I had planned to share a video of my process but technology is not on my side today so in an effort to get this post up today, I’m hoping you all will be okay with photos this time since very little has changed from October or November.
If I can pull the video footage, I’ll add it to this post tomorrow. Sorry for the less-than-detailed planner set-up this month. Sometimes, life just does not go according to plan.
My planner set-up has not really changed in the last few months. I’ve been using a Paperblanks blank midi-sized journal with a printable calendar from my Patreon subscription. And I’m loving the new Cora Crea Creates Journal Clip! The Paperblanks book had enough pages to see me through three months with some extra space in the back for lists, notes, pen tests and such. As a result it created a way to be able to start a new journal/planner in January for that fresh start for the new year.
I get excited about starting a new planner or journal but I am also a little verklempt to have to put aside the book I had spent the better part of a year filling with memories, thoughts and ideas. Where do you land on finishing a journal or planner? Love it or hate it?
The theme this month is Pink Christmas and I even made matching sticker sheets which should be available next week (I’m waiting for them to arrive from the printer!) I wanted a sparkly, happy vibe for December this year and I thought pink poinsettias, glittery baubles and candles would be just the thing to brighten the dark days of December.
I chose a selection of pens from my collection that were green or pink and filled them with coordinating inks. I try to choose 2-3 fountain pens in distinct but usable colors for writing and then some markers, brush pens, felt tip and gel pens to add color, and zhoosh up my planner/journal.
- Pilot Cavalier (color shown is no longer available)
- Sailor ProGear Slim (models shown are no longer available)
- Jinhao 82<
- Colorverse Miss Baker
- Callifolio Andrinople
- Sailor Waka-Uguisu
- Uniball Signo DX 0.38 Green Black
- Pilot Juice Up Classic Glossy 0.4mm
- Pentel Sign Pen/Fude Touch
I selected an assortment of stickers from my stash as well as a small assortment of washi tape. My goal this month, as most months, is to use what I have wherever possible and only add in where absolutely needed like my monthly Date Dots and Typewriter Days sticker sheets. I wrap my washi around old hotel key cards. This creates a nice portable amount of washi and provides a curated selection so I am not struck with indecision or overwhelm.
- Christmas Washi Tape Set
- Merry & Bright Christmas: A festive sticker book
- Typewriter Days (Days of the Week) Sticker Sheet
- Date Dots Sticker Sheet
- Cozy Christmas Sticker Sheet
I spend about 45 minutes to an hour to do my whole set-up process from printing the calendar insert to choosing sticker and washi and pens. I then spend another 30 minutes to an hour “decorating” my pages with the day and date and some pretty little extras. I often do my set-up and decorating while listening to an audiobook or podcast or even while sitting on the couch watching a movie.
By pre-planning my theme and adding these embellishments, I escape the fear of the blank page and hopefully sets me up for success each month.
I think of it as a clean start each month, no matter how much or how little I completed the previous month. Just start again. There is no journal police that will tell you you didn’t do it right or that it should be a certain way. Do it your way. Make it a space you like to visit and that will help you take the time to write, draw, archive and remember.