One of my fave annual holiday projects
I know, I know... It seems way too early to be thinking about Christmas... But it is almost the middle of November. And no matter how hard I try, as soon as the weather turns cold and the leaves are gone (or it starts snowing, like today!), my brain heads right there, right to Christmas, and so it starts...
Before I know it, Black Friday will be upon us with all of its sales, and my online Christmas shopping will begin. My thoughts will turn to Christmas cookies and holiday feasts, stocking stuffers and things to do, and I get that itch to start making lists. But where to put them? Preferably all in one spot, and preferably somewhere cute.
I confess to being a bit of a planner. And maybe a bit of a list-maker (okay, maybe more than a bit!) And I can also be rather frugal at times.
This DIY Christmas Planner from the girls at Eighteen25 satisfies all of my frugal, planner and list-making sensibilities. Plus, it's totally adorable and uses things I already have on hand. Love that!
Obviously I am not the only one who likes to start her Christmas planning early, since the DIY Christmas Planner blog was posted just a couple of days ago!
This is my fifth year making my own Christmas planner, and it's a project I look forward to every year. It's super quick, easy, and fun to make, and honestly, perfect for all of my Christmas planning needs. I have given these to friends and family as gifts, as well.
The Eighteen25 girls always use the cutest new Christmas scrapbook papers to decorate their planners, but between you and me, I have enough paper in my stash to record my Christmas memories for the next 50 years! This is a great excuse to stop hoarding and start using it. (And trust me, I need the excuse!)
You can make this project for under $5, depending on what you have on hand. I love to use Composition notebooks from the dollar store ($1.25 - $2 each), and they often have lovely grosgrain ribbon as well ($1.25/roll). As I mentioned, I am extraordinarily well-stocked in the pattern paper department, but if you had to buy a sheet or three, you can find them at Michaels for under $2/sheet. I also happen to have some great glue on hand, but if you need to purchase some, I recommend Beacon 3-In-1 Advanced Craft Glue. It's a little pricey, but it lasts and you will have enough to make planners for years to come.
You can customize the labels to suit your needs, but I typically have the following sections in mine:
calendar
list
cards
to do
menu
budget
You can also add envelopes to the front and back covers to hold receipts and coupons, which is really handy.
I'd love to see your version of the DIY Christmas Planner! Let me know how it turns out.
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