Are you tired of the same old boring calendars? Want to add a personal touch to your space? Then why not make your own wall calendar out of paper? With just a few simple materials and some creativity, you can turn a blank piece of paper into a beautiful and functional work of art. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating your very own DIY wall calendar. From selecting the right paper to designing your layout, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make a wall calendar that’s uniquely yours. So grab some scissors, a ruler, and some glue, and let’s get started!
Materials Needed
Paper
- Colorful construction paper: For creating the background and adding vibrancy to your calendar. It’s recommended to use 12×12 inch sheets for each month.
- White printer paper: To print the calendar grid and other necessary information. It’s important to use high-quality paper that won’t smudge or bleed when ink is applied.
By having these two types of paper, you’ll be able to create a visually appealing and functional wall calendar.
Tools
To make a wall calendar out of paper, you will need a few basic tools to get started. These include:
- Scissors: A pair of sharp scissors is essential for cutting the paper to the desired size and shape. It is important to use scissors that are easy to handle and have a comfortable grip.
- Ruler: A ruler is needed to measure and mark the paper accurately. A ruler with a transparent edge is especially helpful as it allows you to see the markings on both sides of the ruler.
- Glue stick: A glue stick is required to adhere the paper pieces together. It is important to use a high-quality glue stick that will provide a strong bond and hold the paper pieces together securely.
- Stapler: A stapler is needed to attach the pages of the calendar together. A stapler with a narrow crown width is recommended as it creates a more professional-looking finished product.
- Marker or pen: A marker or pen is needed to write the dates and other information on the calendar. A fine-tipped marker or pen is best for writing small details, while a larger tip is ideal for writing headings and other larger text.
Optional materials
In addition to the basic materials needed for making a wall calendar out of paper, there are several optional materials that can enhance the look and functionality of your calendar. These include:
- Cardstock paper: This is a thicker and heavier paper than regular paper, which makes it ideal for creating sturdy and long-lasting calendars. It can be used for the calendar grid, the cover, or any other decorative elements.
- Ribbon or twine: These materials can be used to create hanging tabs or to tie the calendar together as a gift. They can also be used to create a border or to add a decorative touch to the calendar.
- Decorative stickers or embellishments: These can be used to add color, patterns, or designs to the calendar. They can be used to decorate the cover, the grid, or any other element of the calendar. You can also use them to create special holiday or event stickers.
Choosing Your Calendar Size and Style
Factors to consider
When it comes to making a wall calendar out of paper, there are several factors to consider when choosing the size and style of your calendar. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
- Wall space available: The first thing to consider is the amount of wall space you have available for your calendar. If you have a large wall, you may want to make a larger calendar to fill the space. On the other hand, if you have a smaller wall or limited space, you may want to make a smaller calendar.
- Personal preferences for style and aesthetic: Another important factor to consider is your personal preferences for style and aesthetic. Do you prefer a minimalist style, or do you like more elaborate designs? What colors do you like best? Answering these questions can help you choose the right size and style of calendar for your space.
- Functionality: It’s also important to consider the functionality of your calendar. For example, do you want your calendar to include holidays and important dates, or just a blank space for you to write down your own appointments and events? This can help you determine what size and style of calendar will work best for your needs.
- Materials available: Finally, you should also consider the materials you have available for making your calendar. For example, if you have a lot of colored paper, you may want to make a calendar with lots of colorful designs. On the other hand, if you only have white paper, you may want to keep your design simpler and more minimalist.
Examples of calendar sizes and styles
When it comes to making a wall calendar out of paper, the first step is to choose the size and style of your calendar. The size of your calendar will depend on the space you have available on your wall and the amount of information you want to include. Some examples of calendar sizes include:
- A small desk calendar that measures 8×10 inches
- A medium-sized wall calendar that measures 16×20 inches
- A large wall calendar that measures 24×36 inches
The style of your calendar will depend on your personal preferences and the purpose of the calendar. For example, you may want a traditional style calendar with boxes for each day of the month, or you may prefer a more modern style with illustrations or graphics. Some examples of calendar styles include:
- A floral-themed calendar with illustrations of flowers for each month
- A minimalist calendar with simple designs and lots of white space
- A travel-themed calendar with illustrations of different destinations for each month
No matter what size or style you choose, making a wall calendar out of paper is a fun and creative way to stay organized and decorate your home.
a. Mini wall calendars
Mini wall calendars are a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of organization to small spaces or as a desk calendar. Measuring at 4×6 inches, these calendars are perfect for those who don’t have a lot of room to spare but still want to keep track of important dates and events.
One of the biggest advantages of mini wall calendars is their versatility. They can be hung on a wall in a small office or bedroom, placed on a desk or tabletop, or even used as a handy pocket calendar. Their compact size also makes them easy to transport, so you can take them with you on the go.
Another benefit of mini wall calendars is that they are easy to customize. With a little creativity and some basic crafting supplies, you can create a unique and personalized calendar that reflects your style and interests. You can choose your own colors, patterns, and images, and even add your own personal touches like stickers, washi tape, or other embellishments.
Overall, mini wall calendars are a great option for anyone looking for a simple and stylish way to stay organized throughout the year.
b. Standard wall calendars
If you’re looking to create a classic wall calendar, standard wall calendars are the perfect choice. These calendars are the most common size for wall calendars and are perfect for any room in your home or office. The size of standard wall calendars is typically 8×10 inches, making them large enough to see the dates clearly but not so large that they overwhelm the space.
When choosing the size of your wall calendar, it’s important to consider the space where you’ll be hanging it. A smaller calendar may be more suitable for a smaller space, while a larger calendar may be better for a larger room. Additionally, keep in mind the style of the room where you’ll be hanging the calendar. A more modern room may call for a sleek and minimalist calendar, while a more traditional room may benefit from a more ornate design.
Overall, standard wall calendars are a great option for those who want a classic and versatile calendar that can be used in any room. With their traditional size and style, they are sure to add a touch of organization and style to any space.
c. Large wall calendars
- Great for making a statement or for those with larger wall space
- Size: 11×17 inches
If you’re looking to make a statement or have a larger wall space, then large wall calendars are the perfect option for you. These calendars are typically 11×17 inches in size, making them a great addition to any room in your home or office. They can be made using various paper sizes, but the 11×17 inches size is ideal for creating a large and impressive wall calendar.
Large wall calendars are also great for those who want to showcase their creativity and style. You can choose to make a wall calendar with a unique design or pattern, or even personalize it with your own photos or artwork. This will make your wall calendar stand out and be a conversation piece in any room.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, large wall calendars are also highly functional. They provide ample space for writing down important dates, appointments, and events, making it easy to stay organized throughout the year. Plus, they can be easily customized to fit your specific needs, such as adding additional days to the month or including holidays and special occasions.
Overall, large wall calendars are a great choice for anyone looking to add a stylish and functional touch to their home or office. They are versatile, customizable, and make a statement, making them a popular choice for DIY calendar crafting.
d. Customized calendar shapes
Creating customized calendar shapes is a great way to add a personal touch to your DIY calendar project. You can choose from a variety of fun shapes and designs that reflect special occasions or your personal style. Here are some ideas for customized calendar shapes:
Heart-shaped calendars for Valentine’s Day
Heart-shaped calendars are a romantic and charming way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. To create a heart-shaped calendar, you can use a pink or red paper for the background and add a heart cutout for each month. You can also add cute stickers or drawings of hearts and love notes to make it more personal.
Shaped like a tree for December
A tree-shaped calendar is a unique and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. To create a tree-shaped calendar, you can use green paper for the background and add cutouts of tree branches and leaves. You can also add ornaments, stars, and other festive elements to make it more special.
Other fun shapes and designs
There are many other fun shapes and designs you can use to create a customized calendar. For example, you can create a sun shape for June, a star shape for July, or a pumpkin shape for October. You can also use different patterns and colors to create a unique design that reflects your personal style. The possibilities are endless!
Creating Your Calendar Layout
Steps to follow
- Choose your calendar size and style: The first step in creating your paper wall calendar is to decide on the size and style of your calendar. Consider the space where you will be hanging your calendar and choose a size that will fit well in that space. You can also choose a style that reflects your personal taste, such as a minimalist design or a more elaborate design with decorative elements.
- Sketch out your calendar layout on paper: Once you have decided on the size and style of your calendar, it’s time to sketch out your calendar layout on paper. You can use a ruler to create a grid that represents the days of the month, or you can freehand draw your calendar layout. Make sure to include the months, days of the week, and any other design elements you want to include.
- Plan your monthly grid and any additional design elements: Once you have sketched out your calendar layout, it’s time to plan your monthly grid and any additional design elements. Consider what information you want to include in your calendar, such as holidays, special events, or important dates. You can also add decorative elements, such as borders, images, or patterns, to make your calendar more visually appealing.
- Determine how many sheets of paper you’ll need: Finally, determine how many sheets of paper you’ll need to create your calendar. This will depend on the size of your calendar and the number of pages you need to print. Make sure to take into account any additional design elements you want to include, as these may require additional sheets of paper.
Creating a monthly grid
When creating your calendar layout, the first step is to create a monthly grid. This grid will serve as the foundation for your calendar, providing a framework for the dates and events you want to display.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when creating your monthly grid:
- Use different colors for each month: One way to make your calendar stand out is to use different colors for each month. This can help make it easier to quickly identify which month you are looking at, and can also add a pop of color to your wall. Consider using colors that are associated with the seasons, or choose a color scheme that matches your decor.
- Decide on the number of days per week you want to display: The next consideration is how many days per week you want to display. Most calendars display the days of the week across the top of the page, with the dates running down the side. You can choose to display one, two, or all three days per week, depending on your preference and the amount of space you have available.
- Determine which days of the week to show: Related to the previous point, you’ll need to decide which days of the week to show. This will depend on your personal preference and the amount of space you have available. Some calendars only show Monday through Friday, while others show the full week from Sunday to Saturday. Consider what works best for your needs and the amount of space you have available.
Adding design elements
Adding design elements to your paper calendar can make it more visually appealing and personalized. Here are some ideas for incorporating design elements into your calendar:
- Incorporate holidays and special dates: Consider including national holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates on your calendar. This can help you stay organized and keep track of important events throughout the year.
- Use decorative borders or dividers between months: Decorative borders or dividers can help visually separate the different months and make your calendar look more polished. You can find border templates online or create your own using graphics or illustrations.
- Add fun illustrations or graphics to the corners or sides: Adding illustrations or graphics to the corners or sides of your calendar can make it more visually interesting and fun. You can use clip art, illustrations, or even photos to add personal touches to your calendar.
Cutting and Assembling Your Calendar
Cutting the paper
- Determine the appropriate sizes for your calendar based on your layout. Consider the dimensions of the paper you are using and the amount of space you want to allocate for each day, week, or month.
- Cut the paper into the appropriate shapes and sizes for each component of your calendar. This may include cutting rectangles for each day or week, as well as larger squares or rectangles for the months.
- Use a ruler or other straight edge to ensure that your cuts are straight and even.
- Be careful not to cut any important elements or dates that you want to include on your calendar. If you are unsure where to place these elements, consider consulting a pre-made calendar as a guide.
- Take your time when cutting the paper, as mistakes can be difficult to fix once they are made. Double-check your work before moving on to the next step.
Assembling the calendar
After you have cut out all the necessary paper pieces for your calendar, it’s time to assemble them. Here are some tips for putting everything together:
Use a glue stick to attach the paper pieces together
Glue sticks are a convenient and affordable option for attaching paper pieces together. Simply apply a thin line of glue to the edge of one piece of paper, then press it onto the other piece of paper. Make sure to apply even pressure and allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Consider using cardstock for the cover or important sections for added durability
Cardstock is a thicker, heavier paper that is ideal for the cover or important sections of your calendar. It is more durable than regular paper and can withstand more handling. You can also print or draw on cardstock to add design elements to your calendar.
Attach any optional decorative elements using glue or staples
If you want to add any decorative elements to your calendar, such as stickers or ribbons, you can use glue or staples to attach them. Make sure to use a strong adhesive to ensure that the decorative elements stay in place.
Remember to take your time when assembling your calendar, as this is an important step in the process. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and functional wall calendar that you can use all year round.
Optional: Attaching a hanger
- Marker
- Calendar
- String or ribbon (cut to desired length)
-
Small hook or loop
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To attach a hanger to your calendar, first use a marker to draw a line across the top of your calendar. This will serve as a guide for where to attach the string or ribbon.
- Next, cut a piece of string or ribbon to the desired length. The length will depend on how high you want the calendar to hang on the wall.
- Take the string or ribbon and attach it to the top of the calendar, using glue or tape. Make sure to secure it well, so that it does not come loose easily.
- Once the string or ribbon is attached to the top of the calendar, take the small hook or loop and attach it to the other end of the string or ribbon. This will serve as the hanger for the calendar.
- With the hanger attached, you can now hang your DIY calendar on the wall, in a location of your choosing. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your wall decor, while also keeping track of important dates and events.
Adding the Final Touches
Writing in important dates
When you have completed all the steps to create your paper wall calendar, it’s time to add the final touches. One of the most important elements of your calendar is writing in important dates, holidays, and special events. Here are some tips to help you do it correctly:
Use a pen or marker to write in important dates, holidays, and special events
- Choose a pen or marker that writes smoothly and consistently.
- Use a large, clear handwriting so that it’s easy to read from a distance.
- Be sure to check for errors before attaching the pages together.
Be mindful of formatting and spacing
- Use a consistent font and spacing throughout the calendar.
- Make sure to leave enough space between each date, holiday, or event.
- Consider using different colors or patterns to highlight special events or holidays.
Organize your calendar by weeks or months
- If you prefer, you can organize your calendar by weeks instead of days.
- This can make it easier to see at a glance which weeks have holidays or special events.
- Alternatively, you can organize your calendar by months, which can be helpful for planning long-term events.
Don’t forget to add important information
- In addition to dates, holidays, and events, you may want to include other important information on your calendar.
- For example, you could include the days of the week, a weather forecast, or a to-do list.
- Just be sure to keep the information organized and easy to read.
By following these tips, you can create a wall calendar that is both functional and visually appealing.
Optional: Adding embellishments
When it comes to adding embellishments to your wall calendar, the sky is the limit! You can use a variety of materials to decorate the cover or sides of your calendar, including stickers, washi tape, and other craft supplies. Here are some ideas for adding a personal touch to your DIY calendar:
- Stickers: Use stickers to add a pop of color and personality to your calendar. You can find stickers that match your theme or create your own using images and graphics.
- Washi tape: Washi tape is a versatile craft supply that can be used in a variety of ways. You can use it to create a border around the edges of your calendar, or use it to create designs and patterns on the cover.
- Other embellishments: Consider using other craft supplies, such as glitter, pom-poms, or beads, to add some extra flair to your calendar. You can also add photos or drawings to make it more personal.
Remember, the goal is to make your calendar unique and personal to you. So don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different embellishments until you find the perfect combination.
Hanging Your Wall Calendar
Choosing the perfect spot
When it comes to hanging your wall calendar, choosing the perfect spot is crucial. Not only will it determine the visibility of your calendar, but it will also affect the overall aesthetic of the room. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the perfect spot to hang your wall calendar:
- Lighting: It’s important to choose a spot that has good lighting. This will ensure that your calendar is visible and easy to read throughout the day. Avoid placing your calendar in a spot that is directly hit by sunlight, as this can cause glare and make it difficult to read.
- Visibility: Consider the visibility of the spot you’re choosing to hang your calendar. It’s important to choose a spot that is easily visible from where you spend most of your time. Whether it’s your home office or your living room, choose a spot that you can easily see throughout the day.
- Overall aesthetic: The aesthetic of the room is also an important factor to consider. Choose a spot that complements the overall style of the room. If you have a minimalist style, choose a simple and clean spot to hang your calendar. If you have a more eclectic style, choose a spot that complements the other decor in the room.
Hanging the calendar
- Attaching the Hanging Device
- Cut a small square or circle from the cardboard box
- Attach the hook or loop to the center of the cardboard using strong adhesive
- Allow the adhesive to dry completely before proceeding
- Attaching the Hanging Device to the Calendar
- Align the hanging device with the top edge of the calendar
- Attach the hanging device to the top edge of the calendar using strong adhesive
- Ensure that the hanging device is centered on the top edge of the calendar
- Hanging the Calendar
- Choose a location on the wall where you want to hang the calendar
- Determine the height at which you want to hang the calendar
- Use a nail or screw to attach the hanging device to the wall at the desired height
- Allow the adhesive to dry completely before hanging the calendar
- Carefully lift the calendar and attach the hanging device to the nail or screw on the wall
- Admire your handmade wall calendar hanging beautifully on the wall.
Enjoying your handmade wall calendar
After completing the process of making a wall calendar out of paper, the next step is to hang it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are some ways to make the most of your handmade wall calendar:
- Admire your work and the satisfaction of creating something unique: When you hang up your handmade wall calendar, take a moment to admire your work and the satisfaction of creating something unique. Look at the details you added, the colors you chose, and the overall design. It’s a great feeling to see your ideas come to life.
- Keep track of important dates and plan your month with ease: The main purpose of a wall calendar is to keep track of important dates and plan your month with ease. Use your handmade wall calendar to mark down important events, birthdays, and anniversaries. It’s a great way to stay organized and on top of your schedule.
- Make adjustments or create new designs for future calendars: As you use your handmade wall calendar, you may find that you want to make adjustments or create new designs for future calendars. Use the experience you gain from using your current calendar to improve your designs and make them even better. You can also experiment with different paper types, colors, and designs to find what works best for you.
FAQs
1. What materials do I need to make a wall calendar out of paper?
To make a wall calendar out of paper, you will need a few basic materials such as colored paper, a ruler, scissors, a pencil, a binder clip, and a pen or marker. You will also need a computer and printer if you want to print out your calendar templates.
2. How do I choose the paper for my calendar?
When choosing the paper for your calendar, you should look for a heavyweight paper that is suitable for printing. Cardstock paper is a good option, as it is sturdy and can handle being punched and hung on a wall. You can also use decorative paper or wrapping paper to add some extra flair to your calendar.
3. How do I create a calendar template?
To create a calendar template, you can use a word processing program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. In the program, create a new document and use the “Draw” or “Shape” tool to create a large circle for the month and smaller circles for the dates. Add text boxes for the days of the week and the month names. Once you have created your template, print it out on the colored paper you have chosen.
4. How do I cut out the calendar pieces?
To cut out the calendar pieces, use your ruler and scissors to carefully cut along the lines of your template. Make sure to cut out the month circle, the date circles, and any text boxes you have created. You can use a bone folder or your fingers to help smooth out any rough edges.
5. How do I assemble the calendar?
To assemble the calendar, use your binder clip to attach the month circle to the top of the date circles. You can also use tape or glue to secure the pieces together. Next, use your pen or marker to write in the dates and add any additional decorations or embellishments. Finally, use a pencil to poke a hole in the top of the calendar and hang it on the wall using a pushpin or nail.