Make a Bitty Haunted House Decoration

Your full-size house isn’t the only one to decorate this season. Create a bitty shadowbox house to display your favorite Halloween photos. Heck! Why not make a house for every holiday? They’re fun and easy to do.

See how to make your own house shadowbox today at 11 AM on Studio 5. Watch live online.

Embrace the box’s depth by filling the little compartments with layers of detail. In this frame, I used Queen & Co’s Rectangle Shaker Kit to create an interactive shaking element.

This window pulls out to reveal an accordion-folded section, made with paper from Echo Park Paper Co. and embellishments from Simple Stories. So cute!

Surprise! Add journaling/written details behind a little flap. The paper clip helps indicate the lifting mechanism.

PRODUCT SWAP

If you’re here because you already watched the show and are interested in participating in my planner swap, check out this photo on my Instagram account to sign up. It’s a fun way to get new supplies and enjoy a little snail mail.

THEMED PHOTOS SHOOTS BY JENNIFER LYN LANCE

If you’re here because you want details on the AWESOME Freak Show/Circus photo shoot we participated in, you’ll want to check out Jennifer Lyn Lance on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Lyn Lance

She has new themed shoots all the time and also does gorgeous photos for your favorite occasions—newborn, cake smashing, holiday, and more!

Photo Credit: Jennifer Lyn Lance

No matter your reason for stopping by, I’m sure glad you did. Many thanks for giving me some of your e-time. XOXO

Cheers!

Llama Rama: Trend Spotting on Studio 5

Growing up, my pop always said he was going to buy us a llama and put it in the backyard. He never fulfilled his dream, but our family has always had a soft spot for llamas nonetheless.

This hottie is one of three alpacas currently at The Farm at Gardner Village, a lovely local animal rescue and petting zoo.

So when the trendy Steph Bryson, Studio 5 producer, asked me to report on this adorable trend on today’s show, you bet I replied with “alpaca my bags and see you soon!” ;)

The Llama Rama trend is definitely hitting its stride in the mainstream, with stores like Target and Layers and Old Navy carrying super cute llama delights.

Let’s take a look at how to add a little llama drama to your life!

1. Home Decor

1. Llama Planter: I picked up this handsome fella at Down to Earth at Gardner Village. He can be used for plants (go figure). Or, if you’re like me and have a black thumb, he also makes a great pen holder.

2. Llama Lamp: A gift from my sis-in-law (Thanks, G!). This llama light is part of Target’s Pillow Fort collection.

3. Llama Plush: Another cutie from Target. And he was only $14! Nice! He’d look great in a baby’s room, a kid’s room, or even your room. :)

4. Llama Wall Art: This paper-plate-turned-llama was a quick after school craft Maggie and I did together. If you follow me on Instagram, you know my child is a picky crafter. She simply doesn’t care much for papercrafting. However, she really enjoyed herself with this one.

I hope this seal of approval means the project will pass your kid craft test, too.

A special thanks to Handmade Charlotte for inspiring our art with this darling idea!

image credit: Handmade Charlotte

2. Get Your Llama Craft On!

There are many ways to work this friendly fella into your crafting. Alpaca the puffy stickers, the felt, the poms, and the yarn. You paca the imagination! We have a date to make. :)

1. Llama Banner

This one combines all the awesome fa la la la llama texture—yarn, poms, and felt. I hand cut the critters, looking at my stickers as a guide. I then used hot glue to attach the decorative extras. Oh, and I embroidered the faces.

2. Llama Layout

The new Hooray line from Crate Paper is a llama lovers treasure trove. It has many party animals, including that lovable llama in a party hate. Use the pre-made cards for a quick project or start from scratching using their chipboard, die cut shapes, 3D stickers, patterned paper, and more!

I used the same line to make an accordion-folded birthday photo card. Pop may not have ever had his pet alpaca, but he can have pics of them in this greeting.

This was so easy to make. I simply cut a strip of 3x4 journaling cards from the Hooray patterned paper, not separating the cards. Instead, I scored along the lines between each design and then folded to make the accordion. I then adhered photos to two of the four cards. Using chipboard and die cut shapes, I dressed it up a bit more.

I added pom strips for added llama flair.

The back of the card is simply the back of the double-sided paper, but I did add another journaling card and a tag. The card now has lots of room for writing notes of love to our birthday guy.

If you’re sending a card across the miles, it will neatly fold down and fit inside an envelope.

3. Wear Your Llama Threads

Llama fashion is easy to come by. Just this week, I spotted this gray T at Old Navy, and the pink and orange llama top I’m wearing is at Target in the juniors section.

If only I were bitty. Kids llama gear is THE CUTEST! This shirt and the shoes are both from Old Navy. Technically, I think the sneaks are bunnies, but they can certainly pass for ‘pacas.

4. Llama Party Planning

If you’re ready to get your llama drama underway, a party is the way to go. I saw a lucious llama party set at Target (I swear I don’t work for them!). And, of course, the original piñata is… yup! A llama! Plus, check out this DARLING balloon idea by Babble.com!

That’s it for this llama love. But, before I go, I must give Brooke Walker some love. Today’s show was her last before she goes on maternity leave. Studio 5 is never the same without her. Congrats on the wonderful little babe headed your way, Brooke. She’s a lucky girl! We’ll miss you on set!

Llamaste, friends!

10 Fab Finds: New Crafting Goodies

List my fav new releases coming to the paper crafting world? This was my latest Studio 5 assignment. Twist my arm, why don’t ya? ;) As a kid, I always loved Show & Tell. Clearly, some things never change. From too-cool tools to brilliant color mediums to pristine paper and accents, there are definitely fun things happening in the world of paper! 

The segment airs today on channel 5 at 11AM, or you can watch it streaming online. 

Top 10 New Crafting Goodies To Catch My Eye

Company: Altenew

Product: Watercolor Paint and Washi Tape

Cool Factor: The paint colors! Soooo pretty! And washi tape that’s large enough to cover an entire card front!? Talk about a time-saver! 

Company: Hero Arts

Product: Glimmer Metallic Ink and Christmas tree Fancy Die

Cool Factor: Hero knows ink, and Glimmer is no exception. It’s rich and shimmery! And a Christmas card made from this die is sure to be a favorite with its script font and window design.

Company: Cutter Pillar

Product: Glow LED Light Board and Crop Trimmer

Cool Factor: The blade on the trimmer self sharpens as it’s used, and it cuts with such precision.  It even has a light to mark where the cut will be, which is SO nice! The LED Light Board has a glass top option for cutting, it’s super thin, and it can even run on batter power for up to four hours at a time. Great for tracing, cutting, and even quilting. 

Company: We R Memory Keepers

Product: Emoji and Word Punch Boards

Cool Factor: Planner fans will love that you can use these to embellish planners using nothing more than cardstock. But they’re also great for card making, scrapbooking and other paper crafts. Plus, the font looks like a label maker, which is extra nifty! 

Company: Freckled Fawn

Product: Scrapbook Inserts

Cool Factor: It’s just a piece of plastic… or is it? Nope! This is 20-page protectors that fit perfectly in traveler’s notebooks. Now, you can keep the TN pages you create protected under high quality plastic sleeves. Awesome!

Company: Simple Stories

Product: Dream Big collection

Cool Factor: Talk about a cute collection! As a mom of two girls, I'm head-over-heels for the mermaids, unicorns, rainbows, and other whimsical motifs. 

Upcoming Planner Class: Try the Tools! 

Want to test drive these tools? That's what my planner classes are for. Even if you don't currently own a planner, you're more than welcome to attend. It's $50 without a planner or $70 and you'll get a new Heidi Swapp planner with your class kit. You're more than welcome to bring your own planner as well. We'll use many of these new supplies this month. Hope to see you there. 

DATE: Friday, August 24

TIME: 6:30-9:30 PM

WHERE: Lehi, UT

REGISTER: Email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com to sign up. I'll send an invoice via PayPal or Venmo. Please let me know what works best for you. I also take Apple Pay. 

Cheers!

It's Hip to Clip: new planner class & diy paper clips *as seen on TV

Creating decorative clips is a happy way to dress up paper projects. Today on Studio 5, I have just a few playful paper clip examples to get you whip together the clip. 

MAKE A CLIP: PLANNER CLASS INFO

We make at least one new clip each month in my creative planning class. If you want to join in on the fun, simply email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com. My next class is tomorrow night from 6:30-9:30 PM in Pleasant Grove. If that's too soon to plan for, message me about future class dates. I'd love to see you and help you get your plan on! 

PLACES TO INCORPORATE DECORATIVE PAPER CLIPS 

* Planners
* Traveler's Notebooks
* Bullet Journals
* Scrapbook Pages
* Cards
* Tags

PAPER CLIP PURPOSE 

I adore adding clips to my planner spreads each month. They look so cheerful lined up and peeking out the top. They also serve a great purpose in my books. In planners, they mark pages. In traveler's notebooks and bullet journals, they often work to both mark pages and hold pages open, which is so nice. 

PAPER CLIP PIECES

Creating clips is as simple as adding cute crafting supplies to clips. Favorite clip toppers include:

* Stickers
* Pre-made 3D accents
* Wood veneer shapes
* Patterned paper and cardstock
* Punched paper
* Washi tape
* Brads
* Buttons
* Ribbon
* Felt
* Die cut shapes
* Stamped images
* Pom poms
* Yarn/tassels
* Patches
* Sequins
* Shakers
* Old jewelry and hair bows
* And more!

The sky's the limit!

CLIP ATTACHING 

Take various approaches to adding your toppers to your clips. Hot glue it typically a safe bet across the board, but Glue Dots also work well. My planner pal Layle Koncar swears by e6000, which is a fast-drying, heavy duty liquid adhesive. It helps your clips hold up to the wear and tear of being in much used planners. Another liquid adhesive, Glossy Accents, can also work well. It dries clear and can actually incorporate into the design of the clip. It should sit overnight to dry completely. Sometimes, no adhesive is needed at all. Instead, you can simply thread the accents around the clip and it will sit in place, which is fast and fun! 

To get your wheels turning, let's take a look at a few different clip combos!

Paper Crafting with Patches

"Sew it, stick it, do somethin' with it." That's the tagline on the packaging of one of the patches. Isn't it perfect?! There is so much you can do with these little textured treats. Whether you sew it on or use it as a sticker, you're sure enjoy working with this up and coming crafting trend. Think beyond clothing and backpacks to paper crafting. Patches are a quick and easy way to add texture without adding bulk. Use them on albums, scrapbook pages, cards, gift wrap, and home decor. 

About the Patch

Many are sticky-backed, some are iron-ons, and others are meant to be stitched on. 

Like the enamel pins, patches seem to be a throwback to the '80s. They're back in a big way! Of course, you can use them on your clothing. In fact, many clothes are currently designed with patch designs already in place, like this cute Cat & Jack pack that I picked up at Target (which Maggie promptly claimed as her own).

Where Are They?

Patches are available locally at stores such as Target, Michaels, and Hot Topic. You can also find them online. There are so many to choose from. You'll find something for everybody. Try searching "iron-on patches" or "embroidered patches." I have a Pinterest board with a few fun possibilities. Prepare to be '80s inspired! ;)

Paper Craft Using Patches

Pair patches with fabric bags to create fun gift wrap or even add them directly to the fabric liner of your planner. Both are fun iron-on options. The peel-and-stick variety stick very well, so proceed with caution but also know they'll stay put, even on textured surfaces like this awesome Jillibean Soup frame.

Of course, patches are a natural partner to pair with paper projects. They're flat, so they work well on scrapbook pages.

Maggie loved making a quick card and gift bag. You might say these are stickers with pizazz, making they quite kid friendly.

Some are small enough to make awesome planner extras. Taco Tuesday anyone?

As Seen On TV

I'll share even more ideas today at 11:00 AM on Studio 5 (Utah channel 5 if you're in the 'hood, otherwise, you can watch live streaming here).

Thanks to My Production Assistant

I have to give a special shoutout to my help. She made going to the show more fun (which I didn't know could be possible). Thanks, Mags!

Upcoming Classes

I'm so excited to have four local classes coming up. I'd love to see you at any or all of them. Space is extremely limited, but I'd be happy to give you dibs. To receive an e-mail when class sign-ups are posted, please email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com and I'll add you to my mailing list. I hope to see you there! :) The classes are:

1. Wreath Making

2. Creative Planning (November and December classes)

3. Creative Journaling Using a Bullet Journal

Cheers!

Stamping in Your Planner: 10 Fears Faced!

Let’s make a plan, Fran! Are you in, Stan? Good! Because I have some ideas to try using stamps in your planner. My goal: to take the intimidation out of stamping in your planner. Trust me, I know putting ink directly on the page can be a freaky commitment, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few fear factors I hear about when I teach stamping in planning. It’s time we conquer those fears. You see, stamps are the perfect planner supply. They can be used over and over and over again. No way should we let any uncertainties get in our way of such cost savings.

Supplies Used: NEW Taylored Expressions Clearly Planned stamp sets and my Carpe Diem planner by Simple Stories.

Fear Factor #1: What if the stamp doesn’t fully take and I’m left with only part of an image?

No prob! Many stamps are clear, so you can go over them again. If you’re working with red rubber stamps or only need to make minor touch-ups, you can simply take a pen and fill in some of the gaps, which is what I did here with this cutie from the new Cheery Banners set.

Fear Factor #2: What if you change your mind and don’t want that stamped image there? There’s no backspace button!

That’s what decorative doodads are for. If, for whatever reason, you aren’t feeling a stamped image, simply cover it up with another cute something.

In this case, as much as I LOVE that heart banner, I didn’t love where I ended up putting it. So I added some banners below it and covered the hearts up with some diecut shapes by Simple Stories. Problem solved!

Fear Factor #3: How do I know where to stamp?

My best tip here is to start with some basic placement. I knew I had events and dates I wanted stamps for (birthdays, and other happenings), so I began by placing stamps in those spots. This helped me see if the placement felt balanced or if I needed to move things around. It also helped me determine how the stamps fit within the boxes on my monthly spread.

Fear Factor #4: How do I know what color of ink to use?

Yeah, this one can be tricky for me too. I don’t want to go hog wild and end up with too much color on a spread. But I also don’t want to stick to all black when color is so happy! Typically, I choose around 3 key colors to work with and use those most prominently. I then add additional color in smaller quantities using colored pencils to fill in the details.

Fear Factor #5: What if my event isn’t included in the stamp set?

Use your imagination. I have a sweetheart graduating from preschool this month. *whaaaa! There wasn’t a grad cat in the Cattitude mix, so I simply took the balloon cat and drew a mortarboard cap on him. Voila! Grad Cat!

I did the same here to create a Baby Shower Cat. It’s so easy to alter these fab felines!

Fear Factor #6: But… stamps are so flat!

Yes! And that’s why they’re perfect for planners! But I get it if you want to add more texture to your pages. In those instances, simply pair your stamps with other bits. For this birthday party hat, for example, I covered the stamped hat topper with a sticker. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the top of the hat on the stamp, but the sticker mixed up the textured a little, which was nice. I then outlined the entire image, sticker and all, to create a finished look!

Fear Factor #7: How do I know what ink to use?

This is a GREAT question! Ink can make or break your stamping experience. Planner pages are often pretty thin, so you want to be extra careful. I will say, and I’m not just saying this because I’ve used TE products for this post—TE ink is AWESOME! It’s honestly some of the best I’ve used and it works beautifully in my planner. Plus, the bitty pads are just right for taking with me when I plan on the go. If you don’t have access to these, I’ll just advise you to use dye (water-based) ink or hybrid ink. You’ll definitely want to stay away from pigment ink, which is super juice and will soak through your pages.

Fear Factor #8: How do I do lots of stamping without overwhelming my spread?

I was wondering the same thing. I wanted to use the cute Fun in the Sun set images for my recent trip to Myrtle Beach, but I didn’t want my page to quickly get crazy. Fortunately, the size of this set worked in my favor. The images are bitty, offering just enough decoration without filling up and taking over the page. Fortunately, most planner stamps are pretty small, so you shouldn't have a prob squeezing in all the fun your stampy heart desires!

I also opted for the same neutral shade of gray ink for each. This helped connect the week as a single event and make that section of my month feel more cohesive.

Fear Factor #9: I like this stamp, but I can’t fit it all.

Then you don’t have to use it all. These bitty banners, for example, don’t fit in the daily box, but you bet I wanted to use them to decorate the box for today. (Happy birthday Curtie!) So I simply placed the banner over the box, noted where the banner stopped, and only inked that far. The bitty TE ink pads make it easy to get in and precisely ink a specific portion of the stamp. You can also use stamping markers to do this, or try traditional stamp masking using a Post-it Note.

I did the same thing with the balloon, not because I wanted it to fit a space, but because I wanted it a different color. Either way, this is a way to stretch your stamp use.

Fear Factor #10: Now what? I don’t want to buy ink just to be used for a single month of stamping.

Trust me when I say, there are so many ways you can use stamps and ink. Even stamps marked “planner” can be used beyond the pages of your planner. Wouldn’t a series of bitty birthday cards look cute with these cats? And I love to use my ink and a makeup sponge to transform basic hole-reinforcement stickers into customized stickers that match the look and feel of my spread.

So, are you planning on some stamping now? If you’re still on the fence, channel your inner Bob and take baby steps (obscure 80s reference for ya!). Create a planner insert—something you stamp on, punch, and add to the center space in your planner. That’s one of the fun things we did in my planner class last month to get a warmup round with the banner stamps. We made to-do list inserts with cute banners across the top. Nothing like banners to make “do laundry” more fun! And starting by stamping on an insert page meant we could mess up and start over as many times as we wanted until we were fully comfortable. Though, I can tell you, it wasn’t long before we were all in. I didn’t see anyone start over. It was one and done. Stamps really are an easy way to make your days pretty! I hope you’ll give them a try.

I’d like to thank Taylored Expressions for sending me a few stamps to try. But I also want to mention that I’m not compensated for this post. I just love stamping and I love planning, and I was happy to write about those experiences coming together. It’s a match made in to-do heaven. ;) To see the rest of the new releases, click here. And for more info on my planning classes, click here.

Cheers!

Paper Collaging (as seen on TV)

I had lots of fun sharing paper collaged ideas today on Studio 5. Take a look! 

PROJECT 1: Paper Punching & Tearing

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Put those paper scraps to fun use on some wall art! By layering shapes, it creates interesting texture.

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The project comes together in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Come up with an idea and sketch it. 

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TIP: For a fun change of place, try digitally drawing your project first. I used my new birthday present--the Apple Pencil. L-O-V-E!--and the iPad Pro to doodle my design. A great activity while sick in bed. ;) 

Step 2: Outline your lettering using a fine point pen (mine was a .01 Micron), and punch and tear paper so you can begin filling in your blocks of color.

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TIP: Use a good quality eraser to remove the pencil lines. I use a white eraser from Faber Castell, which I picked up at Michaels. NOTE: It may remove some of your ink. If so, just go back over it with your pen when your project is complete.

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TIP: Use a decopauge glue, such as Mod Podge. It is easy to work with and holds well. 

TIP: After creating a few spaces, I realized it's easier to first fill each section of space with a solid piece of the paper you're going to use and then layer the punches. That way, if you have gaps in space, it's no biggie.

TIP: Watch out with the ink. If the Mod Podge touches it before it has had time to set, it will smear. :(  

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Uh oh! Watch out for Mod Podge smearing. You may want to fill in all of your paper spaces and then trace in ink to avoid this mistake. 

That's it! A three-step project you can do for or with your children. Or make more sophisticated looks for your living room, office, bedroom... the sky is the limit!

Because my daughter LOVES Trolls, I went with this line from her favorite song. That's the fun thing about creating your own art--you can customize to load it with meaningful touches! 

PROJECT 2: Paper Cutting

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You can also cut basic shapes and piece them together to create art. Nothing but a few triangles, and I have a sweet little mountain scene shadow box for my baby's nursery. 

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For added touches, I did add a touch of glitter glue in spaces for sparkle.

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The Wish Upon a Star is a chipboard sticker from Crate Paper. 

PROJECT 3: Mixed Media Piecing

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Now that we've mastered paper, try mixing in other finishes. For this card, I created the shamrock in the following steps:

1. I placed a shamrock-shaped cardstock piece on the plaid paper and sprayed the sheet with green spray ink.

2. I removed the shamrock mask and painted the outer dot layer by dipping a pencil eraser in acrylic paint. 

3. Next, I added a ring of watercolor paint.

4. A small row of clear glitter glue (Stickles by Ranger) came next. 

5. Time for alcohol ink. I used a Chameleon Pen in a grass green color to add the center color.

6. Finally, it was rhinestones in the center. I used small gems from Close To My Heart.  

Just like the paper collage, this mixed media collage creates cool texture and was a fun exercise in blending mediums and techniques to try something new. :)

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I stamped the sentiment using an alpha set and ink, also from Close To My Heart. Bringing in another medium, I then colored the sentiment using a green colored pencil. 

TEACHING A PLANNER CLASS ON MARCH 24

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I would love to have you join me at Paper Crush in Lehi, Utah, on March 24. I'm teaching another planner class. It was actually my students' idea. They had such fun at our Feb. class that they asked if I'd turn it into a monthly affair. Don't have to twist my arm. LOL 

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We'll learn new planner tricks with each class, and each class will come with a new and awesome class kit. If you've never attended, you can easily jump in at any time. That's the beauty of planners any more--there is no definite start and stop period. Just join when it's convenient for you!

SIGN UP FOR CLASS HERE

Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy your creative journey!

Cheers!

As Seen on TV: Bullet Journaling + My New Planner Class!

If you love creative planners -- day planners with a scrapbooking twist -- you may already be aware of bullet journals. It's time to take a shot. Get it? Bullet... shot. Yeah, weak. Let's move on! ;)

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Bullet journals are basically list-oriented journals that you can use to capture any details of your life that appeal to you. It can be more task driven or more favorites focused. Or, as with many journals (including mine), a combination of both!

Bullet Journal Supplies

First, let's talk supplies. Doesn't get much easier than this, friends. A journal, a pen, a pencil, a solid eraser, and a ruler. If you want to add some color to the mix, colored pencils are an easy option.

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I highly recommend a fine-tipped pen, like the Micron .01. I also use the Micron Brush Tip and the Micron Color Tips. I don't work for Micron or anything. This is just a great pen and worth checking out!

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My journal is the new (and awesome!!!) travel journal from Freckled Fawn (the white with the hearts)! Heidi Swapp has also just launched a planner specifically with bullet journaling in mind (the black one) that is pretty fab! The travel journal is actually the heart cover, and the inserts snap in with the attached band. The kraft booklet below is the insert for the journal. I like this one because the paper is thicker and I could dress it up without much bleed-through.

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If you want to step your supplies up a little, you can introduce washi tape, stickers, clips, and other decorative extras. Totally your call! Clips are great for hold the journal pages open, both for photo-taking and working in your journal. These AWESOME jumbo paperclips are part of my planner class kit for March. Yay! (More on that below.)

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Once you have your supplies, it's a matter of deciding on a preferred purpose for your journal. For me, this meant searching bullet journals on Instagram (#bulletjournal) and Instagram, screenshotting the images that made me happy, and then going back over those images to help identify my style preferences. I quickly realized I was into capturing details creatively using doodles. But first, a key...

Key

If you're going to use your journal to track tasks, a key is useful. Again, decide on a system that works for you. For me, it was as simple as this:

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KEY COMPONENTS
open box = task
box with diagonal line = task in progress
box filled in with diagonal lines = task complete
box with line across middle = task cancelled
box with arrow in it = task migrated (moved or changed)
exclamation point next to a box = task priority
circle = event
clock = appointment
heart = special

Now, time to get creative with some doodled list making. Fun!

Home Goals List

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I have so many things I want to do around my home. The list grows with each passing year. Until now, that list has all been in my head for the most part. Now it has a place to live and feel organized. LOVE! I simply doodled a house, including boxes for each of the spaces in our home. From there, I listed goals for each space, using my to-do coding seen in my Key.

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Gratitude List

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When I'm looking for a little sunshine on those cloudy days (and the sunny ones, actually), I like to think of things I'm grateful for. This gives me a space to capture those happy thoughts. I drew a circle in the center of the page, which I colored using colored pencils. The sun rays are made from various strips of gold washi tape. Skinny tape works well, leaving you more room to write.

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Habit Tracker + Spending

Not as fun, but still important. Many use bullet journals in this way nearly exclusively. It's a great way to track days, weeks, months, habits, spending, goals, etc.

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This one took a bit more work to sketch out, but some journals come with lines and boxes that would make it easier. I drew mine. Not perfect, but that's okay. It doesn't have to be. If you find yourself without a ruler at 3:00 AM, washi tape works in a pinch. ;)

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My journal grows by the day. It's SO MUCH FUN! I'll be sure to bring it to my next planner class so you can have a closer look, take pics, ask questions, etc. Speaking of the class...

Forget the hammer, it's PLANNER time! (Upcoming planner class in Lehi, Utah!)

I can't begin to describe how wonderful it was to teach at Paper Crush this month. Those who attended the class came strangers and left friends. Many asked if we could do it again. Twist my arm. ;) Of course!

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A Date to Create Planner Class

Where: Paper Crush in Lehi, Utah
Date: Friday, March 24
Time: 7-9 PM
Sign Up: Visit the Paper Crush website to sign up.
Open to all, whether you took the first class or not. I'll make sure everyone is up to speed and ready to play. :) Space is limited.

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I sure hope you can join us. A good time will be had by all. I know that's a bold prediction, but it's hard to not have fun when visiting one of Utah's cutest stores (seriously!), enjoying discounted shopping, playing with paper, meeting new friends, and devouring tasty snacks.

DIY Planner/Journal Inserts Made with We R Memory Keepers Tools

One technique we'll cover in class is how to make your own planner and journal inserts using an awesome tool by We R Memory Keepers--the Tab Punch Board. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of a brand new We R product, The Planner Punch, which is out in May.

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It punches holes to fit MANY different planner types and sizes. So great! The We R Memory Keepers Tab Punch Board will be used in class so you can get a better feel for customizing options. It's a great way to put patterned paper to use and make your planners and journals more unique to you.

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I cut the page below from watercolor paper, punched it with both punches, and added watercolor paint to create a bullet journal Create List. I'll bring paint to my planner class so you can play, too. Or not. Totally your call on how you choose to customize! The idea with a Create List is to put projects to make on it. I'll fill in each of my painted bubbles with my many crafting goals. If seeing the 'after' interests you, keep an eye on my Instagram. I'll share it there soon.

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Finally, if you're interested in seeing all of this in action, you can check out my Studio 5 segment today at 11. It's like a happy Show & Tell of bullet journaling. I hope it leaves you feeling inspired!

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Cheers!

The Lastest on Planners, My Upcoming Utah Class, and the Seasons Givings Winner!

I'm SO thrilled to be teaching at Paper Crush in Lehi, Utah, on Feb. 3!! If you happened to catch today's Studio 5 segment--thanks for watching!

You're likely either here for more info on my class, which I've linked to above. Or you've come to learn more about the planner show & tell. You'll find that further below. :)

First, let's talk class specifics:

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 3
TIME: 7-9 PM
LOCATION: Perhaps THE CUTEST shop in Utah. Paper Crush, in Lehi. Seriously, come for the atmosphere, if nothing else. ;)
PRICE: $65

CLASS DETAILS

Never before has planning been such fun! Discover cool tricks and tips for making a day planner your own. You'll find it's about more than just keeping a schedule. It's about documenting your life as you live it. And, of course, having lots of fun as you go! With one month of 2017 coming to a close, it's the perfect time to see how to capture moments that have already happened while also prepping for things to come.

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SOME OF THE PLANNER POINTERS WE'LL COVER

Topics covered in class include:
* Creative planning 101: An overview of ways you can use a planner in your life.
* Instax Photo Printing (Yay photos!)
* DIY planner pretties--shaker inserts made with the popular Fuse tool, decorative clips, and fun flip pages, to name a few.
* Planner personalizing (stamping, stickers, and so much more!)

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MORE OF THE GOOD STUFF: YOUR CLASS KIT

What's a creative class without an awesome class kit? Registration includes a full kit of planner essentials to get you started. Supplies include:
* A brand new 2017 planner and calendar inserts (monthly and weekly)
* Several sheets of alphabet stickers
* Various sticker packs
* Decorative clips
* Washi tape
* Paper frames, quote cards, and accents
* Photo overlays
* Other planner essentials
* Oh, and yummy treats, of course! After all, it isn't a party without the refreshments!

DOOR PRIZES

Woot! This party just got even better. The door prizes up for grabs are outstanding, including several brand new planners!

AS SEEN ON TV

If you're here from Studio 5, first, thanks for watching! I LOVE S5 viewers! Your emails are repeatedly some of the nicest I receive! I'm guessing you're here to get more info on the good stuff I shared on today's show. Yes! You've come to the right place. Here are some of the deets:

PLANNER ACCESSORIES

I shared many stickers, tape, clips, and even an adorable black goodie bag, all from Freckled Fawn. They, too, are local to Lehi, Utah. (What's up in Lehi?!--we need to move, me thinks!) They have so many awesome things to choose from - things great for planners and other paper projcets! - and they're online. Here's just a sampling. Head on over to their shop for some serious eye candy!

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JILLIBEAN SOUP PLANNERS

Love me some tasty Soup! This company has entered the planner world more recently, and it shows in the time they've taken to really think through their releases. The pieces are well thought out, SO CUTE, and, again, just right for planning and paper crafting! If you take my class, you will get a firsthand experience. I'll have Jillibean planners for everyone. YAY!

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HEIDI SWAPP PLANNERS

The Heidi Swapp line of planners has gone from one size and format to oh, so many! They have weekly formats, monthly, daily... and incredible size options. My favorite feature? The built-in photo sleeves!! This pink planner is from Heidi. Isn't it gorgeous?!

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SIMPLE STORIES PLANNERS

Simple Stories keeps planning just that--simple! They have coordinating themes for so many awesome reasons and topics. From fitness and recipes to everyday and even DISNEY, you can have a completely themed planner or mix and match these items to make yours perfect for YOU.

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SCRAPBOOK & CARDS TODAY

Guess what?! Even the magazine I work for sells a crafting planner. It's called the Creative Planner, and it's full of tips, project inspiration, and calendar pages. It's the best of both worlds--planning meets magazine!

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I mentioned having this yummy planner up for grabs in my last post. A HUGE thanks to all who entered. The winner has been contacted, but I sure appreciate all of your kind words. <3 <3 <3 What a special treat!!