How to Create Your First Planner Spread - Avoiding Overwhelm for Beginners

I know it's tough to create your first planner spread. You don't know what you're doing and you're afraid it will look bad or not be functional. Don't worry - just jump right in! In this video I will help you make your very first spread. Great for beginners, but you might find some tips here if you are a seasoned planner as well.

My number one tip - Just have fun with it!

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Intro music: Wander
Musician: @iksonofficial

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[kenzielogic]

I actually got into planning because of your videos. I fell down the YT rabbit hole one night and somehow found you and was like "What is this planner stuff all about?" and two days later I left Michaels with a classic vertical planner, the Essentials and Basics sticker books and a tube of washi. I watched every single Planner 101 video you did, but it took me a good three months to work up the courage to even comment to you because even though you are so friendly and open, I'm a bit of a wallflower. This was back in September of last year. Even though I'm no longer a beginner it is SO helpful to go back and watch this playlist and videos like this because it's kind of all overwhelming at first and you miss stuff or forget stuff, so it's nice to be reminded of the basics. They're even helpful if you find yourself having "planner's block". (Is that a thing? I feel like it's a thing. lol) Thank you for introducing me into this wonderful world and for providing such amazing instructions and inspiration. You often say we have no idea how important we are to you, but Mary Ellen, you honestly have no idea how important YOU are to us. 💜

[soverycarrie]

When I did horizontal style, I used the top row for "At Home" items, the second for "To Go" activities, and the third for "Journaling". That way I stayed more focused on what my day would be. But it's wonderful that everyone can figure out what works for them! Love my Happy Planner.

[Lemetria]

I actually like your first planner pages because I like to write in my planner

[beverlystotz]

I started out in the classic teacher planner because I thought I needed the "sections". After a few weeks of having to redate and not really having enough stuff for the sections, I realized this was not the layout for me! Of course I'm still in it but have supplemented printable formats throughout. My new planner that starts in July is the classic dashboard. I have found that I "fit" in it best. It gives me space to decorate and still provides function, but since I'm retired, I don't need massive space for "things". I started this journey in August 2019 and trust me, I've learned so much from you over the months, even without this video!!

[nativelady]

Thank you this was very informative for beginners. I bought the planner and a couple of sticker books and got overwhelmed and they just sat where I put them down. I now want to try it out.

[carah]

I’ve been a Happy Planner for a few years now and follow you for your creativity and style. I learn so much from watching your videos. This is a great refresher video. Thank you!👍🌻

[breebeal]

This was a very helpful video! I learned a lot from watching this. Thank you. And my planner looks amazing now 🙂🦋💜

[korichamberlain]

But see, your very first spread looks like an actual planner, with real to-do lists and notes and such. Some of your eleaberate scrap book style layouts are beautiful, but there's so little space for information that it's hard to imagine that it's functional. I'm sure it is for you, since you made it, so you know where you put your lists and such, but theses early ones look more like what I'm after. No need to talk them down, they might be exactly what some of us need.

[catherinemccallen]

Love you right now for thinking about what sorts of videos would be useful and encouraging for all of us planners stuck at home right now lol!! I have been trying different spread ideas and just having fun with it recently since actual plans have become so limited ❤️

[hobbsheather]

Can someone explain where you find time to do all this? I need a planner because I'm busy. I don't have time to sticker.
Can you show the planner being used practically?

[PersonalizeMyPlanner]

Thank you so much for sharing your first planner spread with us! It was really inspiring to see how far you've come with practice. I'm always blown away by your planner spreads- they are gorgeous! 👏

[kerrireinholt]

Just starting my planner journey and enjoy your videos so much! You give me a lot of hope that I can, someday, create the beautiful spreads you do! Thought this video was super helpful.

[nykkelly]

I'd consider myself a life long beginner. I don't have the eye you gals do...but I adore your videos!!!♡♡♡

[elizabethmarie]

I had to buy an extension pack to start mine in June because it went from July to July. I accidentally bought a fitness extention, so I'm using stickers scrapbook paper and washi tape to change the layout to vertical. It looks great 👍 thanks for all the ideas 💡

[Solaeandcraft]

I’ve always loved the idea of this and this was amazing explanation

[giakingbeauty]

This was really helpful to me because i couldn’t decorate a vertical spread even if this is now i bullet journaled prior to shifting to happy planner. I’m currently using a dashboard and horizontal layout. Now, i think i can tackle the vertical again. Thanks! :)

[andudontstopyo]

I use washi tape all the time. I think it helps the spreads pop and brings more of the colors you want to promote in your spread. I think this beginners spreads looks fantastic.

[bubenspitzle]

Hey Mary Ellen, I just finished your beginner playlist! Thank you for these extensive tips and instructions, it helps me a lot! Based on your experiences, I bought my Happy Planner and some accessories 😊. It's a little more difficult and the selection isn't that huge here in Germany, but you showed me that this isn't all that dramatic because I can change everything about my planner that I don't like 😅. Thank you for the inspiration!

[meganfackenthal]

Awh, your first spread was not bad!! Also, the dog in your introduction is sooo cute! I love your videos but I would watch your videos for that dog alone ;)

[QuieroCake]

I like sticker planning but I rather write.. looks very pretty though.