Although I would love to have my BOS written by hand, I have a digital version that I can edit (I use to translate all the pages and information that I found interesting to Spanish, so it’s easier for me when I need to find something!) in 6 HUGE binders, and a few notebooks with tips and other witchy things that I don’t know where belongs!
By the way, I use to translate all the printables I find here to Spanish. Only for my personal use, of course. I hope it’s OK…
I’m like you. I’ve always wanted a BoS. I had a fancy book I got a few years ago, but I found that the stress of making it beautiful kept me from writing in it. So I jotted things in my regular composition notebook or digitally on my phone.
I’m going to be printing things here along with other stuff I love on parchment paper and keep it in a binder, both from Amazon… there are some cool old tome looking binders out there. Lots of people have mentioned the binder idea already!
I also love classic black composition books. I tend fo jot notes in them. I’m terrible at getting them started out of perfectionism, but I grew to love them when using the Bullet Journal method.
I don’t get super fancy. I just write stuff as I find it, and I used to number the pages and keep pages at the front empty for writing a table of contents for all of the stuff I was writing down. I don’t really do that anymore. I’ve been doing digital notes. But I enjoy handwritten. I also just use a simple ballpoint pen. Keeps me motivated to write things down, keeping it that plain. Perfection paralysis is annoying!
@ben1 – Honestly, it’s really easy to get in our heads about what we think things should look like – but honestly, as long as it works for you then that’s what matters! I go through phases where my handwriting looks great but then also my hands tend to hurt – it’s a battle I win sometimes and a battle I lose sometimes.
@Phoenix_Rose – I’ve got a binder, too (but it’s empty!) 
@Satu_TheGreenWitch – It looks great, Satu! 
@LadyDennaRahl – Those are all great tips 
Thanks for sharing!
@mary25 – I’ve definitely thought about using a scrapbook for my Book of Shadows. 
I just can’t decide between a scrapbook and a binder, I guess!
@SpanishWitchy – That sounds like a lot of work, Lucia! Bravo to you for doing it, though. I’m sure it’s totally fine 
Here are some videos that you might find helpful, too!
Thank you, everyone, for your helpful and creative insights.
@Phoenix_Rose - That sounds much like my filing system at the moment and for me, that means scattered ideas all over the place!
@Satu_TheGreenWitch - Your BOS is beautiful and so well organized. I find your photos to be very inspirational.
@LadyDennaRahl - Excellent ideas and I especially like your point of making it into part of my routine.
@mary25 - I am so impressed with your system and that’s helpful as I tend to also think systematically. I agree color is important.
@SpanishWitchy - Six huge binders - that’s amazing and I think being able to edit makes a lot of sense.
@Melora_Fae - I’ve had the same problem getting started out because of perfectionism that is a hindrance more times than not. I’ve often pictured using a black composition book, too. I now think it has to be a binder.
@meganb - Thank you for the videos. I’ve started watching and yes very helpful. Thank you for reinforcing both here and in your video that it’s my book so how I decide to do is all that matters.
Thank you again, all! Your creativity and spirit are immensely helpful, and I’ve now started binder shopping with a much more open view of what I want to do.
I am going to jump on the binder bandwagon! I have a binder that I use as my BoS. I am also in the process of creating a handwritten version as a “legacy” BoS. I am more discerning of what goes into that book than my binder. 
My setup is almost precisely like @Satu_TheGreenWitch’s setup. I have a title page followed by an index page in a sheet protector. I then used dividers to create my structure. I also have a folder on my Google Drive that is strictly for pagan/witchy things. I have the subfolders set up the same way as my binder to keep things simple. I have much more on my drive than I do in my binder.
I then have a couple of other notebooks.
I think that is all I have.
My first BoS was a beautiful bound book with a custom-designed cover. It’s amazingly beautiful but my anxiety prevents me from writing in it for fear of “messing it up”.
I have used binders to organize other things before and that’s worked well but I didn’t want to have a bulky book to carry around. For me, out of sight means out of mind, so if I am going to keep up writing in or adding to it, it has to be something I can carry around with me.
In fairness, it’s more of a commonplace book as I keep tarot reading, Lenormand notes, challenge entries, and pretty much everything else related to my magick practice in it but it’s discrete, easy to carry around, and works for me.
@SpanishWitchy
Hi hon, there’s very little you can do on Spells8 that is frowned upon, well, you cannot cus, bully, or be mean or spiteful. I’m not saying there aren’t no-nos.
A good rule of thumb? No name-calling, espally to, or about the newbies. Be kind and helpful when you can, always be nice. Treat members like you would like to be treated. OR you can watch Sesame Street because one and all, sometimes we need a refresher course in “Manners”.
Be blessed
Garnet
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has trouble with a BOS! My best friend bought me an old fashioned journal with the image of a dragon on the front for last Yule/Christmas and it’s not very organized. To be honest, it’s both my BOS and my Book of Mirrors. 
My other BOS is in a folder in Notes app on my iPhone. It’s not very organized either, but then again, I can just type what I’m looking for in the search bar and find it. 
I am inspired by how well organized you are, @Amaris_Bane. I like the idea of having trial spells and viewing them as such. They really are experiments sometimes. I will definitely have a deity section in my book.
Both books are beautiful, @Artemisia. I have that same “messing it up” anxiety which has paralyzed me in the past. I also like your point of keeping the book able to move with you.
@Kasandra I have completely used the phone notes approach myself, but try as I might to organize, I end up spending more time searching for what I think I may have written than actually using what I’ve written.
You’re absolutely right. I´m also a newbie in all the magic stuff, and it would be very unfair if I say anything bad about anybody. I firmly believe that we can all help each other and that we can learn from anyone.
But thank you so much for you wise words! I am relieved to think that I am not making unfair use of the printables by translating them into Spanish. And if someone needs it, they just have to ask me!
Yeah, a little bit! I try to stick as much as I can to the original, butt Spanish and English are sooooo different in some things!! It helps me to improve my English and to memorize it!!
Thank you very much
Yes, I think so! The first BOS I had was full of crossed out words and notes everywhere and I didn’t like having it all so disorganized.
You’re very welcome! I find sometimes that videos can help explain things a bit better – plus they usually have examples
That’s true! I know a bit of Spanish from my schooling and you’re right! I’m glad it helps you with your English, though. That’s always a plus!
Hey @ben1 this is just a cheap binder from Walmart. I cut halloween scrapbook paper to fit inside the cover.
My ultimate dream is to have the information from my best Pinterest boards into a scrapbook as a big grimoire 
Merry Meet Ben.
The 3-ring binder is best as it allows one to edit accordingly. As you become more honed in the craft, your favorite section will get quite cumbersome and jumbled. As for the sections, this is based on personal preference. I have mine set up as a sort of encyclopedia.
Cover Sheet (usually picture of sorts that represents me)
Blessing page
Wiccan Reed page
Elements
Spell pages
Candles - based on elements within color spectrum;
Herbs - details on each herb and uses;
Crystals - details and pictures of each crystal generally sorted within by color;
Arts - this is kind of the catch all for items that do not fall into the above like my Mala page. More informational with pictures.
As Meaghan and Siofria have stated the clear sleeve inserts will serve you well. The notes and “bobs” can be placed without marring the original page for reference. It is important to update as one finds that certain items will work better than others. I would only do that one item in need of updating to completion. There is no need to feel overwhelmed. One page at a time, just like one day at a time.
Many blessings with the craft and your BOS/Grimoire.
LL
