Create Your Own DIY Desk Calendar! 3 Methods + Printable Pattern!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Materials and Tools
- Designing the Calendar
- Creating the Base
- Binding the Calendar
- Personalization and Decoration
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Resources
Introduction
Welcome back to my channel! In today's video, I'm going to show you how to make your very own DIY desk calendar. With the new year just around the corner, this calendar is not only super cute but also a fun project to make. It can also make a great gift for your loved ones. In this tutorial, I'll be demonstrating three different methods to create the base of your desk calendar, ranging from a super easy method using a recycled box to a more professional-looking method. So, let's get started!
Materials and Tools
Before we dive into the tutorial, let's gather all the materials and tools we'll need for this project. Here's a list of what you'll need:
- Printing paper or double-sided matte premium presentation paper
- Printer
- Piece of corrugated cardboard or chipboard
- Large piece of cardstock or patterned paper
- Glue stick or craft bond extra strength glue stick
- Scissors or straight cutter
- Pen or pencil
- Ruler
- Hole punch or specialized tool like a Cinch Press
- Double wire coils
Designing the Calendar
The first step in creating your own DIY desk calendar is designing the calendar pages. If you're not into designing from scratch, you can find digital download calendars or templates online. However, if you'd like to design your own calendar pages, here's what you need to know:
- The size of the calendar pages is 4.25 inches by 5.5 inches.
- Make sure to leave a clearance of about half an inch at the top of each page for binding.
- Design 12 pages for each month of the year, along with a cover page, a holiday page, and optionally, a note from the artist page at the back.
Creating the Base
Now that we have our calendar pages designed and ready, let's move on to creating the base of the desk calendar. There are three methods to choose from, depending on your preference and the materials you have available.
Method 1: Corrugated Cardboard
For the first and simplest method, you'll need a piece of corrugated cardboard. Here's how to create the base using corrugated cardboard:
- Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard that measures at least 11 inches by 5.5 inches.
- Mark a line that is 4 and a third inch from one end of the cardboard.
- Repeat the same step on the other end of the cardboard.
- Fold the cardboard along the marked lines, using the pre-made ridges in the cardboard to guide you.
- Add an additional fold in the middle for easy folding and unfolding of the calendar.
- Your base is now ready to be decorated and personalized!
Method 2: Chipboard and Cardstock
The second method is slightly more professional-looking and requires chipboard and cardstock or patterned paper. Here's how to create the base using chipboard:
- Cut chipboard into two pieces measuring 4 and a third inch by 5.5 inches and two pieces measuring 1 inch by 5.5 inches.
- Cut a large 12 by 12 inch piece of cardstock or patterned paper in half, making it 12 inches by 6 inches.
- Glue the chipboard pieces onto the cardstock, leaving gaps between each piece.
- Cut off the corners of the paper that peek out and fold the sides over, effectively wrapping the paper around the chipboard.
- Cut another strip of cardstock to cover the remaining exposed chipboard and glue it on.
- Let the base dry completely before folding it along the creases.
- Enjoy your stylish and personalized desk calendar base!
Method 3: Chipboard and Paper Wrapping
The third method provides a clean and professional finish while keeping the base sturdy. Here's how to create the base using chipboard and paper wrapping:
- Cut chipboard into two pieces measuring 4 and a third inch by 5.5 inches and two pieces measuring 1 inch by 5.5 inches.
- Arrange the chipboard pieces on a strip of colored cardstock or paper, leaving a quarter-inch gap between each piece.
- Glue the chipboard pieces onto the cardstock, making sure to press into the grooves for a secure bond.
- Cut off the corners of the paper and fold the sides over, gluing them down.
- Cut another strip of cardstock to cover the remaining exposed chipboard and glue it on, ensuring a tight and neat wrap.
- Allow the base to dry completely before gently folding it along the grooves for easy storage and display.
Binding the Calendar
Now that we have our base ready, it's time to bind the calendar pages together. Here's how to do it:
- Use the hole punch to make holes in all your calendar pages and the base. Create a template to ensure even hole placement.
- Line up all the calendar pages against the front of the base, aligning the double-wire rings.
- Slip the double-wire rings from the back of the base and through the holes in the calendar pages.
- Place the back of the base against the rings and pinch the coils closed. Use pliers if needed.
- Your DIY desk calendar is now complete and ready to be used or gifted!
Personalization and Decoration
To make your desk calendar truly unique, add personal touches and decorations. You can paint the base, apply glitter, or use various crafting materials to bring your creative vision to life. Let your imagination run wild and have fun making the calendar reflect your style and personality!
Conclusion
Congratulations on creating your very own DIY desk calendar! This project allows for customization, recycling, and endless creativity. Whether you choose the simple method using corrugated cardboard or the more advanced methods with chipboard, your finished calendar will serve as a functional and stylish addition to your workspace or a thoughtful gift for someone special.
FAQs
Q: Where can I find digital download calendars or templates?
A: Online platforms offer a wide range of digital download calendars or templates. Simply search for "printable 2021 calendar" to find options that suit your preferences.
Q: Can I use regular printer paper instead of premium presentation paper?
A: Absolutely! While premium presentation paper may offer better print quality, regular printer paper works just fine for this project. Experiment and see what works best for you.
Q: Can I recycle old wire coils from a notebook?
A: Yes, recycling wire coils from old notebooks or sketchbooks is a great way to source double wire coils for this project. It's an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
Q: How can I make sure the holes are punched evenly in all the calendar pages?
A: Creating a template with precise measurements will ensure that all the pages have evenly spaced holes. This template can be used for future projects as well.
Q: Can I add more pages to my desk calendar?
A: Yes, you can certainly add more pages to your desk calendar. Simply adjust the hole placement and use additional double wire coils to accommodate the extra pages.
Resources
- Video tutorial: [Insert YouTube link here]
- Printable pattern pack: available on zakira.com
- Clip Studio Paint EX: digital software used for designing the calendar
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