Updated on June 12, 2024
How to Make Planner Charms. Learn how to easily make charms for your planner. Erin Condren Life Planner, Carpe Diem, Inkwell Press, Emily Ley, Day Designer, MAMBI.
I love my Erin Condren life planner. And if you are part of the planner community you know how popular decorating your planner has become. It is a way to stay more organized by using stickers and washi tape to block out areas of time in your planner. Plus, it is a fun way to stay motivated and use your planner for memory keeping.
I have seen a ton of planner charms on Instagram and Etsy that I thought were so cute. I knew with my jewelry making skills I could easily and inexpensively create some planner charms for myself (and my best friend).
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Supplies needed:
The most fun part is going to the store to pick out charms. I found all mine at Michael’s and Walmart. I think my favorite are the picture frame charms. You can use any type of bead or charm. This project can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Michael’s even had a large selection of charms with pre-attached small lobster clasps that make this project super easy.
You will start by using a large lobster clasp.
Cut a length of chain to about 10 links.
Open one end of the chain with your pliers and attach it to the end of the lobster clasp.
For the charms that come with the pre-attached lobster clasps, simply clip them on the chain. I like to add a charm or bead on every other link of the chain.
If you have a charm that only has a loop at the top, you will need to open a jump ring and use the jump ring to attach the charm to the chain.
Note: To open a jump ring, use two pairs of needle nose or flat nose pliers to grab the jump ring on each side of the opening. Twist so that one plier goes towards you and one goes away from you. This will create an opening in the ring to attach your charms to the chain (or another charm). To close the jump ring, grab it with both sets of pliers like you did when you opened it, and twist it shut.
Once you have your charms attached, you are all done and can attach it to your planner.
I created two other types of planner charms using the same methods. I made one with two chains instead of one. I attached both chains to the lobster clasp. On one chain I attached a blue bead charm and on the other chain, I added a round ring that says the word “focus” using another, larger jump ring.
The other charm I made simply attached a large butterfly charm to the lobster clasp using a jump ring. I attached another smaller white bead to the jump ring as well.
Using these simple techniques, you can make almost any kind of planner charm you would like!
The charms easily fit on the coil of my Erin Condren Life Planner and on one of the rings of my Carpe Diem planner.
P.S. You can save $10 on your first purchase at Erin Condren by using my referral link: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/laurasilva
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Claire says
You have inspired me to have a go at making some charms! I might even try making the actual charms myself to attach! Thank-you for a great post.
Laura Silva says
Claire,
Yay! Making charms is so fun.
Laura
Beverly says
Thank you for this tutorial and pictures ! I think I can make some planner charms!
Laura Silva says
Beverly,
You’re welcome! Feel free to share pictures of your completed charms in our Creative Community!
xo,
Laura
Chrissy says
Thank You so much for sharing this, Laura. Your post is so helpful that even this ‘old fuddy duddy’ feels confident to try making my own charms! lol. Thank You.
Laura Silva says
Chrissy,
I am so glad you found my tutorial helpful! I would love to see a picture of your finished charm. You can send it to laurascraftylife@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week.
xo,
Laura