As 2013 approaches (or possibly the end of the world... uh...) I realized it was time to make a new Instagram calendar for my mom. Last year I made my mom a calendar using all Instagram photos of my pug (my mom LOVES dogs). I saw her use it all year, she hung it in her art studio. I'm making it an official tradition this year, because I made her a new one for 2013.
This year there were a few features that I changed. I still used all Instagram photos (printed from Postal Pix) but the photos feature my dog, Trey's dog and one surprise "dog" appearance. I also decided to try a slightly different technique for creating the calendar this year. Here's what I did:
1. Supplies needed: pretty papers, photos, mini calendar (I bought mine at Walmart for $1 but you could also create your own and print off the pages), scissors, glue and a stapler. 2. Deconstruct the mini calendar and use it as a guide to create your calendar pages. Go ahead and place your pages together so you can clearly see where your photos and calendar pages will go. 3. Cut out your calendar (and photos if necessary) and glue to the pages. 4. Staple the inside folded edge to bind the calendar together. Optional: add glitter numbers to the cover!
A couple of tips: I would recommend using a glue stick for this project. Even though I tried to apply my glue evenly I still had some wrinkles in my pages after it dried. I think using a glue stick would solve this issue. I also recommend using thinner paper than the blue ones you see above for the actual pages. My calendar ended up being a little difficult to fold because all of the papers added so much bulk. If you find this to be an issue for you then try binding your calendar more like I did for last year's edition. :)
Easy, inexpensive and cute! Ring in the new year with your own homemade calendar. xo. Emma




I love this idea so much! Gonna try it with kids and grandkids for my parents. Maybe by birthday month...
http://catherinedenton.com
Posted by: Catherine Denton | December 20, 2012 at 04:57 PM
hi! next time you should try spray adhesive (reallly inexpensive... like $5 a can that will last you forever)! its easy to use, you don't need a lot, and it won't ridge your paper like the wet glue does. instead, you get a nice even stick with no air pockets and no paper ridging. <3
Posted by: Jenna | December 20, 2012 at 05:03 PM
This is so sweet! cute dogs and glittery letters! I hope your mum loves it
http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk
Posted by: Helen | December 20, 2012 at 05:06 PM
This is so cool! I was going to buy myself a new calendar but now that I know how to make one, I'm going to do that instead!
http://thehonestfox.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Chianne Hood | December 20, 2012 at 05:08 PM
What a great idea!
Posted by: Bece | December 20, 2012 at 05:09 PM
thanks for the tutorial! i make my mom a calendar for christmas every year, maybe i will try out a square one!
xo!
Paige
http://www.punkrockparti.com
Posted by: Paige | December 20, 2012 at 05:12 PM
This is a wonderful idea! I usually order my mother a photo calendar from Apple, but I really love the personal touch to this calendar. Thanks for sharing!
http://amysreallife.wordpress.com
Posted by: Amy | December 20, 2012 at 05:14 PM
Such a cute Christmas gift! My mum loves cats, can I pull it off in the next few busy days?!
Here's my vintage and handmade gift wrapping ideas: http://www.turquoiseflamingo.com/2012/12/vintage-inspired-gift-wrapping.html
Cathy
Turquoise Flamingo
http://www.turquoiseflamingo.com/
Posted by: Cathy | December 20, 2012 at 05:14 PM
Such a cute idea! And I love that it's so personal!
Posted by: Kim | December 20, 2012 at 05:23 PM
I love it ♥ It's simple, personal and unique. I've attempted to make my own calendar for many years, but I've never done it.
I think I'll make one for next year. Could you tell me where did you get the calendar itself? I mean, the months. I really like them :)
Posted by: Antonella | December 20, 2012 at 05:31 PM
Oh, Right! The calendar is from Walmart. I hadn't read it before writing the previous comment, oops :)
Posted by: Antonella | December 20, 2012 at 05:33 PM
I'd recommend using rubber cement for a project like this! It brushes on but does not warp paper. Coat picture only for removable bond, picture and the paper it's being mounted to for a full bond. You can also rub away any glue you get around the edges with your finger. I use this stuff a lot!
--erin
Posted by: Erin | December 20, 2012 at 05:59 PM
Cute!
XO Nat
http://www.natinlove.com?cm=1
Posted by: Nat | December 20, 2012 at 06:06 PM
Wow, it's a great idea! These glitter number on the cover reminds me of New Year's Eve Party.
http://wolvesfeast.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Marta Smyk | December 20, 2012 at 06:07 PM
I love it!!!
My daily OUTFITS IN http://cravingforbarneys.com
Posted by: CRAVING FOR BARNEYS | December 20, 2012 at 06:08 PM
Very Cute!
Posted by: Alison | December 20, 2012 at 06:23 PM
Cute! I really wanna do this!
Posted by: Gen | December 20, 2012 at 06:30 PM
Love this! Can be used as a personalized Christmas gift too!
N|D
http://rainbowsandtress.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Norma Diaz | December 20, 2012 at 06:48 PM
awwww!
Valentina
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Valentina | December 20, 2012 at 07:36 PM
Awesome Idea
Posted by: Trendy Bags | December 20, 2012 at 07:36 PM