How To Make Your Own Planner/Journal

DIY PLANNER/JOURNAL

Finding What Works For You

Every year I buy a new notebook, diary, or journal. The pretty covers and colours draw me in and I think each time how I can’t wait to fill them in.

They are not always as practical as they could be though, and I end up with lots of empty pages. I find myself skipping the ‘To Do’ Lists or ignoring the ‘Daily Chores’ Section. A married mum with kids ‘needs’ are much different from a single career woman or a woman in mid-life learning new skills or hobbies.

So, therefore, I thought I would create my own and show you how to make your own DIY planner Journal!

My Pretty Pink DIY Journal

I had a look at what was available to buy and decided to opt for the Arc System. This is a clever way/design that allows you to add, remove, and rearrange pages and accessories as your needs change.

This you can’t do with a lot of journals so I found I wasted lots of pages as I just didn’t fill them in. It works a bit like a lever arch folder but without the bulk. You have removable discs that hold the pages together. I found some pretty pink ones on Amazon by The Happy Planner. I also found some pretty ones from a company called Cult Pens.

I created my Front and Back cover by laminating an A4 size piece of pretty card. Refill and Blank pages are available online through outlets like Staples, Amazon and Etsy. You could also laminate a favourite graphic or quote you may have printed out.

I purchased this card from Hobbycraft and you can find Laminators in stationery shops and online stores.

You will also need a special punch to make the holes unless you get them already done for you. Otherwise, you can get cheap Arc Notebooks which you can adapt yourself.

Adding Your Own Pages

I have printed out my own printables to incorporate into the Journal to help keep me on track. The good thing about this is I can upgrade it if I get fed up with the cover, create a new one each year, or just have a selection of different ones for all my hobbies/interests.

Print Out My Freebie Journal To Get Started

If you fancy making your own Journal I’ve created this freebie Journal template to get you started. You can add more planner pages, motivational quotes/pictures and to-do lists. Make your own customised Journal.

Other Alternatives

The other options are Bullet Journals which you can also make to your own requirements. Take a Dot Grid blank book and personalise with your own artwork & planner pages. I know there are some great YouTube videos on how to get started. Check out some of my blank Dot Grid Books as well on Amazon.

Journals/Notebooks

I’ve got numerous Journals & notebooks on the go now. Some are for business use, some hobbies and others general day to day writing & planning!

Have Fun Getting Started On Your Own DIY Journal!

Useful equipment To Make A Journal

(You can also print out the printables in black & white.  I use Hp Instant Ink which is a handy plan to be on as they just send you replacement ink when you are running low. They’ve given me a link code if you want to sign up and try for yourself (gives me and you an extra month worth of ink-free, which is definitely handy!)