Friday 11 January 2013

The calendar thing..

 Someone was kind enough to ask, and that's enough to set me off - a whole post about my stuff.  Well, I don't need much of an excuse.  The calendar pages that I've been making in a recent panic are 12 x 12, so in effect, write-on scrapbook pages.  This is because I have a large 14 x 14 oak frame with a metal board in it.  The pages are held in the frame with magnets.  Here, to avoid any confusion, is a picture of the foot of our stairs, showing the calendar/frame location.  And a mirror, a chair, half a cupboard and most interestingly, the laundry basket.  (You gotta give me points for real life intrusion..this is so not the blog of any famous crafter!)
This is the best angle, really. otherwise you get me in the mirror.  And you don't want to see that.
Because I sleep with a chap who can make these beauties, I have a stock of them; and over the course of a handful of years, I've give a couple away as gifts.  And both were successful gifts.  So much so in fact, that both recipients ask me to supply new calendars - very flattering.  And I have no problem with that in principal.  It's in time that seems to cause me the problem.  As always!  So now you see it..now you understand why they are 12 x 12 which also may help you understand why a whole set isn't the cheapest way to bestow a calendar....bear in mind that I can only work with papers and embellies that I'd like for myself (of course!)...it's likely to be a £1 per sheet as a starter really, huh!  Nevertheless, I'm happy that it makes others happy and better yet, this year's pages really are very nearly finished. So hang on Sissy, you might get to use some of January's page!  
Actually, my little Sis doesn't read here, so this photo isn't a 'spoiler'!


















27 comments:

Lizzie said...

I do like that framed square of metal - great idea!
I have a couple of clear perspex-type holders, where the plastic is folded over double, so you can slide a Page (12 x 12!) in between. The bottom is folded under again, so it forms a stand. I like to use them to display my current favourite scrap page(s), but I could use one for a monthly calendar... hmm...

I like you calendar page. It's not too fancy, but cheerful and bright. Just right for a calendar - and for January weather too!

Helen said...

Well, I love January's page, it's gorgeous. I also like the chair and it's patriotic cushions. At least your laundry basket is empty!

Glenda said...

I agree with Helen...nothing like an empty laundry basket. Yes I can see how giving these as a gift can go on forever!

Elizabeth said...

Hi Julia, your January page is lovely - it's got spots, I love spots - very cheering colours. The empty laundry basket is a nice touch :) Hugs, Elizabeth xx

voodoo vixen said...

Now it is the realism of it all that keeps us coming back for more!! And I have that laundry basket... and it does look empty and is at the bottom stairs so must be journeying its way back up the ways... ;)
Your calendar pages are lovely and I can see from a recipients point of view that they would have a definite appeal... and in some ways if you were an organised person you start them any time in the year!! LOL

Krisha said...

Love the way your calendar turned out, and the clever idea of the frame. I to have one of the plastic, fold over ones, but then you can't write on it. DH has some scraps and I have a frame.....may just have to "borrow" your idea. LOL!

scrappymo! said...

The magnet frame is a great idea...easy peasy to change the month.
I often save my months in a file as all my records of medical/dental/physio appointment dates etc are on there. Some of those dates involve submitting receipts to be re-imbursed. The pages would file so neatly and the new month just pop onto the frame! Well done Mr Dunnitt

Kirsty.A said...

I think they're lovely - but I need calendars at least 3 months in advance so I'll stick with my cheapo Family planner

mamapez5 said...

Ha! I made flip-over calendars one year for all five of my sisters, and two brothers, as well as one for me, and every year I had to supply them with replacement date sheets. fortunately the main designs could be reused. most of them have come to the end of their useful life now, and I am just considering making more ready for next Christmas. (It's not going to happen for this year anyway!)
i love the idea of the metal frame and the big format for scribbling events on. great idea.
Kate x

Monica said...

you will just have to sell kits for the calendars and let them make them themselves.

My name is Cindy said...

It's a really neat idea, but a labour of love I think! In my house as no one but me would care I tend to go with a trip to the £ shop for our family organiser. Kudos to you Julia for being so creative!!

Unknown said...

I had wondered about that! I thought you were doing some sort of freelance work. Really cute!I think you could do kits in an Etsy store!

Almo said...

Hi Julia,
What a super idea these Calendar pages are lovely, and such a great gift. Thank you for sharing them.
Mo x

Redanne said...

Fantastic idea Julia and the way they are mounted is so clever.....did that man you sleep with also make that gorgeous staircase? It is always nice to see an empty linen basket... Hugs, Anne x

Sandy said...

Great idea for a perpetual gift to give that person that is hard to buy for..
Sandy :)

peggy gatto said...

Pretty and fun way to count the days!!!!!!

The Scrapbook Lady UK said...

Very bright and cheery! Just what January needs. Missed woyww this week so popping by to say hi today. Jenx

misteejay said...

The frame looks super Julia (as does all the other woodwork that can be seen in the photo). Your Jan page is just right for cheering up this time of year.

Toni xx

Di said...

Totally brilliant Julia - and admit it, that EMPTY laundry basket was just staged so you could show it off :) Hugs, Di xx

Craftychris said...

What a fabulous idea and the page you show is gorgeous! Nice to have an empty laundry basket too! xx

Carole Z said...

Love your calendar, fabulous January page! Carole Z xx

The House of Bears said...

Iwe honestly thought you meant the oerson you slept with made laundry baskets!!! Duh! Womderful frames and very lucky recipients too.

Unknown said...

great looking Jan. page and the whole idea for the calendar is genius. I had a dream about laundry and I don't know why I seem to keep reading posts about laundry things. My dream was I washed my big bed comforter but it wouldn't fit into my dryer and I struggled to rig up a rope to hang it from my house outside and it broke my house. weird

Unknown said...

Hiya Julia

Calenders were another thing I was supposed to be making for pressies - but never got round to... I love the idea of the open frame (I mean w/out glass) so that you have access to the page itself. I have sourced calenders on line that are digital so that I can just print them out - although my actual intention is to make my own calenders digitally and provide my Mum and MIL and sister with them. I have some so that I can create in Craft Artist - I may make them of the dogs - jeez, I have enough pics at the end of the day!

I didn't look at your laundry basket - I have enough looking at my own - it makes me tired just looking at it, but I do admire Mr Dunnit's staircase/bannister/ballustrade/newel post - or whatever it's called. I LOVE Oak - but never dark oak - has to be light to medium...

It's the metal inside it that is a fab idea - and I say that the recipients of your calender are extremely privilaged to do so... they're the most expensive calenders i've heard of anyway... but they are worth every penny because it's not only the cost of the papers - it's the blood, sweat and tears you've shed to create each one with love.

hugs

Paula x x x

Eliza said...

Thanks Julia for sharing your page it is great and I love the display.

Hugs Eliza

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