Introducing, Frankenplanner!

It is no secret that I like things organized. I used to alphabetize all my CDs, when CDs were a thing. Now I have my books sorted according to genre, then alphabetized. I keep my knitting patterns in binders (inside plastic sleeves), sorted by the type of garment or accessory. Because that's who I am.

When I redesigned this blog, I decided it was a good idea for me to redesign how I looked at it, too. Usually I write posts when I'm inspired...and that's inconsistent at best. So I thought I'd make a planner, so I could try for some sort of consistency.

I looked around for planners for bloggers. They are out there. Here's the thing: I don't really care about monetizing. I'd like to be one of those people. I'd love to launch a business based on me sitting around in my pajamas eating pulled pork barbecue in bed, but that isn't really who I am. Someday I might work more on this, but not today. Most planners for bloggers--free and pay-to-download versions--are set up to record pageviews, money earned, and so forth. I write this blog because I love to write. If you guys enjoy reading it, I consider that a win. If I make you guys laugh, the Blogger stat counter can't record that. It would be nice if it could, but I think it would also be pretty creepy.

The Goal: A well-designed planner, on the cheap. 

Three-Ringed Binder: Target (Only in stores). $3.00. It is floral and pretty, and did I mention how it was only $3.00?
Pencil Bag. Target (Only in stores). Free to me. Mum found a matching pencil bag that fit inside, to hold my pen, washi tape, post-its, or whatever else I think needs to stay inside. She surprised me with it. She is awesome.
Pen, Printer Paper, Cardstock: All gathered from stashes inside the house. 

Total cost of project: $3.00

I needed, I thought, a monthly view as well as each week broken down so I could write notes and clearly map out everything. I also wanted blank pages (or near-blank) to scribble down anything that might inspire.

Sadly, none of those things existed in one FREE template. I wanted free.

I was forced to create a Frankenplanner.

I found the 2014 calendar here on Love Vs. Design. The calendar is free. There's also a store, and tons of other freebies, but I tried to stay focused today, so I didn't do too much exploring.

I found the portrait-oriented monthly calendar pages, designed by Lia Griffith here on her website. You can download the calendar here. The month headers are made to look like chalkboard signs, which I love. You can also edit the pages, meaning you can type out birthdays, anniversaries, or any other important date. She also provides a link to the font she used so your additions fit right in! I'm going to check back in 2015 to see what she does next.

For fancy pages focused on each week, I went to Remaking June and printed out enough to last me for the remainder of 2014. I only used her "The Week Of" page.

I also found pages for inspiration, I think these were intended for lesson plans, here on The Handmade Home. I didn't use the whole 2014 planner, but you could do so if you don't mind having to turn your binder to the side for the monthly calendar view. I think I'll use her 2015 planner (which you can get already).

I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. The next few months will serve as a test period to see if I actually use Frankenplanner. I tend to get planners and fail to use them. Wish me luck.