy to keep your supplies tidy and at-the-ready when inspiration strikes.
Having the right bin to corral all your supplies makes journaling or decorating your planner so much easier. We like the Larque Plastic Bins, the perfect size for stashing all your pens, markers, and journals.
Our favorite go-to products are the Hardcover Lined Journal, the Undated Planner and the Hardcover Dotted Journal. They're all excellent for list making & have paper that stands up to different kinds of pens & markers. If you need a smaller notebook then the Lined or Dotted Journal is just for you. The Undated Planner gives you some extra room & pre-printed information to help set-up your planning pages quickly. Overall, you want ample room for doodles, decorations, and special flourishes and room to make it your very own.
Colored pens, markers, & highlighters are a must for journaling. They let you fully express your creative side and add that extra whimsy and delight to your pages. If you’re jazzing up your planner or calendar, colored pens & soft-colored highlighters let you code tasks, classes, or meeting notes by color for easy reference. Check out our post on 5 Ways to Make Your Planner More Joyful.
Stickers are so fun to collect and a quick & easy way to embellish your journal pages. Start gathering your favorites and add them to your kit. Look for stickers that help with setting up calendars, weekly spreads or important dates & holidays. Don't forget washi tape to help you create borders & dividers.
Having a pair of scissors in your journaling bin lets you easily cut snippets from magazines of interesting images, motivational words, or cool colors to embellish your journal. When inspiration strikes, you want to be ready!
What will you journal today?
]]>Can you believe the yellow legal pad has been an office supply staple since 1888? While it has humble beginnings, the pads were born from the scraps found on papermill floors. These days, legal pads can be found everywhere from Fortune 500 companies to student backpacks across university campuses. Once only found in a standard yellow paper, red margin format, they now come in a wide variety of options.
At PAPERAGE, we’re always seeking to add more joy, more delight to everyone’s day, so we created a fresh take on the classic legal pad by adding bold, colorful bindings with premium writing sheets.
Read below to learn a few fun facts about the long-cherished legal pad:
If you’re dreaming of penning the next great novel or looking to organize your thoughts, grab a six-pack of PAPERAGE’s lined legal pads to jumpstart your next big idea.
]]>In a world that often screams 'bigger is better,' we're here to champion the power of the petite with the PAPERAGE Pocket Journal. Compact, sleek, and roughly the size of an iPhone, this little gem packs a punch when it comes to keeping you organized and focused. Discover 5 ingenious ways to make the most of your pocket-sized companion!
Read on for 5 Ways to Use a Pocket Journal.
Next time you're in need of a notebook, think small, think smart. The PAPERAGE Pocket Journal is your answer. Slide it into your purse, bag, or pocket for notes on the go, proving that sometimes, the most remarkable things come in the smallest packages. Available in a variety of pack sizes and colors to suit your style.
]]>We can always use more joy and delight in our lives, especially in our planners. Sometimes we get in a rut and it’s all black and white, boring, and ho-hum, but it doesn’t have to be! There are many ways to personalize your planner, here are our top five sure fire ways to perk up your planner.
Ready for more joy? Check out PAPERAGE’s full collection of pens, markers planners and journal notebooks and start joyfully planning your to-do's!
]]>Journaling comes in many forms and we believe there is no wrong way to do it! With so many ways to journal, why not choose the method that makes you smile? One of the simplest ways to journal is through list-making. It’s quick, easy, and you’ll never run out of things to list. Here are three resources to get you started, regardless of your journaling skills!
For the Newbie List Maker: Get grounded and intentional in a journaling class or search the web for journaling prompts. Find your creative sweet spot with prompts that inspire you.
For the Intermittent List Maker: Have you heard of NaNoWriMO (National Novel Writing Month)? Well, there’s also NaJoWriMo (National Journal Writing Month)! If you’re ready to make your journal writing more consistent, try this writing challenge with the 50 Ideas for List Making post. Get your pens ready, they begin on the 1st day of January, April, July, and October.
For the Experienced List Maker: For the everyday journaler looking to avoid a writing rut, sometimes it’s nice to have a list of lists to guide your journaling. If you find yourself staring at a blank page trying to come up with a spark of something, try this list of ideas from long-time journalers: Filling the Jars, and Authentically Del. Print them out and keep them in your notebook for a handy reference!
The last thing you have to decide is what color of journal to keep your lists in. With a rainbow of colors to choose from and a variety of sizes and styles, PAPERAGE has a journal to inspire you! Click here to see the full collection of PAPERAGE Journals & Notebooks.
Happy writing!
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Creativity needs to be nurtured and benefits from ample play time. A sketchbook can be a great place to play, explore your creativity, try out new ideas, doodle, and experiment. But what if you’re ready to take it up a notch? What if you’re ready to learn specific techniques or stretch your comfort zone?
It’s class time! The internet opens up many possibilities for new teachers, new techniques, and even new mediums. We’ve rounded up a list of classes with a wide variety of sketchbook topics, they’re just the thing to give you a creative jump start!
With class in session grab a 2 pack of Sketchbooks or a Blank Hardcover Journal Sketchbook and get ready to learn. Happy sketching!
]]>In a digital age dominated by screens and keyboards, there's something undeniably satisfying about holding a physical book filled with your own creations. Smash books have become a beloved medium for self-expression, a place where you can combine art, memories, and personal thoughts into a tangible keepsake. With the help of PAPERAGE's Creative Dot Journaling Kit, you can take your smash book to the next level. In this guide, we'll show you how to make a smash book that's not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.
Before diving into the world of smash booking, gather your supplies. PAPERAGE's Creative Dot Journaling Kit is an excellent choice as it includes a high-quality dot journal, colorful pens, stickers, washi tape, and more.
You can choose a theme (i.e. a year in the life, pets, or vacations) for your smash book or simply let your imagination run wild. Begin with a blank page or spread in your dot journal. This is where your creativity takes center stage. The flexibility of the PAPERAGE dot journal allows you to create any layout you desire, from collages to lists and beyond.
One of the joys of smash booking is capturing memories. Whether it's ticket stubs from a concert, photos from a recent trip, or heartfelt notes from loved ones, include them in your smash book. The dot journal's acid-free pages ensure that your cherished moments are preserved for years to come.
Let your inner artist shine by adding illustrations, doodles, and hand-lettering to your smash book. Use pens or markers to create intricate designs or simply add accents to your pages.
The kit's included washi tapes and stickers are an easy way to enhance your smash book's aesthetic. Use washi tape to frame photos, create borders, or add a pop of color. The stickers & stencils can be used to decorate pages, highlight important moments, or even serve as placeholders for future entries.
Don't forget to include your thoughts and feelings in your smash book. Use the dot journal's pages to jot down personal reflections, quotes, or anecdotes. Your words will give your smash book a unique and heartfelt touch.
The beauty of smash booking is that there are no rules. It's a creative journey where you can experiment with different techniques, styles, and themes. Let your imagination soar, and don't be afraid to make mistakes – they often lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes.
Once you've completed your smash book, consider sharing your creations with friends and family. It's a wonderful way to connect with others and inspire them to embark on their own creative journeys.
Making a smash book is a delightful and meaningful endeavor. It allows you to craft a personal, tangible masterpiece that reflects your unique personality and experiences. So, gather your supplies, start creating, and watch as your smash book comes to life. Happy smashing!
]]>Quotes are words of wisdom to inspire, motivate, and cheer you up. Have you heard of a quote journal? It’s a fun way to keep them handy and at the ready, for those days you need a bit of inspiration. We’re sharing three tips to keeping a quote journal. Good Reads and Wisdom Quotes are great resources to get your started, and you can also add all your favorite quotes whenever the mood strikes!
If you frequently find yourself trying to remember who said what, this is the journal for you. Dedicate a notebook to collecting all your favorite words to live by. For easy reference, assign a color to specific types of quotes. Make your inspirational quotes pink, work related quotes green, or book quotes yellow. You might even decide to designate a notebook per topic. We recommend grabbing a pack of our Composition Notebooks for this. How fun to have all your inspirational quotes in one place!
This type of quote journal lets you dive deep into what a particular quote means to you. Here’s how you do it: Find a quote that really resonates with you and write it at the top of your journal page. Set a timer for 20 minutes and free write into the following prompts: What does this quote mean to you? How does it relate to your life right now or in the past? Who, or what does this quote make you think of? You can do this exercise anytime you find a new quote or pre-fill the notebook with all your favorites, one quote, one page.
Time to start collecting your favorite quotes and finding just the right journal to keep them in. We recommend checking out the PAPERAGE store to find the perfect one in your favorite color. Happy writing!
]]>Art journaling is the best of two worlds – text-based journaling plus visual art-making! An art journal is a fabulous way to document your experiences creatively through the use of words, images, and mark making. It gives you an opportunity to play and experiment with new ideas, colors, and supplies.
If you’re new to art journaling or just find yourself in a creative rut, we’ve gathered some fun, motivating art journal inspiration below.
If you're ready to try your hand at art journaling, our PAPERAGE Blank Journals, Sketchbooks, and Pens & Markers are a great way to unleash your creativity and make your ideas shine!
Are you a list maker? We are! And of course, we’re super fans of making our to-do lists on paper, especially a handy stack of PAPERAGE Legal Pads. To-do lists have long been the gold standard for getting stuff done and we can all use a few tips to up our list making game!
Sometimes we need a list to contain ALL the things, a place to brain dump the tasks, ideas, thoughts, and to-dos that clutter our mind. Dedicate an entire journal or notebook to your Big List, a running list you add to whenever the mood, or need, strikes. The goal isn’t to finish the list, it’s to give you a place to keep track of everything. PAPERAGE Composition Notebooks are smaller than the standard composition book, which make them perfect for on-the-go list making.
Set yourself up for success and follow the Rule of Three which limits your everyday to-do list to only the top three priorities. Pull the priorities from your big list or include items relevant to that specific day. Productivity experts believe limiting yourself to only three items help to decrease the dreaded to-do list overwhelm. And if you get them done early in the day, add the next set of priorities!
If you’re the type of person who likes to have lists for ALL the things, try dedicating a notebook to a specific topic. A great idea is to have a notebook for weekday tasks and another for weekend to-dos. Another way to help sort your to-dos is by specific work projects or clients. A multipack of PAPERAGE journals with different colored journals will give you an easy visual cue for which book to use.
Another way you can set yourself up for success is to bite size your tasks. One of the reasons we can get discouraged with our to-dos is because the task on the list actually has a series of tasks that need to happen first! Taking the time to reflect on a big task and then break it down into smaller steps so each of those becomes a priority can make it all more manageable.
Who doesn’t love color? Color coding tasks gives you a quick visual reminder about the general category your task falls into. Plus, color has the power to shift moods and if you’re dreading a series of tasks, try writing them down in a color you associate with a positive mood. We love to use a rainbow pack of PAPERAGE Gel Pens to get any job from to-do to ta-done!
]]>One of the most common complaints of journaling is “My handwriting is so bad!” Your hand-writing is unique to you and doesn't need to be "perfect" in order to keep a journal. Journaling is also a great way to express your creativity in the form of hand-lettering or calligraphy.
If you’re eager to take your journaling to the next level here are a few easy lettering resources to get you started.
This quick-read article gives you the rundown on all the basics. Grab a blank journal or sheets of scrap paper to jot down & try different ideas.
Learn precisely what lettering is and the materials you’ll need to get started. You’ll also learn the proper posture and form needed when lettering. There are 6 projects to solidify your skills and videos to replay while you keep up your practice.
Doodle Day Drawing on YouTube has an excellent video tutorial on how to use a dot grid to learn how to hand letter. We recommend using a PAPERAGE Dotted Journal in your fav color to get started.
Amanda RachLee on YouTube has fun videos for when you’re in a practice rut and need a new way to letter. Her video covers 50 different styles of lettering.
If practicing seems daunting, set-up a small gathering of your friends and ask everyone to bring their favorite pens, ideas, inspiration, and their favorite journal! Put on some music and set out some snacks. Now it's a lettering party! Check out the PAPERAGE shop if you're looking to snag some inexpensive supplies to use and share!
]]>While many people use the bujo style of journaling as both a creative outlet and a productivity tool, a minimalist journaling layout means you don’t need to fear the lack artistic skills getting in the way. Clean lines, minimal color, tiny accents all mean you can dive into a new way of planning without feeling overwhelmed. When you need inspiration, check out our round up of Minimalist Bullet Journal Style Spreads.
Checkout Pick Up Lime's video on setting up a new bullet journal with minimalist spreads or peruse the Instagram hashtags #minimalistbulletjournal and #minimalistbujo.
Feeling drained creatively? Don't let burnout hold you back. Embrace the journey of reigniting your creative spark by diving into your sketchbook and embarking on a new challenge. Whether you're seeking fresh ideas or craving to break free from your artistic routine, these sketchbook ventures will invigorate your imagination and fuel your creativity!
Shake things up with an art journaling or sketchbook challenge. Let each page be a canvas for your wildest ideas and deepest emotions, guiding you through a transformative creative odyssey.
Raid your magazine stash and embark on captivating One Magazine Collage Challenges available on YouTube. Armed with a trusty pair of scissors, let your imagination run wild as you piece together striking visuals.
Embrace the freedom of expression by selecting a doodle challenge from Doodle Addicts. Let your imagination roam unrestricted, transcending boundaries and sparking boundless creativity.
Merge the art of hand lettering with creative expression through Dawn Nicole's hand lettering practice guide. Explore the synergy between words and visuals, crafting captivating compositions that speak volumes.
Explore a treasure trove of challenges curated by the vibrant community of Drawing Challenges on Instagram. Immerse yourself in a world of endless possibilities, where every stroke unveils new horizons.
Dedicate a special PAPERAGE notebook to each challenge, transforming its pristine pages into a vibrant tapestry of your imagination. Arm yourself with an array of pens & markers, ready to bring your visions to life in a kaleidoscope of hues. Need a boost of inspiration? Dive into our Creative Doodling Techniques & Inspiration post to unlock even more opportunities for stamp out creative burnout.
]]>Dot grid journals are so versatile! They give just enough structure to help your hand-writing or layouts while leaving ample room for your creativity.
If you're new to dot journaling, check out these 5 ideas for how you can fill your new notebook:
With so many ideas to try, you'll quickly fill up your dot journal with many memorable pages you'll enjoy coming back to again & again.
]]>More and more people are discovering the versatility in using a dot gird or graph paper notebook. We have a fondness for all things paper and pen so we're thrilled to see more people interested in the great grid! If you're new to the club (welcome!) & recently acquired a dotted or grid notebook, we’ve got you covered with 10 Creative Ways to use a Dotted or Grid Notebook.
Grab a PAPERAGE Dotted Journal or Grid Notebook and start testing out these ideas. If you need more ways to use your journal, be sure to check out our post on 5 Creative Ways to Use a Dot Grid Journal.
]]>If you're looking for a fresh sketchbook, try PAPERAGE Blank Hardbound Sketchbooks or Spiral-bound Sketchbooks for high quality sketch paper that's the perfect canvas to unleash your creativity and make your ideas shine!
]]>Being creative is a state of mind and requires regular practice to cultivate. But what happens when a creative block strikes and you feel stuck? Don’t wait for creative inspiration to just show up, get out your sketchbook, pens, pencils, or paints, and start playing.
One of the best ways to work through a creative block is with a sketchbook challenge. We’ve curated a list of some of our favorite resources to help restart your creative engine!
1. The Sketchbook Generator by artist Jennifer Orkin Lewis is a unique mix-and-match book divided into three separate sections that can be flipped, mixed, and matched to generate more than 100,000 unique sketchbook prompts!
2. Rhianna Wurman (@ellolovey) hosts a monthly Doodle-A-Day challenge over on Instagram. Each month includes a list of words on a single them to inspire a drawing each day.
3. Kick in the Creatives offers lists of challenges you can start at anytime or find something no matter what month you're looking to start a challenge.
4. Get inspired with Jess Karp's YouTube video on 5 Ways to Fill Your Sketchbook.
5. Try your hand at a 100 Day Doodle Challenge. Ask a friend to join you for added accountability.
Looking for more inspiration? Check our our Pinterest for more ideas and our Amazon Storefront for supplies!
]]>There are a lot of options when it comes to planners. It can be a bit overwhelming, but we're here to help you find the perfect planner for you! We created our planners with a focus on functionality and simplicity. Just enough to help you set and accomplish your plans & goals without distractions or frustrations. Read on to learn about the different planners we offer and how you can find the one that matches your goal-setting style!
For the goal-oriented, get-things-done person, using a 24-Month planner is a great way to realistically set and make your monthly goals come true! For long-range planning, you need ample space to put your dreams in writing so you can stay on track.
For the journaler that needs a little structure. The weekly planner format offers a practical framework for scheduling and tracking activities. The dotted page on every weekly page makes it easy to incorporate journal entries, reflections, habit tracking, and creative expressions in a cohesive and visually appealing manner. This planner is great for someone who finds bullet journaling fun but a little overwhelming to do from scratch.
A great pick for the person with lots to schedule & track on a daily basis. This planner format provides a comprehensive overview of the entire year broken into spacious monthly & weekly spreads. The weekly layouts offer ample space for jotting down daily tasks, events, and notes, enabling efficient time management. Other features for the goal-oriented planner: goal-setting & habit tracking pages, holiday lists & space for extra notes. The size is perfect for taking it with you anywhere.
Designed for students and teachers with ample space for assignments and appointments & thoughtful bonus pages like the class tracker. It covers 17 months from August to December so it can also be a great pick for someone who prefers to start their planning in August instead of January. The monthly tabs and spiral binding make it easy to navigate & use.
An excellent option for the free-form planner. Each page features a lined area and a checklist space. You can start with a brainstorm in the lined section then organize your goal into actionable tasks in the checklist space. The area at the top of each page allows you to select the month, day and year so you can look back & plan ahead accordingly.
]]>Dot grid journals have a unique charm that brings joy to journaling enthusiasts. While blank and lined journals have their place, these journals, with unobtrusive light grey dots, strike the perfect balance. They provide the structure necessary to maintain neat handwriting while also inviting creativity, making them ideal for doodling or crafting an artistic bullet-style journal spread.
Dot journaling, or bullet journaling, has become a beloved trend, and if you've recently acquired a dot grid journal, you're in for a treat. In this article, we'll share 5 fantastic ideas to get started in your dot grid journal.
Say goodbye to disorganized days! Your dot grid journal is the perfect canvas for setting up your weekly or monthly planner. Whether you prefer a simple to-do list or aspire to go full-blown 'bujo' style with intricate layouts and colorful accents, your dot grid journal can adapt to your planning needs. The Creative Dot Journaling Kit includes stickers, stencils & guidenace on how to turn your notebook into a versatile planner to meet your creative needs.
Sometimes, simplicity is key. With a dot grid journal, you can effortlessly maintain a "One Line a Day" journal. Boiling down your thoughts and experiences into a single sentence is not only quick and easy but also an effective way to encapsulate your daily life.
Doodling isn't just for kids; it's also a wonderful tool for boosting your mental well-being. Grab a pack of fun, colorful pens and get creative with your dot grid journal by dedicating it to doodles. Whether you're an artist or a novice, this practice can help reduce stress and elevate your mood. Need inspiration? Check out some creative doodle ideas in our accompanying post!
If you find solace in listing things out, you're in good company. Your dot grid journal can be your trusty sidekick for cataloging your thoughts and ideas. Create lists for everything from grocery shopping and daily goals to books you want to read and movies you want to watch.
The human mind is an endless well of ideas, but sometimes it's challenging to keep track of them all. That's where your dot grid journal comes in. Dedicate a special section to your "Big Ideas & Dreams." By having a dedicated place to document your aspirations, you'll find it easier to turn them into reality.
Dot grid journals are more than just stationery; they're your creative and organizational companions. With these five ideas, you can unlock the full potential of your dot grid journal and make it a delightful part of your daily routine. So grab your pens, unleash your imagination, and let your dot grid journal be a source of inspiration, organization, and personal growth. Happy journaling!
]]>It’s back to school! Time to get organized and keep track of your projects, assignments, and tests in a PAPERAGE spiral bound academic planner. With a calendar that starts in August, you’ll be able to start the school year right. It’s easy to think you’ll be able to remember all the things, but when it gets busy, assignments get lost and project are late. Set yourself up for success and follow these 3 Steps to Use an Academic Planner like a Pro.
As soon as you know your classes, fill in the schedule at the front of your PAPERAGE academic planner. With a quick glance you’ll be able to see where you need to be and when. Use the PAPERAGE gel pens to assign each class a color – it will give you a bright pop of color for easy reference, plus it’ll put a smile on your face!
Using the color assigned to each class, add your important projects, assignments, and to-dos to each month at a glance tab. The notes section on the side is the perfect place to jot down who’s part of group assignments, supplies to purchase, or a class reading list.
You’re off to a great start with your spiral bound planner and we’re cheering you on! Need help setting goals? Check out our post on How to Write S.M.A.R.T Goals.
A way to improve your well-being is positive journaling or writing to spark joy! Journaling has been shown to help with anxiety, stress, and depression and while there are many techniques, today we’re concentrating on journaling to moving your joy meter to full. Here are 3 Tips for More Joyful Journaling!
]]>A way to improve your well-being is positive journaling or writing to spark joy! Journaling has been shown to help with anxiety, stress, and depression and while there are many techniques, today we’re concentrating on journaling to moving your joy meter to full. Here are 3 Tips for More Joyful Journaling!
The first step to journaling for more joy is making sure you’re writing in a journal that brings a smile to your face. Go for a bright, cheerful color like turquoise to spark your writing. If you’re a sticker fan, go with a white journal and start embellishing with sparkly flowers.
The only way you’ll start recognizing and appreciating joy is if you make space on your calendar to honor the practice of writing. Grab your planner and block off time. It can be for 5 minutes every day or a full hour once a week, it’s what works for your schedule and keeps you coming back to your journal.
The easiest way to infuse your life with more joy is simply noticing what experiences you consider joyful and writing about them. If you prefer guided prompts, try The Joyful Quest’s 5 Ways to Tweak Your Practice or this holiday edition from Liz Lear.
Gratitude is a great way to re-frame negative thoughts. Check out our post Seven Tips to Starting a Gratitude Practice to read more on how to incorporate a gratitude journal into your practice.
We hope these tips to journal for more joy sparked new ideas for you and encouraged you to grab a pen and start journaling.
]]>Are you ready to start your next project? Have a to-do list that’s a mile long? Set yourself up for success with these 8 practical tips for getting it all done! We highly recommend checking out our post on How to Master the Art of Doing for great pre-project journaling questions.
Whether you use bullet journal style tracking or a traditional numbered list, it’s important to get your tasks out of your head and down on paper.
Make sure you clearly define when a task is done, especially if you’re working on tasks with a team. Defining, and then communicating clearly the criteria for completion will keep you focused and not second-guessing yourself.
While it’s important to write all the to-do’s down and have a big picture idea of your projects, it can also be very overwhelming! It’s best to focus on the next action and only check in with your master list at the beginning and end of each day.
One of the biggest roadblocks to being productive is wasting mental energy thinking about the need to complete a task. It’s much quicker and more productive to respond to the email request right now than thinking about it all day which is distracting and decreases your focus.
Before starting a project, task, or series of to-do’s, spend a few minutes prepping and gather the tools, references, and resources you need to complete it. When you do the work before the work productivity increases because you don’t have to pause while you track down a needed piece of information.
One of the benefits of prepping before you dive into a project is you can identify any roadblocks. Knowing where your friction points are before you start lets you be proactive and take steps to remedy the issue.
Our attention span only lasts so long before we need a break! Try the Pomodoro Technique of setting a timer for a 25-minute work session, then switch off for a five-minute break while you get up, stretch, and move away from your task. Return for an additional work session refreshed!
Last but not least, don’t forget to breathe! You’re doing a great job with all your to-do’s!
Whether you use a bullet journal or a numbered list to keep track of your to-do’s, three cheers for checking them off your list!
]]>One of the best ways to get ahead in life is to adopt a goal oriented attitude. Setting small goals, big goals, and especially the audacious ones that stretch you can help you achieve your dreams! Goal setting is anything but boring, it’s your chance to express your creativity and have fun while you prioritize the important things in life!
]]>One of the best ways to get ahead in life is to adopt a goal oriented attitude. Setting small goals, big goals, and especially the audacious ones that stretch you can help you achieve your dreams! Goal setting is anything but boring, it’s your chance to express your creativity and have fun while you prioritize the important things in life!
Before you can track your goals, you need to set them, and they need to be S.M.A.R.T. Let’s break it down:
Goals need to be narrow and specific. If they’re too vague, you’ll have a hard time measuring and knowing when you’ve met the goal.
No matter what you’re going after, it needs to be measurable otherwise how will you know you’ve achieved it?
At this step ask yourself if it’s reasonable to expect you’ll be able to achieve your goal in the time-frame you set
It’s important to set goals for yourself and they need to be aligned with your values, attitudes, and beliefs.
The end date should be reasonable and also just enough of a stretch to motivate you.
Now that you have the formula for setting achievable goals, let’s start tracking. We believe seeing is doing so let's use your journal or notebook and write down the steps to achieve goals! Here are a few tips for keeping track of your goals
We recommend gathering a few of your favorite mark making supplies: colorful pens, markers, highlighters, stickers, and washi tape are all excellent ways to brighten up your goal tracker. Using gel pens or fineliner pens is a great way to group your goals and color code them for easy tracking.
Good luck with your goals setting - we’re cheering you on! And if you need some inspiration on getting it all done, check out our posts: How to Master the Art of Doing and 8 Practical Tips for Getting it All Done!
]]>Have you ever had the experience where your mind is swirling in thoughts and you can’t focus? Or maybe you feel stuck about a decision or creative project. We sure have and are happy to report mind mapping is a great tool to move you forward. Check out the benefits and how to create your own mind map below!
Mind mapping is a visual process of brainstorming that lets you creatively explore all the possible components of an idea. Creative mind mapping has several important benefits:
An excellent memory tool for those who are more visual thinkers.
Prevents creative blocks or idea stagnation by sparking inspiration and imagination.
Provides redirection by showing you new associations between ideas.
Step One: In either the center or upper corner of your page write down your main idea. We’ll use Goals as our example.
Step Two: Off the main idea are sub-categories or branches that describe major themes. In this example for Goals, the branches could be the different areas of your life: Home, Relationships, Financial, Career, or Spiritual.
Step Three: This is when it starts to get fun! Off each of the main branches write down all your thoughts, ideas, or projects associated with the topic. For example, the area titled “Home” might include:
Paint the hallway
Organize the pantry
Build a work from home office.
Your ideas can be as big or small as you like, the important thing is to get them all out on paper.
With mind mapping, you have the creative freedom to assign each branch a specific color, add images, shapes, or even diagrams to help categorize your ideas.
So grab your journal, a few colorful pens, and get started. We’re confident you’re going to set some amazing goals with this new tool!
Welcome Back to School! Even with all the variations of where students are going to class, one thing remains true, everyone needs school supplies that are earth-friendly. Here’s our curated list of the most common school supply needs with an eye toward how well they help the earth and students. Setting yourself up for a successful school year is easier when you know where to start.
Recycled Notebooks. Paper and notebooks are a school staple. Utilizing notebooks and loose leaf paper that are made from post-consumer helps reduce your environmental impact. The PAPERAGE Recycled Notebook is available in lined and dotted so you can choose the style that's right for you.
Recycled Highlighers. Taking good notes and making sure students have a way to highlight important information is critical to academic success. Switching out the typical plastic highlighter pens for these soft, pastel highlighters made from recycled plastic is great for everyone!
Plastic Free Binder. Let students embrace their creative side as they embellish a binder with a neutral cover. Plus, everyone will have the satisfaction of completing a DIY project when you construct the binder yourself!
Plant Based Glue Sticks. Made from a non-toxic plant formula these glue sticks make sure all your school, DIY, and craft projects hold up. What makes this a better choice is how the company uses both a recycled tube and packaging when making this product.
Back Pack Now that you have all your supplies, you need a backpack to keep track of everything! Made with a fabric that utilizes recycled water bottles, not only is it chlorine-free and water-resistant, it also has pockets galore!
Now that you have some ideas, grab your recycled journal, and start creating your school supply lists! And when schools in session, be sure to read our post on How to Use a Dot Grid Journal to Track School Assignments!