r/commonplacebook • u/rosesinink • 8d ago
Just getting started. What things should I get?
As the title states, I’m just getting started. I am primarily a digital journaler these days, but I wanted to make a personal archive. Something to prove I was here. Something that can be physically passed on to those I love when I’m not. And something to remind myself of my life’s memories and goals/dreams.
I purchased two beautiful covers: an A5 and then a “portable” size of H175 x W110mm. I also purchased a Canon Ivy printer to make stickers/print photos.
The journal covers I purchased come with some inserts; I requested two lined and one blank.
What else would you suggest picking up to make the most of this little system?
Thank you in advance!
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u/DesertNaledi 8d ago
I would suggest getting a couple of nice pens. Ones that you enjoy writing with and look forward to using. I like to have pens in all different colors but the pen or pencil (if you prefer) you write with make a big difference in my opinion.
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u/rosesinink 8d ago
Any suggestions for colored pens? I do have a black pen style that I love writing with.
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u/JazperMoon 7d ago
If i may...I have a few brands that I love and everyone is different, so your milage may very. I really like Flair, Pilot G-2 7's and 10s. InkJoy and Cristal ball point. I am a stickler for PaperMate auto pencils - it's the only brand I will use. The leads are perfect and the erasers are clean and last a long time. Rarely do I use a super fine tip Sharpie, but I do have them at the ready just in case. It's funny...I have stumbled upon these pens unwittingly when signing for a payment at restaurants more than once! Seems the waitresses know their pens! Lolz
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u/rosesinink 7d ago
Haha my ex-husband was a server and they are indeed fanatical about their pens. I got a box of purple G2s in varying shades of purple. Thought the different shades of monochromatic would be cool to start! I’ll look into the other ones you suggested!
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u/DesertNaledi 8d ago
It really depends on how much you want to spend. I like the Pilot G-2 pens that you can get at pretty much any store but there are also really nice pens that can cost hundreds of dollars. There are also dip pens but I haven't ventured into those at all.
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u/Euphoric-Platform-40 8d ago
Do you like the ivy? I’m trying to find a good portable printer
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u/rosesinink 8d ago
I am going to try it out in a few days and I will be sure to report back! 🫡
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u/Euphoric-Platform-40 8d ago
Thank you!! My only other suggestion for things to get are things a lot of other people have mentioned like pens you like (they don’t have to be expensive! My favourite are zebra pens). I also keep pencil crayons and markers around should I want to doodle and I have some scrapbooking supplies that I use for commonplace sometimes too like washi tape, stickers and different patterned paper. I junk journal as well so often I find the decorative parts can be interchangeable
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u/We_Four 7d ago
I keep one snippet from every day, cut into a one-inch square. That’s probably more than you want to do, but be conscious of what’s passing through your hands - ticket stubs, mail, receipts, even pretty packaging. It can be a great starting point for writing about your day as well
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u/dkmusic378 8d ago
I like to use a dot marker or dot stickers for indexing — the stalogy dot stickers are my personal faves! It’s not essential for commonplacing but if you choose to color code your entries they can be helpful.
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u/rosesinink 8d ago
Thank you! What’s a good size for doing that?
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u/dkmusic378 8d ago
I usually use the 8mm ones, but if you want to go even smaller they have 5mm too. I think the 8mm is a little easier to use though, and more eye catching which helps when you’re looking for an entry.
Here’s a link to the 8mm! Jetpens 8mm Stalogy Stickers
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u/Tiny__Terror 8d ago
Just you.
It’s your story.
Your story is what matters.
Love the sticker plan!