I love making dashboards for my planner! You can buy them, but designing your own is way more fun. To make one, all you need is a tissue box, glue and some scrapbook paper.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, a planner dashboard is used as a divider that is typically made of plastic or cardboard. Some people use them to store post-its, some are used as a storage folder (which I’ve also DIYed if you’re interested), others use them as a place to keep their checklists.

I like many of these options, but right now, I need something to segment pages, much like a bookmark. I’ve tried page corner bookmarks and paperclip bookmarks to keep my place, but I open it and shuffle through the pags too often and they keep falling off or damaging the pages. I need something that’s easier to move around like a dashboard.

Of course, I didn’t want to buy one, so I made my own and I’ll show you how I did it below. Keep reading!

Planner dashboard supplies

• glue
• ruler
• pencil
• scissors
• tissue box
• hole punch (in my case a Happy Planner Punch)
• scrapbook paper
• your planner for measurements

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

Step 1: cut apart your tissue box

Disassemble your tissue box and cut off the long edges on the sides. You could use the bottom too, if you want a larger dashboard.

Step 2: determine the size of your dashboard tab

I wanted my dashboard to have a tab so I can find my place faster. I decided how tall it should be and measured and cut for that space.

Step 3: measure the scrapbook paper to fit your dashboard

Trace your dashboard base (from the previous step) onto the scrapbook paper.

Then cut out the shapes.

Step 4: decorate your planner dashboard

Glue the scrapbook paper cut outs onto the front and back of your dashboard to add some flair!

I really like this yellow and blue scrapbook paper. It’s such a fun, modern design that matches my planner perfectly.

Let the glue dry.

At this point, you could laminate the dashboard if you want. This enables you to write and erase or just protect the paper.

Step 5: hole punch the dashboard to fit in your planner

Hole punch the dashboard and put it wherever you want in your planner!

Depending on the type of planner you have, you might need a specific kind of hole punch. Mine requires one for a disc bound planner. I don’t have the right kind of hole punch so I cheat a little bit.

In the image above, you’ll notice that I’ve used another page in my planner to mark where the holes should go. Then I took a regular hole punch (single) and punched a hole over each mark. Then I used my scissors to cut a slit up to the hole so it will fit around the discs.

When you’re finished, you’ll have something like this!

I’m loving my new dashboard. I can find my place much faster and it keeps my pages from getting ripped up from.

Eventually, I’m planning to design dashboards with motivational says and images you can colors to add some individuality. I’ll post a link to that when I do.

In the meantime, I’d love to get your thoughts on this process. Have you made your own dashboards? If so please share your pictures on social media using #MakeSomethingMondays!

If you’re new to growing plants, this easy DIY project will definitely help you get started!

A few years ago, I got really excited about growing plants like herbs, vegetables, etc. Stuff I could use in the kitchen. But, I learned very quickly that I’m bad at it because I didn’t know how much water my plants needed.

I followed the advice of friends and started with a mint plant. “You can’t kill mint” they said. Well, I killed 3 of them before I figured out how to properly water them. If I had known about this draining option, I would’ve been enjoying herbs in my food and drinks much faster!

All you need is a plastic bottle so this is great opportunity to upcycle! When you’re finished with your orange juice or soda, hang onto the bottle and use it for your very own beginning planter! Follow the steps below to make your own.

Self-watering planter supplies

• scissors
• hammer
• potting soil
• screwdriver or nail
• use plastic container

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

Step 1: cut off the top of your container

Cut off the top 1/3 of your container. Make sure the part the tapers inward is all on the top. You can see how it will be used in the image below.

Step 2: create the self-draining container

Flip the top section of the container upside down and place it in the bottom section.

Now, fill it with soil.

Step 3: plant your seeds

Stick a finger into the soil to create a space for your seeds or plant.

Now you can place the seed inside and cover it up. If you’re planting more than one, make sure you check how far apart and how deep they should be planted. Full disclosure, I’m kind of bad at that part.

I’m planting garlic from bulbs, not seeds, and I know that they need to be planted about a thumb-size deep and need to be about 4″ apart. After I took this picture, I decided to move one of the bulbs because I didn’t think they would be both get enough nutrients.

When you’re finished, you should have something that looks like this.

Now you can water your plant. The water will fall into the bottom of the container and you won’t have to worry about overwatering your plant. But pay close attention to how much water your plant needs. Once you have a good idea of how much to use, you can transfer your plant to another pot and plant something new in this one.

I’d love to hear your thoughts so leave them in the comments.

Did you know you can repurpose your old alcohol bottles as candlestick holders? It looks classy and vintag-y all at the same time. I love it!

Save your wine, whiskey, beer, and vodka bottles. You don’t even have to take the label off. It’s a nice way to upcycle glass since it generally takes longer for them to get recycled anyway. If you could reuse them, why not? Especially if you’re adding some oomph to your living room, man cave, patio, or wherever.

There’s actually a cute Italian restaurant in my hometown that uses their old wine bottles to make these, which is where I got the idea. I’ve always loved that they place a bottle at each table to give it a romantic element.

Want to make your own? Grab the supplies and follow the steps below.

Candlestick holder supplies

• scissors
• candlesticks
• alcohol bottles

My content contains affiliate links to products I use and love. If you take action (purchase, subscribe) after clicking the links, I get some crafting money which helps me continue to write awesome tutorials for you! This costs you nothing but enables you to support my work. 

Note: Larceny bottles don’t work for this craft. I found that out after taking the supplies picture. However, most wine, whiskey, and beer bottles will work.

Step 1: size your candlesticks

Adding the candlesticks to the bottle as is can be a bad idea. It makes the bottle topheavy and it can topple over.

I recommend breaking or cutting your candles to keep them from extending too high above the bottle top.

I like to stick the candlestick in upside down (wick inside the bottle) to see which point on the candlestick is thick enough for it to fit in the bottle opening. Then, I break it a bit lower than that area.

You can also use scissors or a knife to shape the top of the candle if you had to break it toward the bottom and can’t use the original top.

So break your candlestick and wedge it into the bottle opening.

Step 2: light the candle

Yep, it’s that easy. when your candle is secure in the bottle and you’re sure it won’t fall out, go ahead and light it.

Wax will drip down the side of the bottle and possibly onto the surface it’s sitting on, so I recommend setting them on a plate or some other base to catch the wax.

You know, these would be great for events like weddings or banquets. They make beautiful centerpieces!

I’d love to get your thoughts! Have you tried this before? If you made one, where would you put it?

Happy crafting!