Ever had that moment when you flip the page of your store-bought calendar, only to realize it just doesn’t vibe with your life? I mean, who can relate to a generic picture of a waterfall in June? Instead, wouldn’t it be amazing to wake up every day and see my little one’s silly artwork or a snapshot from that epic road trip? The thought crosses my mind every year: could I actually make my own wall calendar? I always picture my family gathered around, laughing at memories captured in time—our goofy faces, our favorite moments, all there on display! How cool would it be to not just track days but to relive memories right there on the wall? It feels like creating a little piece of art that tells *my* story, you know?
Items You’ll Need
- Printer (Inkjet or Laser)
- Photo paper (for high-quality prints)
- Calendar template software (e.g. Adobe InDesign, Canva)
- Scissors or Paper Cutter
- Binding machine or binding clips
- Cardstock (for sturdier pages)
- Hole puncher (for binding)
- Markers or pens (for notes)
- Decorative stickers or washi tape
- Digital camera or smartphone (for photos)
- Photo editing software (e.g. Photoshop, GIMP)
- Shipping supplies (if sending to others)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Materials
First, I gather all my equipment: my trusty inkjet printer, high-quality photo paper, scissors, a binding machine, cardstock, a hole puncher, markers, decorative stickers, my smartphone for photos, and some shipping supplies.
Step 2: Choose a Template
Next, I open my favorite calendar template software, like Canva, and choose a design that speaks to me. I love vibrant colors and fun layouts!
Step 3: Add Photos
Now it's time to personalize! I grab my smartphone and take photos of my favorite moments from the past year. I upload these photos and position them on the calendar pages.
Step 4: Customize Dates
I edit the text on the calendar to include important family dates like birthdays and anniversaries. I want this calendar to be a beautiful reflection of my year!
Step 5: Print the Pages
Once I'm satisfied with the design, I load my inkjet printer with photopaper and hit print! The smell of fresh ink fills the room as the colors come to life.
Step 6: Cut and Prepare the Pages
With my printed pages in hand, I carefully cut them to size using the scissors. I love the feel of the cardstock; it gives the calendar a nice, durable touch.
Step 7: Bind the Calendar
I use my binding machine to bind the pages together. The satisfying click as each page is secured makes me feel accomplished!
Step 8: Add Final Touches
Now the fun part: I decorate the cover page with markers and stickers! I let my creativity run wild and even add some washi tape for flair.
Step 9: Make it Functional
With everything assembled, I take the hole puncher and punch holes for easy hanging. I display my masterpiece on the wall and admire it for a moment.
Step 10: Prepare for Shipping
If I'm sending some calendars to family, I make sure to pack them securely with the shipping supplies. I can’t wait for them to see what I created!
Step 11: Enjoy the Calendar!
Finally, I grab a pen and write down reminders and fun events on the calendar as they come. Every month will be a journey through my fabulous moments captured in time!