I’ve been using Canva for thirteen years.
Back when everyone else thought it was just a cute place to make birthday invitations and Facebook headers, I was already obsessing over fonts and layouts.
What I didn’t understand back then was how powerful it really was.
I didn’t know you could create digital products people would actually buy.
I didn’t know you could build an entire income stream from simple designs made at your kitchen table.
And I definitely didn’t know there was such a huge variety of things moms could create.
Printables. Journals. Planners. Checklists. Cards. Workbooks. Coloring pages. Ebooks. Social media templates. Homeschool sheets. Wall art.
If you can dream it, Canva can help you create it.
So today, I want to show you the simple system I use to turn Canva into one of the most profitable tools in my entire business.
No design degree. No fancy equipment. Just a mom, a laptop, and a willingness to start.
My Simple Canva Design System
I don’t create products from scratch every time.
I’d burn out fast if I did.
The secret is a simple, repeatable system that saves time, keeps everything cohesive, and helps me create beautiful products in far less time than people expect.
Here’s exactly how I do it.
1. I Start with a Base Template I Already Love
Instead of staring at a blank page, I pull up a template I’ve created before.
This gives me a starting structure. Then I change the colors, tweak the fonts, or switch the layout.
This one trick saves HOURS.
Action Step:
Pick one design you already made. Duplicate it.
Change the title, colors, and layout slightly.
You just created a brand new product.
2. I Keep a Branded Folder Inside Canva
All my colors, fonts, logos, and elements live in one place.
This keeps every product consistent without extra thinking.
Action Step:
Create a Canva folder labeled “Brand Kit.”
Save your go-to templates, colors, and fonts inside it.
3. I Batch Create Instead of Jumping Around
When I’m creating a planner, I don’t do one page here and one page there.
I build similar pages at the same time.
This helps the entire product feel clean and cohesive.
Action Step:
Pick one idea, then create 3–5 matching pages in the same sitting.
4. I Focus on Simple, Useful Designs
You don’t need to be a designer.
Your buyer doesn’t care about perfection.
They care about a product that helps them, organizes them, or inspires them.
Some of my best sellers were the simplest designs I’ve ever made.
Action Step:
Use this ChatGPT prompt to brainstorm your next product:
“Give me 10 simple digital product ideas I can make in Canva that would help busy moms, homeschoolers, or beginners who want to get organized or earn income.”
5. I Export, Upload, and Sell on Payhip
Once a product is finished, I export it as a PDF and upload it into Payhip.
This is where everything comes together:
Product cover → description → price → publish.
Selling becomes simple.
Action Step:
Open your free Payhip account, upload one small product, and create your shop listing.
You can always refine it later.
Start with movement, not perfection.
The Products That Sell Best For Me
If you ever feel stuck, here are product categories that consistently do well:
• Planners
• Journals
• Checklists
• Printable wall art
• Homeschool trackers
• Faith inspired printables
• Mini guides or ebooks
• Templates other moms can use
Digital products don’t need to be big to begin making sales.
Sometimes the smallest ones are the easiest to sell and the fastest to create.
Encouragement for the Mom Who Wants to Create
If you’ve been feeling that nudge to start designing your own products, listen to it.
You don’t need to be “creative enough.”
You just need to be willing.
Canva is one of the simplest, most powerful tools a stay at home mom can learn, and Payhip makes selling your creations easy and stress free.
Start with one design.
Start with one idea.
Start with one step forward.
You have no idea how many people your creativity could help.
And if this post inspired you, you’ll love the full post How I Make Money from Home as a Homeschooling Mom of Five.
That’s where we go deeper into the systems, tools, and strategies that keep everything running smoothly.
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