Making a calendar is a fun DIY project for kids and adults alike. Your calendar can be simple or professional - made with just paper and glue or with templates from the internet and computer programs. Calendars are a great personalized gift for parents, teachers and friends - for Christmas or for the whole year. Use one of the methods below to get started making your own today!
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Make a Monthly Calendar
Step 1. Get an A4 sheet of white or colored construction paper
Cardstock is stronger than paper and will allow you to build a longer lasting calendar.
Step 2. Use a ruler to draw seven vertical columns and five horizontal lines
Do this on twelve different sheets of cardstock - one for each month.
- Make sure all the rows and columns are the same distance apart and that they are parallel.
- Use a pencil to draw the lines for the first time, then you can go over them with a permanent marker when you are sure they are straight and at the same distance.
Step 3. Write the names of the months
On top of each card, write the name of one of the months of the year - January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Write them in a large font and with a colored pen, pencil or marker.
Make sure you don't misspell the months and capitalize them
Step 4. Write down the days of the week
Above each vertical column, write the names of the days of the week, Monday through Sunday.
Step 5. Write the dates
Fill in each box with the dates of each month, writing them in the upper right corner. Use a calendar from the previous year to find out what day you need to leave - for example, if the last day of December was a Wednesday, the first day of January will be a Thursday.
- Make sure you write the correct number of days for each month.
- To remember how many days each month has, use this useful rhyme: "Thirty days count November, with April, June and September. Of twenty-eight there is one, all the others have thirty-one."
Step 6. Decorate your calendar
Decorate each page of your calendar however you like. Use colored pens, pencils, markers and crayons. You can also use stickers, sequins and glitter glue. Use your imagination!
Step 7. Mark important dates
Highlight all the important dates of the year on your calendar - days like your birthday, Christmas, first day of school, etc. A good way to do this is to cut out some pictures related to that special day and paste them on the corresponding date.
- For example, if your sister's birthday is May 6th, cut out a photograph of her face and paste it on that date.
- Use an image of a Christmas tree to mark December 25th, a mask to indicate Shrove Tuesday and an egg or bunny to indicate Easter.
Step 8. Hang up your calendar
Drill two holes in the top of each piece of construction paper, making sure the holes line up perfectly. Take a long piece of string, wicker or wool and tie each end through the holes for the calendar to hang.
- Hang the calendar on a hook or nail in your bedroom, kitchen, classroom or wherever you like!
- Don't forget to mark an "X" with each passing day!
Method 2 of 4: Make a Calendar of the Day
Step 1. Cut out 10cm x 10cm squares of paper
You will need 365 (or 366) sheets, so try cutting multiple sheets together to speed up the process. If you have a letter opener available, you will finish much sooner! If you don't have one, cut out a piece of cardboard this size and use it as a guide. Place it on several stacked sheets of paper and cut them out using scissors.
Step 2. Drill two holes above each page to hang the calendar
Do this a few pages at a time. Whenever you punch a new stack of sheets, remember to use one you already punched to make sure the holes line up perfectly. If the holes aren't all in exactly the same place, your calendar will be messy.
Step 3. Bind the calendar pages together
Tie two pieces of thread or string through the holes on both sides of the stack of paper squares. Tie the thread or string with a strong knot that can withstand the weight of the calendar when you hang it.
Step 4. Add all dates
Starting January 1st, write each date in the lower right corner of each page. Use a fluorescent marker to highlight important dates. This will allow you to quickly browse the calendar to find important dates. Remember to add February 29 if it is a leap year!
Step 5. Decorate your calendar
You can do this by using colored pens and markers or by adding images or stickers to each page. Try looking at calendars in stores for inspiration. Remember that you can decorate the calendar however you like, so use your imagination!
Method 3 of 4: Making a Photo Calendar
Step 1. Use a website that offers personalized photo calendars
There are many sites on the internet that offer blank calendar templates where you can upload your personal photographs. Just choose the template you prefer (you will often have many choices at your disposal), upload your photographs, and assign one to each month. This is a great option if you want a custom calendar with a polished and professional look.
- Some sites will give you the ability to print each page of the calendar and compose it yourself, while others will bind it, print it professionally and deliver it directly to your home.
- If you have to print the calendar yourself, some sites will charge a small fee for using their templates, while others offer them for free. If, on the other hand, you have the calendar printed and delivered by the service, you will have to pay between € 15 and € 30.
- Websites like Shutterfly, Snapfish, and Lulu offer a huge variety of options.
Step 2. Make a simple photo calendar
You can do this using an annual calendar that you can find in most DIY stores or on the internet. That's how:
- Take a piece of colored cardboard, turn it vertically, and glue the photo of your choice on top, using a glue stick.
- Paste the calendar under the photo.
- You can then decorate the remaining space with designs, sequins, feathers, glitter, etc.
- This is a very easy DIY project and great for younger children.
Method 4 of 4: Other Types of Calendar
Step 1. Make a fabric calendar
This is a good option for people skilled in using the sewing machine. You can make it any size you like, and use hand stitches to create patterns and hems. The finished product will make a nice hanging object that you can admire all year round.
Step 2. Create a calendar of cutouts
It will serve a dual purpose, as you can use it to mark important future events, and as a reminder of the good old days. Use a page for each date and paste photos, used concert and movie tickets, candy wrappers, locks of hair - anything you want to remember!
Step 3. Make a Roman calendar
This project allows you to transform a traditional calendar into a Roman-style one, featuring all the holidays and significant days of ancient Rome. Great for history buffs!
Step 4. Create a fancy calendar
This is a fun project where you can choose which names to give to the days and months of the year. You can also establish that one month has 14 days, 52 the next and that in the year there are 17 months! Use your imagination!
Step 5. Create a calendar with Microsoft Excel
If you have this program installed on your computer, you can use it to create a neat and well-organized calendar that you can customize and print at home. Microsoft offers many free calendar templates that you can use as a basis.
Step 6. Make a calendar with PowerPoint
It is an excellent computer program, generally used for creating presentations. But it can also be used to create a calendar that can be printed, on which you can add your photos and report important dates.
Step 7. Prepare an Advent calendar
It is a fun Christmas tradition that delights children and adults all over the world. For each day of December, you will have to open a window in the calendar revealing a surprise. You can easily make your own by hiding small chocolates or loving messages behind each window. Advent calendars are great Christmas DIY projects for kids.
