31 May 2017

Fixing Ring Gaps and Other Issues

The bulk of this post was written about two years ago, but as with everything, we all learn a few more tricks and techniques, so I thought it was time for an update. 

A lot of people in our community encounter gaps in rings, although some companies would have you believe that the number of ring problems reported is a low percentage of their total output. I will let you make up your own mind on that.

Sometimes if the ring gap is only small they do not cause a major problem, as long as the pages are not catching on them then they will be ok.

So what should you look for?

What should good rings look like? 





So there are different fixes for different types of rings and different fixes for the different types of problems we often see.

First of all if you receive a new organiser and it has unacceptable ring gaps on one or more of the rings, you should contact the supplier and tell them you are not going to accept the item and arrange for it to be returned.

To help the retailer roll up some coloured paper and place that inside the rings like in the above photos to show the detail of the rings better. Photographing 'shiny' things is never easy!

1.  Damaged beyond repair.

If it arrives like this.....

With thanks to Samantha Brihante for this photograph.

It is a definite return to the supplier!

2. Removable rings.

If your rings are the removable type from say Gillio or Van der Spek or any other company that uses this type, then it is easy to remove the rings to replace them with a new set.  To do this follow this video.

Please also see a section towards the end of this post about Mini, Slim rings


3. Rings touching but not interlocking correctly. 

If the rings on your organiser look like this from above:



This is where the two halves of the rings are not lining up correctly internally. Sometimes you can correct this by opening the rings with the tabs, pressing firmly and then closing them again. Doing this 10-20 times can shuffle them back in line again.  When you press down on the tabs it pulls the out of alignment ring halves back in to alignment. You can try pushing them longitudinally to assist in the process.

Note how in my very exaggerated example the tab is also out of alignment. I pushed the rings in opposite directions to show this example. Normally they wouldn't be that far out!

4. Height difference between the two halves of the rings.

If when you look at the ends of the rings they are displaced like this:


Initially try opening and closing the rings a few times, if all of the rings are different heights then something isn't quite right internally and you might be able by pressing down on the rings on the high side to get them to click back in to alignment.

If it is only one or two rings then a little bit of applied force on those particular rings might get them back in to alignment again. But be careful you don't over do it!

5. Small gaps - most common problem. 

If the rings on your organiser meet perfectly when you squeeze them together if there are gaps with no steps vertically or laterally then this fix might work. If the rings are distorted in any way then it will not work.

If you have gaps on all rings, something has gone wrong internally, on non-riveted rings ease off the cover plate and visibly check the mechanism internally. Pay attention that the tabs are not holding the rings open. Try lifting the tabs at each end and watch the rings to see if the gap decreases.

If it isn't the tabs and the rings are the riveted type (Malden, Finsbury etc) there’s not a lot you can do apart from returning the organiser to Filofax for a replacement.

If the gap is just small on only 2 or 3 rings then these instructions will work in nearly all cases.

Caution: Please carry out these instructions carefully and precisely. If you squeeze too hard you will cure one problem but create another. So only squeeze gently at first. You are going to carry out this at your own risk… you have been warned!

If you have gaps like this but the others are ok. Firstly try opening and closing the rings a few times using only the tabs at the end to open them.

Still got a problem?

Then read on.

Find yourself some rulers or something similar. I picked rulers because most people have them and they will sit in between the rings without you having to hold them in place. And with several you can make them the right thickness by adding and subtracting them.

Open the rings and place the rulers in the gap of the good rings.


Now gently squeeze the ring with the largest gap, but gently.


Take out the rulers and try closing the rings. Is there still a gap? If there is repeat the process but squeeze a little harder this time.


Take out the rulers and try closing the rings.


Is there still a gap? No…fixed.

It is best to err on the side of lightly squeezing the rings, so a few attempts rather than fixing the gap in a single attempt.

This fix has been used by many people including myself and it is successful in most cases.

6. Replacement rings.

Where the rings are riveted to the organiser and the heads of the rivets are visible on the outside of the organiser for instance on the Original, Domino models then you can buy replacement rings for organisers from Amazon UK. These rings have a screw type fixing so once the old ones are removed they are very easy to fit.

Amazon links for replacement rings. (Currently not available at the time of writing)
Krause rings are also available from Van der Spek, these will fit any Van der Spek or Gillio with removable rings and other brands with the same mounting points on the back plate. 

Check out this post for full details on these excellent rings. 

7.  M2, Mini, Pocket, Slim Rings (But all makes)

On some organisers such as the Gillio Mini Mia Cara and others, mainly with small diameter rings. The ring mechanism attachment method is very different to others. They are removable in the traditional sense but you need to be cautious doing it. 

Instead of a 'slide on' and locking type ring mechanism, these types are held on by two small and potentially fragile metal tabs. 

This is my Holborn Slim looking at the end of the mechanism underneath the tab you will see a slightly lighter grey metal tab that is holding the mechanism, there is one at each end. 


Same picture but with the tab highlighted.


To swap this type of ring mechanism. You can remove the cover in the usual way using my method as shown in the video above.  Then with the rings open you can remove the tabs. This will then give you better access to the metal tab holding the ring mechanism in place. 

You just need to use a small screwdriver under the tab to bend it up gently. The ring mechanism will then be free. You only have to do this at one end, not both.  Refitting is just the reverse and again carefully bend the tab back down again. 

Now a big dose of CAUTION and I can't stress this one enough... these type of mechanisms are not intended to be put in and out more than once or twice. Bending that metal tab up and pressing it back down again weakens the metal, it will eventually snap at the point it is being bent. On most of the mechanisms I've come across this type of back plate is made of steel, therefore it can corrode if it is subjected to humid damp conditions. 

I have seen several shared photographs of organisers with broken mechanisms of this type where one of the metal tabs has broken off when the organiser was dropped or shipped with paper on the rings. If the metal tab breaks there's not a lot you can do to repair it. 

Finally
In general most ring mechanisms will not give problems over the life time of an organiser if they are are well looked after and the rings are made to a reasonable standard/quality. 

Top Tips.... how many did you know already?
  • Never ship an organiser with a full set of inserts on the rings... one big drop by a ham fisted Yodel/DHL (Day and Half Late)/Fedex/UPS (delete as applicable) man and your rings will be strained considerable, or even worse will be rattling around in the box. See how to pack an organiser.
  • When selling always take a photo of the rings with coloured paper inside the rings before you ship it. 
  • When buying a pre-owned organiser, always request a picture of the rings with coloured paper inside them before agreeing a price. 
  • Never rush a repair, if in doubt contact Steve (philofaxy at gmail dot com) 
  • Do not be tempted to paint your rings with glitter or gold paint, it will not adhere and any roughness on the rings will damage the paper. 
  • Check your rings regularly, give them a wipe with a soft cloth. 
  • If the organiser has been stored in damp conditions the rings are prone to going rusty, clean with metal polish, if that doesn't shift it then go for a mild abrasive, then polish with a metal polish to finish off. 
  • The ring mechanism is a very simple mechanism and it is explained in more depth in this earlier post
  • Finally. make sure you only ever use the tabs to open the rings every time.
If you have got any ring questions, pop them in the comments below. 

30 May 2017

Web Finds - 30 May 2017

So I hope you have had a good weekend.

So now it is time to enjoy a great collection of blog posts and videos from around the internet.

Meanwhile here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.
  1. Rachel's Ramble - Why I Plan - Rachel Blundell
  2. My Planner Setup: Filofax/Franklin Covey for College & University - mantharay27
  3. 'Happy Mind Happy Life' Mini Happy Planner walkthrough - Vegan Organizer
  4. How I encourage my child to use a planner - Tonya Plans
  5. My Franklin Covey Planner appointments, Outlook and looking busy at work! - Tonya Plans
  6. Planner Collection: My Gillio Firenze Collection - My Wonderful Planner
  7. Filofax / KW21 - Es wird rund / Plan with me -  Tanja _h4
  8. Wochendeko KW 21 | Filofax | Alli im Wunderland - Alli_im_Wunderland
  9. Planners, planners...Moleskine, Filofax and a little Hobonichi - Suz What
  10. Plan with Me || Carpe Diem Haul + Summer Filofax Setup - Indigo Nili
  11. First Filofax - Tiymbrok Brown
  12. Filofax Wochendeko KW 21 Malden - starflower_plans
  13. Filofax Original Personal Shabby Chic Set Up - Lisa Valles
  14. Destashing Filofax Planner - nunjai
  15. Switching Planners: Moving Into a New Filofax/Recollections Planner (Part 2) - HappyAsAnnie
  16. How I made planter insert for my filofax - snowangel306
  17. Plan with me Pocket Filofax Planner May 29th - Robin's Nest
  18. Wochendekoration in meinem Kalendertagebuch! Updates Infos Filofax! - Lenas Bastelecke
  19. Wochendeko KW22 im Filofax - farbe.auf.papier
  20. FILOFAX DEKO KW 15 | easter relaxedness | timelapse - dekoRIAt
  21. Wochendeko Filofax KW 22/2017 (Alice) - Ullistration
  22. [Filofax-Timelapse] KW 22/17: Tropical Dreams - YasminLowe
  23. Bullet Journal / Filofax A5 printable - Juni 2017 - Tinas Welt
  24. Filofax Personal Wochendeko KW 19 - Frau Anne
  25. Filofax Wochendeko KW 22 & 24 | drina.pina und yunaachaan | Erdbeerrot und Picknickinsekten - drina pina
  26. Filofax Wochendeko Summer Vibes | Plan with me | deutsch | planenaufpapier - planenaufpapier
  27. Filofax A5 Plan with me May 22, Ft. Blank Slate Stickers - Nichelle Davis
  28. FILOFAX DEKO KW 16 | simplicity - dekoRIAt
  • For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post.  Also this video too Webfinds 
  • Your Filofax/Organiser Videos could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
My Week Posts
  1. My week #267 - Paper Lovestory
  2. Plan with me || Marilyn - Karen's Obsessions
Enjoy.


Free For All Tuesday No. 330

So what questions or discussion points have you got for us today?

It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a more experienced user of organisers, we want to hear your thoughts, questions, opinions etc.

Make today the one day you post a comment or a question.

It is Tuesday after all so fire away.

29 May 2017

A Date For Your Diary - 4 June 2017

We are going to run another conference round-table voice/video chat using Skype, we missed out in May so please try to make this one.

When? - Sunday 4 June at the following times:
  • London 10:00 am, 
  • Paris 11:00 am, 
  • Brisbane 7:00 pm time.
Additionally we will be on line later in the day at the following times:
  • Los Angeles 8:00 am, 
  • Denver 9:00 am
  • Dallas 10:00 am, 
  • New York 11:00am, 
  • London 4:00 pm 
  • Paris 5:00 pm etc.  
The timing of these two sessions have been chosen to hopefully allow as many people to join in compared to previous round-tables.

Do not worry if you aren't available at the start of one of our sessions each one lasts 2-3 hours so pop up when you are available and say hello.

Where? - an on-line chat using Skype. with voice and video (if you wish)

What do I need? - just a micro-phone and some head phones(in ear phones work fine) and a free Skype account. Using headphones or earphone reduces 'echo' on the call. Video is optional, but a few of us will be on video as well.

Who - All of you... connect up with Philofaxy and we will attempt to get as many of us linked in to the audio conference as possible. Come and listen if you don't want to chat.  What do we talk about? Filofax stuff... but anything else as well. It's like long lost friends meeting up for coffee and a catch up.. but don't worry if you have never joined in before... you are an old friend too!

If you have any questions you want to ask then please let us know in the group or before we start.

How -
  1. Connect to Philofaxy by firstly searching for Philofaxy in Skype, I will then add you as a contact.
  2. Then  'Send Contact Request',  I will then add you in to the chat room. 
  3. Then if you request it, I can add you to the audio conference as well. But if you just want to chat via keyboard that's fine. That way it's slightly less hectic for me!  
Come and join in the fun, even if you only pop in to say hello... but don't be afraid to join in the discussion.

As with previous round-tables there will also be a parallel text chat room going at the same time as the voice conference, so you can listen to the voice chat and type if you wish, just mute your microphone in Skype

If you need any assistance setting up Skype, please pop a comment in this post and I will try and help you get one line. Skype is free for computer to computer calls....

Here is my post on how to improve your Skype audio with headphones or a headset.

Hope to be chatting with you on Sunday 4 June 2017.

28 May 2017

Filofax 2017 - New Finsbury colour

Filofax have released a new Finsbury colour for 2017, Aqua-Blue and it is available in Pocket, Personal, A5 and A4 sizes.

The Filofax Finsbury is a popular model it has been around 2003-4 possibly a year or two earlier than that. It isn't full leather there is some textiles used on the interior, but it is great value for money.

Over the years the Filofax Finsbury has come out in a true spectrum of colours, some similar to each other of course, but there's nearly always been something for most tastes.



The new Aqua Blue Finsbury is available now at Filofax UK and other Filofax retailers.


27 May 2017

Web Finds - 27 May 2017

So I hope you have had a good week

So now it is time to enjoy a great collection of blog posts from around the internet, so grab a drink and make yourself for our weekly round-up.

Here are some Philofaxy posts you might have missed this week:
  1. Web Finds - 20 May 2017
  2. Retailer Under The Spotlight - EllieBeth Designs UK
  3. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Plannerverse - Episode 57
  4. Free For All Tuesday No. 329
  5. Web Finds - 23 May 2017 
  6. Philofaxy French Meet Up - May 2017
  7. Tell us about...... 9
  8. Free for All Friday No. 445 - by Nan
So here are the latest Filofax and other brand blog posts from around the Internet. Don't forget to leave a comment on the posts you enjoyed reading, all bloggers enjoy getting comments.
  1. Daytime Routines + Habits To Be Your Best You - Day Designer
  2. Monthly chores tracker - HeartMindedWork
  3. White personal-sized Filofax Portobello on the way - This Bug's Life
  4. GTD Setup Guides - Getting Things Done
  5. 3 Tips to Help You Stay Productive When Sick - Lil Divette
  6. Quick tips for better time management - HeartMindedWork
  7. A5 Luxe Collection: Restocked! - Day Designer
  8. v3c Monthly Foldout and v3s6 Weekly pages - DIYfish Life Mapping System
  9. Details – Filofax Malden - The Organizeaholic
  10. 4 Spring Cleaning Tips – FREE Checklist Download - FranklinPlannerTalk
  11. Color coding - HeartMindedWork
  12. TMN TIP: Defend Your Time Like You Defend Your Money - Time Management Ninja
  13. How To Get Past The Quitting Stage Of A New Routine - Day Designer
  14. My Planner and Kit for 2017 - Just Eclectically
  15. Managing projects with GTD - Getting Things Done
  • We monitor over 400 blogs and sites, your Filofax/Organiser blog posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
  • We can not guarantee people will read your posts, but we know there is a higher chance of people reading your posts and returning to read other posts if you make them interesting with pictures and good hints and tips. Do not forget to give your posts a title... 
  • Your Filofax/Organiser posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
  • For some general tips on Filofax Blogging, please see this post

We are on the look out for more people to take part in Reader Under the Spotlight. If you would like to appear in this feature then please contact Steve : philofaxy at gmail dot com  Thank you.


Enjoy

26 May 2017

Free for All Friday No. 445 - by Nan

Filofax organizers are great for recording events, thoughts, and ideas so you can remember them later, but what about things that haven't happened yet?

Do you use your Filofax for setting goals, outlining future plans, and keeping on track? Do you find it helpful? What do you do when goals and plans change?

And as always on Fridays, feel free to discuss anything related to ring-bound organizing!


25 May 2017

Tell us about...... 9


Whilst finishing off yesterday's post the other night and going through the photographs for the French Meet Up post, it occurred to me that some of us do spend quite a lot of money on our planners. Or put another way, we have a lot of money tied up in our planners. 

Have you ever calculated what your total spend is on your planner collection? And if you have what was the total figure?

Please tell us in the comments below.

24 May 2017

Philofaxy French Meet Up - May 2017

It is about 7 years since we moved to live in France, yet in that time we have never been able to organise a proper meet up. That changed this last weekend.

Back in February a few people commented about holding a meet up in France, but where? It is a big country yet the towns are fairly well spread out.

After we gathered the interested parties together on a Facebook group we started to discuss possible dates and locations.

I had decided very early on that Alison would be coming along to this meet up mainly because my French isn't that good, certainly not good enough to converse over a whole weekend about planners and organisers in French!

Marie-Hélène came to the rescue with her suggestion of her mothers Chambre-d'Hôtes and Gite near the town of Chenonceaux which is fairly centrally located for the majority of people that had shown an interest in attending.

A date was fixed and we were all able to stay the night at the Chambre-d'Hôtes as well, so on Saturday we all converged on Chenonceaux to meet up for the first time.

We took over the dining room for the afternoon. Spreading out our planners and organisers and we chatted and shared things. I gave a quick demonstration on how to swap rings, naturally!

Considering the number of people, there was a huge number and quite a range of makes (Filofax, Van der Spek, Gillio, Quo Vadis etc) and sizes from Mini all the way up to A4, one A4 by Van der Spek was fitted with 38mm Krause rings, even when empty this organiser was quite a beast! but wonderful to see of course.

We spent the afternoon looking through all the various organisers and planners that we had all brought along. Lots of discussions going on around the large dining room, it was very relaxed.

Some pictures, with thanks to Isabelle and Alison for additional photos!

Saturday

The main table... quite a few here!

My side table, a mixture of Van der Spek, Gillio organisers and a Filofax or two as well. 
Lots more photos... click more!

23 May 2017

Web Finds - 23 May 2017

So I hope you have had a good weekend.

So now it is time to enjoy a great collection of blog posts and videos from around the internet.

Meanwhile here are a selection of the latest Filofax videos for your enjoyment.
  1. Planner Flip ~ May 2017 - Crazy Beautiful Plans
  2. | NEW Gillio Croco UPDATED Set Up! May 2017 | - Mady L
  3. TOC TOWN ~ LOCAL: DAYTIMER PORTABLE SUMMER SETUP - LadyNik Brisard
  4. Plan With Me  Filofax Wochendeko ♡ KW 20 /2017 *fairy tale* - Diamondis Creativ
  5. Filofax | Geometric Pocket Planner 2017 Review - GirlyObserver
  6. Filofax Wochendeko KW 19 - DaniHaPunkt
  7. Personal Filofax Malden Flip Through!! | A few changes and starting a budget binder! - HappyPlanaholic
  8. FILOFAX Wochendeko #KW14 - Olja
  9. Filofax After Tour! New Inserts + Look at Current Week's Inserts - CIAO IT'S DANIELLE
  10. Filofax Personal Domino Unboxing - SamLuvely
  11. AGENDA FILOFAX BUTTERFLY Setup tema "farfalle" - SweetlyMe
  12. Filofax Wochendeko KW 20 // Mit Katze! - DaniHaPunkt
  13. Filofax Wochendeko KW 19 // 2017 // dummesmaedchen - dummesmaedchen
  14. Review: Notebook, Clipbook pastel de Filofax - Dos Cafés & un Plan
  15. Moving from my Filofax Pocket into my Hobonichi Techo Cousin - LesenSchreibenPlanen
  16. Filofax Wochendeko KW 20 | 2017 | Maaxty4 - Maaxty4
  17. Plan with Me in my Filofax Pocket Planner May 22 - Robin's Nest
  18. Pocket Zip Filofax Flip Through/2017 - SprinkleMeKute
  19. [FLIPTHROUGH] Dans mon bullet journal sous clipbook filofax : mon bujofax au mois de mai - Karine Carville
  20. Personal Planner Plan With Me | Filofax Domino Soft | feat Its Planning Time - Pookie Bear Cuties
  21. A5 Filofax PWM May 22, Ft. Sweet Pink Elephant Part 1 - Nichelle Davis
  22. Filofax Wochendeko KW 22 / 2017 Tetris #retrogames - Püppilotta Schokominza
  23. Filofax Setup - Nyvlog
  24. Plan With Me Filofax Wochendeko KW 21 /2017 *Kolibri* - Diamondis Creativ
  25. Why I love paper planning! - Vegan Organizer
  • For tips on how to improve your videos, please see this post.  Also this video too Webfinds 
  • Your Filofax/Organiser Videos could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
My Week Posts
  1. My week #266 - Paper Lovestory
  2. Plan with me || In the army now! - Karen's Obsessions
Enjoy.


Free For All Tuesday No. 329

So what questions or discussion points have you got for us today?

It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a more experienced user of organisers, we want to hear your thoughts, questions, opinions etc.

Make today the one day you post a comment or a question.

It is Tuesday after all so fire away.

22 May 2017

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Plannerverse - Episode 57


To Do Lists and Diary Pages 

We are back after an extended break for various reasons.

We discuss how to get the best out of your planner and other hints and ideas.

If you have ideas for future episodes please send them to steve at philofaxy dot com

Show Notes (timings approximate)
00:00 - Introduction
01:45 - Managing of To Do lists
02:00 - Dailies or Weeklies
04:00 - Where to write things down?
05:00 - Contexts to separate things out
08:00 - Don't make your notes too short
09:00 - Using an undated task list with a dated daily page
11:00 - Archiving older daily pages
14:00 - Regular To Do template
16:30 - Muji Stick Notes
19:00 - Using Daily pages
23:00 - Using more than one diary insert
24:00 - Adopting GTD
27:00 - Bags
27:30 - Filofax Winchester

Episode 57 -  To Do Lists and Diary Pages


A direct download is also available here: Episode57.mp3

Show notes: A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf

NB: A5 is in A4 format so it can be scaled to suit A5 or A6 size. Personal is for printing direct on Personal size paper.



Presenters - Karine Tovmassian and Steve Morton
Editing and production - Steve Morton

Our Websites:
Karine: PlannerologyKarine Tovmassian (IG)
Steve: PhilofaxyTravellers Notebook TimesMr Philofaxy (IG)

Naturally we would love to hear your feedback on the podcast. If you use iTunes please gives us your rating or reviews of the podcast.

If you want a quick link to all the podcasts remember: http://philofaxy.com/podcast/

Remember if you have liked this podcast, don't forget to like it, share it and subscribe to the podcast.

Previous Episodes:

2017

56 - Hints and Tips on making planner videos - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
55 - Keeping up to date - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
54 - Interview with Jennifer Powell at PlannerCon - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
53 - Conferences and Meet Ups - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
52 - The Magic of Contextualising Your Life - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
51 - Guest Interview - Rose Orchard - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
50 - Organising your significant other - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
49 - Creating the ultimate planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
48 - Getting past New Years resolutions - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
47 - How to understand being a planner newbie - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
46 - Buying and Selling 101 - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
45 - A5 or A6 - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
44 - End of Year - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf

2016 

43 - Digital Planning vs Analogue Planning - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
42 - Planning vs Organising - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
41 - Short and Long Term Planning - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
40 - Good and Bad Planner Habits - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
39 - Tackling Planner Size Change - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
38 - Self-Improvement or Personal Development - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
37 - What is productivity anyway - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
36 - The Planner Community - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
35 - Wellness Planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
34 - Listeners Question - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
33 - Pens and other writing instruments - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
32 - Proper storage, care and shipping of planners, rings etc - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
31 - Guest Interview - Louise Umeki - Plannercon 2017 - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
30 - Form Following Function -  A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
29 - Seasonal To Do Lists - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
28 - Making and keeping annual goals - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
27 - Organising the family - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
26 - Guest interview - Theresa Hall - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
25 - Guest interview - Ray Blake - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
24 - Defining the important things from the urgent things - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
23 - Guest interview with Rita Sedani - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
22 - Printing your own inserts - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
21 - How to derail your planning system by over thinking - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
20 - Digital devices/services and your analogue planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
19 - What To Keep In Your 'Others' Tab - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
18 - Zombie Apocalypse Preparation - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
17 - Managing Finances In Your Planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
16 - Planning for those of us who actually can't live without planning, with guest co-host Carie Harling - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
15 - Automation NirvanaA5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
14 - Work Life Balance and Your Planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
13 - GTD Productivity And Using Your Paper Planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
12 - Job Seeking and Keeping - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
11 - Planner Fail -  A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
10 - Planner Hacks - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
9 - Planner Planning - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
8 - Choosing Inserts - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
7 - How do you carry your planner - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
6 - Planners on the go - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
5 - Why would you pay more than the price of a Filofax? - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
4 - Using Your Planner To Create Permanent Habit Changes - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
3 - Getting on with two or more planners - A5 docx pdf Personal docx pdf
2 - Where to start your planning journey and why - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf
1 - What size and why....  - A5 docx pdf  Personal docx pdf

21 May 2017

Retailer Under The Spotlight - EllieBeth Designs UK

Today I would like to introduce you to EllieBeth Designs UK Ltd another small company I had the pleasure of meeting at the Cambridge Planner Con at the end of April. 


Hello lovely people!

I’m Rachel, the owner of  EllieBethDesigns UK Ltd  – where I’m on a mission to ‘Brighten Up Every Day’ with gorgeously vibrant and functional stickers for your planner, as well as beautiful journaling supplies.

The business began with one cutting machine and a Macbook in a corner of our bedroom in February 2015 – over two years later, it’s now housed within its own dedicated spaces for design and production in our family home.

EllieBeth Designs UK began because I couldn't find what I wanted for my planner over here in the UK for an affordable price, and so I decided to start making my own stickers. The thought crossed my mind that if I couldn’t find it, other people couldn’t either – and so EllieBeth Designs UK was born. The company is named after my daughters – Eleanor and Elizabeth, without whom it would never have happened, as I left my career as a financial advisor to be at home with them. Since opening, the planner community in the UK has grown massively, and it's an amazing privilege to be a part of that.

I wanted to see a supportive, friendly community in the UK focused around planning, and founded the  EllieBeth Designs UK Facebook group as well as connecting with other UK planner and stationery business owners to support and encourage one another. 

My focus has always been on people - I love seeing what I've created in use, and I love knowing that something I've made has helped someone during their day.

Within weeks of opening, EllieBeth Designs UK was known across social media channels as an up and coming UK planner sticker shop - and within a month, I had passed 100 orders and had a rapidly growing community following online, on both  Facebook and Instagram I also regularly publish videos on my YouTube channel covering all aspects of planning, as well as other things I enjoy! The shop has continued to gain popularity, and every few months it seems I need to add more capacity to keep up with demand.

The heart of the business is the EBDUK community – people are why I do what I do – and I regularly receive emails from customers telling me how the community has made a difference in their lives. There is no better feeling than that!

I would love to have you join us, and you can find our community across social media. Although my stickers were initially designed for the Erin Condren planners, I love seeing how people use them in any type of planner – be it ringbound, traveler’s notebook or other! – often in ways I’ve never thought of.

And – if you fancy brightening up your day with some gorgeously vibrant stickers, you can do so with an extra 15% off your first order for Philofaxy readers with the code PHILOFAXY15

Thank you for reading!


* code applies to EBDUK stickers purchased from www.elliebethdesignsuk.com only/ code is not combinable with other codes/not applicable towards shipping/ one use per customer*








We wish Rachel continued success with her business

Are you a small planner shop? Would you like to be featured on Philofaxy? Contact Steve: steve at philofaxy dot com 

20 May 2017

Web Finds - 20 May 2017

So I hope you have had a good week

So now it is time to enjoy a great collection of blog posts from around the internet, so grab a drink and make yourself for our weekly round-up.

Here are some Philofaxy posts you might have missed this week:
  1. Web Finds - 13 May 2017
  2. Highlights of April 2017
  3. Retailer Under The Spotlight - The Agenda Shop
  4. New from Filofax - 2017
  5. Free For All Tuesday - No. 328
  6. Web Finds - 16 May 2017
  7. Tell us about...... 8
  8. Paperchase Organiser Inserts
  9. Free For All Friday No 444 by Laurie
So here are the latest Filofax and other brand blog posts from around the Internet. Don't forget to leave a comment on the posts you enjoyed reading, all bloggers enjoy getting comments.
  1. Back in Black - Filofax Blog
  2. Apple Pig A5 ring binder - This Bug's Life
  3. Stationery Store Spotlight: Planner Montannah  - The Stationery Geekette
  4. Meal Planning with Your Planner - FranklinPlannerTalk
  5. 6 Steps To Setting Up Your New Planner - Day Designer
  6. Four months in pocket size – a great success - This Bug's Life
  7. Personal Freedom and Paper - Quo Vadis Blog
  8. Filofax pens - This Bug's Life
  9. Notepaper Wednesday {Freebie} - Planner Fun Plus
  10. 10 Ways Leaders with Bad Time Management Hurt Companies - Time Management Ninja
  11. Huishouden jaarschema / Yearly cleaning schedule - HeartMindedWork
  12. Every day planner - My Filofax Blog
  13. Joanna's Planner - joannas-planner
  • We monitor over 400 blogs and sites, your Filofax/Organiser blog posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
  • We can not guarantee people will read your posts, but we know there is a higher chance of people reading your posts and returning to read other posts if you make them interesting with pictures and good hints and tips. Do not forget to give your posts a title... 
  • Your Filofax/Organiser posts could appear in this list, just contact philofaxy at gmail dot com to be added to our monitoring list. 
  • For some general tips on Filofax Blogging, please see this post
We are on the look out for more people to take part in Reader Under the Spotlight. If you would like to appear in this feature then please contact Steve : philofaxy at gmail dot com  Thank you.

Enjoy