Scribbles That Matter Bullet Dotted Journal Dot Grid Notebook B5 - 160gsm Thick Paper, Hard Cover, Lay Flat Binding Review (2026)

What this journal is

This is a B5 hardcover dot grid notebook from Scribbles That Matter, a brand built specifically around bullet journaling, measuring roughly 7 by 10 inches, larger than the more common A5 format. The paper is 160gsm, described by the brand as ultra-thick and suited to heavy mediums including markers and paint, with a vegan leather hardcover and a true lay-flat binding. Scribbles That Matter positions its B5 line as the size aimed at people who want more working room per page than A5 offers, whether for bigger lettering pieces, mixed layouts, or planning spreads that combine writing with illustration. The brand's B5 journals in this line typically ship with a pre-printed key, index pages, pen-test spreads and numbered pages built in.

How it performs for lettering

The larger B5 page size is the standout feature for lettering work that needs more room than A5 provides, such as full alphabet practice rows, larger display lettering, or layouts that combine lettering with borders and illustration on the same page. The 160gsm paper weight is squarely in bleedproof territory, and the brand states it targets zero bleed-through, ghosting and feathering even with markers and paint, which covers the wettest tools most letterers reach for including brush pens and heavier fountain pen ink. The true lay-flat binding matters even more on a larger page, since a B5 spread that will not open flat makes it harder to letter comfortably across the full width, and this binding is designed specifically to avoid that problem.

Page count and format

The exact numbered page count is not printed clearly on the retailer listing for this specific edition, so buyers who need a precise figure should confirm it on the listing they are ordering from before purchase rather than assume a number. What is consistent across the brand's B5 journals is the paper weight and lay-flat binding, both aimed at people who want a bigger working canvas than A5 offers. The B5 size, at roughly 7 by 10 inches, is noticeably larger and heavier to carry than an A5 notebook, so it suits a home or studio practice setup better than a bag carried daily for on-the-go lettering.

Build and included extras

The cover is a vegan leather hardcover with rounded corners and a back cover pocket, paired with the brand's lay-flat binding built to open fully without cracking the spine. Scribbles That Matter journals in this range typically include a pre-printed key for layout symbols, index and pen-test pages, an elastic closure band and a flexible pen loop, along with two colored ribbon bookmarks, features aimed at people using the notebook as a structured planning and lettering system rather than a plain sketchbook. Some editions bundle a branded fineliner pen, though buyers should check the specific listing to confirm whether a pen is included with this exact product.

Value for letterers

For letterers who want more page space than A5 offers along with genuinely thick bleedproof paper, the B5 size and 160gsm stock make this a strong pick for larger lettered layouts, practice sheets and mixed media spreads, at a price that reflects the premium paper and vegan leather build rather than a budget notebook. The bigger, heavier format is a real tradeoff for anyone who wants to letter on the go, so buyers planning to carry a journal daily in a bag may prefer the same brand's smaller A5 edition instead, reserving this B5 size for a home desk or studio.

Frequently asked questions