When You want to easily move Pages around in your TN

I am always looking for easier, quicker, more efficient ways to do things.  I wanted a way to occasionally move a running list around in my TN.  In my previous post I talked about this hack briefly but I thought I would take a minute and expand on it. I've taken the large 6 x 8 post it pads and trimmed them to the size of my TN.  (See picture of untrimmed red pad and trimmed blue pad).  For example I have lists for an upcoming training I am doing (pictured) and I will be referring to these lists a lot in the next few weeks.  These lists are from a spreadsheet and I've printed them and cut them down and glued them on to the post its.  As training gets closer I'll move them to my calendar pages.  For now they are living in my work insert.  I made 20150512_111038sure to buy the super sticky notes so I know they will stay (which they do).  Just another way to my my TN more user friendly.  20150512_110848 20150512_110858

Necessity is the Mother of Invention ~ 21 Hacks for your TN

I think we all agree with the title to this post.  One of the wonderful things about necessity is that it forces us to look at things from a different perspective as to solve a problem or create something we need that doesn't already exist.  crow-and-pitcherThat is where this list comes in – hacks.  Many of these hacks you probably already know if you are an old buffalo in the TN world but maybe some of you are new and these will help you hack your TN.   I pieced together, from my own ideas to many wonderful blogs out there, a selection that may make your planner world happier place.

  1. Double up your elastics for a tighter closure on your TN.  Need more elastics?  Check out this shop on Etsy. There are dozens of other shops and many TN shops also sell it.
  2. Cover a binder clip with washi, add leather and create a movable pen clip that can be a placeholder as well. I use one of mine to hold my place in my weekly calendar.
  3. Cut the large post-its tablet in to a TN size pad. I used an exacto knife and straight edge and made sure I purchased the super sticky notes.  Now you have movable pages in your TN.
  4. Fold a clear document sleeve in half for a clear pocket.
  5. Loop leather or cord through top strand elastic for a place marker, tie the ends with charms.
  6. Always check your favorite planner/supply shops and see if they have blogs or Instagram accounts.  Often they will have specials and giveaways that they will only advertise on them but not on their shop site.  Don't have an Instagram account?  It is very easy to set one up here.
  7. Use graph paper to make inserts, cut to size and use card stock for cover to make it more durable.
  8. Don’t have graph paper? Go to incompetech.com/graphpaper and print your own for free.
  9. Use templates and file folders to make TN folders. I like double stick tape as my adhesive.
  10. Cut file folders to use as covers for inserts, they are durable and come in a zillion designs.
  11. Make an ArtDori with Peerless watercolor sheets, water brush pens and watercolor paper.
  12. Take #10 size envelopes, cut various lengths and stack, using double stick tape for adhesive. Trim the base envelope to 8.5".  You have instant storage.  Use double stick tape to stick to the back inside of an insert.
  13. Use washi tape to section off Hobo style insert pages.
  14. Use a passport wallet for portable supply storage. Want a cute, inexpensive way to carry supplies?  Check out Forever 21’s makeup bags and brush wallets.
  15. Color code pages by edging them with different color washi’s.
  16. Try using a bullet or symbol system in your TN for your calendar, notes, to-do list. Linked is Ray Blake's FREEBIE!
  17. Put a note in the beginning of your book that you will give a reward if your TN is found and the way you would want someone to contact you if they found it.
  18. Create a mindmap when you need to brainstorm. They are fun to do, beautiful and function and functional.
  19. Create and keep a list of abbreviations in an insert that are specific to your family, life and work. Soon you will have your own shorthand.
  20. Use a binder clip as a pen holder this way.  Take off the wire parts to make it more streamline.
  21. Need tear-out sheets for some reason? Get a rotary perforator like this to make tear-out pages.  You can perforate the pages on the long edge, then in smaller sections horizontally.

If you have your own hacks...please share them in comments for everyone!

Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys....

Since becoming a serious "journaler" I've also become a serious collector of stickers, paper, any kind of ephemera that adds to my paper expressions.  Recently on one of my Facebook groups I am a member of, an Etsy shop owner, Victoria Werth offered a free download to a couple members who would show her work after downloading the journal cards.  I think it is important to promote each other and encourage each other in our passions so I requested a download.  Much to my happy surprise she had a set of digital journal cards with one of my favorite phrases on it!  The set I requested was the circus theme - pictured below, in two colors of card stock and with one card in my TN.  Her shop, Victoria Plans, has Disney, wedding, spring, 'no spend', different holidays, Harry Potter journal cards and a weekly insert.  Victoria can also be followed on Instagram at @victoriaplans. My fondness for digital downloads really boils down to being able to take papers, images, etc and use them over and over again.  While it's always fun to go in to the craft store and buy paper, when I find ones I love in a digital format at a great price, I will use them over and over in a variety of ways.  I am compiling a list of my favorite 'paid' digital download sites.  Keep watching for it....20150504_184331 20150504_184338 20150504_191547 20150504_191554 20150504_191601 20150504_191609 20150504_191618

My New Charm...I'm in love with my skull fairy

11039801_829879780421196_6818956350573133982_oThrough someone I met on Instagram I discovered an artist with a very unique aesthetic.  I love skulls, I'm not sure why, I don't associate them with death or sadness or anything negative.  Karen Kemp has taken the skull and combined it with wings to make what I call a 'skull fairy'.  When I saw them I was on a mission to own one.  The friend of Karen connected me with her and a couple weeks later I had my gold skull fairy.  I took two pictures of her, in different lighting, so you can see the details. She custom made this for me.  Karen has a big selection of 'skulls' and findings and can make you just want you are looking for...within reason :-D.  I'm not really hanging charms on my TN's much these days so I am wearing 20150425_184901mine on a chain, it's gotten quite a bit of attention too....Part of the attraction for me is the obvious contradiction between a skull and fairy wings.  She does have other colored skulls in case you aren't in to gold.  I sort of think my fairy was a lucky charm this morning as I had her on when my 24 year-old car passed state emissions testing!  If you are interested in commissioning a charm you can email Karen at prismaticpov@gmail.com.  You can also check out her F20150425_184843acebook page here.

30 Free Printables Resources for Your Planner plus 1

Who doesn't like the word free?  The community of planner lovers is a very generous and creative crowd, and because ofAll-in-One Color Printer this, there are plenty of free printables out there for every kind of planner.  I've compiled a list of 29 sites for printables - calendars, various inserts/pages, stickers - you name it.  Not all of these have TN specific printables but not everyone shares the love of elastics, some folks are hardcore ring fans and there are plenty of printables for ring planners too.  Have fun checking them all out! Jessicaswift,  LIttlehouseonthecircle,  Adayinthelifeandmind,                           Creativideeworkshop,  Cleanmama,

Mylifeallinoneplace - LOTS of fantastic freebies,   Morganlefaestrinkets - LOTS of amazing freebies,   Teamconfetti, Happiescrappie, Fabnfree

Daydesigner.....Try it….then buy it…,  Mswenduhh - LOTS of freebies and instructions on making your own printables,

Ipigtails - stickers,  Worldlabels - stickers,  Kaylaaimee - stickers,  Alphamom - stickers,  Homemadekraft - stickers,

Meinlilapark - stickers,  Repositionable sticker paper (for sale on Amazon),  Clever idea to make your own colored stickers without a printer….,

Breakitdawns,  Onceuponadragonfly,  Misstina,  Donnayoung,  Iheartplanners,  Scatteredsquirrel,  Graph paper,

Homemadekraft,  Thesecretowl,  Diyplanner,  Generatedpaper

28 MORE Uses for your Traveler's Notebook

  1. Keep track of all your planner supplies – washi samples on a page, stamp ink colors, catalog the pens you own etc
  2. Your relationship – things to work on, dates to go on
  3. New foods and restaurants you want to try, recipes for those new foods or tips on how to prepare them
  4. Warranty information on electronic, household items
  5. Your favorite sports team playing schedule, players info, fantasy league info20150308_081525
  6. Calligraphy, writing practice
  7. Couponing/sales at your favorite stores - also include hours of operation
  8. Start a genealogy/family tree insert
  9. Keep track of your knitting needles/crochet hooks – sizes, lengths…
  10. Sketch new quilt blocks
  11. List of favorite websites/etsy shops - what you order from them, what you want, discount codes
  12. Are you a geocacher? Use an insert just for that
  13. Are you a LARPER? Into cosplay?  Inserts for both of those to keep track of meet-ups, costumes, roles...
  14. Keep a diary of antiquing sites, what you gotten, what you are looking for
  15. Do you collect DVD’s/Blue Rays? My son-in-law does and you can easily keep a hard copy record so you don’t repeat a buy
  16. Use Peerless Watercolor sheets and waterbrush pens to make a custom palette and make an insert with watercolor paper to have a to-go art kit
  17. If you are a collector of any kind, use different inserts to catalog different collections
  18. Catalog yarn, embroidery floss, fabric – quantities, colors, brands
  19. Do you read the bible? Favorite scriptures that help you
  20. Do you invent things? Keep track of those projects
  21. Christmas lists – ongoing, bought, inspiration, wrapping paper stock, cards to send to who
  22. Lists of medications and dosages for each family member
  23. A list of things you own that you want to upcycle, donate, sell
  24. Plan and start a podcast of something you are really good at and enjoy doing
  25. Plan and start a planner club with friends
  26. Like to write and know lots about a lot of things?  Use an insert to plan and become a Wikipedia editor
  27. Create a list of weekly/monthly challenges for yourself and keep track of the ones you complete
  28. Create custom inserts and set up a shop on Etsy and SELL them for $$$$!

Free Templates from an Amazing TN Artist!

Does everyone know about Morgan Le Fae's Trinkets template dropbox?  She has a huge variety of templates that fit a wide range of planners - both TN and ringed.  She has one for 'tangle' samples that is very clever and useful.  It is a free template for an insert with 'zentangle' type samples you can do...it is AWESOME! In fact, all of the templates in her dropbox are free. I currently am using three of the inserts from the dropbox, a bullet journal called Random Quotes, the tangle insert, and the 365 Every Day Matters insert.  Check them out.  If you like creating your own inserts it is worth while to check out her blog.  She also has a Facebook group She doesn't know I'm posting this...her dropbox is Etsy Banner1such a generous and amazing resource I thought I would share in case you don't know about it....the picture is from her site.....

Review of the FabDori from BlissBagBoutique

I recently created a new resource list and included BlissBagBoutique in the list because she-Julia Schnee - makes theseil_570xN.755980523_7wpq amazing TN accessories pouch with exacting construction.  Pictured is a green one with yellow trim.  These fit a standard Dori. Well, Julia, appreciative of the shout out, sent me one of her lovely FabDoris.  I have three leather Dori's currently and was excited to get it and see how a cloth Dori measures up. I have to say I am very impressed.  Aside from the meticulous and beautiful construction, the FabDori is light as a feather.  My leather Dori's do get heavy when crammed full.  The one she sent me had two strands and I easily put four inserts in it with no over-hang and it is still light. 20150415_175558 The pen loop is stretchy elastic and fit my fat Cocoiro Letter Pen.  This is the Dori I will carry in my purse every day because it is so light, so adorable and colorful and so sturdy.  I am keeping my grocery list, household lists and an insert for my family stuff.  Another thing that I REALLY love is that somehow, Julia has gotten the elastic around the Dori SUPER sturdy and secure, way more secure than my three others...haven't quite figured that one out but I LOVE it 20150415_175613and if I over-filled it, everything will still stay super secure.  If you are on the fence about a cloth Dori, teeter over to BlissBagBoutique on Etsy.  The standard is a mere $24, a steal for the beautiful handcrafting and fun design.  The Bliss Brand Julia is creating is really lovely and I hope you will check out all of her products.  She also has a bag in her shop called the "Sew Together Bag" that has three interior zip pockets which would be ideal for planner supplies.  There is only one left in the shop right now!  Below is her intro from her shop: 20150415_175621

"Welcome to Bliss! I make colorful bags, pouches and wallets. I love to find the most colorful and modern cotton fabrics to create a piece of art that anyone would love to carry with them everyday. My bags and accessories will get you noticed and make you smile every time you carry them!  Follow me on instagram (jschnee23) for sneak peeks at new fabrics and bags I am working o20150415_175629n!"

My Odd use for an Insert

I have an insert in my field-note size TN that is strictly for weekends.  Weekends can be very hectic and sometimes duringSBC_mme-jb1038_020150327_085735 the course of the week, I can forget what I need to get done so I keep an insert that just has my weekend activities.  As the week progresses I add to it, including the fun things I might do with family, friends or my kids.  Yes, I have calendar inserts in my regular size TN but I don't always want to carry that one on the weekends and I don't necessarily want a calendar in my smaller one, so this was the perfect solution for me.  I do keep a month calendar in my smaller TN, it's the pictured one, which you can find here.  It doesn't add any bulk and I can move the sticker around if I need to. The most wonderful thing about TN's is that at any given moment you can change your TN to be exactly what you need it to be.  I have a place on my bookshelf for inserts that I need occasionally but not all the time.  That is really what makes my TN's so valuable to me.  As I said on my Instagram account, 'I loves them, I do!'

Want to Put Traveler's Notebook Inserts together Easier?

I just bought one of these....I can hardly wait to get it.  It's called Align and it is a stapler with a magnetic detachable base so_MG_2756-3a you can staple anything!  Shipping is dirt cheap.  I don't want to sew inserts together and stapling can be a pain, what a perfect solution.  You can find it here.

Send me a Message if You are a Vendor or Shop on Instagram.....

I am on my Instagram account several times a day and see such a huge benefit to it for vendors and craftspeople who areunnamed trying to promote their work. If you are a vendor or have a shop and would like your Instagram account listed on a post I am putting together about top 100 Instagram accounts for planner/office supply/midori lovers/addicts please send me a contact me with your info about your shop and your Instagram account name.  I would love to include your shop and promote it for you!  If you know of someone who doesn't read my blog but has a shop they would like included let them know and ask if they would like to be included in the list.

Coming: My 100th Follower Celebration Giveaway

My 100th Follower Celebration Giveaway is coming on Sunday, March 28.  It isn't a new car or a trip to the Bahamas or a new TN Cover (dang I know....) but it is a Nomadic Flap Type Pencil Bag18312 from JetPens crammed with goodies for your portable planner needs.  There are no complicated hoops to jump through to be eligible to be that random winner.  Just follow my blog and my Instagram account and POOF, you are entered! Quite a few people have messaged me and said they don't 'do' Instagram.  I didn't either, until I started my blog.  I'm really glad I started because I get more good ideas for my planner on Instagram than almost anywhere else AND I often learn on Instagram first about sales, discounts and new products of my favorite shops.  Think about it...not just to be entered to win but just for the fun of Instagram.  (Pencil case picture from JetPens.)

Portable Planner Tools I use Most

I carry a bag every day and keep pens, pencils, washi, stickers, paper and tools that I use most.  I have my favorite tools and I thought I would share them with you all.  First is a mini hole punch, mine is old and green and beat up but w20150321_131329orks great.  You can find one here.  Next would be standard issue whiteout tape.  My favorite is Oops! sold at Staples.  It never goes off track or bunches up.  I love the Tombow glue pen.  This glue pen looks like a a regular pen, same size and will glue the tiniest spot. These are actually hard to find in stores.  JetPens carries one here.  Once you use one, you won't want to be without it.  I always need a pair of scissors in my bag and for me the perfect ones are Sun-Star Stickyle Pen-Style Scissors.  Mine are pink but they come in six different colors here.  I also like having an X-acto knife but wanted something small and easy to carry so I keep this retractable blade in my bag as well.  Mine is black and the size of a pen.  I always keep a Sharpie brand pen in my bag for writing on Washi or other surfaces of stickers etc that I can't use other pens on.  I like my stainless steel one because it is refillable.  I've had it over a year and haven't refilled it yet.  I also keep an Avery Glue Pen in my bag.  It has a broad end for larger gluing jobs and sticks much better than traditional glue sticks.  I have used Scotch brand double-stick tape for years.  I always keep a roll in my bag as well.  For all my erasing needs I keep an Ain 'dust gathering' eraser in my bag.  It leaves larger eraser bits and is easier to clean up.  It also erases cleanly.  I typically use Blackwing Pearl wooden pencils and so keep a pencil sharpener in my bag.  My sharpener of choice is the famous Ratchetta.  Found at JetPens mine is pink.  It sharpens two ways and doesn't break the lead when sharpening....best pencil sharpener I think.  I keep a Midori Multi Ruler in my bag.  I probably use this at least three or four times a week.  It is sturdy, cute, and comes in three colors.  It measures in cm, which is nice because most things Traveler Notebook seem to be in cm.  Last but not least is my container of clips, paper clips, circle clips, classic clips, Midori clips....so there you have it.  Nothing fancy but at any time, I can reach in my bag and have, at my finger tips, just about any tool I need for my TN.

Jet Pens Nomadic WT-18 Wise Walker Toto Bag and my current everyday bag...

I am an unapologetic bag addict and this is one I lust after.  The Nomadic WT-18 has lots of pockets for all your planner 38406goodies you need to take with you on the road.  It has a cool light blue interior and it is an excellent size, just right at appx 13 x 11 x 4.  You can access supplies without going in to the actual main compartment which is nice.  It has a cross shoulder strap and handles as well.  The bag comes in gray, black and tan.  At $80 it isn't cheap but the quality and workmanship ensures you are going to get the most bang for your buck!  You can find it right here. My current every day bag is a vintage bag from Etsy.  It was in perfect shape when I purchased it.  It just so happened to be the same width as my TN's and has worked out perfectly for carrying all of my supplies as well.  20150320_11195320150320_112453

Top 10 Part 1: My Top 10 Washi Sampler Shops on Etsy

This is the first in a long list of 'top ten' of everything Traveler Notebook....In the world of Traveler’s 20150214_122233Notebooks there are two kinds of people, those who like simplicity and minimalism and those who like color, busy, lots of details….and may cram ten inserts in to a cover with two elastics….you know the type…I’m the second type and one thing I LOVE is washi tape.  Washi tape is essentially rice paper with adhesive on the back and the tape is repositionable which I like.  It is an easy, fun way to add color and detail to insert pages, covers, etc. 40,768, that is the number of hits if you search washi tape on Etsy…my go-to place for it.  I decided to search for my pick of top ten shops that sell washi samplers (and other things)…more on that in a minute.  It is problematic to carry around washi tape in spools or rolls.  I have two cardboard pieces with my favorite washi’s rolled on them and I keep them in my bag.  I think most people who like to have portable supplies go this route.  Washi can be expensive when you start adding it up, so a really convenient way to accumulate different tapes is to purchase samplers.  I searched the Etsy shops.  The shops that made the list have nice variations of samplers, and shipping charges aren’t how they are trying to make their money (you know what I mean).  There are lots and lots of shops that sell washi, I barely scratched the surface and I know this.  If you have a favorite please list it in the comments..share your favorite with everyone else!  There are also three honorable mentions..so ok I guess this is top 13, but 13 is my lucky number.  :-)

  1. MechaKucha808 – lots of tapes, lots of happy customers and having a sale right now
  2. Shekphoebe - LOTS of washi, nice samplers but not in their own category...and lots of other nice goodies
  3. Letswashi - nice samplers here
  4. Washiwoman - little shop but really nice samplers of washi
  5. Hellowashi - nice samplers here too
  6. ThePaperCage - cute samplers, inexpensive too
  7. TheECPlannerKitLady - really nice samplers...and other goodies
  8. PlannerKate1 - her samplers are beautifully laid out in her shop
  9. Pikwahchan – Over 600 different  washi , some I’ve never seen anywhere else, every purchase gets a gift…not the least expensive shipping but worth it I think....
  10. TheLovelyDesk – some very unique tapes, again some I've never seen....

HONORABLE MENTION -

PrettyandColourful - small shop from the Czech Republic, shipping is good and her shop is exactly the title..eye candy and beautiful!

Kellectables21 - tiny new shop on Etsy, very responsive vendor, give her some love ladies..and gents....

HazelGraybySJ - I really like how she packages her samplers...she definitely has a brand signature

Big Giveaway!!!

My little blog has reached 100 followers and so we are having our next giveaway.  Because I'm a baby blog jus18312t starting out I can't give away Instagram Cameras and TN Covers...but one day....I just love giving stuff away.  This giveaway will consist of this Nomadic Flap Type Pencil Case in Red, crammed with pens, pencils, stickers, washi, and other assorted surprises for all your portable TN needs.  How do you enter?  You need to be following my blog and my Instagram both and you will be automatically entered...that's it!  The drawing of one random follower will be Sunday, March 29.  I'm looking forward to giving it all away!  Thank you for following my blog and sharing my passion for TN's.  (Photo is from JetPens where I purchased the pencil case)

Store Review - Buteo Bunker

This morning I am having internet problems and am sitting at a Starbucks cafe to post.  Internet problems are never fun and for someone who is somewhat technically challenged it's an even bigger problem.  I am supposed to be at home, sil_fullxfull.664045448_feabcreen sharing with my son in Los Angeles who is going to help me with Google analytics and working on increasing traffic to my blog and getting my blog out in 'internet land'.  Instead here I am, on a public network, feeling very naked and exposed. So this internet problem and my technical challenges brought me to decide to spotlight a shop on Etsy that I love...Buteo Bunker.  Buteo Bunker sells covers, printables and inserts.  I have bought printable graph, line and dot inserts.  Now I am technically challenged but pretty good at printing and for the life of me, I could not print the file double sided.  I was frustrated. I messaged the shop and got a reply and resolution instantly.  He went above and beyond to help me resolve my issue. I've since given his exact printing advice to others having the same issue with other printables from other shops. The shop also sells covers.  I haven't purchased one, however, all the reviews I've read of his covers, there was only love.  In this day and age, for me personally, customer service is huge....enormous.  If a shop has good customer service and response time, I'm all in, because they care enough about each customer to respond and fix any issue.  My daughter has recently purchased her first cover and is going to use Buteo Bunker printable paper.

If you are looking for a shop that stands by his products, responds quickly, and cares about the customers, check it out.  I promise you will not be disappointed.  If you have a Buteo Bunker cover please let me know in comments how you like it. You can also search YouTube for videos on the covers!

Tomorrow morning I will be announcing the big giveaway winner and reviewing MarsiaBramucci's All-In-One insert   that I love!