Personalizing your monthly planner layout is more than just filling in boxes with dates—it’s about infusing your pages with intention, creativity, and a sense of ownership. At Dark Moon Paper, we know that everyone’s journaling and planning needs are unique, which is why we designed our Any Size Notebook Journal Kit to work in any notebook or journal. If you’re ready to transform a blank page into a monthly spread tailored to your goals and aesthetic, dive into our step-by-step guide. We’ll cover layout mapping, creative sticker use, maximizing versatility, and proven tips for organizing and beautifying your planner.
Understanding What Makes a Monthly Layout Work for You
Clarify your monthly focus: Are you planning out work tasks, self-care rituals, or family events?
Identify must-have sections: Consider including a calendar grid, habit and goal trackers, important dates, and room for notes or memories.
Consider your journal’s dimensions: Since our Any Size Journal Sticker Kits are flexible, they can fit notebooks ranging from pocket journals up to standard US letter size.
Gather the Essentials: Supplies and Tools
Your favorite journal or notebook (any size, any brand)
Scissors or a craft knife for custom sticker sizing
Optional: washi tape and embellishments for extra charm
Any Size Notebook Journal Kit – Love Letters – 102-40-J-101/102
Step 1: Prepping and Sketching Your Monthly Spread
Lightly pencil in: Outline a monthly grid that fits your page. For A5, a grid of 5 columns (days) and 6 rows (weeks) fits most months comfortably. Adjust the grid size based on your notebook—for example, a 5″ x 7″ journal may need slightly smaller boxes.
Decide on placement for:
Monthly header/title section
Sidebar for to-dos, goals, or trackers
Decorative/memory-keeping area (for layering stickers or adding mementos)
Leave space for creativity: Don’t overcrowd your layout—reserve open areas for notes, thoughts, or future plans.
Step 2: Selecting and Customizing Stickers for Your Spread
One of the joys of using any-size sticker kits is how effortlessly they adapt. No matter if you’re using an A6, B6, A5, or custom-size notebook, these kits are designed to be trimmed, layered, or arranged to fit your needs.
Layer foundation pieces: Start with the monthly header sticker to anchor your layout.
Use washi borders and boxes: Frame your grid or highlight sections like goals and trackers.
Customize as needed: Trim larger stickers to fit narrower columns, use smaller accent stickers for highlighting key dates, or overlap floral/artistic stickers for a collage effect.
Mix functional and decorative: Combine practical icons (appointments, bills, reminders) with playful or seasonal motifs for balance.
Step 3: Building Your Monthly Calendar Grid
Draw the grid: Use your ruler and pencil for neatness. Want it easier? Some planners have faint guides.
Apply date cover stickers: Use the kit’s date dots or boxes for the days of the month, layering them directly over hand-drawn squares.
Highlight special dates: Mark birthdays, holidays, and appointments with icon or accent stickers from the kit.
Fill in recurring reminders: Use header or label stickers for regular events and routines.
Step 4: Creating Functional Spaces—Habit Trackers, Goal Sections, and Notes
Designate tracker areas: Place a habit tracker bar vertically in the sidebar, or as a row beneath your grid.
Set goals visually: Use larger box stickers or washi frames from the kit to make your “This Month’s Goals” section stand out.
Make room for reflection: Add decorative stickers to border a section for notes or memory keeping. Don’t forget space for quotes or little doodles that make you smile!
Layer decorative stickers: Use hearts, florals, or themed panels from the kit to define the mood for the month. For February, the Love Letters kit adds cozy romantic vibes.
Combine with your handwriting: Try hand lettering your header or doodling alongside stickers for extra personalization.
Rotate themes: Switching kits each month keeps layouts fresh and helps you mark seasonal changes or big life events.
Leave space to grow: Open “white space” isn’t a mistake. It gives your layout flexibility to adapt as the month goes on.
Real-World Example: Building a February Layout
Start with a classic 6″ x 8″ dotted journal.
Place the monthly title banner sticker at the top. The script "Love Letters" theme signals February’s arrival.
Lay out a 5×6 calendar grid, using functional box stickers for each day.
Highlight Valentine’s Day with a heart motif. Mark birthdays and deadlines with small accent icons.
Use washi strips to divide the bottom third for goals and a mini habit tracker.
Reserve a section for gratitude or memories, outlined by floral stickers or quote strips from the kit.
Fill in plans and details with colorful pens for an eye-catching finish.
Advanced Tips: Getting More From Your Any-Size Kit
Trim, stack, or overlap as needed: There’s no right or wrong. Experiment adjusting stickers so they fit your spread perfectly.
Pair with other stationery: Dark Moon Paper’s kits are designed to work with washi tape or fancy pens if you want added flair.
Rotate kits to match your journey: Use winter themes for January, botanical for spring, and so on.
Mix in dashboard ideas: If you love dashboards, combine those techniques for a planner that’s both functional and beautiful. Curious? See our dashboard setup guide for more.
Why We Love Any-Size Journal Sticker Kits: A Quick Recap
Freedom to create: These kits remove size and shape restrictions, so your planner can be anything you imagine.
Polished and practical: Professional print quality meets functional sticker design, so layouts always look cohesive and intentional.
Quick transformation: Even if you’re short on time, a monthly spread comes together fast—perfect for busy creatives.
Build Your Own Routine and Make It Yours
Every month brings something new, and your planner should be able to reflect that. Our Any Size Journal Sticker Kits are designed for you to make every layout one-of-a-kind—no boring repeats, no settling for layouts that don’t fit your needs.
Our custom stickers are a fuss-free way to brighten up your planner pages with perfectly-sized designs that add a spark of personality to every layout.
Planner stickers make organizing easy, fun, and personal! Add color, creativity, and structure to every page, transforming your planner into a tool that reflects you. Perfect for tracking, decorating, and staying inspired daily!
I’m Kat, the artist behind Dark Moon Paper. I started this studio to blend my love of art, handwriting, and the small rituals that make everyday life feel magical. My sticker kits and creative resources are made to set the mood, spark ideas, and give you a little escape from the ordinary.
I create from a cozy studio in the Oregon woods, surrounded by nature and a clear view of the stars.
