Calendars

the cardboard panel, to cover back)

pencil
ruler
scissors
Decoupage
1 sponge paint brush
craft glue
stapler and staples
hole punch
metal picture hanger
1 weaving strip

There are several ways of making a calendar. The most "handmade" method is to divide a blank sheet of paper into equal blocks, leaving a 2" horizontal margin at the top for the name of the month and a 1" horizontal margin below it for the names of the days. Then, measure the blank space that's left, divide the vertical measurement by 7 to determine the vertical grid and the horizontal measurement by 5 to determine the horizontal grid. You then know how much space you have for each block horizontally and vertically. Use a ruler to draw these lines.

An optional second method is to make one grid page (eliminating the name of the month) and photo-copy eleven more pages. Then place the month names on each.

An optional third method is to check out some of the websites that have free printable calendar templates.

Next, fill in the corresponding numbers for the days. Repeat this process for each of the other eleven pages. Take the piece of posterboard sized for the calendar pages, place the pages on top of it and staple together.

Quickly "paint" a very thin coat of decoupage onto the CALENDAR PANEL, place the picture onto it and smooth out while gently pressing down.

Spread craft glue onto the back of the posterboard that's stapled to the pages, and attach to the CALENDAR PANEL (attach just near the bottom of the photo). Place a book on it and allow to dry. Punch a hole in the top middle of the CALENDAR PANEL and hang.


GIFT IDEA
To personalize a calendar that has been made for a gift, punch equal holes near the top of each grid page and carefully weave them together with something that would be appropriate for the person you're giving the gift to.
Weaving the pages together with a thin strip of denim might be perfect for a teen. Using fishing line with "bobbers" attached at the end would be good for the fisherman in the family. Use a long, decorative shoe string for a child's calender. Letting the weaving item hang to the sides of the calendar pages gives them an added "artistic" appearance. Attach the calendar grid pages to the CALENDAR PANEL as mentioned before.

A CALENDAR PANEL FRAME
In order to have your calendar fit the decor of a room,

The copyright of the article Calendars in Ethnic Crafts is owned by Regenia G. Butcher. Permission to republish Calendars in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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