This year, I attempted to keep up with a bullet journal. I’m not clear on what the exact definition of a bullet journal is, but from what I see on social media it seems to be a personalized journal and planner often with your own doodles or sketches.
I say attempt, because I had a baby last winter so I definitely don’t have too much down-time for creative things. Hence why I didn’t really start my calendar designs until April this year.
I thought it was a great idea to design a a monthly planner spread because it forced me to practice drawing and calligraphy, even if it was only once a month. I also love to learn about plants in my area of the world, so every month I chose a plant that is prominent for that time. This helps me to keep up with learning about nature by drawing the plants and reading up on their history and uses – I wanted to include information about the plants in my planners with accompanying designs and calligraphy, but time was an issue this year. That’s what I’m hoping to do going forward – a planner that helps keep you interactive with nature and the seasons.
Anyways, it’s now already half way through October and it occured to me to share my designs on my blog. For this month, I chose crabapples.
I based the sketch on a photo I took :
And now the rest of my designs in reverse chronological order :
For September I chose wild grapes, which are still everywhere in my area. I love the sight of the grapes, demonstrating a ripening of Summer into Fall.
For August I chose chicory flowers for my cover design, and then wild lilies for the calendar.
Wild roses were the theme for July …
Wild Strawberries for June …
For May, my calendar remained incomplete, but my cover design was apple blossoms.
And violets for April :