How to Plan Without Stickers! Free & Inexpensive Ways to Decorate Your Planner -Planning on a Budget

[@amypardo3765]

I started planning in January of 2021 as a form of therapy after my mom died in July of 2020. My counselor had recommended creative journaling. As I searched for videos I stumbled upon your channel and it changed my life forever. Being able to relate to your grief and ADHD and depression and being a single mom and love for animals and so much more was just a God send for me. Being as scatter brained as I am I needed a way to get my crap together and I loved being able to also use it as a creative outlet. I’ve never stuck to a planner for this long EVER. And I have now finished one complete year in a classic planner and upsized to a Big planner this year. Thank you so much Mary Ellen for everything you do. You are an inspiration.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thanks so much for your sweet comment!! It’s always so nice to know I’ve made a difference

[@Ktsjdu5xi6e86r9]

This is so similar to my story. It was so much of an outlet after my mom and dad died. Watching these videos inspires me to keep going with my journal

[@deniseyeaisaidit]

I liked this video before I watched it. That’s how much I trust Mary Ellen and everything she does.♥️

[@PlanningwithBumble]

🥰🥰🥰

[@karenlebeter4196]

Ice cream truck, Keychain enamels

[@nmladyg]

I loved this video. I'm fairly new to planning and have a budget. I have used some of the ideas you showed us but a lot of other ones I never thought of and were great. I think I will plan one of my weeks with just these ideas and no stickers. Thank you so much for taking the time to show us.

[@afrikurl]

I would love to see more budget options. Like a dollar tree spread or a 99 cents store spread. Where the spread is created only using supplies from that store. I have found actual HP products at 99 and HP dupes at dollar tree.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Yes I’ve thought of that as well but decided that would need to be in a different video, since it’s sort of a separate topic.

[@afrikurl]

@@PlanningwithBumble yay! Sounds like a series. 😊

[@plannerjo4258]

Thank you Mary Ellen for the information regarding Better Help. This kind of therapy is just so unique and so helpful for those that are uncomfortable with traditional form of therapy. BTW. I loved the entire video. ❤

[@sideanapondexter3379]

I've used old greeting cards I was storing in a box to create boxes for my layouts. I love that I'm able to display the card and remember who gave it to me.

[@chaotis2046]

i actually have a spread coming up at the end of the month that is all colored pencil aside from some box stickers so it was cool hearing that as a suggestion

[@jenihansen7201]

YES !!! THIS IS WHAT WE NEED FROM OUR YOU TUBE CREATORS. WE NEED INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO DECORATE. I AM SICK OF MAKING PEOPLE RICH BY PURCHASING STICKER BOOKS. I AM DONE WITH IT ALL. I JUST PURCHASE ONE PLANNER NOW PER YEAR FOR ALL MY NEEDS. THANK YOU.

[@Mesquitebud1]

I never thought of pinterest printing of planner stickers. I am new to planning and I really loved the plant one. I have been using my pens to make boxes as I get most my stickers from aliexpress. I am going to invest in sticker paper and use the printer I already have. Love your channel.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I wouldn't even look for planner stickers on pinterest! I'd just turn my favorite pins into stickers... especially if it's something you plan on doing (like if you want to make a certain recipe this month, you might make a sticker of the food item) I kinda love this as a way to have a hard copy of some of my favorite things on pinterest, Facebook, etc...

[@amyspencer7149]

Thank you so much for all the content you put out. While I have only recently took the leap into the Happy Planning lifestyle, I have been watching your channel for a little over a year. Now that I have started on this journey, I can't tell you how happy it makes me. I've started reading again and started trying to be more proactive in my life and really move myself in the right direction. And, while I know that these changes aren't just a result of diving into planning and watching your channel, they definitely play an important role and help inspire me. Thank you for spreading your creativity and positivity.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you for watching!

[@afrikurl]

Who else was waiting for the clock to turn 11:11?

[@keepingupwithlife1991]

I feel like people forget you can write on the planner without a box….. I mean boxes are already printed on the page lol. All you have to do is write in them. Draw or scribble a bullet point and there you go! And I do love my box stickers 😂

[@suzisaintjames]

Consider using your paper punchs to create stencils. You can buy stencil plastic sheets anywhere that sells craft supplies, but for small stencils, I use a plastic lid off a whipped butter container or other plastic lids (like from yogurt or cottage cheese containers). 💖🌞🌵😷

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Cute idea!

[@yiann.plans.videos]

Excellent video! A tip for camera-less images, as in scanning, paint a shoe box in black; big enough to cover the scanner plate. This will get rid of the greyish areas that Mary Ellen had on her printout and put the background totally black and whatever you scan will be bright, sharp and perfect to use. Thank you for sharing Mary Ellen❤️

[@risusany]

But when you print won't you waste a lot of black ink because the background will print in black?

[@yiann.plans.videos]

@@risusany The idea is to scan several items in to the size of paper you’re using to minimise wasting both ink and paper. You could experiment with white paint too (or other colours!), as long as it’s light tight.

[@turksangel906]

You are amazing!!! This was so helpful!! I would love to see, when you have time, a video on how to plan a spread with stamps!

[@carolwilliams854]

Love them all! Thanks so much for all the inspiration. I have also used greeting cards cutting out some of the little motifs. Love your videos and wish you continued healing.

[@happilyeverafterenterprise2239]

U CAN MAKE WHAT I CALL PHO WASHY TAPE LOL...I USE COPY PAPER AND ALL MARKERS, PENS,PENCILS CHOOSE A FEW COLORS AND DRAW DIAGONAL LINES OR CURLY, OR WAVY LINES ...OR DRAW “PHO PLAID” THEN I USE PAPER TRIMMER AND CUT STRIPS IN EACH DIRECTION - THEN I USE A GLUE STICK AND VOILA!! PHO WASHY TAPE !!

[@thejourney1369]

I love this. I will sometimes challenge myself to create a spread using only Dollar Tree stickers and ones from unknown companies off of Amazon. I’d love to see a video using stencils and stamps since I try to incorporate those in my spreads too.

[@LindaASJ]

Omg! Am I the only one who watched this budget planning video with a list of stuff I now want to buy? LOL! I had no idea about the punch and pads of coordinating paper.

[@vzimmer1951]

I used cut outs from old Christmas cards at Christmas this past December.

[@kellyfrizzell831]

I loved this video so much! These r such great ideas that I will definitely try 😁

[@ottergirl1913]

I could watch you draw all day. Fascinates me. You make it look so easy. As a beginner in sketching, I know how hard it can be even if it looks simple. Getting perspective and shadows, etc. Omg.

[@sarahgonzales7286]

My condolences to u. I lost my husband 3 years ago & it doesn’t get easier. I love your videos thank u for the inspiration for my happy planner. U have a nice voice I like to listen to. You are a very strong woman & again thank u for the inspiration 🙂

[@shannonsims8554]

I loved this video! Please do another showing spreads with out stickers, like markers and colored pens etc… I love watching your videos.

[@blessedfamily5371]

You videos are such blessings. GOD is so good!! Just when so was about to feel a lil down about crafting and not having my wants, I came across your page , literally, in my recommended video page. Today I have learned a lot from you. From your Dollar Store video and now this one, thank you! And may GOD continue to bless you and your family.

[@tamarascott6364]

Great ideas! My fave was the ice-cream truck. Never thought about printing off copies of items like the Keychain! Genius!

[@kathtaylor5544]

Hi. I have just found you. I really enjoyed watching you. I’m a pensioner, not artistic at all but like to just have a little go to keep my brain ticking over. I’m not very mobil, on a budget so your channel I found really amazing. I have subscribed and will be watching more of you. Thank you for a very enjoyable couple of hours. 🙃 I’m in Australia.

[@SarahAndJaecLynnReborns]

So far love watching your channel the most. Only watched a few videos. Going to buy a happy planner and some accessories Friday. But have a budget of $100. Curious what you recommend for me wanting monthly, weekly and some daily. How can I incorporate daily in the ‘weekly’? Not sure if you have a video on that?

[@brendacooper7944]

I have a color by number app on my phone. I love lots of pages I've colored, so I take a screenshot & print to use in your planner. I also love taking photos of fabric I like, or even scanning them. The problem I found is the bulk they add.

[@edkmall]

Colorful inexpensive fun. I love them all but I think I like the scrapbook paper one the best. Thanks for sharing

[@deborahglover0112]

TY so much for this video. I know in the past I felt like my project didnt count because I couldnt afford all the tools that the creater has. So we need to see more videos like this to show that your spread looks just as nice as those who have and can afford to purchase everything ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@dawnstar211]

I love when you do longer videos. You always have so many good ideas and I love when you spend the time to really flush them out

[@Exercises10]

Love your ideas for sticker alternatives, Mary Ellen! I have used the paper books that you showed early in the video. I also use magazines that I receive in place of stickers. I love the great outdoors and in those magazines I find cute phrases to use and fun outdoor photos. I also love the punch tools and highly recommend them as you do. I use a Elmer's purple glue stick and it works well. I use it to add pages in my bible or add photos and it does not get clumpy. Sorry to hear about your son; how very sad. Doing journals like this is very theraputic. God bless you.

[@suzisaintjames]

A lot of times, whilst looking for scrap paper, I look in the office trash can. Often I use a discarded envelope for gluing. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@janetkenyon4755]

Just found your channel. Loved your budget friendly ideas, I have a lot of stickers, but need ideas to change things up and so I don’t buy more! lol Thanks 😊

[@Cheryle0823]

This is an older video but was for me. Loved your recommendations. I am on a strict budget. Ive been waiting for ssd for over a year. Love happy planner but haven’t any income for a while now. In the meantime I’ve had mini strokes & full strokes .. so my head doesnt think straight & i have a shakey hand. I try to stay active.. decorative planning is my creative outlet. Enjoy your success but don’t forget your roots. 🥰

[@mzgided]

One of my favorite videos yet! I have a ton of sticker books collected over time but I LOVE the use of other materials in my planners. Now when I travel. I can tuck away a few sticker pages and a couple of pens and I’m good to go! My favorite was the third spread although I liked them all.

[@ohiogirlincalif]

This was awesome! It provided ideas for more creativity, even though I enjoy stickers. Color copying something on sticker paper! What?!! Fun ideas.

[@carriecorbin1502]

Thank u for this video. Can’t wait to try finally to do a planner with my mounds of papers and punches lol. I have definitely developed a love interest in stickers finally but wow pricey stuff. I really am enjoying your video 💯 ❤❤

[@user-ei8rb7sj6c]

Since I’m not a doodler or sticker person (although I do use colored erasable ink which brightens it up a bit with no fuss) I’m looking for examples of neatly filled out weekly planner pages with appts, to-dos, birthdays, etc. that are easy to read at a glance. If anyone could steer me in that direction, I’d sure appreciate it! Happy planning everyone!

[@christyb7455]

I used to love doing all the stickers but I just got tired of it so I went to the Dashboard layout and it's perfect for me. Can still decorate with stickers if want to and for me it's the most functional.

[@Gorjuzz]

My favorite is the one with the ice cream truck, but they’re all beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

[@happilyeverafterenterprise2239]

OH! Another TIP-USING SCRAPBOOK PAPER -LIKE A SCRAPBOOK PRINT PAGE OF KITES-AT NIGHT FOR A COUPLE NIGHTS -WHILE WATCHING TV-I DID ROUGH CUT -CUT OUTS OF ABT 4-5 KITES EACH NITE THEN GLUED EM DOWN W GLUE STICK AND ALSO USED DOLLAR TREE MARKERS TO OUTLINE SOME OF THEM, DRAW STRING LINES ON THE PAGE ET. ETC

[@christyncreates]

This video turned out crazy awesome! Thanks for doing this.

[@tigertailtime7679]

Love the spread with scrapbook paper. I will definitely try this. Great ideas! Thank you.

[@Mickeii617]

I don't know why I didn't think of that! You can print out coloring sheets and just cut them out. And I think that would be a good idea for a video it sounds pretty cool for the paper. I've seen those really pretty paper books in Michael's but didn't know a way to use them.

[@cruzrodriguez2108]

How do you write scriptures inside these little boxes after you put your stickers in them?

[@MsCynflo]

I too have olddddd school punches. Every once in a while I spray them with a lubricant spray. Make sure they dry well so you dont get oil on your paper.

[@ottergirl1913]

Excellent video, right where I'm living, on a strict budget.

[@cruzrodriguez2108]

Maybe you could make a copy, cut them out with no ink and write in them. That would be cute

[@tracyjohnson2557]

I LOVE this currently spread!! I love all the colors

[@Lifewith21catsand2dogs]

Well that's way cuter than a monthly calendar.. what planner are u using?

[@janetleblanc4016]

I often will cut out images or quotes from my church bulletin and glue them into my faith planner.

[@eileenthompson3231]

These are all fabulous ideas and turned out so cute 🥰 thanks for sharing, I loved the scrapbook paper one.

[@lisbetsoda4874]

Hopefully, you jave nothing planned for Monday.

[@angelmulhall1058]

Really enjoyed watching your video. Thank you!

[@Tiffbishop2]

I have never had enough faith in myself to doodle with a pen. I always have to start with a pencil 😂

[@happilyeverafterenterprise2239]

I HAVE SEVERAL DISNEY KEY CHAINS FROM OVER MANY YEARS!! GREAT IDEA!! ILL TRY IT !!

[@nelidaquinones7027]

Love it budget friendly do more of this Thanks

[@LostTrashPanda]

I just found this video, even though I follow you, It touched my soul when you discussed your grief. I had two sons that passed in 2020. My fave spread was the last one with the stickers. But they're all amazing, they always are amazing!!

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Thank you, so sorry for your heavy losses

[@katgoodwin65]

personally I love your long videos I have learned so much

[@terrijoyce8362]

Something I like to do that also saves me money is buying planners on sale and redating

[@connect.create.reflect]

This is awesome!!! Love sharing thrifty tips.

[@Mickeii617]

I can't wait to see if I can use the keychains to put in my planner

[@okie_memories8479]

Thank you for budget friendly

[@tami1796]

Thank you for sharing your videos

[@TracyisCrafty]

Loved this I have subscribed

[@redford3002]

I l8ked the ice cream truckone

[@jpknitter7028]

Scrap book paper is my fav!

[@debbiemerritt5317]

Such great ideas!!

[@jen-x-erplansstuff5407]

I laughed out loud when you said you were old and couldn't see, because I can relate, friend...👵

[@PlanningwithBumble]

It sucks!!

[@anathen]

I have a confession 😳 I am watching this video as I horde tons of stickers on my shelves👀🙈🤣🤣🤣 #ipromiseiamusingthem lol

[@PlanningwithBumble]

Same lol

[@kristie8888]

Thank you, thank you!!

[@RuchiBeautiful]

OMG so sorry about your son.

[@barbaragorin2235]

I’m new planners but a long time scrapbooker. You’re video was/is very inspiring. And I lost my 5yo daughter 10 years ago. I totally understand the journey. And thank you for the therapy link! I subscribed and looked forward to more videos.

[@CarolsJournalCreations]

I love this video!! You have given me so much inspiration. I have been a crafter for a while now. I mostly make Journals. I have been using Happy planners for years but decorated them just using cardstock and washi. When I started Journals, I just used the planners for writing in them not decorating. I would love to take a bend in the road and decorate my planners mostly and just make ephemera for Journals, but putting my whole self in the planners. I just wanted to let you know you have given me such inspiration, I subbed to you and at the moment I am binged watching some of your videos... 😊 I am a retired Gramma (hopefully not the oldest gramma crafting and planning) You have a way of explaining things and I am enjoying your videos! I just wanted to put that out there and let you know. I have tons and tons of paper pads from making journals and your video encouraged me to use them in my planners. ( which I use to do, but the stickers came out) However, I will be doing just that.....Thank you again......Sorry for this lengthy comment! Hugs...Carol P.S. What kind of dog is Bumble? I have a 6 yr old Shih tsu mixed Yorki......Your Bumble reminds of my Stella, same color and facial fluff... she is always on my lap when I try and craft...trying to get on my desk...I just may put her up there at least once....just like Bumble...lol 😀

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

Oh my gosh... I'm listening and you said, you can print pictures online onto sticker paper and my mind is exploding. You can print out your own photos, new or old... you can print your Facebook avatar doing different things. You can print the book cover of the book you're reading. You can print something from a TV show you like and do a theme spread based on that (goosebumps). I love the idea of using my Facebook avatar in differnet poses. And different inspirational memes I might find. (Or funny ones or whatever.) Pics of my friends and family could go into my planner... just this ONE idea has so many possible applications.

[@korichamberlain]

I think another great budget video idea would be a pen only spread.

[@PlanningwithBumble]

I’ve done that! 😊

[@pennyg.4068]

Great ideas Mary Ellen! I LOVE using scrapbook paper in my planner! My favorite paper pads are the 6 x 8 pads from Simple Stories. Sometimes I use so much scrapbook paper in my planner that I feel guilty about not using my HP stickers...LOL. I have both of the box punches from the HP which I love. ♥♥ :-)

[@lucilucero6490]

Thank you so much! ! Prayiing for you, its very diifficult - lost my nephew, he was only 23, 5 years ago and the grief is there.. As for planning I am a newbie., I have spent money on planners but i really appreciate Budget friendly ideasfor me .Sticker books have gotten more expensive. Thanks again.

[@dianeroberts3161]

If you don’t have a color printer, you can always print out black & white and color in. For instance, the aloe one could be black and white but color in the green stalks. Even if you aren’t good at coloring, anyone can do just little pops of color,

[@aprilwycherley]

I’m so, so, so sorry for your loss!! I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!

[@sylviacorbin8828]

I like the last best.

[@balletgirl172002]

This was so helpful!!! Thank you. Ad for a Fav that's hard I really like the Pastels and the plants!! 1. Plants 2. Key Chain (more like 1.1) 3. Scrapbook paper

[@dclaw85]

You have wonderful ideas. I recently started using a planner and I was using my scrapbook paper as stickers so I’m so happy to see that you have been doing that as well. I live all of your other ideas.

[@Dianalynn62]

What amazing ideas...I could watch you doodle all day... really cute and practical ideas...thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@melissamcneil683]

This video was very helpful. Thank you for sharing. I would love to see more videos on using things other than stickers.

[@jenniferhenriquez5155]

Great video 👍

[@mommyingBetchay]

I have the same dilemma with scratch papers so what I did was consolidated some scratch papers, stapled them to make a mini-booklet and titled it “Scratch”. Then it almost felt like one of my usual “tools” like a sticker book 😅 I peel one when it gets dirty or sticky (from glue tapes or glue). I love this type of videos!!! My favorite is the ice cream truck page 🍦

[@adelahernandez6058]

Lots of great ideas!! I have learned so much from you, thank you!! My favorite is the scrapbook paper, I use it a lot if the time. 😃

[@LouXstitchAficionado]

Thanks for that. Very helpful indeed, all pretty, but liked the plant spread. Cheers from Eastern 🍁 Canada 🇨🇦

[@jenamann3484]

Wonderful and creative. Great video. Very helpful, I am in Mexico and it is hard to get sticker books due to shipping costs. I will definitely use these ideas!

[@milcahnd]

Amazing video with details on the various ways we can use a planner on a budget. Thank you! You have motivated and inspired me.

[@MandaPandaPlans]

I have tried to do some of your doodle boxes and the scratchy circles like you did on your currently page with the bee that one time. Generally still use stickers. but I've done it at work during the week when I have things pop up and don't have stickers with me and also it helps calm my brain when on the phone or during virtual meetings while capturing information.

[@UFOCrochet]

That could be an interesting video to go to the dollar tree and only use products that you find at the dollar tree. I know they raised the price to $1.25 instead of just a dollar but it can still be worth it when your budget is tight

[@pamelalivengood8356]

I appreciate the budget friendly approach! I cut out of magazines and catalogs too.

[@peggyvincent2310]

Mary Ellen, thanks for sharing this video. I am on a set budget not all the times I can afford the decorative items for my planner. You gave me good ideas to practice with and I am grateful. Thanks! 😀

[@StaciesCrossing]

It’s almost like you read my mind! As I was listening to you talk about all the different things I was thinking I hope she’ll do some spreads without stickers :)

[@carolyn8103]

Very helpful tips. I create handmade greeting cards. I use those supplies ( stamps, pattern paper, stencils etc) also to create spreads as well. Multi purpose supplies.