Freebie Friday // Printable Buffalo Plaid Mini Happy Planner Cover

Oh my goodness you guys...the holiday season is heeerrrreee! Who has their tree up?  Who has lights up?  Who is wearing holiday leggings?  I am only doing the last one because I am waiting for Zach to come home to start decking the halls!  However, as soon as set down my last piece of pumpkin pie I started to deck my planner!

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

I have for you today a free printable Mini Happy Planner cover!  This guy is in a PNG format so you know what that means....it is ready to print then cut with your Cricut Explore!  Don't have a Cricut Explore yet? Better get to asking Santa! (Oh! There is a new Cricut Machine that does print & cut AND so much more.  It is the Cricut Maker!)  This cover is perfect for the current season.  I mean buffalo plaid is all the rage.

On the week of Thanksgiving, I posted in the Cricut Ready Stickers Group on Facebook how to make your own buffalo plaid prints using an oldie-but-a-goodie website/tool : a tartan maker.  I've been using this site for ages (I even mentioned it in this post!) and love to go back to it when I need simple tartan/plaid pattern.  So easy!  And you can import these patterns right into Cricut Design Space too.  Learn how to do that in this video over on the YouTube channel.

DOWNLOAD THE BUFFALO PLAID PLANNER COVER HERE

As with all the free downloads on the blog, these are free for personal use.  Do not sell the final product or the file.  Do not distribute in mass quantities, and do not claim any part of this as your own.  If you want to share or Pin this project, please pin the blog post and not the file itself.  I appreciate everyone playing nice!

When you download this guy, be sure to size it to be 7.5 inches tall.  Keep the proportions locked and the width should auto populate.  To fit this guy on my happy planner in my Recollections binder that I deconstructed I did have to trim a bit off of the right side.  Then I rounded the corners with my corner chomper.  So if you're using approved Happy Planner deluxe covers (the little binder style guys) you won't have to trim this.  Additionally, you can see this post for how I laminate & then cut the planner covers with the Cricut Explore.

Happy Holidays & Happy Planning!

ps. find the coffee cup girl & December calendar printable die cuts in my shop and find the Christmas tree coffee mug on my Patreon page for $1 and up patrons!

Make it Monday // DIY Traveler's Notebook from Scrapbook Paper

This past lunar cycle journaling has become my go to creative & self care outlet.  I love to sit and reflect, I love to decorate, and I love to see my page evolve!  In fact, over on the Printable of the Month Club on my Patreon page I shared a printable insert designed for a standard size traveler's notebook!  This has been the size I've been using recently and I love it.  It is perfectly portable but big enough to really feel like I'm getting some where. 

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Today I want to share with you my take on this video tutorial on making your own traveler's notebook.  When I found this video, my mind was blown!  I couldn't believe she was able to make her own notebook!  There's even a tutorial on the popular B6 size now.  Not sure if I'm down for that size yet...but that's an option.  I've even created a cut file for you to use with a beautiful cut out in the front!  Let's jump in.

supplies // scrapbook paper, 3 mil laminating sheets, laminator, Cricut Explore, elastic, scoring tool, bone folder, scissors,  crop-a-dile big bite, planner charms (optional), adhesive pouch (optional), pocket page inserts (optional)

Start by choosing the scrapbook paper that you like.  You can create coordinating inserts by using a full paper collection or mix & match to your hearts content.  Double sided scrapbook paper works great for this project but I chose the Wildflower paper pad from American Crafts that I had in my stash.  This pad had some cut-a-parts which would be great to create a cohesive look.

Upload the SVG images to Cricut Design space.  Each file has a different sizing so make sure you size it properly - size the pink notebook cut file to be 10.5 inches wide, size the blue folder cut file to be 9.5 inches wide, size the yellow rectangle cut file to be 8.25 inches high.  Keep the proportions locked so that when you size one side, the other automatically sizes properly.  This part is also important - set all of the black lines to score.  Select the elements of each file & click attach.  This will make sure the score lines stay with the correct group.  Select Make It in the top right.  Place your scrapbook paper on your mat & let the machine cut it out.

Heat up your laminating machine and place the notebook template just cut by the Cricut Explore into the 3 mil pouch.  Put it through the laminator a few times until it is sealed.  You'll noticed I didn't to my standard 'laminate first then have the Cricut cut' because I like the look of the lamination on this project!

DOWNLOAD THE CUT FILES HERE!

Remember, the printables & files offered on the blog are for personal use only.  Do not pass this cut file or resulting project off as your own.  This project is not for commercial use.  As always, thank you for playing nice!

Trim down the laminated cover.  Be sure to leave a small outline of the laminate around the book.  Don't cut down to the edge of the paper.  Using the Crop-a-dile, repunch the holes in the spine.  The big bite is the best for this because you will be able to reach the center hole for the elastic that goes around the notebook.  Next, gently rescore the scorelines using your scoring tool ensure they are easy to fold.  Fold up the project and use the bone folder to crease the fold.

To thread the elastic into the notebook follow these instructions.  If you read slowly and thread with out distractions...you should be good to go!

Starting from the inside of the notebook, thread the elastic through hole 1 to the front of the notebook.  Thread the elastic from the outside of the notebook to the inside through hole 2.  Thread the elastic from the inside of the notebook through hole 3 to the outside of the notebook.  Thread the elastic from the outside of the notebook through hole 4 into the inside of the notebook.  Thread the elastic from the inside of the notebook through hole 5 to the outside of the notebook.  Thread the elastic from the outside of the notebook to the inside of the notebook through hole 6.  Thread the elastic from the inside of the notebook through hole 7 to the outside of the notebook.  Thread the elastic from the outside of the notebook through hole 8 to the inside of the notebook  And you're done!  You can now tie a knot.  Make sure that the elastics aren't too tight.  This may take a little bit of adjusting, so just fidget with it and be patient!

Now add the center elastic that binds the whole book together.  Cut a length of elastic and thread the two ends through the center hole from the outside of the notebook.  Measure it against the side of the notebook then tie a double knot so that the knot doesn't slip back through the hole.

Assemble the folder using the bone folder to crease each fold.  Glue the flaps down.  I use binder clips to keep the folder together while the glue dries.  I tend to use a corner rounder to make notches in the fold of the folder to better sit on the elastic.  But that is personal preference!

To create a mini dashboard or photo pocket, trim the binding off of a pocket page and fold it over.  Use the bone folder to crease the edges.

The final little embellishment is a little pocket on the inside back cover.  If you hoarded the Target Dollar Spot adhesive pockets, now is the time to bust them out!  Works perfectly!

You can make your own notebooks if you feel so bold - that's why the rectangle cut file was included!  As I mentioned above, if you're a part of the Patreon Printable of the Month Club you get access to an awesome planner insert!  I'm using mine for memory keeping.  If you'd like to join the Printable of the Month Club, it is only $3/month and as long as you're a patron you'll get access to an ever growing library of printables!!  Join here!

So, you can bind your own notebooks with this tutorial if you'd like or just staple them.  I don't own a long arm stapler, but I need one!  This traveler's notebook will fit any standard size notebook inserts so you don't have to bind your own.  The best part of this guy, though, is the wild & free cut out that shows the pattern on your first notebook!  I love it!  Here's how the book looks all put together:

Phew.....that was a long one!! But I hope it was helpful! I am going to make a thousand of these!  This is a great way to work through your paper pad stash too.

As always, I can't wait to see what you make!  Be sure to join the Cricut Ready Stickers group on Facebook to get your Cricut on and join the Five Sixteenths Blog | Live Creative group on Facebook to get your creative inspiration on!

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // 3 Autumn Mini Happy Planner Covers

It is so chilly up here that I just know snow is going to fall before I'm completely ready.  Everyone else I know is down south still wearing shorts and flip flops.  I've fully busted out the boots, hoodies, and fall candles!  So it is only fitting that I dress up my planner for Fall!!

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

One of the things I wish MAMBI would do is release a ridiculous amount of deluxe covers for the Mini Happy Planner.  I've debated on painting a few of mine just to have the diversity I want.  I have yet to take the plunge into taking the rings out of a six ring binder.  I almost tried this weekend but I chickened out!  So now I'm just using the gold deluxe cover for fall and a brand new snap in cover!! Below are three covers for you to cut with your Cricut Explore, so enjoy!

supplies // printable covers, printer, regular printer paper, Cricut Explore, 5mil laminating pouches, Cricut mat

Circut has recently updated their print then cut area to be 6.75 inches by 9.25 inches.  This update also changed the registration marks so my previous way of laminating then cutting no longer works.  After a ton of trial and error trimming my laminating pouches I found that my Cricut was able to read the registration marks even if they work laminated!  Queue the celebration!

So, open the desired back image and print that on your regular printer paper.  What I tend to use is 28lb paper.  It is slightly thicker but not as thick as card stock and that really makes the cover stand up to wear and tear more.  Upload the desired cover image to a new canvas in Cricut Design space.  There is no clean up needed so just follow the steps and save as a print then cut image.  Add this new image to your canvas, size the height to be 7.5 inches.  If the proportions are locked then the width will auto adjust.  Select Make It in the upper right hand corner, then send your project to your printer.

You can now access your printer's advanced settings in order to set the print quality.  From the pop up after selecting Sent to Printer, click on Advanced Settings.  Now you can select the paper type, any saved print settings, etc.  Print the image on the reverse side of the page you just printed.

Place the printed page into a 5mil laminating sleeve and feed through your laminator.  I find that 5 mil over regular printer paper holds up enough through wear at tear and a regular laminator gets hot enough to create a good bond to the paper.  If you try to laminate card stock with a regular old laminator it won't get hot enough to form a strong bond and the lamination will start to peel back from the paper.  That's not good!

If you're mat is not sticky enough you may need to use some washi tape to hold it down.  Feed it into your Cricut Explore and choose the proper setting.  I use Poster Board + and cut the project three times.  Once it reads the marks & cuts once I press the Cricut button on the machine another time to cut it again.  Then, after that cut, I press the Cricut button a final time.  This only reads the registration marks once and you don't have to unload & reload the mat.  It is super helpful!

DOWNLOAD THE COVER IMAGES HERE!

If you find your machine won't read the marks, try to cut in complete darkness or as close to it as you can.  I cut these guys multiple times in this experiment and it worked all 5+ times.  So hopefully it works for you!

The corners of these covers are square but if you'd like them rounded just use a corner rounder.  Obviously its easier to make the file with square corners and trim if you'd like than to do it the other way around!

I hope you enjoy these covers and that you're enjoying the Fall weather if it's getting chilly where you are!!

Want even more Cricut Explore DIYs?  Click here!

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // 8 Planner DIYs for Back to School

It is time to go back to school!!! Many probably have already started, some are starting in the next few weeks, and some may start after Labor Day...either way, it's time to get some learning on.  When I was younger, our elementary, middle, & high schools didn't go back until after Labor Day.  We went back to college around this time each year though.  Move in day was always my favorite and least favorite time.  You get to see your friends....but you have to move all of your stuff!

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Then you've got that first week or two where you're not quite into doing homework yet and you've still got a bit of the summer brain going.  Man, those were the days.

I have zero kids..so no one I know is really going back to school.  But I still thought it'd be a perfect time to share some planner DIY's to get in you in the school spirit.  The projects use a lot of my favorite tools, two being PicMonkey and the Cricut Explore.  I hope that you have a ball making somethings to get you organized & off to the right start!

Print Your Own Sticky Notes

This is super helpful if you have quite a few repeating tasks but you need to move them around in your planner.  It's also great if you just like to customize and create things!  I love making my own sticky notes!

Stylish Class Schedule with PicMonkey

Go back to school in style!  This DIY is inspired by the Target Dollar Spot weekly notepads.  You can punch this into any planner.  It is designed for a personal size but you can add it to any planner you choose.  Since the original post though, Pic Monkey has added in a grid option.  That means aligning your designs is easier than ever.

Stamped Habit Tracker

If you love the look of stamps but really can't be bothered to whip them out every week, you can create your own weekly habit tracker.  It can even be customized with other stamps.  Learn how to save money on planner stamps here + find my planner stamping playlist on YouTube here.

DIY Planner Stamp Hack

Speaking of planner stamps - if you don't want to dish out the dough for expensive photo-polymer stamps you can DIY your own with some small alpha stamps and washi tape.  These are easy to store and affordable to make!

Custom Clip in Tabs for the Happy Planner

Have something you really don't want to punch but would like to add it to your Happy Planner?  Or maybe you don't have a Happy Planner punch yet...make your own custom clip in tabs with scrapbook paper & your Cricut Explore.

Design a Planner Dashboard with the Rhonna Designs App

The Rhonna Designs app is one of my favorite apps to play with.  It is constantly updated with new overlays, sayings, and textures to help you create the digital design of your dreams.  Use some planner girl inspired images to create a fun planner dashboard.  Customize with your name and you're the real winner here.

Happy Planner Bookmarks + Cricut Cut File

Creating clip in tabs for your planner using the Cricut isn't the only DIY I've got for you - make some awesome bookmarks too.  Mark your place in style and even store your washi where it won't be in the way.  Check out all the Cricut Explore DIYs here.

DIY Shaped Paper Clips

Keeping your papers in order doesn't have to be boring.  Use some pliers and craft wire to make your own shaped clips.  Sometimes they come out perfect and sometimes they give you a laugh!

I hope that you're having fun going back to school and it's not too stressful for you.  DIYing your own supplies is half the fun of the new year.  Gives your stuff a personalized look and you feel like you've got a little bit of home right where you want it.

Have you or anyone in your family started school yet?  What have you DIYed for your school year?

xoxo, Moe

Free Sticker Friday // I Love the 80's Mini Kit

When I was younger my sister, brother, & I used to watch Saved by the Bell nearly every morning during breakfast.  I mean Kelly Kapowski is still a style icon of mine and literally the reason I love LuLaRoe because of the amazing 80's inspired patterns.  I mean, I still tie my Carly dresses into knots...I'm so down with that.  I'm not sure if the 80's are making a comeback, but I'm bringing it back with my clothes and with this mini kit.  I was born in the late 80's and was only 3 when the decade was over.

I still have nostalgia for a lot of retro things - like give me an avacodo colored kitchen from the 70's any day of the week and I'll also take an 80's poofy prom dress please.  Being a person that loves a really good thrift store, retro holds a big piece of my heart.

DOWNLOAD I LOVE THE 80'S KIT HERE

In this download you'll find PNG files to cut with your Cricut Explore, studio files to cut with your Silhouette Cameo or Portrait, as well as a PDF to cut by hand (though this tool is pretty neat).  There are also two skin tones to choose from - both 80's ladies have blue hair, pink shirt, and amazing purple eyeshadow.  Remember to size the files to 5.5 x 8 inches in Cricut Design Space.

Remember, all printable files on the blog are for personal use only.  Do not claim any part of the design as your own.  Do not sell the digital file or sell the printed product.  Do not print and distribute in mass quantities.  As always, thank you for playing nice.

If you're planning an 80's themed party or just want to throw it back a few decades, this kit is perfect.  I like to use these smaller kits in my Memory Planner since I combine a bunch of different kits, leftovers, and decorative stickers together.  But this is also perfect to use in something like the Mini Happy Planner.  Make sure you check out my YouTube channel for fun plan with me videos!

Shop Related Products on Amazon!

If you want a quick lesson on how to cut the stickers posted on the blog (and the Cricut Ready Planner Sticker Group) with your Cricut Explore, check out this video.  You can also learn to design your own stickers - check this playlist for tips!

Do you have a decade of style you love?  How do you throw it back?

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // Mini Happy Planner Cover with Cricut Explore

Summer is nearly here!! Who's excited for the Summer solstice?  This girl is! I seriously can not wait to spend more mornings, days, & evenings on my porch.  Plus I can't wait for cool dips in the water & delicious summer time drinks.  (Lemonade is my favorite so you know I've got two of my favorite recipes here.)

this post contains affiliate links, please see my full disclosure here.

If you're a creative planner girl, I'm sure you love to style your planners for different seasons, holidays, and themes.  Styling my planner as my mood or as the seasons change is a relaxing an creative process for me.  Gathering up some of my die cuts, scrapbook paper, paper clips, and Project Life supplies and creating a cohesive vignette is a simple way to burn some creative energy!  Until now, I've only had the Mini Happy Planner covers that are already in existence.  But using InkScape and my Cricut Explore I've now got 3 summer themed planner covers - and I want to share them with you!

Shop Supplies on Amazon!

supplies :: Cricut Explore, printer, 5 mil lamination pouches, printer paper, laminating machine regular Cricut blade, green Cricut mat, printable covers

This is a print then cut project so you'll need to upload the cover of your choice to Cricut Design Space and size the height to 7.5 inches.  Select Go, and print the cover on to your chosen printer paper.  I use 32lb paper because it's a little bit sturdier but not as thick as cardstock.

Open the corresponding back file on your computer and print this image on the back of the cover page.  Be sure you're using the highest print quality for a vibrant print!  If you're unsure how to print back to front on your printer, you may want to do a google search for your specific printer.  For my printer, I place the printed page face up and the second image is printed on the reverse side.

Next, laminate the printed page similarly to this tutorial, lining up and cutting out notches so that the registration marks aren't covered by the lamination.  I've found that cutting far, far, far from the registration marks gives the most success!

Place the laminated page onto the Cricut mat.  Set the dial to Poster Board + then cut the project following the prompts on your computer screen.  You may find that one pass under this setting is not enough, simply press the flashing Cricut button again after the first cut is completed.  This will run the mat through the cutting process again to ensure the cover is completely cut from the page.  I've found that 3 passes is just right.  You can create a custom material setting - but I'm lazy!

The best part about having the corresponding back pattern is that the cover looks great from both angles!  And you can use it as a dashboard for sticky notes or just look at how professional your creation is!

DOWNLOAD MINI HAPPY PLANNER COVER FILES HERE

Remember, all files downloaded from the blog are for personal use only.  Do not distribute the files or the finished product.  Do not claim any part of this file as your own.  Do not print and disseminate in mass quantities.  If you'd like to share this project with others, please link to or Pin this post.  As always, thank you for playing nice.

Now pop your cover onto your Mini Happy Planner!  I love the variety of Deluxe Covers for the Mini Happy Planners (there is a HOLOGRAPHIC! one for the classic size, did you know?!?!?!?!) and have found that the personal size Disc Agenda Covers from Love Doki fit the Mini Happy Planner perfectly!  My favorite is the constellations one!

When you make this project please, please tag me in your photos on Instagram.  You can also join my Cricut Ready Stickers group on Facebook for printable stickers and project shares!

Do you change your planner accessories seasonally?  What do you use to style your planners?

xoxo, Moe