By K W Warburton, The Reluctant Spoonie
When I first started bullet journaling I was disappointed that my spreads didn’t turn out the way that I wanted them too. I know that we can’t all be like Amanda, but I was disheartened all the same. We all want to have the perfect Instagram worthy bullet journal. Here are a few things that I’ve learned over the years to enjoy bullet journaling with shaky hands.
Make a crochet cover for your Bullet Journal with my easy tutorial here
1 ) Make the lines wobbly on purpose
Work with what you have and make something that is uniquely yours. If you’re not able to draw a straight line, then why force yourself to. Remember that even Picasso said that it is impossible to draw a perfect circle.
From errors one gets to know the personality.
Pablo picasso
2) Use stencils
Use stencils or a ruler to make uniform shapes. You can also just draw around objects that you have on your desk such as a pen pot or washi tape roll.
Bullet Journal stencil https://amzn.to/2nrPVRN
Check out my 2018 bullet journal here
3) Find a pen that you can hold comfortably
With my joint hypermobility, I often find it difficult to hold a pen. I’m currently using these Unipen lightweight fineliners a which are easier for me to hold as well as Tombow Duel brush pens. If you’re unsure of what will work for you, go to a pen shop and try out a few.
Unipen fineliners https://amzn.to/2nuHc1e
Tombow Duel Brush https://amzn.to/2lT7ie7
4) Collage
Collage is the friend of those who can’t draw. It’s the only reason that I got an A in my Art GCSE. Cut out pictures from magazine or print out your favourite Pinterest pictures. Collect stickers and washi tape for a whimsical aesthetic. Check out Jenny Journals for more inspiration.
Washi Tape https://amzn.to/2m3G4kN
5 ) Use chalk pastels
Soft pastels have to be my favourite medium to use in my bullet journal. They are messy and don’t require you to hold a pen for long periods of time. Set your work with hairspray once you’re finished to prevent smudging and transfer.
Pastel chalks https://amzn.to/2n0huSg
What are your bullet journaling tips for those with shaky hands?
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thechronicallyunimaginable
Woah! You are really talented. I liked being able to see the progress you made as the months went on. Sending hugs!
Katherine Warburton
Thank you. Check out my instagram, I post my cover page every month 🙂
thechronicallyunimaginable
Oh for sure! I’ll stop on by later today 🙂
Hope from Heidi
I love to journal as well! Art journaling is my current favorite. Between my Psoriatic Arthritis and shaky hands my doodles are far from perfect. Like you, I’ve learned to just embrace the process and not worry about what social media says it should look like.
(As a side note-I noticed you have a cute tiny little thumb in the photo of your pens. My thumb is the EXACT same! I’ve not met anyone with a thumb like mine)
Katherine Warburton
I have not heard anyone call it cute before. The only person I know who has the same type of thumb is my Mum, so I always thought that I was genetic. I am glad to hear that there are more tiny thumb people out there!
abykittiwakewrites
Man- shaking hands are the worst. Thankful to see you make in into a quirk!
Katherine W.
It took me a long time to come to terms with it. I’m happy with how my bullet journal looks now ❤
thespooniemummy
Wow so creative! Would love to start doing this
The Reluctant Spoonie
There are so many tutorials on YouTube to help you get started ❤
Kathy
My planner is just a cheap composition book. I love to decorate it with washi tape, stickers and collage elements. I just enjoy my wavy lines and let it be. I enjoyed reading this post and seeing your journal.
The Reluctant Spoonie
Thanks so much! You really don’t have to spend a huge amount to make a great bullet journal ❤