How to Make a Printable Mini Binder



In 2012, I wrote a blog titled How to Make a Home Organization Binder.  The blog has a great list of items to help a person get started with their 8.5 x 11 household binder.  Since then, I have expanded my interests and my shop into the realm of mini binders.  I love mini binders.  They are soooo cute!

My first endeavor into the world of mini binder pages came when one of my best friends who is a wholehearted Disney fan suggested that I design a Disney Vacation Planner that would fit into a mini binder.  She explained that mothers would love a planner in a size that could be carried all around the park in their stroller or purse.  She was so right!  I put together the Magical Theme Park Trip Organizer Vacation Planner and many mothers have been very happy to be able to easily plan all their details in one location (the mini binder).

*This post does contain affiliate links from Amazon.  I am an Amazon affiliate member and it helps me to keep on blogging!*

Magical Vacation Planner Via Designing Life

Since that time, Mini Binders have taken over!  This blog post will show you how to compile your Printable Mini Binder.  Here are some great ideas to get you started on the road to half sheet size bliss :-)

How to Make a Mini Binder

First, you need a mini binder.  While the full size paper binders come in an array of thicknesses, the mini binder is a thinner binder.  Most come in one inch size and are perfect for day planners, vacation planners, or half sheet size menu planners.  The possibilities are endless and adorably sized!

Here are three things to look for when buying your mini binder:

1. Find a binder with a clear outer pocket so you can label the binder clearly
2. Buy the sturdiest mini binder you can find
3. Go with a binder that will hold a 5.5 x 8.5 size sheet of paper and 5.5 x 8.5 dividers

My Finds

Avery Mini Durable View Binder with 1" Rings, 175-Sheet Capacity

Staples BETTER Mini Binder

Mini Dividers for Sections

Depending on the use of your particular mini binder, you can use dividers to separate sections in your petite notebook. If you are going to use it for a Disney Trip Planner, then you may want dividers to separate your daily plans from your restaurant reservations or separate your checklists from your notes.  The main thing is that you don't necessarily need to use all the dividers.  Use what you need for your small binder and save the rest for later!

Here are three things to look for when buying dividers:

1. Go with tabs that you write directly onto, the tab inserts can get lost in transport
2. Look for brightly colored dividers to make each section stand out
3. Again, durability is important; you may use some of your sections daily

My Finds

Avery Style Edge Insertable Plastic Dividers

C-Line Mini Size 5-Tab Poly Index Dividers with Pockets

Paper Cutter

A paper cutter makes it easy to buy the standard size printables that are designed to be cut in half to provide two 8.5 x 5.5 mini pages.  Why specially buy paper when you can simply use your standard size and save tons of money and time?  Many companies sell 8.5 x 5.5 inserts and refills, but I absolutely cannot find blank 8.5 x 5.5 paper to be printed on! If you search for printables online (like the ones offered in my shop), you can find much more affordable sheets in the full size that can be cut in half perfectly for your mini binder.

Here are four things to look for when buying a paper cutter:

1. Buy a paper cutter that is at least 8.5 inches wide to cut across standard paper.

2. Go for the sturdiest paper cutter you can find

3. Make sure that the model you purchased has replaceable blades.

4. Find a paper cutter that is sturdy enough to cut through multiple sheets at a time without shifting

My Finds

Fiskars 12 Inch Titanium SureCut Paper Trimmer

Swingline Paper Trimmer / Cutter, Guillotine, 12" Cut Length

Hole Puncher

A hole puncher is a must for a low cost mini binder project.  Many companies sell 8.5 x 5.5 inserts and refills, but they cost you a fortune!  If you search for printables online (like the ones offered in my shop), you can find much more affordable sheets that can be hole punched for your mini binder.  I suggest two hole punchers, one for your full size printables and one for your half size sheets.

Here are four things to look for when buying a hole puncher:

1. Buy a hole puncher that punches all three (or seven) holes at the same time

2. Go for the sturdiest hole puncher you can find

3. Make sure the paper hole compartment at the bottom of the puncher stays on securely

4. Find a hole puncher that can easily punch holes in multiple sheets at a time

My Finds

Franklin Covey Four-Sheet Seven-Hole Punch for Classic Style Day Planner Pages




Staples Mini 3-Hole Punch

Perfect Pens

I love pens!  You want to find the best for writing on your new mini binder printables.  Some pens will bleed through to the next page, some will fade over time, and some do not leave the mark you intend to make on the page.  Therefore, you want to make the best decision you can and have a pen you love and will use.

Here are four things to look for when buying a pen:

1. Leave the felt tips, the permanent sharpies, and the runny pens at the store
2. Use a high quality ball tip pens for simple writing tasks
3. For yearly sheets that you will use for reference, consider scrapbook quality pens
4. Try out the pens at the store and find one that makes solid and obvious lines

My Favorites

Fiskars Gel Pen 48-Piece Value Set

Sanford Uni-Ball Vision Elite Stick Roller Ball Pens

Printable Mini Binder Pages

The point of having a household management binder is to have all of your home organizational planning accessible by flipping open a binder and easily finding the right section with just the right printable. We have the binder and the ability to easily access the right section, but what of the right printable? How do you find the right printable for you and your household?

Here are four things to look for when buying printables:

1. Find printables that will help you save time by planning ahead

2. Buy printable with an attractive design that will encourage you in your planning

3. Look for printables that you will actually use; all printables won't be a perfect fit for you

4. Mix and match, remember that there are many printable designers with great sheets

Etsy Sources for Mini Binder Printables

Designing Life Etsy Shop

- My Printable Planner Shop -

 Confetti Saturday Etsy Shop

- Planners Shop -

Crown Bindery Etsy Shop

- Planners, Binders, and Notebooks -

In Completion

Last but not least, if you are in need of specific mini binder pages, I am endeavoring to design more 5.5 x 8.5 sheets as I go.  Make a special request and I'm sure I can make it happen!  Thank you for stopping by my blog and I hope you picked up some helpful hints to begin your journey into the realm of mini binders!

Brooke Shambley

Owner/Designer at Designing Life

Buying the Best Dryer Balls

Back in March of last year, I made my first purchase of a set of dryer balls from Etsy.  This began my venture into the world of dryer balls!  A year later, I am reevaluating my current dryer balls and looking to purchase a new set.  Here are the factors that I am considering when buying new dryer balls.

the benefits

Why use dryer balls? Dryer balls do many different things for your drying load of laundry. Heavier dryer balls help to break up clothing, cloth diapers, sheets, and towels while they are drying. This makes your laundry dry faster and saves you money. Dryer balls are also known for their ability to lessen static and are often used as a replacement for dryer sheets. Scented wool dryer balls can help your laundry smell extra fresh and are often scented with natural oils that are much healthier than the chemicals used in traditional dryer sheets.

Stoney Mountain Farm Wool Dryer Balls

wool vs plastic

I buy wool dryer balls.  Wool is fantastic not just because it is a natural fiber, but because it is naturally resistant to bacteria.  This is why wool is used in many cloth diapers as well.  Local stores will carry plastic or rubber dryer balls, but these products are made with PVC, which is a chemical that is poisonous.  If you desire more information on this topic, please check out this article at TreeHugger: Nellie's Dryer Balls.  In addition, you may have heard to use tennis balls in the laundry to fluff coats or bedding while they are drying. Tennis balls are made with rubber and can also have extra chemicals that are released with heat.   I prefer to know that no extra chemicals or colors are being released into my clothes while they are drying. 

scented or unscented

Many wool dryer ball artisans offer to scent the dryer balls with natural oils. This can be great if you have a favorite scent and love to have your clothes to have a fresh dryer smell. You can also buy a separate set of scented dryer balls for the bed linens and towels. Imagine how much safer the natural oils are compared to the random chemicals in traditional dryer sheets!

However, using scented all the time can be problematic for men's clothes, when your guy doesn't want to smell like an orange. It can also compete with your favorite perfume. So be sure to consider the pros and cons of scented wool dryer balls and also know that you can choose to scent them yourself using your favorite natural oil.

felted over wound

Wool Dryer Balls by Green Baboon Designs

From my experience so far, I find that a felted wool dryer ball will hold up better than a wound dryer ball.  The five ball set that I have used so far were wound and have gradually unwound (though still functional), pilled, and become a bit less pretty.  The felted balls are less likely to be pulled, will only become more felted, and may pill slightly but are unlikely to unravel from pilling.  Both felted and wound dryer balls will continue to work even when they begin to pill or have other signs of wear.  For the person who likes the wound look better, just be sure that the seller has placed a thick layer of the colored yarn over the ball so the ball will stay the right color for the duration of its use.

I attempted to buy "felted" dryer balls the first time around but they were not felted at all. The Etsy seller may have gone through a partial felting process, but the yarn strands were very obvious.  So if you desire to buy a felted wool dryer ball, be sure to differentiate between balls that are slightly felted and balls that have undergone the full process of being felted.

the natural look or the brighter the better

Deciding whether to go for natural colored fibers or to go with bright colored dryer balls is a matter of personal preference.  The natural fibers often contain no dyes, which can be great for a family with allergies.  Otherwise, have fun with the colors!  Most shops who sell wool dryer balls have a beautiful array of colors to choose from and many combinations packages as well.

diy

Tons of tutorials exist on how to DIY dryer balls.  Personally, I don't have the time or patience to sit and wind my own dryer balls.  This be said, I will link you to the best tutorials for making wool dryer balls for all of you awesome people who will do this yourself.  You rock.

How to Make a Sewn Dryer Ball

Tutorials:

How to Make Wool Dryer Balls Tutorial by thinking-about-cloth-diapers.com

Make Your Own Wool Dryer Balls by Good Mama Diapers

How to Make Wool Dryer Balls From an Old Sweater by Melody Gould

How to make a sewn dryer ball from recycled materials by Rebecca at Night Owl's Menagerie

Video Tutorial

How To Make Wool Dryer Balls With Wool Batting by carlynicoleelliotte

my top choices for dryer balls

Below are the wool dryer balls that have made the biggest impression on me.  I planning to buy one of the following for my dryer:

Wool Dryer Balls - Set of 6 by Bog Berry Handicraft

Update:  Here's a little coupon love from Bog Berry Handicraft!!!  Use the code DesigningLife at checkout for 10% off

Handmade Wool Dryer Balls by Natural Cuties

All Natural Wool Dryer Balls by Subito Farm

 Recycled Sweater Wool Dryer Balls by Ela's Idea

your favorites

Feel free to link below to your favorite dryer ball.  I'm completely curious and would love to see what dryer balls you've tried out.  Thanks for reading today's blog!

Brooke