Make a Bullet Journal for the New Year

I partnered with Hobby Lobby to share this idea for the New Year!

Make a Bullet Journal for the New Year! Create a NEW tradition for 2025 – bullet journaling with Hobby Lobby supplies and your besties!

Make a Bullet Journal for the New Year

Gather your besties and get ready for an exciting new tradition—bestie journaling! As the new year approaches, there’s no better time to create a bullet journal for 2025. This fun and creative activity is perfect for weekly meet-ups, and I’ve partnered with Hobby Lobby to share all the tips and inspiration you need to get started. Let’s dive in!

What is a Bullet Journal?

A bullet journal is a customizable organization system that combines elements of a planner, diary, and scrapbook. It’s designed to help you track your life, set goals, and reflect on your experiences—all in a creative, personalized format. Unlike traditional planners, bullet journals are blank canvases, allowing you to design layouts, decorate pages, and tailor the journal to your specific needs and interests. Whether you’re looking to stay organized, practice mindfulness, or document memories, a bullet journal is the perfect way to document your memories.

Supplies You’ll Need for Journaling

Creating a beautiful bullet journal starts with the right supplies. Here are some essentials to gather before you begin:

Journal: Choose a notebook with thick, high-quality paper that can handle drawing, painting, and other creative touches. This will prevent ink or paint from bleeding through the pages.
Pens and Markers: Use fine-tip pens for writing and markers for decorative accents.
Watercolor Paints: I found the most stunning metallic watercolor paints at Hobby Lobby—they add such a magical touch to every page.
Stickers and Washi Tape: These are great for adding pops of color and flair.
Tabs and Rulers: Tabs help you navigate your journal, and a ruler ensures your lines and boxes are neat.
Photos and Memorabilia: Personalize your journal with photos, tickets, and mementos from the past year.

How to Create a Bullet Journal

Cover Page

Start with a beautiful cover page to set the tone for your journal. I drew the year “2025” in bold numbers and added a delicate bow for a whimsical touch. Feel free to let your creativity shine by using metallic watercolors or adding stickers and embellishments. This design was inspired by Brigid Carey Creates.

First Page: Introduction

On the first page, include a photo of yourself taken on January 1st with your journal. This is a special way to mark the beginning of your 2025 journey.

Recap of 2024

Dedicate a page to reflecting on the past year. I created a spread to list my all-time favorite things, including songs, colors, activities, and food. On the next page, I highlighted my favorite things from 2024, such as TV shows, products (like my beloved Buxom lip gloss), and favorite places to shop. ATF page inspired by Bling Bling on Pinterest.

Goals for 2025

The next two pages are for setting goals. I added a big bow at the top and watercolored it for an extra splash of color. Write down your aspirations and dreams for the new year to keep yourself motivated.

Memories from 2024

Reflect on your achievements and growth from the past year. I included prompts like “What did I achieve?” and “How did I change from 2024 to 2025?” Decorate this spread with drawings or watercolors to make it visually appealing.

Books to Read

Create a page dedicated to your 2025 reading list. I painted books and listed titles I want to read throughout the year. This is a fun way to stay on top of your reading goals.

January Inspiration

For January, I painted cozy illustrations like a fireplace, tea, and blankets. This page captures the essence of my intentions for the month: relaxation, self-care, and productivity.

Intentions for 2025

On the next two pages, write down your intentions for the year. I added boxes beneath each intention to expand on specific goals and plans.

Monthly Introduction

Start each month with a decorative page. For January, I used a fireworks theme to celebrate the new year. Add tabs to the edges of the pages for easy navigation between months. The January layout was inspired by @bulletwithe.

Daily Boxes

Design a spread for daily entries. I drew boxes for each day of January and decorated the first two pages with a disco ball, the next two with trees, and the last two with a forest theme. The disco ball image was inspired by @erikabeeswax.

These daily boxes are perfect for jotting down quick notes or highlights from each day.

Monthly Wrap-Up

End each month with a summary page. For January, I included sections for books I read, home projects, favorite movies, songs, and TV shows. This is a fun way to reflect on your month and document your favorite moments.

Year-End Reflection

Reserve the back of your journal for a 2025 wrap-up. This space is perfect for reflecting on your growth and accomplishments, adding memorabilia, and celebrating the year’s highlights.

Why I Love Bullet Journals

One of my favorite things about bullet journals is how they double as a scrapbook. Even if you don’t have time to write lengthy journal entries throughout the year, you can still document your life by adding receipts, photos, and other keepsakes. This transforms your journal into a beautiful, tangible memory book.

Gather Your Besties and Start Journaling!

Bullet journaling is even more fun when shared with friends. Invite your besties over, head to Hobby Lobby for supplies, and start a new tradition of weekly journaling meet-ups. It’s a fantastic way to stay creative, reflect on life, and bond with your favorite people.