How to Start a Commonplace Book: A Creative Way to Use Your Extra Stationery

How to Start a Commonplace Book: A Creative Way to Use Your Extra Stationery

Do you have a drawer full of beautiful notebooks you’re afraid to use? Or perhaps a collection of Writing & Correction Supplies that only see the light of day once in a while? It’s time to breathe life into those supplies by starting a "Commonplace Book."

At Craft Bloom, we believe that the best way to honor your stationery is to use it. A Commonplace Book isn't a diary or a planner—it’s a central repository for ideas, quotes, sketches, and inspirations that you encounter in your daily life. It’s a centuries-old practice (used by everyone from Leonardo da Vinci to Virginia Woolf) that is making a major comeback in our digital age.

 

1. Choose Your Vessel: Any Notebook Will Do

The beauty of commonplace journaling is that there are no rules. Whether you have a premium leather-bound journal or a simple stack of Paper from our shop, the goal is to have one place where everything lives. If you have multiple half-used notebooks, this is the perfect project to finally fill them up with things that matter to you.

2. Curate Your Content

What goes into a Commonplace Book? Anything that "blooms" in your mind!

• Quotes & Lyrics: Phrases from books or songs that move you.

   

• Sketches & Doodles: Quick visual notes using your favorite Fine Arts tools.

• Technical Notes: A new recipe, a gardening tip, or a DIY trick you want to remember.

• Scraps & Memories: Using Tape or Labels to secure ticket stubs or beautiful fabric swatches.

3. Organize with Purpose

To prevent your book from becoming a chaotic mess, use a simple indexing system. Reserve the first few pages for a Table of Contents. As you fill your pages, number them and categorize your entries. This turns your notebook into a personal search engine that you can flip through for years to come.

4. Make it a Tactile Experience

Don't just write—decorate! Use your Scrapbooking & Stamping supplies to add borders, use different colored inks for different themes, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The goal is to create a physical artifact of your intellectual and creative journey.

Conclusion

In a world of fleeting digital scrolls, a Commonplace Book is a grounding force. It’s a space where your thoughts and your favorite Craft Bloom supplies meet to create something truly unique. Grab that extra pen, open that fresh notebook, and start capturing the world around you.