That time again.
For the last few years I have made some tiny calendars as gifts for a few friends. It grows each year but I don't mind as they use up old paper stock and its also a great way to recycle the backs of the memo pads we use at work.
I print out a free year calendar ( I tint it to match the papers before I print it out) .
I make up batches at a time and then I use phone cords or book rings to secure. Phone cords are the cheapest as you can get some good deals for bulk buys on ebay.
I found a lovely site for cheap charms but I do have a large collection- cough!
The site is called "The crafty Cave" also great if you are into jewelry making - do check it out.
I use stickers and diecuts for the year and small embellishments on the front cover to decorate.
This one is half done.
Last year I bought mini paper bags from hobby craft to pop them in and then decorated those too. This year I did not get to hobby craft and as I do have a very large amount of paper, thought I ought to make a box. I bought a We R Memory keepers Envelope maker at the recent ATDML retreat ( Its is the same as the Stamping Up ones :)) SO either would do - Here is a LINK to the tutorial i used to make my box.
Now I did buy these from the Craft cave - They are little wooden chalkboard hearts -they come in a pack of three but I only bought 2 sets and when i went back, of course they had sold out!
I got to thinking - I wonder if you could buy chalkboard on a roll ( quicker than having to get the paint and waiting for it to dry) So, I went to good old amazon to search ...You CAN!!
It also comes with a sticky back HERE.
So I made my own with card and a sizzix die - I have not tried it with a thin die yet but will let you know. I am really pleased - I have enough to make hundreds. My roll also came with chalk.
One done.
Three done - A few more to go ( Including yours Sarah -in blue - if you are reading xx).
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Recycling
We get though a lot of memo's in my dept at school , so have LOADS of thick cardboard backs to use up - everyone knows i recycle them so now bring me theirs. So when I heard my colleague say that she had forgotten another Birthday, I knew I would make her a birthday book.
Again this is made out of the backs of or memo pads ( chipboard) for durability.
One of the recent craft magazines had a 6 x 6 graphic 45 pad (Place in Time) as a free gift, prefect for this. I only decorated the top of each page, to give her room to write in the birthdays.
I do LOVE graphic 45 papers. I will make a box to pop it in.
back to that card making now.
Soojay xx
Oh wow these are truly such special and practical gifts, which I am sure your friends treasure receiving.
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DesÃre
{Doing Life – my personal blog}
Gosh Sue, you really have been busy. Love your little calendars and that Birthday bool is super.
ReplyDeleteToni xx
Oooooh lovely xx
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