Tis the Season...to be baking, shopping, and just plain busy!

It's definitely the season to keep on track! There is always so much planning that goes into getting ready for the holidays. That's why I figured I had to make some of these Christmas planners...I know I need all the help I can get to stay organized! The first one turned out so cute I figured I'd make one for my Mom, MIL & Aunt also. I think they all like theirs and hopefully they will find it useful.

Like the Thanksgiving Planner I shared here last month, I started with a cheap-o pocket folder and folded each panel in half to create 4 pockets instead of the original 2. This time instead of stamping the whole thing I used Dashing and Wintergreen papers to cover the folders. For the Dashing planners I used the Punch Pals set for the covers and did some paper piecing on the presents which is a fun detail. I stamped the presents twice - once on my white card stock and then again on the patterned paper. Then I cut out the gifts from the patterned paper - minus the tiny bows, as those were stamped on my main image, and then I glued them in place with my 2-way glue pen. It's a fun way to use scraps of patterned paper if you don't mind cutting, plus I think it really adds cute detail to the project.

I lucked out and found some really cute holiday post it notes and lined note pads that matched the colors I was using, so those went into two of the pockets. Along with a big clip to keep track of loose papers like recipes clipped from paper, coupons, etc... There is also a calendar and an envelope to keep track of the receipts from all the gift purchases I'll be making. (Note to self: better start shopping soon!) I figured I'd use this to keep track of all my lists such as Christmas Cards (Note to self: finish making cards!) and to do lists.

For the front of the Wintergreen planners I embossed the tree and poinsettia from Season of Joy in silver and used a Build-a-brad with a stamped snowflake for the center of the word joy. I just got those and they are really fun! Any image that can be punched out with the 1/2" circle punch fits on the base of the brad and then you cover it with a clear acrylic bubble. Of course each planner had to come with it's own matching pen, right!? For those, just unscrew the end and slip in a piece of rolled up patterned paper and you instantly have a matching pen!

Here's hoping we can all stay organized and enjoy the holidays - stress free! Now I better get busy with all my holiday tasks....