Christmas Planner

Last year at Christmas, I remember seeing Christmas Planners made from file folders on several blogs. I thought they were really neat but never took the time to make one until now. So here's my version:

I purchased this patterned paper at Hobby Lobby. It's from the "Out & About" line by My Mind's Eye. As you can see, it's not really traditional Christmas colors but I still like it for this project. The ribbon is American Crafts Elements (which coordinates with the papers quite well I thought!) and I used Palette Burnt Umber ink. The title was stamped using the Simple-bet stamp set by The Angel Company.

Here's the inside. I used a regular 8 1/2" x 11 manilla file folder to make this planner. I used my Scor-Pal to score at 8" from the top and folded the bottom section up to create the inside pockets. Then I scored each side of the folder in half. The front of the folder (with no tab) was scored at 4 1/4" from the center and the back of the folder (with the tab) was scored at 4 1/2" from the center. So two of the pockets are 1/4" wider than the other two.

I adhered patterned paper to each section and solid cardstock to the front of each pocket. I just measured the file folder sections and deducted 1/4" from each number to cut my pieces.

One of my favorite sites right now is Organized Christmas. They have some awesome printable forms in .pdf format for Christmas Planners. You can find them HERE. They all have 3 lists per page. For some categories, that will be enough (trim them apart to have 3 lists) and for other categories (like Christmas Cards), you made need to print more than one sheet. I highly recommend them - all the work is done for you!

The Organized Christmas site also has a few different variations of Christmas Planners HERE with links to instructions.

Here's the first inside pocket. My list in this pocket is for "Stocking Stuffers". As I mentioned before, the forms are printed 3 lists to a page, so I trimmed each list down to to 7 1/4" by 3" and attached all 3 of them with brads to a piece of 7 1/2" x 3 1/4" Bazzill cardstock. The reason I used brads is so that I can easily take the lists off and print new lists to attach for next year's planning.

Here's a close-up of the image on this pocket. The stamp is by Studio G. I used my Giga and Mega Scalloped Oval punches. The background swirl is an image from the Spring Dream stamp set by The Angel Company. I stamped this background on every pocket.

Also, you can see the 3 white flower eyelets. I added 3 to the pocket and 3 to the front of the folder. Then tied the pocket together with ribbon to hold it closed on the side. (See picture #1 for the front view).

In pocket #2, I have "Gift List" and "Menu".

The stocking is a retired image by The Angel Company. I colored it with BIC Mark-it markers and used my Giga and Mega Scalloped Circle punches.

In the third pocket, I have "Shopping List" and also a "Receipts" pocket.

The Receipts pocket was simply made from an envelope (3 5/8" x 6 1/2" size). I sealed the flap, trimmed about 1/4" off one end so there is an opening, covered one side of it with patterned paper, and used a 1" circle punch to make a notch at the top. I used the Simple-bet stamp set by The Angel Company and the Fiskars Threading Water Punch here also.

Here's a view of the image on pocket #3. It's also a retired TAC image, colored with BIC Mark-it markers, and mounted on Mega and Giga Scalloped circles.

Pocket #4 contains a "Christmas Cards" list. I printed more than one sheet of this one! The sentiment on the file tab is by Stampin Up.

Another retired TAC image was used on this pocket as well as the Giga and Mega Scalloped oval punches.

Last but not least, here is the back of my Christmas Planner.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed looking at my latest project. If you make one, I would love to see it! Leave me a comment with a link!

Have a wonderful day! Tootles!


27 comments:

tracey said...

this is so gorgeous and would make a great gift

Anonymous said...

WOW this is so cool! I love this idea!

wendy peatross said...

This is such a neat idea. I can't wait to make one.

MaryNSC said...

O MY GOODNESS O MY GOODENSS..I have got to try this THANK U!!

Tami Bayer said...

This is fab-u-lous! Thanks for taking the time to go through it step by step.

paper bag create said...

Love the snowman stamped image!!! Any idea how I might be able find this stamp? TIA!

Sarah said...

I've been meaning to try one of these. Yours looks great!!

Sarah G.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! I love your projects. You are such an inspiration!

Alyson
TAC Demo
Sugar Hill, GA

suzann said...

awesome idea vicki, may have to use this one for my cookie swap party...thanks again

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely awesome! You are going to be so organized this holiday season!! :)

nic_d said...

Great job! This is a fantastic idea. I always lose my receipts! This might actually help me!

Shazza said...

this is amazing vicki and I love those papers
x

Laurie Unger said...

Vicki - This rocks!! Awesome job and thanks for sharing how to's and the links!!!

Angela K said...

Everything you make is just beautiful! TFS!

Debbie said...

Vicki, this is adorable. I have a feeling I'll be making a few of these this year. Thanks for the tutorial.

Chelsea said...

I love this planner of yours Vicki!!! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing--had seen these, but with these detailed instructions!!! I have to make one this weekend.

I even thought you can maybe use one for bday reminders!!

Call Me Crafty Al said...

this is fabulous! thanks so much for the pictures and instructions.

Photo Gal Jan said...

Wow, what an awesome planner! You put alot of planning into this project. Love the papers!!!

Angel Hugs,
Janet

Bridgett Owens said...

I am eager to make one of these. I have had it on my TO DO list for a few weeks now....maybe I will just have to make me one for next year...sigh...LOL
Hugs,
Bridgett

Anonymous said...

I am going to staple the calendars together and put some cardtock over the top. I am going to also use my perforated cutter on the top so they can tear off the month after it is over. I also made Oct-Dec for 2009--incase I give them in late nov or dec--they will have it for next year also!!!

Anne Marie Peterson said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Vicki! I love this idea!! You have a fantastic blog!!
Hugs,
Anne Marie
http://didsomeonesaystamp.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing this tutorial. I love the look of this.

Anonymous said...

Very nice but how long did it take you to make that? I'd guess hours.

scraphappysue said...

I absolutely love, love, LOVE this!! I made one and gave it to my daughter-in-law. Now I am making myself one! And then, MORE for friends!!! Thanks you so very much!!! :)

dragonflydreamer said...

I love your planner! I really like the colors and your attention to detail is great.

laura said...

It's such a cute idea! I'll be making some this year for my mom and friends. I know they'll love it, as do I!

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