October Bullet Journal Monthly Spread Tutorial

Have you ever sat down at the start of a new month and thought, “How do I make my bullet journal both pretty and practical?” That’s exactly why I love creating an October bullet journal spread—it’s the perfect balance of cozy autumn vibes and functional planning.

I’ll be honest, when I first started bullet journaling, I often felt stuck between wanting it to look beautiful and actually needing it to work for me as a planner. Over time, I found little tricks (like printable templates and scrapbook papers) that not only save time but also make the process fun and stress-free.

This month, I put together an October spread that’s simple, seasonal, and totally customizable. Let me walk you through it step by step.

Step 1 – Choose Your Journal

Pick a bullet journal that feels right for you. A dotted notebook works perfectly since the dots help guide your lines and layouts, but you can also use a plain or lined notebook if that’s what you prefer.

Think about the size too—smaller notebooks are easy to carry around, while larger ones give you more space to be creative.

The most important part is choosing one you’ll enjoy using every day.

Step 2 – Create Your Base Template

For the monthly layout, you’ll need boxes for each day. Since I prefer not to draw all the boxes by hand, I designed a template in Canva, printed it, and simply glued it into my journal.

This saves time and keeps the lines perfectly even. If you enjoy hand-drawing, use a ruler to sketch the boxes and make sure you have enough for every day of the month.

Once you have this base, you can reuse the same template to create different designs later.

Step 3 – Choose Scrapbook Papers

Now it’s time to bring in some color and texture! Pick scrapbook papers that match the cozy autumn vibe of October.

Warm browns, plaids, and soft patterns work beautifully to capture that seasonal feeling. I went with two shades of brown that give a calm, cozy look.

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns—just keep the palette consistent so the spread feels harmonious.

Step 4 – Add the Scrapbook Paper

Cut your chosen scrapbook papers into strips or blocks and place them around your template to frame the layout. I used the brown plaid designs I picked earlier, and layered them in different spots to add variety without overwhelming the page.

Play around with the placement before gluing them down—you’ll see how even small pieces can instantly make the spread feel cozy and seasonal.

Step 5 – Add the Monthly Header

Every calendar needs a clear title! I used a sticker that says “October” for a quick and polished look. If you don’t have a sticker, no worries—just write the month’s name in your best lettering style on a piece of white paper, cut it out, and glue it in place.

This trick makes your header pop while still giving it a hand-made feel.

Step 6 – Add Some Autumn Stickers

Time to make your spread come alive! Decorate the page with autumn-themed stickers—leaves, pumpkins, cozy drinks, or characters in fall outfits all work beautifully.

Place them in the corners or along the borders so they frame your calendar without taking up too much space.

Stickers add personality and instantly tie the whole design together with a seasonal touch.

Step 7 – Number the Days

Now, go through each box and add the dates for the month. Keep the numbers small so you still have plenty of writing space in each square.

You can place the numbers in the top corner, like I did, or experiment with different styles such as circles, banners, or tiny flags.

This step makes your spread functional and ready to use while still leaving room for creativity.

Step 8 – Add the Final Touch with Colors

To finish the spread, grab markers in cozy autumn shades. I used a lighter color to highlight weekdays and a darker tone for weekends—this makes it easy to see the flow of the month at a glance.

Choose colors that match your theme, like warm oranges, browns, or muted yellows. This small detail adds both style and functionality, making your calendar pop while staying practical.

Wrapping It All Up

And that’s it—your cozy, autumn-ready bujo monthly spread is finished! I can’t tell you how satisfying it feels to flip open my notebook and see this October layout waiting for me. It makes planning my days a joy instead of a chore (and yes, it also gives me an excuse to use all those pretty markers I keep collecting).

If you’re new to bullet journaling, you might also enjoy these posts for extra inspiration:

I also share lots of fresh layouts, doodles, and seasonal setups on my Pinterest page—so if you need more monthly planner ideas for October or future spreads, you’ll find plenty there.

Now I’d love to hear from you:

Do you prefer drawing everything by hand, or do you like using printables and stickers like I do?
What’s your favorite fall color combo for a spread?

Share your thoughts in the comments, or tag me on Instagram (@cozymomjournal) with your own October pages. Let’s inspire each other and make journaling even more fun!