I’m no stranger to DIY calendars around these parts and with the New Year in full swing you probably are in need of some organizational inspiration…that’s what I’m here for.
I love the look of Sugar Paper LA products – but you know how I roll – why buy it, when I can DIY it.
I’ve already given you a bunch of reasons why you need to own The Cinch so now I’m gonna give you an example of how you can put it to use to create this trendy and colorful wire-bound planner that is inspired by Sugar Paper. I also used my beloved Cricut Explore for this project and if you need some gentle nudging on purchasing your own – I’ve got a few reasons why you should.
To create a bold and dimensional cover for this planner that mimics the look of Sugar Paper’s I used my Cricut Explore to cut large numbers from a piece of chipboard. I’m always so impressed with how perfectly the machine can handle thick materials like chipboard.
Once you’ve finished making these two chipboard pieces, simply adhere the top to the bottom so that the gold shows through. Easy enough!
Now for the innards for this planner. I wanted something colorful but I also wanted something easy, which meant I had no interest in designing a printable myself…and that’s where Etsy came in to save the day! I searched for 2015 calendar printables and came upon one that is so cute and colorful that you probably need to get one for yourself.
The 505 Designs shop is full of really cute and colorful printables and the prices are very reasonable. I went for the 2015 Two Page Layout which is already set up for back-front printing. I printed my calendar onto a lightweight 65lb. cardstock so that it will be durable and last throughout the year. I’m currently using this planner solely for organizing the editorial calendar for Damask Love. I love having all my blog content organized in one separate place.
If you haven’t already entered to win The Cinch – be sure to enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The cinch looks awesome! Love the planner and really want to make one!
Yes, I’ve made a cinch book, but that was for work! Lol – another lifetime ago.
I would love to try this and give them as gifts
I’ve never made my own notebook but I would love to! I’ve been looking into purchasing a planner but I think a DIY is what I’m needing!! *fingers crossed*
I have a bind I all—but i don’t love it! I want a cinch, it feel easier!!! Love the calendar!! I have made many a notebook in my day!! Hope all us well with your babe!!
Don’t have a binding tool, but this looks really swift!
This is such a lovely inspiration and relatively easy to make. Thank you!
The Cinch would be great. You make it all appear so easy with your detailed info and photos too! I made a few small notebooks to coordinate with gift baskets in the past but resorted to stitching them on sewing machine. It definitely put a limit on the number of pages!
Oh Amber, another awesome project! Making your own planner! Customizing your own design, and using quality paper of your choice. *&%#! because I just ordered a planner for 2015. But for sure I’m getting The Cinch and will start planning a planner for 2016 (among another projects). Thanks for another great idea.
I love these! what a great idea, and honestly a way to save some money! Thank you for the chance to win. 🙂
I have made my own notebook out of binder rings before, it wasn’t my favorite method as it lack stability.
I would die for this Cinch. I have been looking at them for a couple of years
but have not broke down & bought one.
I used to go to the Library and use there
binding machine. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Thank you!
Another new toy. What fun that would be!
If I had the materials do these things, I would definitely start.
I usually just use a thin binder and punch the normal 3 holes to put everything in it but this cinch would definitely help! Thank for the opportunity.
The Cinch has been on my wish-list for a while now. I’m loving all these projects I’ve been seeing with the Cinch! For the past few years, I’ve also been making my own planners. And although a mini binder is awesome for removing and adding pages, the binding can be a bit bulky to carry around at times. I’ve been wanting to switch to spiral binding, but I would need the Cinch for that. I would love to make 4 quarterly spiral binding for project planning.
wonderful project! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for the demo on Cinch.
I’m highly motivated to get one!
I’m diying for doing this diy! But the coupon code doesn’t seem to work in the etsy shop
I HAVE to try making my own planner
Yay! This is such a great idea!
Yay! This is such a great idea! I have never made my own notebook or planner before and this project looks really do-able!
So trendy! I’ve never made my own notebook, but it looks fun! Amber, what brand is the cute patterned paper on the front cover?
Awesome planner! Love the colors and design. Thanks for the introduction to 505 designs. 🙂
I’ve never made my own notebook, but I did help my girl scouts make some with cereal boxes and recycled paper. Not as pretty as yours, but just as fun!
No I have never made my own notebook but I would love to if I win!!!!!
Hi Amber 🙂
I just recently discovered your website and i am oooober in love with everything you do. You have inspired me to try make my own notebooks too. Typical girls and their stationery!
I made a notebook a few months back using a Paper Source kit.
i did in the past when I owned the bind-it-all but I did not like the machine.
I’d love to try this. Looks fun!!!
Fun! We made notebooks in a highschool art class, would love to make them at home!
Great project. Would love to make them and give them as gifts
I love the high end style you feature instead of cutesy. I would love to make some sweet note book projects too!
Love this! I’ve never made a notebook, the closest would be a 21st birthday messages book. I can think of other ideas for this binding too…. Photo album…drawing book made from watercolour paper…
I’ve pulled a store bought one apart but would love to make one from scratch 🙂
I’ve printed my own planners before, but I’ve never even dreamed I could create a bound planner like THIS! I’m wowed by your blog and LOVED the post about Cricut Explore. I want one!
we have an antique T work! Would love to try this one!
I have not made my own notebook YET, but I plan on doing so soon!
This is super lovely, thank you! I’ve always wanted to try but I never knew how to bind
Love bookbinding of all sorts but, regrettably, have never owned a Cinch.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Love the idea of bookbinding instead of using the screwpost to keep my papers together.
Does it say there is a video? i can’t find it- but it totally could be me.
Totally gorgeous 🙂
Just an FYI…I purchased both cinch tools back in December because of you! LOL I love them both!
So sad I missed this giveaway. I need to be able to DIY a planner every year.
Education is the most important and powerful tool in this world. It’s not about studying and only getting good marks. https://www.testsfile.com/SAA-C03-tests.html provides authentic IT Certification exams preparation material guaranteed to make you pass in the first attempt.
Sooo nice!! And I stumbled upon ficustechnologies.com, and I’m in awe. The innovation showcased!