Now that we're toward the end of January, I finally finished my 2013 day planner. If you're one who loves keeping track of yourself on your phone/ipad/computer you won't be very interested in this post. I wish I could do that. I've bought at least three apps, downloaded programs, etc. And gave up. So maybe I'm just so very old-school handmade everything that I have to keep track of myself with something like this planner. Anyway, here's a little more info on how it all came together...
I sewed the cover pretty much the same as I do for my art quilt journals, using the free-motion stitching on my machine for the title...
On the inside front and back covers I stitched little pockets to hold my cards and pens and such...
I laminated a copy of the 2013 year calendar and put that in the front. On the back are a listing of the 2013 holidays...
For the dividers, I cut some pretty scrapbooking papers, strengthened the hole side with fancy clear tape and stitched on some month tabs that I printed out on the computer...
Next (and I'm really liking this) I made a sort of bookmark where I will keep a master to-do list in pencil. I'll move it through the calendar as the days go by, erasing and adding to it as time goes...
For the actual weeks I created a page for each week of the year on the computer. This is where I'll keep track of specific things needing to be done on certain days, appointments, the usual calender stuff, with some random notes and such. On the top, I've left blanks where I'll plan out my blog posts, keep notes, sketch ideas, whatever...
That's about it! Here are a some details and couple more photos...
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The goal is to spend a few minutes each morning with my day planner, updating, filling in, dressing up...just playing around and tweaking it, with the overall dream of taking better care of my time.
I'm with you. I cannot do the electronic version of a calendar. I still need my paper and pencil. I make mine each year. It's one of the things I look forward to...kinda like new crayons at the beginning of school.
Posted by: Amy in Texas | 23 January 2013 at 16:23
Perfect, Rebecca!!!
Like it very much...
Posted by: Dawn | 23 January 2013 at 17:18
I like to have a paper planner too. Your planner turned out really nice. Starting the day with them is the best. Whenever I remember to do that, my days are so much more productive. Luckily, it's finally getting to be more of a habit. Have a wonderful year! :-)
Posted by: Cheryl | 23 January 2013 at 18:10
lovely and so brilliant. have a sweet story for you someday about old school durabilty vs techno fragility.
xo
Posted by: charlotte | 23 January 2013 at 18:20
I think this is great! I have tried and failed many times and beat myself up for not being able to stick to electronic media. I'd love to be able to buy your weekly pages -- any interest in selling those?
Thanks
PS I'm a big fan of your blog. I know that sometimes you just don't feel like it. That makes sense to me...but when you do post even if its been after sometime -- its always looked on with appreciation.
Posted by: alison | 23 January 2013 at 19:08
Wow!, that is a great planner. I'm just like you and write all my appointments down in a planner. I did not make a planner for this year. I purchased one with enough writing room but hopefully next year I will make one for 2014. thanks for sharing yours.
Posted by: Bobbie Duran | 23 January 2013 at 19:36
LOVE THIS. Who needs a Moleskine?
www.spokesandpetals.wordpress.com
Posted by: jenny | 23 January 2013 at 20:06
I use Windows calendar, my iPhone calendar, and my PAPER calendar. This way, I have access to everything (if I remembered to put it on there) no matter where I am. Maybe if I start now, I could make a paper one for next year; because the one I bought this year was rather pricey, and it's not nearly as fun to look at as yours. That's the one I start and schedule my day with, too.
Posted by: pattisj | 23 January 2013 at 20:58
oh my goodness what a delightful idea! i'm in love with this...i am a non-tech person too and do love a good list...i had looked for just the right planner and settled for the closest thing i could find, never thinking i should create just the right thing myself...duh (slapping myself on my forehead!) thanks for the idea...hmmm, you need to think of doing an online workshop for this project..it's a winner!
Posted by: sharon from sharon stanley writes | 23 January 2013 at 21:46
It's beautiful!!!!
Posted by: Suzette | 23 January 2013 at 22:09
Your day planner is a piece of art already, when it will be filled up with all that happens this year, it will be a treasure to cherish! I just love it ( as well as your blog!), you really inspire me, thank you.
Mieke aka creatieveblogger (Belgium)
Posted by: Mieke Duyck | 24 January 2013 at 00:38
this is gorgeous & the forethought you put is makes it super practical! I've been trying to figure out a "rolling" priority list for ages.... You've got a great solution here, the pocket and the PENCIL! Also love your freehand script for the date, a dream of mine to learn how to do that .... tfs.
Posted by: caro | 24 January 2013 at 04:28
I like the computer a lot for certain things, but I am a paper girl when it comes to my calendar. This year's is very plain - perhaps next year I will be inspired to make it pretty! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Kelly | 24 January 2013 at 05:08
Great job. I particularly like the calendar pockets and to think I've thrown so many of these fabric calendars away.
Posted by: Sally Smith | 24 January 2013 at 07:00
Rebecca, this is a gorgeous work of art! Will be so special as the year progresses to look back on 2013 in such an artful way!
Posted by: KateinCleveland | 24 January 2013 at 07:20
This is so beautiful. I like it.. You've done what I wanted to do... maybe next year.
Posted by: Elizabeth | 24 January 2013 at 07:57
Oh, this is so beautiful! Love how you created a page for each day of the year! Any chance you could share that file, either here or etsy?
Thanks for sharing your planner!
Jane
Posted by: Jane | 24 January 2013 at 09:03
Brilliant! Inspiring! Beautiful! I have been wanting a handmade planner for the past couple years but it seemed like such an overwhelming task to make one. I feared it would turn out bulky and too heavy to tote around. Thanks for pulling it all together & sharing it- your planner is clean, neat & pretty. Happy 2013 Rebecca! ps- I wish I was renting a beach house. :)
Posted by: rachel | 24 January 2013 at 09:28
Wow! I think this is your best work yet! I might have to steal some of your ideas for my own calendar. I would be hopeless making the cover but I can do some of your other ideas such as the master list and tabs.
I always enjoy your posts. Every time there is a new post I have to stop and read it.
Posted by: Yvonne Welty | 24 January 2013 at 10:05
Oh I love my planner... but you are giving me envy! So cute!
Thanks for sharing!
God bless....Brooke
http://creativecountrymom.blogspot.com/
My home and garden site...
http://brookekroeger.blogspot.com/
My Vintage Art and Printables site...
Posted by: Brooke | 24 January 2013 at 13:37
This is oh so dreamy girl!!! I could spend half a day in a planner that beautiful :)
Posted by: CD Muckosky | 24 January 2013 at 13:54
this is gorgeous rebecca! i think i will hope to do something like this for next year, as i've already got a 2013 one. i, too, am an old fashioned planner girl. :)
Posted by: Kimber-Leigh | 24 January 2013 at 18:54
What a beautiful piece of art for your planner! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Sheila R | 25 January 2013 at 05:49
Uhm.
Okay.
Dang!
Gonna pin now...
Posted by: Robin Thomas | 25 January 2013 at 20:43
Your planner is pretty and practical! I love the way you incorporate your creativity into everyday living. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Susan | 26 January 2013 at 05:50