Ideas for DIY Arc Planner Accessories

A few weeks ago I shared my homemade planner pages that I’m printing and putting in my Arc notebook.  I’ve been working on getting my planner all set up for the coming year and I think this type of disc bound system is going to work great.  Yes, I’m excited to give it a try!

The disc notebook systems come with other accessories like zipper pockets, index dividers, and rulers and I’ve been wondering if I’ll need any of these things too.  Of course I’m the sort of person that doesn’t even think about buying those supplies until I first ponder the question – Do you suppose I can just make my own?

When it comes to these disc bound systems it really boils down to the fact that you need those special little holes on the side if something’s going to go in your notebook.  That means if you can punch it, you’re good to go.    I mentioned in my previous post about my Arc notebook supplies that the cheapskate in me prevailed and I bought the more reasonably priced small paper punch intended for just one piece of paper.  If I had paid more and bought the 8 sheet capacity punch, there would be even more things I could punch and put in my notebook!

Nevertheless, I’ve got a few ideas for us frugal folks to make DIY planner supplies, even if we only have a tiny punch.

Let’s take a look:

1.   Greeting Card Envelope = DIY Pocket Divider

If you have an extra greeting card envelope around the house, you can punch it and put it in your notebook as a divider page and as a way to hold smaller pieces of paper together (receipts or business cards for example).  Other size envelopes could possibly be cut down to size for this purpose too however if you cut the envelope, you will have to tape any side edges shut again where you cut it.

 

2.  Index Guides = Index Guides

Nothing tricky here. All I did for this one was use a leftover letter size index guide I had around the house, trimmed off the edges to make it the “junior” size I needed, and punched it.  Pretty easy!

 

3.  Cardstock + Scrapbook Paper = DIY Bookmark

Rather than buy one of those ruler/bookmark/page guide thingies, I used some cardstock I had (an index card would work too), covered it with scrapbook paper using Zip Dry paper glue, and then cut it down to what I thought was a nice bookmark size (3″ x 6″) leaving some of the top portion unpunched so it would stick out above my notebook like a bookmark.  They may not be quite as sturdy as the store bought option, but they’re certainly frugal and easy to make should I need to make another one as the year goes along.  I made a couple in different colors and I’ll think they’ll work out just fine for me.

4.  Coloring page = DIY Boredom Buster

And finally, you can punch a coloring page if you wish and pop it in your planner for a little DIY activity to kill time while you’re waiting or if you need to give the kiddos something to do.  I cut out the little coloring page that’s always in my local newspaper, glued it to some cardstock, and popped it in my planner. Of course any printable coloring page online could work too, or cut one from a coloring book, or you can even make your own coloring pages.  Just trim it to the size you need and punch it.

So those are a few of the frugal homemade alternatives I’ve thought up as I get my planner ready for the upcoming year.  If you’re a person using a disc bound system too, I would encourage you to take a look around your house first and see if there’s something you can trim to size, punch, and then insert in your notebook that could solve your problem.  You might be surprised at the DIY solutions you can come up with!