Building a Custom Middle Way Planner

Editor’s Note: Hey gang, sorry this article is late in posting, it has been done for awhile but since it features a huge nine-book signature upload, we’ve been having a hard time locating server space to host the files. We’re putting the files on Jordan’s site for now; so go easy on his web server. Thanks for your patience!

Last month, I introduced you to the Middle Way Method, a productivity system I created that works for me. Today I’m going to show you the kit I made to use with that system. One of the reasons I created this system was to ditch the binder. I’ve been wanting to create my own books for a while, and this was the perfect opportunity. I currently use the first book as a journal, and the second, third, and fourth books form the basis of my planner.

My kit has three parts:

  1. A 9-signature planning book
  2. A single-signature Weekly Diabetes Tracker (6 weeks of data)
  3. A single-signature Address Book

I also keep a stash of index cards inside the kit when needed.

Before creating your own kit, I suggest reading:

Designing the Planner Guts

Start by assembling your signatures. Decide what forms you want for daily use. I created several custom forms:

  • Mission Statement
  • Vision Statement
  • Middle Way Method Flow Chart
  • Middle Way Weeks
  • One Month to a Page
  • Diabetes Weekly Workbook (single signature booklet)
  • 2010–2011 Yearly Calendar (from Dynamic Templates)

From the Core DIY Planner systems, I used:

  • hPDA edition Project cards (kept in the back pocket)
  • Personal Information
  • Important Numbers
  • Contact Sheets (pages for my single-signature address book)

Decide the order of signatures, using 9 signatures with 4 sheets of letter-sized (8.5” x 11”) paper per signature. Use both sides of each page. To plan the flow, I folded a signature and wrote the form names on it. I used a vector graphics program to design the pages, then printed front and back. If you want, you can download the exact signature files here (The link to download the exact signature files is no longer available. The page existed on the Wayback Machine, but the files themselves were not preserved.). Set margins to 0.25” top, bottom, outer, and 0.5” inner.

Sewing the Planner Signatures Together

Print, fold, and assemble the signatures. Use Shannon’s Coptic stitch instructions for the main book, or innowen’s method for single-signature books. A PDF for punching templates is included below.

Making a Custom Fabric Three-Flap Cover

Steps:

  1. Glue cardstock to first and last signature pages to create endpapers.
  2. Cut boards for cover and flap: 5.5” x 8.5” for covers, 1” x 8.5” for spine and interior flap spacer.
  3. Select fabric ~30” x 10” and cover with fusible webbing.
  4. Attach boards to fabric with iron.
  5. Trim excess fabric; scallop corners.
  6. Fold fabric over edges and iron in place.
  7. Glue a 1” ribbon to interior spine (can double as a bookmark).
  8. Attach elastic to back cover for closure.
  9. Glue book block spine to fabric/ribbon and cover boards.
  10. Glue endpapers to front and back covers.
  11. Let the book dry overnight.
  12. Optionally, add a pocket for index cards inside the back cover.

This method creates a compact, protected, and customizable planner. Pages can be inserted, like an address book. The drawback is less flexibility to swap pages, but planning carefully overcomes this limitation. Next month, I’ll share tips for using the Middle Way Method with your new kit.

Downloads

Originally posted on D*I*YPlanner.