My Calendar: from overloaded to energized

So we all know I have a penchant for Russell + Hazel binders, organizers and their mini datebook. The other day I was gazing at my google calendar, the bright bars that pepper my every day, and wishing I had a calendar that was of a higher-level view, so I could see the ebb and flow of projects, understand when I was likely to be swamped, and when I could say yes to small single-day projects to keep my creative energy up.
So I combined two of my faves, the Russell + Hazel mini date book with washi tapes! Hooray!
I mark multi-day projects with various colored tapes and write over them to label. Now I smile when I look at my month-in-view and can’t help but get excited rather than overwhelmed by what is coming up next!
| 83 comments









Sara Gray
Holy crap that’s cute, Jensie! And I have a crush on your handwriting. xo
Lisamarie Landreth
This is nothing short of brilliant. You are a real girl of genius!
jensiejean
You’re the best Lisamarie – thanks for saying ;)
Robin Neudorfer
I attempted to share this and link to your blog, but the image that went with the post was not the cute one with the washi tapes on the calendar. It was all your recent pins. I tried multiple ways, coming from your design category, etc.
Love the idea
jensiejean
Bummer! I will look into it ASAP!
Amanda
This is the cutest thing ever. And genius idea I must add.
But I have a question about the R+H mini date book. There’s a package on the website that includes:
- mini binder (color of your choice)
- mini smartdate a-z tabs
- mini smartdate people tracker pages
- 1 mini rubber band
But I couldn’t find the calender layout that you have shown here? Maybe it’s just me but I’m a bit confused on how I would build an agenda from their website. I’d love something that I wouldn’t have to replace the whole thing every year, just the days of the year sheets. If that makes sense.
kate
Amanda, I have the same problem right now. Can’t find the “monthly” smartdate sheets.
jensiejean
Hey all – just spoke with R+H and they’re expecting the monthly mini-tabs to be available in May. They suggested anyone interested call their flagship store (952-279-1360) to get on the list to have tabs shipped out as soon as they arrive.
All Washi Tape
I love this application of the washi. Today I linked this post on my blog, I hope you like it
jensiejean
Love it and love your blog too! So many good ideas – thanks for the link love.
Hillary
Love those washi tape patterns. Did you get them on etsy? if so, which seller?
jensiejean
I just picked them up here and there and local shops, etsy for a bulk order would be a great idea though!
mppaul2
lovely…hope you do no mind I will copy this idea for use in my filofax :-) just purchased the washi tape!!!
mppaul2
BTW…what planner is that under your calendar, love the spring green or aqua color:-)
jensiejean
I picked it up years ago at Paper Source. This is it, or at least it’s quite similar. http://bit.ly/Ii2KQM
Amanda
I have a question about the mini binder you have here. Do you know the
Ring size? I’m looking for a 1/2 inch one and it doesn’t say on their binder.
jensiejean
My mini binder measures 1/2-inch across the rings – sounds like it’d work for you.
kimberly @ Here's What I Think
Love this. Found this on Pinterest & I’m so glad. :)
jensiejean
awesome! thanks – stop by any time, will keep the ideas coming!
Elise
Love this idea! The tape is a clever way to spice up any planner, and I love the R + H binder! I have been looking for something like that for a while now. I’m also in graphic design, and this is a great way to plan. Thanks!
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[...] Using washi tape on a calendar. Genius! [...]
jennifer little
BRILLIANT! I’m on their site now! Thank you! I’ve been on the hunt for a killer planner!
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[...] pinned this idea for a washi tape use and now i need to step up my organizing [...]
Meagan
Where did you get your Washi Tapes at….I have been looking for those exact colors! Thanks
jensiejean
I pick them up generally where I see them. Some from etsy but mostly from a local stationary shop – http://ephemeradesign.com/ You could likely call them and they’ll sift through what they have for you.
Yi Shun
Lovely way to add dash to your calendar. I book things by color-coded category, so this is a great way to add to that! Thanks!
Carrie Smith
Love this idea! I saw this on Pinterest and I thought, gosh this is genius. I will totally be using this for my agenda calendar for work. As a freelancer it’s imperative I stay on top of things. Plus this brings a fun and creative aspect to it. Fantastic!
Rene
Just started my own business and I am, at times overwhelmed! Can’t wait to organize my planner! LOVE the colors and design of the tape. How could you not smile!?
Cassidy
I am totally doing this! I absolutely love how this looks! Great idea
Caryl Lyons
Awesome idea. Love it and that it makes it so colorful. :)
Erin @ WriteTasty
That’s adorable! What a great idea– I always lose important info in my planner, and a washi tape background would make looking at my weeks so much simpler. Not to mention cuter! Thanks!
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Sharon Barrett
Hi Jensie! You did a fabulous job on your planner! I am a liitle bit OCD on the monthly planner front and I absolutely love this idea…so much so that I ordered some cute washi tape of my own. Thanks for the inspiration!
BTW….I posted about this on my blog today….http://www.msmagpiedesigns.com/2012/05/washi-tape-planner/
Thanks again!
Sharon
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[...] I have great plans for this tape (and I’m on the hunt for more of it if you know of a good source, please share). I will use it in my planner like Jensie does here. [...]
suzanne
i love russell + hazel…but how come I’ve never heard of washi tape? I looked at the link you posted and will order some straight away. how fun!!!
Diane S
I LOVE this idea! I bought some washi tape awhile ago (etsy) and it’s my favorite craft thing ever. And now I get to play with it. Thanks for inspiring me!
Kelsey Payne
Seriously the best idea ever. I’m getting washi tape to redo the keys on my macbook before school starts again. Better get a double order to do this in a planner! It would definitely be useful in the life of a full time college student.
Heather
Thanks for sharing this tip – what a great idea!
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jensiejean
Good news everyone! R+H has their 2012-2013 mini binder tabs in-stock! Rumor is they’ll be on the site very shortly! Thanks for all the interest!
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Team Craftwell
What a creative and cute way to use washi tapes!
Team Craftwell
craftwellusa.com
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Cathy
This is amazing. I am the same exact way. Thank you so much for the links to everything. I have been in need of these things!! And what a great way to use up my washi tape and get work done!!!! Woooohoooo!!!
jensiejean
Aw your comment made my day! Thanks and I hope you enjoy all the organizational bliss.
Jane
Highlighters already in the drawer can do the same thing….
Emily
With Washi tape if something changes you can easily remove the tape without making a mess of your book. If you don’t like torn ends then cut the tape with scissors. Love this idea!
Carleigh
I still can’t find the monthly fill ins. :( Their website is so confusing for me! But back to the main point – such a fantastic idea! You are so creative! It looks gorgeous!
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Trisha
This is such a great idea, Jensie,, and I will have to check out all of the R+H organizational tools, too! I came across this via Pinterest, and just wanted to say thanks for sharing this tip!
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[...] I came across this fantastic image by the blog Take 2 They’re Small. It was in a post called My Calendar: from overloaded to energized, which has some great tips if you have a second to check it out :) The gold tabs and polka dots [...]
Audra Silva
Love this! And such a good excuse (along with several others I can think of) to finally get some Washi and play with it. :)
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Christine
Love the look of the planner – like the washi tape, however, for me I am major OCD and just looking at the torn ends I know it’s not for me. Love the idea though. I have color-coded my planner for over 20 years – helps keep me balanced and keeps my projects,and business dealings in line. The highlighter idea is great – but they smear pen and pencil writing
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Kristen Lee
Hi!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea! I’ve been obsessing over it for mths! I think I’m ready to buy my first Russell and Hazel Mini Binder but was wondering if you could me some insight on how you set yours up and what you really need to purchase from their collection to go in your mini binder.
Thanks!
jensiejean
I love their mini binder monthly view tabs for this project. I’ve also created my own week-view pages, I’ll have to do a follow up post and share those since R+H doesn’t produce a week-in-view style. Glad you love it! :)
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Gina
I love this! I am too trying to find the week-in-style pages. Thanks for sharing!
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Laura
Love. Just what I needed to read. Today I triple booked myself by accident. Can you tell me where you got that beautiful aqua dairy from – that’s just what I’ve been looking for!!!
jensiejean
Thanks and glad you’re into the idea! I think I picked up that planner from Paper Source years ago. It is made by Graphic Image (cute little elephant logo) and I LOVE it!
Mayette
This is a great idea! I’ve been slacking on using my planner lately, but this definitely makes me want to start back up again. <3 Had to pin!
Krissy {Pretty Paper Things}
What an absolutely gorgeous idea! I need to buy more washi tape :)
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Stella
what a cute and smart idea! I loooove washi tape! :) (but who doesn’t?)
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Roxanne
LOVE this idea <3 i'm totally old fashioned and still love writing in planners so this is great!
Do you by any chance know what mm (like 10 or 15 or 7mm) widths your washi tapes are? Or generally what variety you keep around to use in your planner? :]
jensiejean
Roxanne – I totally agree! I never remember anything if I don’t actually write it down. Typing just isn’t the same. I’m a fan of the 15mm and use the 7mm for accents once in a while. I also really like to play with the gap, or negative space, between two stripes of different sizes.
misty
I love that you sparked another great idea to use with the wasabi tape that I have left over from my childrens bday party. Such a great idea! Thanks for pinning it so that I could find it!
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