Looking ahead to 2010...

It’s me! I’m back!

Sorry about the long wait for a new project... I’ve been so busy with stamping workshops and parties and real life that I’ve not had time to stamp anything new!

But Saturday was my Christmas in July workshop, where we ate mince pies (thanks, Mum!) and made four projects.

Three of the projects were Christmas cards... and then there was this one. Just for a change, I thought we’d make a coaster calendar. I soon realised that it was impossible (or at least very difficult) to buy a 2010 calendar in the middle of July so I made my own on the computer. I sincerely hope nobody is going to run their lives by my calendar! A couple of people had to put the months in the right order so anything could happen!

It also soon transpired that I had failed to pack the two crucial punches for this project – Large Oval and Scalloped Oval – but luckily the hall isn’t far from my home so I nipped back to fetch them and was there and back within seven minutes. Doesn’t look professional though, does it?

Anyway, back to the calendar. It’s really simple to make – just cut a 4”x4” square of Designer Series Paper and stick it to a coaster. I used Tombow Multi-Adhesive which is really strong and has a nice wide spreader at one end. Then you can cut round the corners with scissors and sand the edges, all the way round, with an emery board. To cover any areas where the paper might not quite meet the edge of the coaster, you can ink it up using the direct-to-paper technique – this is where you hold the ink pad and apply the ink, ahem, direct to the paper. Hence the name.

The ribbon is joined behind the calendar, so no ugly joins to be seen. The Crop-A-Dile™ punched through the 12 sheets of paper and the piece of cardstock without batting an eyelid. I didn’t realise until I tried it but you can use brads in conjunction with the small hole made by the Crop-A-Dile’s and you won’t see any gaps.

The bulldog clip is decorated with a tiny scrap of Designer Series Paper – fiddly but worth it, I think.

You can make these calendars with magnets on the back, so you can put them on the fridge. But we made a small stand using scrap cardstock, so the calendar stands up.

Here’s the recipe...

Stamps: Doodle That, Office Accoutrement
Cardstock: Really Rust, Old Olive, Whisper White
Paper: Spiced Cider
Ink: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Silver Brads, ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon - Whisper White, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch

Other items: Bulldog clips (Staples), Calendar (I made it – if you want the PDF, let me know), blank coaster (these were a gift and I've never managed to find any in this country - you could use a beer mat and cover both sides, or cut the shape from chipboard).

All products by Stampin' Up! Please email me to order a catalogue, or click the link on the right to view it online.