For weeks now {probably even months},
I’ve been writing little notes here & there with ideas, projects, tips, goals and dreams for me and the biz. More recently I decided it’s time to stop creating lists and to-do’s that scatter a half dozen journals and sticky notes >> I need them to be in one place. My first idea was to search Etsy for a shop that could make me a cute 3-ring binder to serve as my Gussy Folder — I need to be able to re-arrange the pages so a bound book just wouldn’t work. Sadly, I couldn’t find what I was looking for, but hooray! I decided to make my Gussy Folder myself.
I found this cute binder at Target (can also be bought online at www.russellandhazel.com {super cute biz name, by the way}) along with hole-punched pages & divider folders. Yippeeeee :]
Three categories I’m constantly using:
* goals
* blog ideas
* to-do
These three are the top most important categories for my folder. Having goals is SO, SO important — it’s the only way I was able to quit my day job back in May. Plus, goals are really great ways to grow my business and add motivation to my day. Another category that keeps my blog running {the second biz I have} is a blog ideas list. Usually in the morning is when I come up with the best post/blog ideas, and writing them down is a super easy way for me to come up with a topic/remember ideas. The last category in my Gussy Folder is a to-do list. Having this list in a 3-ring binder lets me add pages to my to-do list without messing up the order of everything else in my book.
Each divider page also has a pocket —
Lined paper inserts, perfect :]
My Gussy Folder was super fun to make and it cost me less than $20 to create [binder was $7.69, paper was $4.84 and divider folders were $5.17]. On each divider page, I wrote the name of the category on a small piece of fabric {pulled from my scrap bin}. I then used the zig-zag stitch to sew the smaller piece to a bigger piece of fabric. I finished by sewing the fabric directly onto the paper using a top stitch. These folders are card stock-weight so it will hold the stitch well ♥.
One thing that will be super great about this Gussy Folder is I can look back at the goals/topics/to-do’s I accomplished and be proud of myself. When I’m having a downer day I like to take a minute and focus on the praises in my life. Then I pray for some help *wink*
Materials used —
* 3-ring binder
* divider pages
* lined paper {graph would be cute, too}
* thread
* fabric
* fabric marker
* embellishments to decorate the front of your binder {stickers, photos, marker, fabric, glitter glue, etc.}
If so, did you buy it or make it?
That’s my girl! Good work, Maggs.
Omg is this really your hubbs?! So cute & sweet!!
it is — he’s amazing <3
I love it! I’m such a paper geek and I adore Russel and Hazel!
OMG, Maggie! You have the sweetest hubbs. You do know that, right? I hope I can find a guy like yours who supports by blogging addiction. :)
Sarah-Anne
Maggie, we really need to get together so that I can pick your brain:)) Even though I am almost 10 yrs older than you I think I could use a lot of your ideas and thoughts:))
yes please!!! would love to meet with you :]
I love Russell + Hazel! I have some of their binders and dividers.
your hubb’s comment is awesome! i use my much ado about you planner and it is really working wonders for me. :)gina
Love this!!! I love how cutely you organize things. I feel like Gussy today with my notebook full of a to-do list. Each part of my day today planned out so I can accomplish things before we leave for a family Christmas (in Wisconsin) tomorrow. :)
I have several books- I just love making lists and organizing my thoughts! I have a business details one, a blog ideas one, and a dreams/goals/ideas one. I found simple journals or 3 ring binders work best. I like to find pretty ones that inspire me, some even have quotes on every page. (I just love quotes and scripture!) For my dreams/goals/ideas one, I use a large sketch pad- that way I am able to draw, doodle, create mind-maps and generally be creative with keeping my ideas organized. I also have a small pad that I keep by my bedside… as sometimes the best ideas come while I’m trying to sleep!
How awesome. I love seeing pictures of organizers and things like that. Just make my day why don’t you! :)
Russell + Hazel is the best. Their planners are so cute.
I have a russel and hazel binder for all my important lists. I love it! Yours is super cute!! :)
I looove this idea! I’ll have to get a binder and make it my own. Staying organized is SO important!
Oh Gussy! This is fantastic! I am so behind – it’s gonna take me a week to catch up on your blog posts! LOVE the folder!
exactly what i needed for this fresh new year. glad you re-posted this in your year end review post.
Super cute! Making one today! Thanks for sharing! =p
i am assuming you made your pin cushion…
do you have a tutorial?
it’s super CUTE! :)
This is a great idea! I realized this year that I needed a day planner to be better at organizing my posts and planning ahead so when “real” life got busy I could step away from the computer but my blog would continue to still run. I need to add an insert like yours though of ideas and goals. I often think of these things in my head…get jotted down here and there but never in one place. So thank you for the inspiration!
xxoo
Ashley
That is so precious!
Much love,
Future Mama
expectingablessing@gmail.com
you are SO organized!!! i need to make something like this!!!
Great notebook but would be even better if you made a fabric cover with RUFFLE of course. I love fabric book covers but have never seen one for folders.
I’m addicted to your blog and think you are FAB!!
hugs
-mimi-
Great idea! I now have another ‘to-do’ project to add to my list! LOVE!