I love mixing my crafty side with my organizational side by creating DIY planner accessories. It satisfies my need to create, and keeps me motivated to stay organized and make the most of my time. Recently, I made a darling acetate bow planner clip to mark my place in my planner. It was easy to make with some basic crafting tools, and I’m excited to share how!
This is a personal blog, but I am an employee and do receive financial compensation and material product from American Crafts/We R Memory Keepers. This post contains affiliate links to help support my blog. You are not charged any extra cost for purchasing supplies using those affiliate links. All ideas and opinions are my own.
While this acetate bow planner clip is perfect for keeping your place in a planner, it’s also ideal for a bookmark. It would make a great back-to-school teacher gift as well!
To make this DIY planner clip I used one of my most basic and versatile crafting tools–the Evolution Advanced. This tabletop die cutting tool can also emboss, and letterpress. My favorite part is the adjustable rollers. With the turn of the dial you can get just the right pressure for whatever project you’re working on–no need for complicated combinations of plates, shims, platforms, etc!
That, along with the One Piece Bow Die from We R Memory Keepers, made this project come together in no time! I started by trimming the 12×12 inch gold polka dot acetate sheet from the Maggie Holmes Chasing Dreams collection into 3×12 inch strips using my Dial Trimmer.
Next, I die cut a bow from the acetate using my Evolution Advanced and One Piece Bow Die. Tip: in order to cut through the acetate, you must use the Evolution Platform and a hard, firm cutting plate such as the Sizzix Precision Base Plate or something else similar.
I ran the acetate sheet through twice, shifting the precision base plate, since the plate is shorter than the 12 inch bow die. You should hear some cracking as the acetate sheet is cut–don’t worry, it’s not your base plate or platform breaking. It’s just the acetate.
What I love about the One Piece Bow Die, is that there’s no need for adhesive. The die cuts slits into the paper that keeps the bow in its shape after you assemble it.
Once you assemble the bow, it’s time to glue on a large gold paper clip to the center back side to the bow. Be sure to use a strong, clear liquid adhesive like Glossy Accents, E6000, or Quick Grip craft glue. Place a small 1/4 inch tall object under the paperclip while allowing the glue to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. That way the paperclip will stay in the right place while the glue dries.
Once the glue is completely dry, add a button to the front center of the bow. I used the self-adhesive buttons from the Maggie Holmes Chasing Dreams collection by Crate Paper. You could also glue a button to the front and back of the bow.
I’m thinking about trying this idea out with other materials, such as thin cork, felt, and faux leather. If you give it a try, share a link in the comments. Thanks for stopping by. I hope this project inspired you!
great project 🙂 love the bow