i love planners! i have a weakness for them. but i have also become something of a thrifty/frugal person. so while i see all these yearly planners in the stores, ones that i used to buy, i think to myself that i could probably make one myself and have it be just as cute while costing almost nothing. so with that in mind, i introduce to you my 2013 diy planner: it is made out of a cereal box and paper. and if you think it looks familiar, well, it is! i made this exact “journal” a few months ago and figured i could add in some calendars and have an all purpose planner – a journal and calendar in one. so if you need to make the covers, head on over to my post here for the tutorial. then hop on back for the rest of this good stuff….
for the inside of the planner, print out my template below (i’ve divided the year into 3 zip files):
*I caught an error for July and August. If you downloaded the erroneous version within the first 5 mins of me posting this you may need to download the new version above. Sorry. 😐
*please keep in mind that i am not even close to a guru when it comes to computer things, so i did what i could and it works for me! it may be simplistic, but i love it. and as another note, in looking for digital washi tape, i came across this etsy shop and love, love, love it! and so i bought her digital tape because it is so darn cute.*
once you have a calendar printed out, cut it right in half – at the 5.5″ mark. (it’s formatted to print onto 11″x8.5″ paper and should cut right in half, with room on the inside for punching holes.)
follow that same step for all 12 months. then if you’re feeling up to it, cut some plain 8.5″x11″ paper in half for your “journal” or note paper. this is a great place to jot down those great ideas, write the cute things your kids say, and even for writing down your goals for the year so you can see them often.
with all that paper in there you’ll probably want tabs so you can open right where you want to. there are a lot of different ways to add tabs to this, but the one i’m going to show you right now it super simple.
take one of your calendar halves and trace it onto the back of a piece of cardstock. (double-sided cardstock would be even better!) don’t forget to mark where you want the holes to be punched. also, be sure to leave a space on the left hand side…that’s where you’re going to add your tab.
cut out the shape, leaving a tab sticking out the side. make it as tall or short as you want.
and then, if you want to, round the edges out a little bit.
punch the holes, and insert it where you want it in your planner. when you flip it over it will look awesome, like this:
and there you have it! a money-saving way of making a cute and functional diy planner for your new year.
and for each month, i put in a quote. i took most of them from my pinterest board. good thing i pinned them so i had them when i needed them! thanks heavens for pinterest.
enjoy your new year! good things are in store.
update: after several requests for a WEEKLY PLANNER template, i’ve made one!
the washi tape is where you write in your dates, and the space at the top right is for you to write in your own “good thought” or motivational quote to get you through the week! you can download 4 different colors, here.
OR…
*NEW!!* if you’d rather begin your week with SUNDAY instead of monday, download one of these weekly calendars here (they’re the same as above, just start the week on a different day):
green, grey-green, pink, or teal.
happy organizing!
***for anyone who is having problems printing the calendar from their computer, try this tip from audrey, who commented below: “IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PRINTING THE CALENDAR…here’s what I just figured out after Katie so kindly sent files by email. In the Advanced Print Properties (visible on my machine once I clicked on “print” and had the option of multiple pages, etc), you have to click the “Print as Image” checkbox and it should print fine.” thank you, audrey!!***
*** 2014 calendar here ***
I’ve just spent the morning working on my 2013 diary/planner and stopped for lunch and a little pinterest browsing when I came across this post. I use the exact same method and calendar layout, but now i am going to change up my fonts a bit. Thanks for the inspiration!
I just LOVE this free printable!!! I too am a planner “junkie”….the more different, the better!!! Thank you for posting!!!
Do you have “sheets” for the smaller planners? I have the full size one and a smaller one for traveling. I’d love to see them if so!!
Thank you for posting these great ideas for all to share!!!
Hi Becky! Unfortunately I don’t have any other size printable. I’m not sure what size planners you use, but I’d be curious to know for the future! You can always email me using the Contact Form and let me know what planners you’re referring to and/or what you had in mind. Thanks!!
Hi…the smaller planner has 2 sets of 3 rings in it….the paper size is approximately 6 3/4″ L X 3 3/4″ W.
I hope someday those sizes can be available!!!! Thanks.
Will you have a calendar for 2014 soon!!! I’ve gotten so many compliments on the 2013 day planner!!! I can’t wait for 2014!!! Thank you so much for this page!!! I’ve made a few for friends and they’ve loved it!!! Also, if in the smaller planner size, that would be good too!!! The measurements for the sheets are 6 3/4″ L X 3 3/4″ W……..keeping fingers crossed!!
Have a great day!!!
Hi Becky! Thanks for your interest in having a 2014 calendar! I don’t have one ready yet, and it will probably be a few months until I get it all finalized. But be looking out for it – a lot of other people have asked for it as well 🙂 Thank you!
Wow
Great cute idea!
I’ve been wanting to do something just like this! Thank you!!! You made my home that much prettier 🙂
aw, thanks, Kari!
Thanks so much for the calender downloads! They are perfect…I am going to make my planner as soon as I finish a box of cereal! 😉
Thanks, Erin! It always makes my day to get some good feedback! I’m so glad you like it!
Do you have a undated form or the 2019 pages?
I love planners and live your ideas! Thanks for your time to do this six, I really appreciate it !
Ah, unfortunately, I don’t have anything for 2019 🙁 It’s just been waaay too busy the past few months. Crossing my fingers I can get something up for 2020!
maybe it’s me or my computer, but when I click the link, the pages are blank?? 🙁
LOVE the look and really want it — any clue what I’m doing wrong??
Thanks for your comment, Lauretta! I’m so sorry it’s not working for you. I’ve sent you an email – I might be able to help you out!
This is so cute. I love the idea of using cereal boxes. It doesn’t take long to build up a big supply of those at our house. 🙂 I also really like your calendar template.
thanks, Kirstylee! and as for the cereal boxes…tell me about it! we have way too many! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I am an avid planner user and have been needing a new planner for 2013. Now I have one for FREE! Thanks again!
thank you for your kind comment, Trista! I’m so glad you like it! 🙂
These are so cute!! I have been trying for 2 hours to get them to print and adobe keeps printing blank pages:( anyone else have this problem and can give me some advice? Thank u!!
Hi Tanisha! So sorry it’s not printing for you. I’ve sent you an email – maybe I can help?!
can you send email again! I wasnt paying attention and it probably went to my junk and it was deleted. THANK YOU!!!
No problem!! 🙂
Can you help me print as well? Same problem, I can open and see the file I just cant get any pages to print.
NEVER MIND:)
…Your instructions above in the avocado color worked perfectly!!
…Thanks a bunch!!
Hi, Katie! I just signed into Pinterest and found your tutorial for this journal. I love notebooks, too. I love paper anything. Thank you for posting this neat idea along with some others that I am about to check out…e.g. envelopes. Keep up your great ideas. Gratefully, Sally.
thank you for your sweet comments! they put a smile on my face 🙂
Hi Katie!
Love your planner, but I’m having the same problem as Tanisha. Can you help me please? Thanks.
Hi Patricia! I’ve sent you an email! Hopefully I can help….
I just printed out your beautiful calendar pages! Thank you, and I love the quotes. Perfect! Im going to use a smash journal to make a calendar with it.
Thanks Sonya! I love the smash journal idea! That will look really cute.
This is super cute!!
For some reason, I’m having the same issues as some of the ladies above. Printing blank pages or half of the page…. some numbers, not all the wording, etc. Can you help?! :o)
I hope so! 🙂 check your email!
I really love this planner! I do have a question. I only have a black and white printer do you have this planner without the washi tape? I so want to print it but my only option is my home printer. I look forward to hearing from you. Aly 🙂
Having printing problems as well. May you send me in pages in an email as well?
check your email 🙂
Can you please send me the email that you sent the others? I am so excited to do this I am putting cereal in ziploc bags Thank you
Hi Amy! Can you email me at livecrafteat at gmail dot com? The email address i have for you got sent back. Thanks!
LOVE LOVE LOVE these calendar pages!!! I’ve been looking all day (well, in between working on my other computer) for 1/2-sheet calendars – and find this cuteness!!! However, I too cannot get them to print. I even tried “printing to PDF” and then printing the newly-created PDF, but it’s not working. What’s the magic word? (also, you dont’ happen to have a weekly calendar set up like this do you? Ok, I thought I was pushing my luck there. Guess my left-brain needs to be stretched a bit and try to be creative…)
check your email 🙂
I am making a “Live Book” in a 5.5x8x5 binder for my daughter and would love to include calendars from 2013-2021 (middle school-high school). Is there any way to easily access the calendar years you have of those? I am having a hard time finding all the years. I am also wondering if you have an Adobe Illustrator file of them or just the PDF. Thank you. This is a life send to find these! -Rachel
Hi Rachel! Thanks so much for your comment. What a great idea! Unfortunately, I only have the years posted on my blog. You are welcome to use the ones available! I only do the following hear the November or December prior, so I don’t even have them made in advance. I’m so sorry!
Hi I am having problems when i want to print out the papers.It doesn’t come out complete.Did anyone else have problems with that?
Hi Rosalie! Sending you an email right now… 🙂
Thank you for posting the planner! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!! My resolution this year is to be more organized and this is a HUGE help! Also, the quotes are so awesome! Oct and Nov are hard months for me and the quotes for both months couldn’t be more perfect! I will be visiting your blog often!!!
thanks, Kristi! you’re so nice 🙂
I love this. I love planners and there are times it is easier to have a planner than to use the iPad. What font was used? I absolutely love it.
thanks, Amber! the main font i used was Pea Nicki from kevin and amanda dot com. i love that font!
So glad someone asked this question!! Love the font too!
Hi Katie!
Thanks for the wonderful freebie 🙂 Downloaded and printed without any problems. I would love to learn how to make an equally cute weekly printalbe planner! Think you could do a tutorial on how you actually created the calendar?
Thanks again!
Elisabeth
HI,
I love these calendars and the great idea for the planner but I am also having the same issue with printing them. Can you please help?
check your email, Sharon!
I would love to have these pages but I’m not having any luck getting them to print. What am i doing wrong? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Kathy
Love the calendar…just can’t seem to get it to print. Can you help? Thanks!
Hi Shirley! Sorry it’s not working for you. Audrey just posted a solution – try that and see if it works for you. If not, lmk! Thanks!
It worked!! Thanks!
hurray!!
IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PRINTING THE CALENDAR…here’s what I just figured out after Katie so kindly sent files by email. In the Advanced Print Properties (visible on my machine once I clicked on “print” and had the option of multiple pages, etc), you have to click the “Print as Image” checkbox and it should print fine. 🙂
THANK YOU Audrey! You’ve solved the question I couldn’t answer 🙂 You’re the best! Thanks for sharing & posting it here.
I would love to print the planner calendar pages but I can’t get them to print. Is there a secret? 🙂
Hi Kathy! Audrey just posted a comment that might be helpful…. Try that out and let me know how it goes.
Truly love your design!!! Sorry to say I’m having trouble printing also. I hate to bother you but when you have a chance could you email me also? Thanks so much for sharing your talent!!!
Hi Jennifer! Sorry it’s not working for you. There’s a tip for getting it to print properly that another reader sent me – I’ve included it at the bottom of this post. You can try that and see if it works. And I’ll send you an email just in case 😉
Love the planner but even after trying to solve issues with Audry’s advice I’m still having trouble getting the whole page to print correctly. Could you email me the files as well? Thanks so much.
It would be awesome to have the weekly planner for the times have lines for each hr. I always liked planners that just had the days of the weeks and lines so you could write notes or activities. I guess I like a daily planner and not an hourly planner. (its another idea or option if you are interested in making something new.
thanks for the suggestion! maybe sometime down the road when i get a chance!
Hi Katie!! I LOVE your planner pages! I am redoing my planner and have been looking/designing all day! I’m wondering if you have the file in an 8.5 x 11 or if not if you have another file type that I could change to an 8.5 x 11? I’m seriously in love with yours. Not to bright, but still colorful!
Hi Amanda! Unfortunately I don’t have it in 8.5×11 🙁 I’m so sorry. If I do these next year I will keep that in mind and make a few different sizes. Thanks for asking!
Hi! Could you please email me this planner! I already printed out the weekly ones thank you very much!
Hi Anna! Check your email! 🙂
I have tried for a couple hours to just get these monthly files to open…can you tell me what type of file they are, where they were created, so I can open them in the proper app? I have seen nothing like these and really like them, they are SO pretty – so I don’t want to give up!! 🙂
Hi Brooke! Sorry you’re having trouble printing them. I’ll send you an email….
I see the weekly planner update at the bottom of the page, but when I scroll over it, I can’t find anything to click… is there a link to that tutorial that I’m missing?
Hi Audrey! The link to the weekly planner printable is in the paragraph below the image. It will tell you to click “here.”
Hi, I have also been having trouble printing these correctly. Is there something I can do? Thanks!
Hi Jessica! Sending you an email right now 🙂
Hi there!! I am loving the planner!! Unfortunately I am unable to print it as well. I would love some help. Thanks!
sending you an email right now, Kenya!
I am soooooo glad I pinned your DIY calendar on Pinterest!!! I have a franklin covey binder and wanted to put in back into use. I bought FC pages for it and HATE THEM. I fought them for almost 3 months and then printed your’s out. I’m taking out the FC pages and trying your printables. THANKS!!!!!!!
That’s awesome, Kimmie! I’m glad you can use them!!
Hi! I love your yearly organizer. The first file downloads perfectly (however, they are done for the year!!) but the other two files do not download. Nothing shows up on the file at all. Could you email the files to me? Thanks so much.
Carol
Hi Carol! I’m sending you an email right now 🙂
Do you have one for 2014 by chance?
Hi Brandy! Sorry, I don’t have a calendar for 2014 yet. But thanks for sharing your interest – I’ll do one for next year when I get the chance!
I am having the same problem as the other ladies. I am so sorry to trouble you. Your calendars are so cute. I found them on Pinterest and tried printing several times. Thanks for these cute pages! If you don’t mind emailing me please. Thanks in advance.
Sure thing, Carmen! 🙂
Thank you Thank you for this free printable!!!! I lost my planner last week and no one sells 2013 calendars anymore… I thought I was going to have to make my own {and I am pressed for time these days!}. You’ve saved me! XOXO!
Thank you thank you for this. I lost my planner last week and no one sells 2013 calendars at this time of year. You’ve saved me from adding one more thing to my ever-growing to-do list!
Glad I could help Kristin. 🙂
Dear Katie, I found your brilliant post via Pinterest. What a great, and economical, idea. Your template didn’t quite fit what I needed (a 2013-2014 School Year Planner), so I used Word and made a slightly different template. I can now use it to keep track of the whole family’s schedules. I linked to your tutorial in my post. Thanks so much, Katie
Glad you liked it and were able to make it work Katie! 🙂
Love these!! I have been trying to get it to print in poster size because I want it to be a standard notebook size planner. When I click poster, I then scale it to 125% so it fits the page better but like others when I print I am only some of it is printing correctly- I am only getting the second half of each month (which fits perfectly to the page) but the others are blank. I tried the tip you had listed at the bottom of the post but it is grayed out under the poster settings. Do you know what I can do? Any help would be great! Thank you!!!
Yes, of course! Check your email, Nicole! 🙂
Hi…. wanted to know when or if you had a 2014 calendar available yet…. it’s getting that time of year and I need to start adding things to my calendar for next year! Holy cow, time flys…. Thanks! PS your stuff is totes cute!
Thanks so much, Lisa! I plan on posting the 2014 calendars in November or December, so check back!
Hi!! I love this planner! I wish I would’ve seen it early this year!! I was wondering if you were making a 2014 planner? I would love to have one ready for 2014, and your design is so nice! Hope to hear from you soon.
xoxo, Jess
Hi Jess! Yes I plan on making a 2014 planner to be posted near the end of this year – November or December. Thanks for asking!
hi also loved this planner and wished I had found it earlier, any chance there is an editable version so we can use it year after year in case you don’t continue with it!!??
thanks!
no, i don’t have an editable version, but i will be posting a 2014 planner calendar soon!
Hi Katie!!
Just wanted to say thank you SO much for the free printables!! I was wondering if I could ask for a huge favour and possibly get the weekly version beginning on Sunday?
Looking forward to the 2014 version, after countless hours of searching through printables, yours are by far my fav!
Alyssa
Hi Alyssa! I’ll be updating the weekly calendars when I do the 2014 monthly calendars and can change them to have Sunday as the first day of the week. I’ll be posting those soon, so check back!
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Thank you so much, Katie!!
Super Cute! I have no design talents, but need a new planner for 2014. I knew someone who had design talents would want to share them with me!!! (I love how inexpensive your idea is, also!) So I just have one question? Do you have any plans for a 2014 version??
Yes. Coming in December. 🙂
Have you been able to adjust this for 2014? This is a fabulous template!
Hi Toni! Yes, I’ll be posting 2014 soon 🙂
I used your 2013 calender and LOVED it do you have a 2014 version?
yes! i’ll have new ones out soon – it’s been a crazy last few weeks, but i’m hoping to get time to work on them asap!
I love this calendar! Are you planning on putting up a 2014 one? Thanks!!! 🙂
Yup, coming soon. 🙂
Do you have new templates for 2014? I just now saw this from a Pinterest post and want to do one but now the year is about to turn. Thanks!
-Kali
Just published… https://livecrafteat.com/live/2014-monthly-planner-calendars-free-printables/ 🙂
What fonts did you use?
i used a bunch of different fonts – i think they’re most if not all from kevinandamanda.com – “pea nicki”, and “my own topher” are the main ones.
For anyone still seeing these comments – 2014 is published here: https://livecrafteat.com/live/2014-monthly-planner-calendars-free-printables/
Thank you so much for the free calendar!! Love it!!! It’s just as great as 2013!! 🙂
You’re welcome – glad you like it!
Thanks so much for the planner idea and the calendars. I had no trouble at all printing it and can’t wait to make my planner fronts and back. I hope you do this again next year I just love it.
Missy
You’re welcome! 🙂
hi, i was wondering if you can make or add the weekly pages for 2014
Hi Cayden! The weekly pages should be generic for you to use whenever you want. There’s a place for you to fill in the date (where the washi tape is).
Hi! I love your 2014 calendar!! I was just wondering if you planned on making a 2015 one at some point 🙂
Thank you for sharing!! 🙂
you’re welcome! yes, though still tbd when i’ll create/post it. you can bookmark this page to check back for the calendar: https://livecrafteat.com/free-and-paid-calendars-from-live-craft-eat/. or also subscribe to the email feed so that it is emailed to you when i post it. hth.
hey,, I love this!!! is there a way you can make a 2014 version?
it’s here: https://livecrafteat.com/live/2014-monthly-planner-calendars-free-printables/
all calendars here: https://livecrafteat.com/free-and-paid-calendars-from-live-craft-eat/
Any chance you’ll be doing update for 2015? Love the look!
yes, it should be up in just a couple of days!
Love, love, love the 2013 calendar version. Any chance you did 2016-17?
Hi Stephanie! I put one together for 2016 but haven’t done 2017 yet. You can get the 2016 version here: https://livecrafteat.com/live/free-2016-printables-monthly-calendar-planner-pages/
Thanks!
thank you so much for the creative ideas and pretty calendar – what a talent you have. I can’t wait to use it in my planner but I’m having the same printing troubles. Any help is appreciated 🙂
check your email 🙂