Prepping my Planner Calendar...February vibes

Hello there inky friends!  This past weekend I decided to use some free time to prep my February Calendar.  I recently received this gorgeous leather TN from RG Avenue that coordinates with my planner notebooks and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them.  I'm planning on doing a monthly calendar to lead off my weekly/daily planning.  That way, I'll have something pretty to look at as I prepare for the month ahead. 

To create my February calendar spread, I started out by disassembling the stapled notebook so that I could have just one page spread to work with at my craft table.  Since it doesn't fit like a signature anymore, I plan on doing this monthly and laying the current spread smack dab as I open the planner...Perfectly, perfect positioning, I think. 

Anyway, I started by stamping the large floral image in Sour Guava and then moved on to the medium floral in Sweet Pink and then finally the small floral in Sour Mist.  Next, I stamped the leaves (from the Stunning Crowns set) using two different greens:  Tangy Apple and Rich Cactus.  

After stamping the florals and leaves, I stamped some coordinating sprigs in Black Taffy ink to overlay the florals.  I then traced around the big florals in black microfine ink so that they would blend nicely with the arrangement.  I stippled some dots in the center of these flowers too. 

Next, I flicked some Black acrylic paint onto the panel so that I could merge both sides of the spread together.  I stamped the "LOVE" heart from the "Love Wreath" set in black on Sweet Cane Cardstock and then fussy cut that out so that I could attach it to the decorated panel.  I also added a bow of twine. 

To finish off my Calendar spread, I wrote the dates on each box (I didn't realize this FEB is a leap year...Gimme back all my lost time!  HA HA!  I also stamped a sentiment "All you need is Love" from the stamp set "Song Lyrics". 

So there you have it...My February calendar is ready for the pen (and to fill up!  :)  Happy crafting!  

Joy Clair New Release November!

Hello there planner friends!  Today I'm joining my fellow Joy Clair design team members as we share the newest stamps to the Joy Clair collection!  I'm excited to share the new calendar set called Calendar Fun!  This is the perfect stamp set for all your planner needs and it can help you create the most awesome "from scratch" traveler inserts too!  Check out the Joy Clair Blog for a sneak at what my fellow DT members are showcasing!  

Join us for this fun hop:  I'm attaching the blogroll so you can hop along with us!  

Let's start the fun!  Remember...Joy Clair has prizes for their blog readers and visitors that comment on each and every blog in the hop...so get hoppin' for your chance to WIN!  

Here's the complete list for the Everyday Stamp Sets Blog Hop:  

Joy Clair Blog

Martha Lucia Gomez

Lindsay Adreon

Helen Gullet

Donna Idlet

Kerry Urbatch (That's ME!)

Jessica Pascarella

Steph Ackerman

LeeAnn McKinney

Lori Kobular

Did you know that I have a love affair with making monthly Traveler's Notebook inserts?  I really do!  Each month, I make a unique and "from scratch" insert for my Traveler's Notebook.  You can make one too!  I'll share some tips and tricks here:  

Use a piece of cardstock that is cut down to 21x22 cm.  I'm attaching my insert template for you here FREE so print using the 8 1/2 x 11 setting, trim it down to insert size (make sure to trim while folded like a signature) and enjoy!  

I use a LONGARM stapler to staple my inserts.  If you're interested in getting one, mine is a soft touch stapler so it staples my inserts easily and perfectly every time!  

Paper Pro inREACH Booklet Stapler

If you would like the PDF version of my insert page emailed to you, please post a comment for me with your contact info (I have set this blog post to moderate comments and will not post your private comment info.)

Now, let's get back to my insert... Before starting on the planning part on the inside, I just had to decorate it up for a fancy fall design.  I used Fall Leaves and a mix of Memento inks and gold ink to decorate the front.  

After finishing the outside, I started working on the pages inside.  I stamped all the days and dates and also added some fun decor stamps as I was planning the first week.  Since I prepare these inserts myself, I can customize them so that they do not bleed through and can also have "pockets" to hold receipts and other important papers.  Each week spread is backed by a blank spread so that they can be glued together along the edge to become pockets OR I can use the next pages for sketching, journaling and note writing.  It's a perfect set-up for me.  

This set is so fun!  I love the mix of faux washi, doodly images, little icons and fun elements to incorporate on my pages and I also love that there are social media icons that can be used too.  SO FUN!  

The little arrows are perfect for adding some action and whimsy to a page!  

So fun, right?!  Now I'm set for the month and all I have to do is FILL IT UP!  

Get yours today!  Hope you enjoy!