After my previous planner stopped meeting my needs, I set out to find a new one (more on that in the video below). Lots of research led me to the realization that I would have to create my own planner if I wanted one that would suit my needs exactly. So that’s what I did!
Using Canva, I created a weekly planner spread that would suit my needs perfectly.
I then uploaded my design to OfficeDepot.com and had it printed and bound. I selected a spiral bound book with 65lb cardstock and a clear front and back cover. It took about a week to process, print, and ship–not too bad! Below is a photo of the online interface; it’s very easy to use. Given the number of sheets and all of my specifications, my book came out to be about $25 including shipping (I also had a coupon code).
Below is last week’s full spread filled in (this post and video were created on Wednesday, so it’s not complete in the photos)–this planner works like a charm! It’s exactly what I need and helps me stay on track throughout the week in a way that makes sense for my life and schedule.
In the past, it’s never crossed my mind to create my own personalized planner! It took spending lots of money on a gorgeous, fancy planner and seeing how it didn’t suit my needs to start brainstorming a simpler solution. If you’d like to see my ideal planner in more detail and hear exactly how I use it, you can watch the video below or on YouTube here.
Mentioned in video:
- Simplified Planner (shop + my post on it)
- May Books Shop
- Plan To Eat (site (referral link) + my post on it)
- Clean Mama (site + my post on it)
- Cleaning Routine Series: Bathrooms (Monday)
- Simplify Everything Podcast Episode #25
- Canva (site + my post on it)
- Office Depot spiral bound notebook printing
// If you use a planner, what kind of planner do you use?
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I love this idea! I’m always looking for the perfect planner but they never end up working for me. So I have spreadsheets and use my phone and plain notebooks. That’s just too much to keep up with. I’ll have to try this!
BLAIR! This planner is beyond ideal!!! I’ve never tried to make something some bold on canva but now I may have to try because WOWZA! I love this! You could honestly sell it – I really think it’s so beautiful and functional!
You totally inspired me to do this also! I’m having too much fun designing it.
This is amazing. I just threw away a planner (that I paid extra to get monogrammed) because it no longer fit my needs. I never thought about designing my own! I will say, the Google Calendar app has saved me.
This is brilliant! I love the blog, this is the post that caught my attention haha 🙂 What format on Canva did you use? I was thinking the letterhead or US letter format might work best, but your pages seemed smaller. Is that because of the way the video is? In any case I would be interested to see what you used to try and make one myself! Thanks for the idea! 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration, Blair! I have abandoned my Simplified Planner for the same reasons… I just don’t plan my days by the hour, especially working in an office environment and most of my weekdays are planned out that way. I think I’d thrive with more open space for to-do lists and space for notes. Maybe I’ll attempt to create my own layout. Thanks again 🙂
Hey Krysten! Thanks for reading + commenting! I hope you find a planner that works for you, even if you have to create your own! 😉
Hey Blair, I adore your style and your organizational skills! Maybe for your next Etsy product you could make planner for all different kinds of women (example full time bloggers such as yourself, moms, working women, or students)? Just an idea!
Hi Paige! Thank you for your kind words! Love your idea, thanks for sharing! I’ve thought about releasing a planner in the past, but that market is so saturated that I don’t know if I’ll pursue it. Thanks for reading! 🙂
I’ve been looking for a new planner for next year and I never would have thought to make my own!! I’ve been using an Erin Condren planner the last couple years of school (the original layout first and then the horizontal layout) but I’m graduating from college this December and starting my first full time job in January so I’m not quite sure what layout would work best for office needs. Any one have any suggestions? Daily v Weekly? Other sections to include?
Hey Alli! Thanks for reading! I would imagine that a Daily layout would work best for an office job, but planners are so individual! It really depends on what your schedule is like and what your day-to-day looks like! 🙂
I love this idea. I do have a ? or 2. I might have missed it but am I to understand that the cover is from Canva but what about the other schedule pages.