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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#happyplanner #planwithme

[@kenzielogic9405]

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. 💜

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Kenzie Logic thank you so much!! This is really great to hear. ❤️

[@walkingwiththelord777]

Kenzie, I second everything you said. I happened upon a memory journaling video and wanted to try that and that somehow led me to Planning with Bumble and after watching one video, I couldn't stop. I held off on buying a planner for a couple of months because I wasn't sure if I would follow through and I didn't want more "stuff" laying around but last week I finally bought two planners on clearance and I'm so excited to get started. Last week was my birthday so for my first spread I want to go back and do last week for my birthday.

[@GloriaSkipper]

I wanted to start planning and found you almost immediately and, man, I just LOVE your spreads! I’ve invested in a planner (starts 2024) & a few sticker books and I’m ready to begin BUT……I’m truly scared to lay it down! 😂😂 how many times have I watched this video!?

[@nativelady5]

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.

[@soverycarrie8834]

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.

[@laurenhicks6074]

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@jonicagoetz8097]

I love this idea!

[@ChelleBear7]

This is such a good idea! I like this

[@Lemetria35]

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

[@PlanningwithBumble]

LemetriaBH I always write in my planner!

[@biggirlchronicles365]

😆

[@kelil1750]

I think the decorative aspect overrides the functional aspect. For what I need is decor, yes, but for it to be functional more so.

[@semekiizuio]

Old comments but what I've seen majority of these youtubers mask the use of their planner with decor and only buy these planners to decorate them with one or two things written in 5 boxes out of 12. So basically they are decorating on a more expensive paper book 🤣

[@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.

[@Secondhandmomdotcom]

Here spreads are amazing but I would never get work done if I spent that much time making it so pretty.

[@beverlystotz5652]

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!!

[@hobbsheather8057]

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?

[@SavannahBakly]

Exactly! I’m super confused about why all the stickers are used. Seems a bit of a waste of time and pointless. If someone wants to do stickers then how about a scrap book. I use my planner to plan things and not dink around to make it look all aesthetic

[@carah444]

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!👍🌻

[@catherinemccallen7982]

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 ❤️

[@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! 👏

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you!!

[@kerrireinholt1702]

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.

[@mmcneil-smith2890]

Hoping this doesn't sound corny though am speaking from my creative heart. While listening to this video initially I felt inspired to do a creative spread for my family's memory book (done in my vertical big). Fast forward to multiple times later repeating this video , I felt so much courageous to try putting stickers down on paper. This morning I completed my first decorative spread in my family's book and am so happy with the results. Thank you Mary Ellen for teaching us in the community. Thank you for inspiring us. And ultimately making us feel we can do this hobby well. You are amazing! Have a wonderful day!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Not corny at all, such a nice comment. Glad I can help and inspire you! Thanks so much for watching!! ❤️

[@QuieroCake]

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

[@elizabethmarie9023]

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 💡

[@tinaferguson672]

I actually like your early pages as well. I like those early stickers.

[@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.

[@walkingwiththelord777]

I've been doing Dollar Tree planner spreads to practice and I've been using only washi. I think I'll be someone who uses washi a lot

[@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! :)

[@Solaeandcraft]

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

[@meganfackenthal3116]

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 ;)

[@walkingwiththelord777]

Honestly, Mary Ellen, if my first spread is as good as your first spread I would be happy. But hopefully it will be even better because I have such a good coach! You make the best spreads.

[@V.I.C.]

This was EXTREMELY helpful!! Thank you soooo much for sharing this love!! 😁😁

[@nykkelly9459]

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

[@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!

[@mil8903]

Ugh I can’t wait to start Thankyou 💓💓💓

[@Nedecha]

Thank you, this was very helpful 😊

[@irhonda31]

These were some great basic tips! Thank you!

[@karenposselt8275]

Thanks for all of the creative ideas! I hadn’t seen it done this way before.

[@christyb7455]

This is great information for beginners or maybe even people that just feel stuck!! Lol thought the doodle was mug of beer!!😂 Thank you for another super useful video!❤

[@kathygermack1990]

BUT.....You have beautiful writing, printing AND you can draw!!!!! I can barely draw a stick figure!!! LOL Not kidding. You're so, so talented!!!! I am learning so much from you, but the writing part... You are meant to do this!!!! Xo

[@sabinerie]

Today my first Happy Planner arrived. I am so happy with it. Now I have to watch your videos and get inspirations. From Germany best wishes, Sabine.

[@jurienafrans3328]

This is a very good video for newbies. 💖💖💖

[@flowercitaschnauzer1033]

This was a great video. Very informative. Im a new planner and love your spreads

[@brendawilliams1975]

This was very helpful. Thank you😊

[@peggyhoogstoel2208]

It is so helpful to hear your train of thoughts when planning. This year is my first year of planning ... and I bought a planner that isn't really allowing for much creativity with stickers (I won't mention the brand because I don't want to be negative about anything ... positive vibes only), but next year it is HAPPY PLANNER all the way (if I can wait that long ... ) :-)

[@peggyhoogstoel2208]

And I couldn’t wait for that long 😂 I got myself not 1 but 2 HP (welness planner and a dashboard layout) and a Happy Notes … and I am loving it! Finding ways to use my spreads so they would bring value to my life took me a few weeks, but I am happy with what I have going right now.

[@rach3092]

I got a Happy Planner and I wasn’t feeling my first, so I’m getting my second next month (pretty soon!) and I’m so excited now that I know what I’m doing! Just wanted to say thank you for all the nice ideas ^^

[@nelidaquinones7027]

Thank you love it

[@UFOCrochet]

Thank you so much!!! I would have had no idea where to begin on how to decorate without your video.

[@maryhooker-brogdon1140]

I'm new to planning - the terminology is just beginning to make sense to me ;). I enjoy your videos and am learning, thank you.

[@brendanieves5522]

Thanks for this! It's so helpful and encouraging! 😊👍Especially since it's hard to stay motivated to do much at all these days❤️

[@darlenegodfrey5186]

Thank you so much.

[@walkingwiththelord777]

Yay! I got my Planning with Bumble fix today! Thank you! This was very helpful. I mentioned in another comment that I got two planners. Hopefully I can do my first spread soon.

[@kimpedroli8183]

Thank you! Very helpful to me being fairly new! Love your channel!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Kim Pedroli thanks for watching!

[@millionairemama1311]

I am new to the planner world, a little less than a month. I have been binge watching all your videos. I love how you put things together. ❤️ I think I am going to follow a “step by step” as you create one of your spreads. You are super talented!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you!

[@ardillitapatricia]

Qué lindo planer!!

[@thoughtsofhamp8692]

Hi there Mary Ellen...thanks for inspiring me. I had stop using my planner because it was so overwhelming to me n my mind was going faster than my hands...lol. So, I divorced the planner a while. This break down was VERY!! Helpful. Thanks. Gv Bumble huges n kisses please...lol

[@GHJasamGH08]

Thank you for making this video :) gave me so many good ideas:)

[@planandtravelwithdumont9967]

I definitely became a fan of your videos. Thank you and I am already following you on Instagram. 😊 I could hear cute lil Bumble.

[@missbilbybadinage1199]

I’ve watched plenty of these type of videos, plan with me’s, etc (mostly to decide which planner I like best) and so far your 1st without stickers (1:56) is one of my favourites, I like very little clutter.

[@tammmygraves4317]

Your first spread I loved it ❤!! I wished that I could be that creative!

[@obarraguarido]

Me: I dont own a single sticker book Also me: I wach your videos as if they were going to ask their content in an exam 😂😂

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Obarra Guarido haha that’s great!

[@judigo830]

Thank you

[@katheysplan3833]

👋🏼 Mary Ellen... who made Bumble mad, she has been barking the whole time😆😍. Awesome spread as always!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Kat's Creations haha who knows! It’s the neighbor dogs, typically

[@miniscenesgb]

Great video :) I had no idea planning could be so creative. New subscriber

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thanks for subbing!

[@Chroniclesofacashstuffingirl]

Lol I already have a TON of washi tape I bought for other crafts so I'll definitely have plenty to choose from for my planner. Good video thanks 😊💕

[@calamity716]

Thank you for another great video....and I have been watching commercials ads now too :)

[@PlanningwithBumble]

C J thanks 😊

[@shar6310]

I like how you know which sticker book has the things you need. I just bought a HP and it's so pretty, I love it. I didn't see your video until the actual planner said to look on YT, Instagram etc..for more info and tips. Looking at your Planners for Beginner's I should of bought a dashboard because that's more my style for planning but I really love the one I bought which is the vertical(thanks to you I now know the different types💃).... Im going to try it! Thank you for your help! You have great ideas and tips. I love your Demostrations.

[@LatriceSteward2015]

I put stickers in the box but I don’t use too many stickers I write a lot in mines but I want to decorate more

[@TheMoodyHouse]

I love your spreads. I've been Journaling since I was 11 years old. I save them all but I'm not sure why.

[@angiepayne6104]

I'm not a beginner, but this was a great video!

[@rachelcarter2443]

I'm new to this hobby. I.love washi tape and don't care if it's out of style. Thank you.

[@novairene6880]

My first year planning. I use SO much washi. Mostly because my planner pages have colors that don't match anything (I will do a better job looking at that before I buy my next planner). But I LOVE washi! It is my planner and I don't have to impress anyone. Glad I am not alone, Rachel.

[@helenmoorhouse270]

Is it out of style? I am so behind the curve!!!

[@MandyAmelia]

Cool planner! Where do we get the rings at that hold the binder together?

[@monacunningham2776]

I just found your videos. They are great 🐱.I saw Va appointment in your planner. I'm a veteran too. I was in the Air Force and the Navy. I went to your Amazon page. I liked the stencil. Thanks, Mona from Saint Louis

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you for your service. I’m not a vet but my Kate husband was a navy SEAL

[@monacunningham2776]

@@PlanningwithBumble Wow that's so cool. Merry Christmas to you both!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

@@monacunningham2776 oops that was a typo. It should have said late husband, not Kate husband. Lol. Thank you though. Merry Christmas!

[@walkingwiththelord777]

I'm wondering if you would recommend the big mushroom punch or if you think that the single punch is just fine. I'd like the single punch because it would cost less and take less space but I'm concerned about lining it up properly.

[@lenabellamy1262]

What would you do for a first time planner that is a Classic vertical hourly?

[@nicoleglanvill6022]

Hi. Love your videos. Which planner are you using in this video?

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Classic Agate Happy Planner. It’s an older one

[@calimama2874]

How would you recommend setting up your planner if you're a college student? I am also a stay at home mom/ home maker.

[@nykkelly9459]

Do you-or anyone you may know-decorate the guided journals? It's literally a blank page!! I don't even know where to start!! I'll just keep watching...

[@vo5782]

I much prefer horizontal planners. Do you have videos specific to horizontal planning?

[@lizaa89]

seems a lot of work but so cute and make me excited lol

[@karliann1]

Today Dec 14 2021 Michael's website has planner punch for only 20 bucks. Praying they still have it tomorrow when i get paid lol

[@SimplyJacey216]

hey mary ellen question for the doodle of the day why are you only putting them on the left ? im not trying to be mean but i was just curious

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Jacey Li's pixel art I got mixed up with which videos were airing on which days. So they are kinda out of order 😬

[@michaelakehr9700]

I am new and got a “vertical hourly” and I have no clue what to do with it 😞 advice on how to do that kind of format?

[@YehowahDaughter]

Where can you get a full planner refill for a happy planner classic

[@biturner]

Hi! I'm new to the HP world and your channel, it's super helpful, thank you! In the video, you mentioned something about how stickers are organized in the books, and how they will match. Is there a video for that? Having trouble with my spreads matching, as well as being functional. I'm learning this is a process. Thanks so much!!!

[@agittleson434]

What size pen do you use to do the checklist?

[@PlanningwithBumble]

I usually use a .38 muji these days

[@agittleson434]

@@PlanningwithBumble Thanks! I am very excited! I was finally able to order a stencil from HP! It has been out for a while. I can/t wait to try it!

[@lisamyatt5203]

What size is this planner pages

[@adelepolinsky3472]

How munch are the stickers for beginners/starters

[@mirika-excellenceasstandar7504]

This was so so so HELPFUL in capital Letters,as i need to understand the purpose of doing this in the first place. But could you please do another video similar but in more depth as to importance of doing all this, with a planner. So sorry to sound awkward an awful but i really love how it looks, but don't seem to have made that connection to wasting all these beautiful stickers only to have them in a diary. I would like to have what others find interesting about planning, as it still does not make sense to me. I really hope i did not upset anyone... Im just struggling with it all.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

If it doesn’t make sense it may not be for you! And that’s ok! For me it’s a creative outlet and it makes it more likely that I’ll use my planner.

[@joywinnett6192]

Can you tell me the pens you use I have issues mine bleed thru

[@PlanningwithBumble]

I use muji

[@flowercitaschnauzer1033]

Please tell us what's your etsy page?

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Flowercita Schnauzer I don’t have an Etsy page

[@daniellewesley7679]

I dont know how to find her link she keeps talking about....I want to buy some of the things so she gets credit but I'm not a good computer/cell person.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thanks for thinking of me, links are always in the description box of the video of you scroll down past the video itself. Here is my Happy Planner link: bit.ly/30kjXYh

[@veramarlies2101]

i love your videos the only little thing i was kinda annoyed by - you said something like "getting good at it" - i like your first spread. i think "finding your style" or whatever. i dont think im good at it - but it doesnt really matter cuz i love my planner - cuz its my planner

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Agreed! This video is a couple of years old and I’m more careful about my wording now…definitely not what I meant though!

[@RhiUrso]

Happy Birthday to someone today! :) Is it you?

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Rhiannon Urso it is Bumble’s birthday!

[@user-dj5gn7uj3p]

Sounds like a lot of work I just don't have time to sit down and figure out where to and what sticker to put where

[@LatriceSteward2015]

This is cute I like washi tape

[@plannininmypjs7869]

I’m a planner coach and washi tape is very much still in

[@lwalt7120]

If you aren't using your planner as a calendar or to do tracker, then it isn't a planner - it's a scrapbook. Not sure how this isn't obvious.

[@TheodorouC72]

This makes me dizzy

[@marthalacomba3306]

This video is still stressful.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Martha Lacomba why is it stressful?

[@patriciadimarco8378]

Thank you so much.