my new planner - a little tutorial

12/27/13

One of the first things I do after Christmas is to get my new planner ready for the new year.  I have been purchasing the same planner from Target for the last couple of years but thought this year I wanted to personalize one a little bit so I picked up an expensive plain one from Walmart.


I always use a big 8.5 x 11 week a glance planner because I am a writer and note taker and this size gives me plenty of space to do both.



I picked this pretty teal blue color because I new I had some new Pink Paislee paper that I was itching to tear into.


And I mean that literally...


I started off by deciding what paper I wanted where and then started tearing and placing them jigsaw puzzle style until I was satisfied with the result.


Then I just started modge podging it down in reverse order.  (I always take a picture with my camera phone for reference at this stage.)


Once it was all down and dried a bit I started adding paint and stamps and doodling...


Then I finished the right side edges off with a couple of rows of washi tape.


I love the idea of having a single word to inspire you throughout the year and had already decided mine would be "home"...as in stay home more and get stuff done...home comes first...love your home, etc.  but then as always happens, I started reading other peoples words and was having second thoughts about mine.


That's when it hit me to make a list of all the words and phrases that I want to live by in 2014 and put them on the cover of my planner.  You'll notice that I left just enough room on the bottom to add another word or two if I am inspired to do so.


I varied the fonts and mixed up the placement and I really like how it turned out.  I used another layer of modge podge to adhere the words down and finish it off.

Now all I have to do is put all the important dates inside and write my list of one year and five year goals on the back cover.  I love starting the new year off organized, even if it doesn't last as long as I wish it would.  What about you?  Do you have a day planner for the new year?  Will you write down any hopes and dreams?  I'd love to hear them.  I'll share mine tomorrow as well as my list that I started 2013 off with.

xo, Patty

btw...If you'd like a copy of my words and phrases just let me know and I'd be happy to email you one.

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17 comments

  1. I would like a copy of your words/phrases. Ladams@juno.com. Thank you

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  2. I do love a great planner to start the year off. Your words are pretty much what I am thinking of for next year and I would love to have a copy please. Enjoy the rest of your holidays x

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  3. I have a "possibilities" journal. I do like the idea of blinging up an ordinary planner. I may have to do that this year.

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  4. Oh, it's so beautiful! You're so talented with these things. I need to be doing more of what you're doing. You seem to be following your heart with your art!
    Brenda

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  5. Patty you make it so simple to create something gorgeous! I love it! :)

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  6. Patty, I love it! What a perfect idea!!!!
    xo Kris

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  7. Great idea with your planner, Patty, and so cute!

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  8. I love journals and planners and start a new one each year. I never thought about making my own cover though - very clever! I had no idea you could Mod Podge papers to a planner cover. I learn something new all the time! (Can you tell I'm not a naturally crafty person? ;-) )

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  9. Patty, love your idea. I usually list the phrases / desires inside my planner, but love how you make the visible so you see them everyday. You're so creative!

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  10. I love this idea and am so borrowing it.
    Thanks for the detailed directions.

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  11. Patty, I love that you complete pretty and "do able" projects that we can be inspired from and that you share them with us. I actually think I might be able to make one of these! I would love a copy of the words. ...... angelaamason63@yahoo.com :)

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  12. What a great idea Patty! I would love copies of your words and phrases please. wagnerfamily1981@gmail.com

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  13. I have always had such a hard time choosing one word each year, there are so many words and phrases that could be a helpful reminder of the ways I want to grow! I love the phrases and words you have chosen, each one a reminder to be a better person. This is a great project Patty! I usually buy a purse size calendar and just jot dates and appointments inside it. I also carry a small notebook for notes that I need to keep, maybe I should switch up to a planner with more room to take the place of the calendar and notebook.

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  14. I'd love a copy of your words and phrases. I haven't had a planner since I became disabled and quit working, but I think I'd like to make one for all my home and church activities. Thanks for the beautiful idea and photos! (jasongravette at aol dot com)

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  15. Patty,
    LOVE the creativity of your new planner cover, dear friend!!!
    Yes!!! Both "Mr. Ed" & I have new 2014 planners!
    Mine is a larger size this year.
    I've added two new committee positions to my life. . .and don't want to chance missing an important meeting!
    Here's a tip:
    "Mr. Ed" & I have Saturday Morning Coffee to consulton our appointments for the following week.
    Makes for smoother sailing here on the Prairie, if we check each others appointments frequently.
    Thanks for sharing your words to live by for 2014!!!
    I'm still searching my heart & soul for "the Word" for 2014.
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  16. Hi Patty! I am familiar with the calendars from Target as I have been buying the same one over the past couple of years. I love the pocket on the front and the designs on the edges of the pages. My son is six and in first grade so I always buy the calendar for the school year (July through June). However, come January, I am always tempted to buy a new one because there is something about starting the calendar year out fresh. I've ended up with two calendars before.....which just confuses things. I'd love a list of your words and phrases. Email is: amyanddarin@roadrunner.com Maybe by doctoring up my school year calendar I will like I'm starting fresh. If I may ask, what was your 2013 one year goal? Did you meet it?
    I always love checking in with you. Your 2014 calendar looks great.
    Amy

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