Scrapbook Calendars

Scrapbook Calendars

by Jeanette Giancaspro

The first scrapbook project that I made was a calendar.  It was a Christmas gift for my mother back in 2001, and I really didn’t know much about scrapbooking at the time.  I had a blank calendar, a paper trimmer, some lettering stencils (Yes, I cut out ALL of the letters by hand!), an acid-free adhesive runner, and a few patterned papers.  The calendar was a big hit, and my mother still proudly displays it at Christmas time.

 Times have changed since then, and scrapbooking is much more sophisticated - and often more complicated - than it was back in 2001.  There are ways to simplify things, though.   Many companies offer coordinating lines of papers and embellishments.  Everything matches, and the hard part of finding products that work together has been done for you.  You can even buy a blank calendar and add your own papers, photos, and embellishments to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake.  Here are a few photos of my most recent scrapbook calendars.  The kit is by Basic Grey.  Everything is included, and there are step-by-step directions for each page.

Place in Time is a calendar collection by Graphic 45 that makes it easy to build your own calendar.  You can purchase individual double-sided calendar foundation sheets, as well as two individual double-sided sheets for each month.  There are also add-ons such as sticker sheets,   a cut-apart word sheet, and alphabet stickers.  You can also purchase the sheets all together in pad form.  This collection is available in both 12 x 12 and 8 x 8 formats.  These papers and embellishments have a lovely vintage theme.

Another company that has put out a wonderful scrapbook calendar line is Memory Works.  Their Simple Stories Year-o-graphy Collection has a fresh, fun feel to it.  Included in this collection are double-sided papers, cut-apart journaling cards, a border and title strip sheet, quote and photo mat elements, and cardstock sticker sheets.   You can also purchase this line as a collection kit.

If you want a blank spiral calendar that will provide plenty of room to display your photos every month, this 13 x 13 wall calendar by Karen Foster is just what you’re looking for.  Each month has a full page on top and a customizable calendar grid on the bottom.

And if a smaller size calendar is more your style, try the 14-month 8 x 8 calendar by Paper Accents, or their 5 ½ x 8 ½ calendar. 

For those who prefer to have everything all together in one kit, several companies have done this as well.  In the Scrapbook.com store, you will find kits by Die Cuts With a View, K and Company,  and Karen Foster Design.  All you will need to add are your photos and journaling.

Whether you like to mix and match, or you like having everything coordinated and packaged for you - or a combination of the two - there is a calendar collection for you.  Creating your own scrapbook calendar is not only a practical project, but it is also a keepsake that will be treasured by your family for generations to come.