So today I’m going to show you how to make your own planner stickers in Canva, print them at home, and cut them with your Cricut. It’s simple, it’s customizable, and it lets you create exactly what works for your planner and your routines. Plus, I’m sharing the Canva template I designed so you can get started right away!

What You’ll Need

You only need a few basic tools:

• Canva (the free version works great)
• A Cricut machine
• Sticker paper
• A home printer
• My free Canva sticker template (download link in this post!)

Nothing fancy. Just simple tools you probably already have.

How To Make Planner Stickers in Canva

1. Open the Canva Template

Click the link in this post to open the free template I’m sharing. You’ll see two key pieces already set up for you:

• The Cricut print-then-cut dimension guideline.
  All your sticker elements must stay inside this boundary if you want them to print and cut correctly. Cricut is very particular about size limits, so this saves headaches.
• Parallel sizing lines at the outer edges.
  These lines stay intact when you export your sticker sheet as a PNG. When you upload the PNG into Cricut Design Space, those lines help you size the sheet precisely and quickly every single time.

Get the free template

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2. Decide Which Stickers You Want To Make

Think about what you actually use in your planner each week:

• Monthly or weekly headers
• Notes labels
• Boxes and checklists
• Color-coding dots or icons
• Habit trackers
• Little decorative elements
• Dates for each day

Once you know what you want (which is sometimes the hardest part!), measure the space in your planner so your stickers fit neatly. Write down the dimensions for each element. I know measuring can feel tedious, but it’s the secret that makes everything look clean and custom. Measure twice and use a ruler that goes down to 1/16th of an inch. Also note, Canva will only resize the elements using inches, so don’t record your measurements in cm or mm.

3. Set Up Each Sticker Element in Canva

With your measurements ready, go to Elements in Canva and search “Grid.” Select the simple single-square grid.

Then:

• Click the grid
• Go to Position
• Type in your exact dimensions

This ensures each sticker fits your planner perfectly.

Now you can fill the grid with artwork—backgrounds, colors, shapes—and add your text. Enjoy customizing it to match your style.

4. Repeat for Every Sticker You Want

Build out each element one at a time, placing them neatly inside the Cricut boundary. It’s a little like putting together a puzzle piece by piece. You can be creative with how you use the space to maximize your sticker paper.

5. For Decorative Stickers, Add a White Outline

If you want to turn a graphic into a sticker:

• Click the graphic
• Choose Edit → Shadows → Outline
• Change the outline color to white
• Adjust the thickness until it looks right

I like changing the page background temporarily so I can see the outline clearly. Just change it back to white before you save.

6. Double-Check Your Layout

Before exporting:

• Make sure nothing crosses the Cricut boundary
• Make sure everything stays inside the parallel sizing lines

Once it all looks correct, you can delete the guideline boundary image.

7. Download Your Sticker Sheet

Very important step:

• Click Share → Download
• Choose PNG
• Check Transparent background

This is what ensures the Cricut cuts your stickers cleanly without adding a big unwanted block of white behind everything.

And that’s it for the Canva portion.

How To Cut Your Stickers in Cricut Design Space

1. Upload Your Sticker Sheet

Open Cricut Design Space and create a new project.
Choose Upload, add your PNG, and when prompted, select Flat Graphic. Save it and insert it onto the canvas.

2. Resize Using the Parallel Lines

Click your sticker sheet and, with proportions locked, change the width to 7.44 inches.

This is exactly why we kept those parallel lines—they guarantee your sheet is perfectly sized so the final stickers are accurate.

After resizing, you can go into Contours and turn off those two sizing lines so they don’t print.

3. Print Your Stickers

Click Make It and choose a material size of 8.5″ x 11″.

For printing:

• Check Use System Dialog
• Select the right paper settings for your sticker paper
• Print a test page on regular paper if you want to double check the layout

I always feel better testing first instead of wasting sticker paper.

4. Cut With the Correct Settings

Place your printed sheet on your mat.

Choose:

• Washi Paper for regular sticker paper (so it only cuts the top layer)
• Vinyl for clear or glossy sticker sheets

Then hit Go and let Cricut do the fun part.

If you don’t have a cutting machine, you can absolutely still make planner stickers in Canva and cut them by hand. It’s slower, but it works beautifully and still gives you total creative freedom.

Enjoy making something that brings a little color and joy into your routines!

I’ve tried a lot of planners over the years. Some looked beautiful but didn’t function well. Others were practical but not inspiring to use. Laurel Denise planners are the first that made everything click for me. The layouts, the paper quality, the little design details. All of it adds up to a planner that I love to use.

For 2026, I’m using a few different planners from the Laurel Denise lineup to fit every part of my life (home, work, family, and content creation). I also picked up a few of their accessories that make planning even more fun and organized. You can shop all of the Laurel Denise planners for 2026 and save 10% with my code ALLISON10 at checkout.

Before I get into my 2026 lineup, you may be wondering why I even use a paper planner (let alone multiple ones!) in a world where most things are digital. I shared all about why I love paper planners, and the science that backs up this decision, in this post on the importance of paper planners.

If you’d like a closer look at each cover and the accessories that come with them, you can watch my full unboxing video here.

The Kristy Planner (formerly the Vertical Week Book Bound)

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I love my Kristy planner. It’s my everyday, can’t live without it, sits right next to me all day planner. It’s the one that keeps my brain clear and my tasks organized. I take it back and forth from home to work, and it holds all my main appointments and daily to-dos.

The Kristy layout features vertical weekly spreads that let you easily see your whole week at a glance. It has 1.5 inch wide columns that fit a lot of standard planner stickers. Below the vertical columns, there is a large, wide open dot grid note space. One of the best things about the Kristy, is the lack of labels in the notes areas so you can use it however you want. The book-bound format is great because it’s sturdy but still lightweight.

I use the monthly pages to track appointments and big-picture goals, while the weekly layout keeps me focused on what’s most important each day. I always include my schedule, the kids’ activities, to-do’s and meal planning. Then the notes space has plenty of room to flex and meet the needs of that particular week. At just slightly bigger than a B5 sized planner, there is room to write lots of things even if you don’t have tiny handwriting.

The Rose Planner (formerly the 4-Column or Project Planner)

The Rose planner is my big-picture planning space. It’s the place where I map out projects, goals, and long-term tasks. I discovered this layout after watching Laurel Denise’s videos on Agile planning and Kanban-style organization, and it completely changed the way I work.

In my setup, each of the four columns is labeled To-Do, Doing, Done, and Reflection. This helps me visually track progress on multiple projects at once. I can easily see what I’ve accomplished and what still needs my attention.

Yet, that is just one way to use the Rose planner. The 4 columns are unlabeled, so you can use them however you like! Use them as weekly lists. Try tracking your health goals. Have a column for each member of your family. Divide the columns and have 8 boxes for each day of the week plus a notes section. The opportunities are endless! And if you add in the insert pages, you can have even more flexibility.

The larger calendar section on the left is something I’m thinking of using for my content calendar, since my Kristy already handles appointments and weekly scheduling. The monthly calendar in the Rose planner is the largest of monthly layouts that Laurel Denise offers, with the exception of the Carmen planner (which is strictly a monthly calendar). The Rose planner is just a great all around planner and a good choice for someone new to Laurel Denise.

The Jo Planner (formerly the Pop-Up Planner)

This one might be my favorite addition to my 2026 Laurel Denise planners—the Jo planner. I’m using it as our family command center. It sits on our kitchen table so everyone can see what’s going on.

Each week, I fill it in with meal plans, appointments, school activities, and my husband’s work schedule. The stand up layout makes it easy for everyone to know what’s coming up.

On the back side, there’s a large blank section that’s perfect for our weekly chore lists, our monthly scripture to memorize, and any other family reminders or notes. It’s the planner that keeps our whole household running smoothly.

The 2026 Laurel Denise Planner Patterns: A Pride and Prejudice Collection

This year’s 2026 Laurel Denise planners and accessories are inspired by Pride and Prejudice, and the whole collection is full of classic charm with a modern touch. Every pattern tells its own little story, and together they create the prettiest lineup yet.

There are 5 patterned covers and 4 solids. The patterns range from the bold yellows and oranges found in Bewitched, to more delicate florals in blues and mauves found in Lizzy’s Stroll, Lydia’s Folly, Pemberley Gardens and the pattern print of Bennet Sisters. A deep plumb, sage green, deep yellow, and light pink round out the solids.

Even the accessories carry the same coordinating color palette, making it easy to mix and match everything while still looking perfectly pulled together. Whether you like your planners bold and bright or calm and classic, the 2026 lineup makes it easy to find a look that feels like you.

Not every planner comes in every pattern, but each design is lovely in its own way. I chose Pemberley Gardens for my Rose planner and Lydia’s Folly for my Jo, but honestly, every single one is beautiful.

You can browse all of the Pride and Prejudice covers in the 2026 Laurel Denise collection here on their site, and don’t forget to use code ALLISON10 for 10% off.

Planner Accessories I’m Loving for 2026

Along with my planners, I picked up a few accessories that make using them even more enjoyable and functional.

Elastic Pencil Pouch: This attaches to the cover of my planner and holds my favorite pens right where I need them.

Pen Pouch: This one holds everything. I keep pens, scissors, sticker tweezers, correction tape, glue tape, sticky notes, a mini ruler inside, plus extra pens, highlighters, and pencils. It’s like my little planning toolkit.

Large Pouch: Perfect for carrying all my planning supplies together when I’m working away from my desk and to keep things together in my work bag.

Cupcake Stickers: I couldn’t resist these. They’re fun and perfect for quickly marking birthdays.

Why This Lineup Works for Me

I’ve learned that for me, no single planner fits every part of my life. My brain (and my schedule) need a mix of structure and flexibility, which is exactly what Laurel Denise planners offer.

Using the Kristy planner for daily tasks, the Rose planner for projects, and the Jo planner for family organization gives me a complete system that keeps everything in its place.

These planners help me balance work and home life without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, they make planning something I look forward to every week!

Of course, I think everyone should try one of the 2026 Laurel Denise planners, and if you’re ready to build your own lineup, you can shop all of the Laurel Denise planners for 2026 through my affiliate link here. And who knows, maybe one of these Laurel Denise planners will be your perfect match too!

I still have some of the paper planners I used in high school, back before keeping track of appointments on your Blackberry was even a thing. I used them to track assignments, volunteer activities, babysitting jobs: all the important things in the life of a 17-year-old. Looking back at the various planners I’ve used through the years, it’s fun to see how my life has changed, what my priorities have been, and where I’ve spent my time.

Yet I also love techy stuff—gadgets, new apps, Notion, Canva, and who doesn’t love a good spreadsheet? (Okay, I know a lot of people don’t love spreadsheets, but I do!) So why do I, and so many others, still cling to our paper planners vs digital planners in a world of apps and notifications?

It’s not just nostalgia that keeps me coming back to pen and paper. There’s actual science showing that using a paper planner has powerful advantages over going fully digital. So let’s talk about why paper planning still works in a digital world, what research says about writing things down, how to find the planner that fits you best, and how to combine paper and digital planning in a way that actually works.

Paper Planner vs Digital Planner

It’s easy to see why digital planners and calendar apps are so popular. They sync instantly, send reminders, and can be accessed from anywhere. I use Google Calendar myself, and I genuinely appreciate how convenient it is. But there’s something that still feels different when I sit down with my paper planner and pen in hand.

Paper slows things down in the best way. When you write an appointment, list, or goal, you pause long enough to think about it. It becomes intentional. Typing something into a phone feels quick and efficient, but writing it on paper feels meaningful. You can see the week at a glance, flip through past pages, and even spot patterns in how you spend your time.

There’s also a physical connection that digital just can’t duplicate. The feeling of crossing something off a list or checking a box on paper gives a tiny sense of accomplishment that tapping a screen never quite matches. And when you flip through an old planner, you’re reminded not just of what you did, but of who you were at that time. A digital archive can’t capture that same sense of reflection.

Digital tools definitely have their place, especially for syncing family schedules or keeping work organized. But for many of us, paper planning offers something the digital world can’t. It feels grounded. It feels personal. It feels real.

The Science Behind Writing Things Down

It turns out that our brains actually process handwritten information differently than typed information. Studies show that writing by hand activates areas of the brain connected to learning, memory, and creativity. When you physically form each letter, you engage more of your senses—movement, touch, and even visual recognition—all of which strengthen how that information is stored and recalled.

In one study, students who took handwritten notes remembered more and understood concepts better than those who typed them. Writing forces you to slow down and summarize ideas in your own words, which deepens comprehension and retention. The same principle applies when planning your week or setting goals. Writing something down tells your brain, “this matters.”

There’s also a simple emotional benefit. The act of crossing off a task releases a small amount of dopamine, which reinforces motivation. It’s a tiny reward loop that keeps you going, one checkmark at a time. No notification or emoji can quite replace that feeling of accomplishment.

The Simplicity Factor

Paper planning isn’t about rejecting technology; it’s about creating a pause. In a world full of pings, alerts, and constant noise, writing things down helps you think clearly. It gives your thoughts a place to land that isn’t competing with every other message on your phone.

There’s also beauty in the limitation. You can’t open ten tabs in a paper planner or scroll endlessly. You have to choose what matters most to write down, and that in itself builds clarity. When everything around you moves at lightning speed, paper gives you permission to slow down.

But planning isn’t only about function—it can also be a form of creativity. Even the most practical planners often find themselves adding a splash of personality with color-coordinated highlighters or fun stickers. Others turn their planners into full artistic expressions, creating detailed spreads with washi tape, pens, stamps, and paint. Whatever the style, that creative time matters. It’s both relaxing and rewarding to sit down and design a space that’s uniquely yours.

Having a creative outlet is proven to reduce stress and improve mental health. Whether it’s a five-minute highlight-coding session or an afternoon crafting a layout, that creative process can make planning feel more like self-care than a chore. It’s one more reason paper planners offer something the digital world never quite can.

Digital tools help you move faster. Paper helps you move with purpose and a little bit of beauty.

You Don’t Have to Choose One

The best part is that you don’t have to pick sides in the battle of paper planner vs digital planner! You can absolutely use both paper and digital tools together. I call it hybrid planning, and it’s my favorite way to stay both organized and flexible.

For example, I use Google Calendar for appointments, meetings, and anything time-bound. Then I use my paper planner for everything else—like routines, to-do lists, goal setting, and journaling. The digital side keeps everything in sync, but my paper planner is where I think, plan, and dream.

Hybrid planning gives you the best of both worlds. You get the efficiency of digital systems and the mindfulness of writing things down. If you’ve ever wished you could blend your favorite app with the beauty of pen and paper, you’ll love how this approach feels.

If you’d like to learn how to combine the two seamlessly, download my free Hybrid Planning System Workbook. It walks you step-by-step through how to create a system that fits your life—not the other way around.

Finding Your Perfect Paper Planner

Once you’ve decided to include paper in your planning routine, the next step is figuring out what type of planner fits you best. Do you like to see your week at a glance or plan one day at a time? Do you prefer horizontal layouts that give you space to write freely, or vertical columns that break your day into neat sections?

The best planner for you depends on how your brain naturally organizes information. Some people thrive on structured daily pages, while others find weekly or monthly overviews less overwhelming.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are two of my favorite videos that walk you through it:

Once you know your layout style, you’ll feel more confident using your planner in a way that truly works for you. And when you pair that with the steps in my Hybrid Planning System Workbook, you’ll have a system that keeps you both grounded and organized—no matter how busy life gets.

Conclusion

Even with all the incredible tech tools available today, there’s something timeless about planning on paper. It’s more than a to-do list or a schedule; it’s a moment of calm in the middle of a busy life. Writing things down helps you remember, reflect, and connect to what matters most.

Whether you use paper exclusively or mix it with digital tools, the goal isn’t perfection. The beauty of planning is that it evolves with you. If you’re ready to make your system work for you instead of against you, start with my Hybrid Planning System Workbook. You’ll learn how to build a planning routine that’s simple, flexible, and uniquely yours.

And stay tuned for next week where I talk about my current planner line up and what I’m going to be using for 2026!