After a long (much needed) vacation, I’ve finally begun to upload videos to YouTube again and this first one is a Plan with Me update. The planner I work on is a part of my collaboration with The Happy Planner for their Be Happy Box. My intention was to share how I caught up on the blank spaces in my planner while we were out of town for 3 weeks. I really enjoyed making the video and hanging out with my family as I worked. Of course, you should go watch it and feel creative and inspired. If you can’t watch it immediately or you’re saving it for when you have some time to really sit down with your own planner and work while you watch, here are 3 takeaways from the video you can use right now!
Be a Maximalist. Don’t be afraid to fill up blank spaces. I used to feel discouraged when I’d look back over a week and see so many blank spaces in my planners and journals. To me, they represented failures to log my days “properly.” Now, I get excited when I see them because I realized they’re actually opportunities to add beautiful embellishments and flourishes. Those empty spaces are a blessing in disguise. If you want to be more “true” to the past, you can always journal a little about your experiences in colorful pens or markers to add your own personal touch.
Add dimension. Try out multiple media for a multi-dimensional look and feel. Don’t hold back. You can add stamps, watercolors, stickers, die cuts and washi tape in layers to create the perfect multi-layered masterpiece. The benefit to working through things in layers is that you can always cover up something you don’t like with a sticker or a die. Just remember that if you’re stamping or using watercolors you need to allow everything to dry carefully before you move on to your next layer. While you wait, you can always work on another page or project.
Time-saving supplies. Use tools that make it easy and exciting to try for the layout of your dreams. I was so excited to try out The Happy Planner’s box punch for this photo, I couldn’t resist sharing while I worked. If you didn’t see on my Instagram Stories, no worries, I included it in the video. It isn’t just using that specific box punch– although it really is great. Use supplies that get you excited. As a child, I loved going into craft supply stores and seeing all the amazing options. Whether it’s your favorite tape runner, a printer that connects wirelessly to your phone, or a pair of scissors sharp enough to cut cardstock in a single long satisfying swipe, use it! Those supplies can make all the difference in your creative practice.
I share 5 awesome tips in the video, so be sure to watch on Youtube to see the final two. Whether you just had time for this blog post, or you were able to see the video as well, I hope you feel inspired to continue in your own creative pursuits. Be sure to reach out on social media. I know I’ve been talking about this for a while now, but if I do decide to schedule videos more regularly, what day should I upload? Let me know! I always love to hear back from you all.