Calendars and Cards

Hello friends.  I hope you are enjoying your summer.  July is the unofficial kickoff of Christmas crafting and while I am not ready to make Christmas cards just yet, I am determined to get some Christmas presents started and finished before the hectic holidays are upon us.  A popular gift that I make every year for an increasingly long list of friends and family are calendars.  This year I am making two calendar versions and today I want to share with you the stamped version.

For the stamped calendars I used Taylored Expressions' stamp set with matching dies Flowers for a Year and the TE die set Build a Calendar 2.  Here's what they look like:

 

Each year Taylored Expressions releases their new printed calendars in two sizes, 3" x 4" and 5" x 7".  I like the smaller size because there is less to decorate -- very important when you're making multiples!  The set of 12 calendars cards in 3" x 4" size is $4.49 and, as you can see, the frame die (above) just fits around the colored rectangle on the card.

The Flowers for a Year stamp set is so versatile -- it's not just for calendars -- it makes beautiful cards too.  First I will show you the calendars I made (inspired by Melody Rupple's samples). Be sure to click on the photos to see more detail.

 

Now you're probably wondering how I display these calendars.  I have used three options.  First we have a Mini Easel that just fits the cards.  It's inexpensive ($5.99 for a package of 2) and takes up no room.

A second popular option is the 7 Gypsies Shadowbox Frame (12 compartments) which have been discontinued but can still be found on line. My last option is new this year.  It's the Tim Holtz Flip Frame ($19.99).  It's a standing frame that measures 7" x 5" on a small round stand with a 5½” x 3½” center opening. The frame comes with two 1⅜” rings.  I made the sleeves for the calendars using page protectors and the WR Memory Keepers Fuse Tool which heat sets a seam along the edge of the cut plastic.  I punched holes at the top of each plastic sleeve, inserted the calendar then hung the 12 sleeves from the rings. The pages flip right over the top.  The Flip Frame makes a very nice presentation for both men and women. Now for some card samples.  This first set of cards is inspired by some that Michele Boyer made.  These white on white cards each have an embossed panel matted on colored cardstock.  The simple white layout draws all your attention to the pretty flowers and simple greetings (also in the same stamp set).

Here are two more cards using the same stamp set.

Sunshine – Taylored Expressions stamp set with matching dies Flowers for a Year; TE dies Picture Perfect - Sunny Days and Stitched Circle Stacklets; design inspired by Jean Manis Notables Card – Taylored Expressions stamp set with matching dies Flowers for a Year; TE dies Build A Calendar 2, Picket Fence and Grass Border; TE background stamp Notables; TE embossing folder Bead Board; design inspired by Melody Rupple.

Keep watching for more gift ideas and please let me know what you are making with your papercrafting supplies.  For calendars, stamps, dies and papers, head on over to the Stamp Act!  We would love to see you.

Comments

[Polly McFadden]

Thanks Joan and watch for more calendars coming up. Fun!

Polly