So it is now the first week of February and I have finally put together some kind of planner for the year.
I have a problem with not being able to stick to one kind of calendar/to-do list/planner system …. Last year I bought a brand new FranklinCovey planner and used it til May.
I also keep my to-do list in (no exaggeration) about 5 different places/formats.
It’s not all that efficient as you can imagine.
So this year I have MADE my own planner in hopes that I will feel more invested in this particular piece of self-organization.
We’ll see….
I started out with a 7″x9″ 3 ring binder from ReBinder (I really like this size) – it’s made of 100% recycled chipboard. And it’s much sturdier than I expected … My new favorite.
I painted the cover (inside and out) with just plain gray acrylic.
My thinking is I can change the color scheme of the paper inside if I want and the gray will be a good neutral base without having to repaint it every year.
I will say though – the painted surface is a bit rough. I might still go find a sealer of some kind to cover the binder. Something to make it a bit smoother and easier to touch.
I used red and gray cardstock to mount the calendar, and just regular ol’ graph paper for my notes.
The calendar pages (month and weeks) are from droplet.etsy.com …. $10 for a big fat pdf file with 3 different sizes/versions of calendar pages. So – if I decide that this version of planner doesn’t work for me I can try one of the other sizes next.
Or – I have the blank calendar pages and can just reprint them as I go.
I love not having to wait til December to buy a new calendar for the next year …
The calendar pages are meant to be printed on 8.5″x11″ paper and then split in half (for either side of the 3 rings)
In order to make sure I had enough room on the calendar itself – as well as act as a divider – I mounted the actual month-calendar pages on cardstock.
I also am using a wide satin ribbon to wrap around the planner – keep it closed and make it pretty…
Here’s a glance at some of the opening pages.
I’m still thinking about making maybe a pen/pencil case to put in the beginning …
Here’s another thought – I printed all the calendar pages on white cardstock – which makes this very thick …. There’s actually only 10 calendar month pages and 6 months of week calendar pages in this.
Next time I may print on normal printer paper instead of cardstock. We’ll see …
I put note paper at the beginning …. to keep track of long-term goal lists and $$ and shopping lists and all …
I’m kind of in love with my new planner and want to come up with all kinds of things to write in it …..
And the GIVEAWAY -
I have an extra one of these binders.
They are 7×9 inches (perfect size for half of the 8.5″x11″ paper. Heavy chipboard covers and 3-ring binding.
They’re awesome! From ReBinder.
For a chance to win an un-painted, all natural 7×9″ 3 ring binder, leave a comment below with your system for keeping track of dates …. . Or your best excuse to why it’s February and you don’t yet have a planner!
One winner will be chosen via Random.org
well. i have bought the same exact planner for… 4 years now. it’s a cheapo one from walmart. so i actually do have a planner, i’m just not 100% sure it’s the best planner ever for me. haha. this is amazingly awesome!! such talent!!
xo,
christen
This is cute!
I’d love a “new” planner to put just blog stuff in. My blog notes are taking over my school planner, and it’s driving me CRAZY!!
I usually use my phone, but to keep school work organized I’ve been using just a note binder and it isn’t working as well as I had hoped.
<3 Ashley
http://www.ahastylife.com
ashley dot hasty at gmail dot com
What a great size! I’ll have to check out the site you bought it from
CampfireKam at gmail.com
My current calander ends in June as it was designed for academic planning. I could use a new one for regular planning.
I’ve been using my iphone but I’m still not exactly the most organized..I love planners and I’ve been looking for one to use since December but haven’t found one I like! I think making my own is a great idea!
Just found your blog and that is AMAZING! I’m terrible at using planners and I swear it’s because they never fit my style. I’ve given up with them because even though they’re pretty and I love the look of them, come the end of January, they’re empty.
That is super cute! Excited that you’ll be taking Design 101 with me!
I keep my calendar online at Google Calendar and I love the fact that my husband and I can both access it from home or work or wherever we need to. That way I’m not booking things when he already has something going on and visa versa. I could use a planner for brainstorming projects, ideas, plans for my blog, to do lists, etc. because I don’t have a central place for that.
Love the gorgeous ribbon on your planner too!
I’ve been addicted to using a planner since high school, for two reasons. First, it helps me keep track of what needs to get accomplished and what time frame I have to accomplish the task/project in. But secondly, it also helps me stay aware of and keep in check procrastination. If I have to keep writing something over and over on my to do list, it’s something I’m avoiding.
Every year I have a hard time finding a planner that will fit all my needs. I really like your idea of creating one with a three ringed binder – I’m all for reusables!
xo
i love your planner!
every year, i try to make one for myself. i always spend several days working on it, start using it, and quickly realize that i really want the one i have purchased every year for almost a decade:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U09LOI/ref=oss_product
i think in ‘blocks’ of time so i need an appointment style planner. this one used to made with ‘the far side’ cartoons and i loved it, but it was discontinued a couple of years ago.
i have searched EVERYWHERE for a cute or fun version of this planner with no luck. so i spruce mine up with markers and stickers.
Very cool binder. I like that size. When I was working we were given the Uncalendar which I really liked. At home I use a plain old Arizona Highways calendar which fits perfectly on my refrigerator and I’ve trained everyone (haha) to write all important dates on this calendar in addition to their own calendars/planners.
I keep up with things via iCal. I use MobileMe so it syncs to my computer, iPhone & iPad.
Oh.My.Goodness! I looooove this binder! It is my most favorite size! Yay! I am bummed I cannot get just one or two, so I really hope I win the give-away!
Thanks for the chance to win this cute binder!
I am pretty detail oriented & I always have a planner. This year my fellas parents bought me the monthly Moleskine planners & they are great!
Yay! I’ve been looking for a way to get my blog post ideas organized and my Etsy store ideas all in one spot… I love my iPhone/MobileMe for my calendar but I have so many ideas swimming around my head.
Thank you for featuring this giveaway!!!
Jess @ Kiddins
http://www.kiddins.blogspot.com
http://www.kiddinsdesign.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kiddinsdesign
(PS – There is a giveaway on my blog too)
Usually I buy a planner and never touch it because it doesn’t “suit me” so I didn’t bother this year and just have loose sheets of paper on my clipboard :/
CUTE!!
I am bad, I don’t keep dates together very well. I keep most of my appointments on my work Outlook calendar, which isn’t the smartest because there is no way for me to access it when I am not at work. But still, I am there 40 + hours a week, which is time enough to look at it and keep things straight. I also keep a blank book in my bag which is more a book for me to write down my to do lists and whatever else I want to keep handy.
It is February and I have not made a planner because I am horribly disorganized and need help desperately to organize myself. I waste my time watching football and am watching pregame shows for the Super Bowl today. I need the planner and if this contest is fair I will win because I need it more than anyone else. Jenn already has Moleskin planners, Charlotte uses Outlook, Leslie has a clipboard, Jess has an Iphone, Laura uses ICal, Viv has an AZ Highways calendar-a cool idea, Diane thinks in “blocks” so needs a doc not a calendar, actually everyone has one of some kind except me. When do I get it?
Thank you and God Bless the Steelers.
My excuse is that… I am a procrastinator.
My excuse for not having a planner yet… umm, I haven’t anything to schedule a time to go out and buy one?
Very cute job on your binder! <3
oh my gosh! i have been scheming up a DIY planner to give to my husband for his birthday with a calendar plus places for to do lists, post it notes, biz plans, etc. and this is the perfect inspiration! i am off to check out the resources you used now. thank you so much!
I use a pocket calendar, needs to be bigger, this is a great idea!
dat is nice idea… to use a ring binder… i usually use a notebook planner but the thing is,… i m never able to use it properly, as i m kinda lazy using planner… hwever, using binder sys and makin ma own planner pages might b kinda nice..
Tnkz to the idea…