October 21, 2011

Memory Book Desk Calendar (Swell Noel #14)

I cannot say enough how much I have appreciated knowing my blog has been in such great hands over the course of the last weeks for A Swell Noel. Haven’t the projects and ideas been absolutely fabulous so far??

I am thrilled to be here today to contribute my first project to the lineup!

I love giving and making photo gifts for family during the holidays. Because we live hundreds of miles from nearly all of our relatives, it feels good to give them something that can span that distance and keep them connected with my sweet kiddos. I made these Memory Book Desk Calendars as Christmas gifts to parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles a couple of years back, and they were a huge hit!
For this project, you will need…
Old cereal boxes or chipboard sheets
Word processing software and computer printer
White cardstock
Paper trimmer
Scrapbooking paper
Assorted scrapbooking embellishments: stickers, chipboard, stamps, ribbon, etc.
Scrapbooking adhesives
Book binding tool or metal jump rings

These little guys really are a breeze to put together. To start, create small calendars using the table function in your word processing software. I made my tables 7 columns wide and 4-6 rows high, depending on how the days of each month fell. Each table measured approximately 2×3″. Once they are created and formatted, print each calendar onto your white cardstock, and cut them out using your paper trimmer.

For the book, cut 13 4×4″ pieces from your cereal boxes or chipboard sheets. Cover each piece with a 4″ square piece of patterned paper. Punch holes along the left side of each page, and bind them together using your book binding tool or your jump rings.

Embellish the front cover of your book as desired. Open your book to the first set of facing pages. Starting with January, place your trimmed January calendar piece on one side, and embellish the facing page with photos and various embellishments. Continue in a similar fashion with the remaining pages/months.

That’s all there is to it!

These can be stood up and displayed throughout the year, and once the year has come to a close, they can be tucked away as a memento to enjoy in the future!

By the way…

Have you headed over yet to check out the page I have devoted entirely to A Swell Noel? If not, run – don’t walk! – over to add the page to your favorites. It includes a full pictorial guide of all of the projects shared so far so you can easily earmark your personal favorites to refer to when the creative holiday itch strikes! 

Also, you can keep up with Swell Noel details on Twitter by using the hashtag #ASwellNoel! 

Thanks so much for reading. And happy Friday!

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Linking this to…
Tatertots and Jello
Skip to My Lou
Today’s Creative Blog
Tip Junkie

Amy @ Positively Splendid

Amy @ Positively Splendid

Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you'll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
Amy @ Positively Splendid

@splendidamy

Mama of four, creative enthusiast, craft & DIY blogger. Find me knee-deep in my next project at http://www.PositivelySplendid.com!
In sewing, little things make a BIG difference! My 5 top tips for improving your sewing: http://t.co/SBUoz5wdUV (You can start today!) - 14 hours ago
Amy @ Positively Splendid

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12 Responses to Memory Book Desk Calendar (Swell Noel #14)

  1. Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} October 21, 2011 at 6:39 pm #

    Adorable, Amy!! I love giving these types of gifts to the grandparents. They always go over very well!

    Reply
  2. Melodiejoy October 21, 2011 at 8:06 pm #

    These are precious!! I’ve never attempted anything like this…but I think I will now…it just looks to fun to pass up ~ The question is can I narrow down my 4 kids photo’s to just 12? :-)

    Reply
  3. Jenna October 21, 2011 at 9:21 pm #

    This would be a great stash busting craft! Also, I have a bunch of greeting cards that I have saved up just because I like the pictures. That would work well for this too!

    Jenna
    callherhappy.com

    Reply
  4. Karen October 22, 2011 at 12:41 am #

    I love it! It’s so fun to personalize stuff like that and give as a gift! Awesome:)

    Reply
  5. Anne October 22, 2011 at 12:51 am #

    This is so cute! These would make great gifts.

    Reply
  6. Amanda @ Serenity Now October 22, 2011 at 2:00 pm #

    Amy, that is absolutely adorable!! I think you would be such a fun neighbor to have. We could let our kids play while we did crafty stuff. ;) I am so honored to be included in your holiday series this year!

    Reply
  7. Amy October 22, 2011 at 5:33 pm #

    WOW! This is so gorgeous! I want to make one! Would you share it here?
    http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2011/10/csh-thursday-link-party.html

    Reply
  8. Finding Charm October 22, 2011 at 6:16 pm #

    Great gift idea!

    Reply
  9. Natasha October 24, 2011 at 1:15 pm #

    i’m lovin this, so cute

    would love it if you could share this on my link party – Serenity Saturday – over at http://www.serenityyou.blogspot.com

    Natasha xxx

    Reply
  10. Jamie October 25, 2011 at 2:33 pm #

    How adorable. I would love for you to stop by and link up your memory book to More the Merrier Monday. It lasts through Wednesday so you have plenty of time to link up.
    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Kimmy November 18, 2011 at 3:38 am #

    I just finished getting my actual calendars printed up, and Christmas presents are almost made for the grandparents now. Thank you so much for this idea! It works for any level of income and resources–you can go really elaborate or easily use those “scraps” and other leftovers you have on hand.

    Reply
  12. Melissa November 22, 2012 at 10:44 pm #

    WOW Such a great idea..thanks for sharing!! I am going to make one for my sister :)

    Reply

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