Bullet Journal Monthly Spread Process

Bullet Journal Monthly Spread Process

Let’s talk about the process for a bullet journal monthly two page spread for July. 

By incorporating a variety of my favorite products, the process becomes fun, creative, and useful as a planner with an overview of the month. I put together a video of my process with some instruction if you are interested in trying your own monthly bujo spread. 

Curious about bullet journaling and what it’s all about? I recommend checking out the original bullet journal method by Ryder Carroll and starting with a basic bullet journal setup.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

The Process for Making the Bullet Journal Monthly Spread

Counting the dots in my journal vertically and horizontally, I did the simple math to determine how the layout would work. In my Leuchtruum1917 dot grid bullet journal there are 39 dots vertically and 27 dots horizontally.  I discovered that I could make my monthly calendars fit on a two page spread by sectioning off each day using a 6×6 square. 

By counting every sixth dot in both directions. My calendar has four days across the left hand page and 3 across the right. 

Each month, I begin on the bottom, left side and count over three dots and up one to start my calendar grid. Then I mark each sixth dot to the right side of the page; and up the page to make four rows across to the middle (gutter) of the book. I also add an extra line to the top of the grid to write in my days of the week along the top of my monthly calendar. 

You can see this in action in the video. 

I have this prototype saved in the back part of my bullet journal for reference each month. 

Supplies for Monthly Spread Tutorial

• Sakura Micron .05 pen or
• Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pen “S”
• Metal ruler
• Kuretake Fude water brush fine nib
• Watercolors (Jane Davenport, Daniel Smith, and Finetec)
• Various Washi tape
• Various journal stickers (Happy Planner and American Crafts)

Check out this post, 5 Best Colorful Pen Sets for Journaling, for a review of some of my favorite colorful, rainbow pens to use in a bullet journal. 

Once the grid is marked off with pencil, it’s time to grab a waterproof, permanent pen and draw out the grid. I had been using Sakura Micron pens for several years and love them for this task. I typically use the .05 for drawing my grid.

However, after purchasing a Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens based on reviews I’ve read, I am sold and have been using it for several months now. It is permanent India Ink. The S or superfine is such a deep, dark pigmented black. 

Both pens are great and fast drying, which is key for me and my awkward hands that always drag through my work, which is evident if one looks too closely at my bullet journals!

I had always used a metal ruler to keep my lines straight but I discovered that I like the look of having my lines a little less rigid, so I’ve been free hand drawing my calendar grid. The key is to pull the line straight toward your body and moving the entire arm.  

Using Watercolor in a BuJo Monthly Spread

Watercolor is one of my favorite elements in the bullet journal, or really any art related project. My lettering is nothing special or spectacular. I have done the more fancy hand lettering but I made my own look and it is more “me” than a calligraphy look.

Some months, I bleed my letters togoether and the watercolor mixes which makes an interesting blend. For my lettering, I use a Kudesake Fude water brush. I have other water brushes, but this is the only one I use for my bullet journal. I have linked this one to Amazon. 

Getter creative on my monthly spread is important to me and I love the layered effect of my Finetec metallic watercolors over the initial watercolor. They are very pigmented and shiny when dry.  I used these in every watercolor project I do. I especially love to splatter this paint. 

Finetec has changed the packaging from round to rectangle pans since I purchased mine, but any of the gold or silver metallics are amazing quality. I did find this set on Amazon which is similar to what is pictured.  The Moon Gold and Rose Gold in the linked set are my favorites. I have them in another set.

How to Creatively Incorporate Washi Tape and Stickers in Monthly Spreads

I started using washi tape to make tabs in my bullet journal a few years ago and it was life changing for me to go back to past months.

On the left hand side of the page and calendar, I add a small tab and a vertical line of washi. I typically add my tabs staggered down the page so it is easy to flip through and find a past month.

You will see this in action in the video. 

I like having a seasonal/holiday theme. I think it adds some fun and whimsy to my bullet journals but some months I try to challenge myself to mix it up and use a variety of colors. July is always about red, white, and blue and summer fun. 

Another material I incorporate is journal stickers from a variety of sources but Happy Planner are my favorites. They also last through several years for me. This particular seasonal pack has lasted for 3+ years. (You can also find these at your local Hobby Lobby or I have them linked for you to Michael’s)

This seasonal pack journal sticker book from American Crafts (a brand that was a favorite go to in my scrapbooking days) is a new favorite as well. 

How I Use My BuJo Monthly Spread 

Using my monthly spread for an overview of my month is key for me. I am a visual person, so I like to see the month laid out with holidays and important dates, such as events or birthdays. 

My general monthly project list is also kept on this page on the right hand side. It helps me stay on task during the month. For more information on 

If you are new to bullet journaling, I recommend starting with Ryder Carroll’s original monthly log. However, this visual calendar overview has worked much better for me over the vertical monthly list. Plus, it gives me an opportunity to get creative and try out new art products!

Bullet Journal July Monthly Spread Process

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.