It’s All in Print – A Printed Poster and a DIY Calendar

I have TWO items I’ve made in the past week! I *finally* printed my Class Focus Poster and I created my own custom calendar.Last Monday (for the Monday Made It Linky), I created a 2014-2015 calendar template for the upcoming (now here!) school year.  The template I created is a bit larger than half a page because I simply find that size calendar handy. Because of its size, it stands out and I’m less likely to lose it. To create my book, I first printed each page on regular 8.5X11 paper which I then cut to size. Next I folded each page in half. (This is why the “Wednesday” column is larger – it is on the fold!)

Then I took all the folded in half pages and clamped them between a piece of wood and a ruler (basically random items I had that would get the job done). I applied glue with a q-tip along the edge of the paper. I applied it thick so the pages would stick together.

I let the glue dry overnight. When I took the clamp off, the inside papers were (thankfully) successfully bound together.I created a cover using a piece of chipboard-like cardboard. (I found it in my recycle bin – hooray for reusing materials!) I cut it to size and folded it to create a 1 cm thick book. This spacing would allow my folded paper assembly to fit nicely inside.I decorated the front cover with washi tape.And (big surprise I’m sure) I decorated the back cover with washi tape.Last I glued my folded paper assembly to the cover. Voila! I have my own custom calendar to start the new school year off right.I also printed my Class Focus poster in a 24 inch wide x 18.5 inch tall size.  Generally I get 11X17 color prints from Staples for less than a dollar (yes, you heard right – read about that here). Since I’ve moved, I no longer live close to a Staples, so I got this printed at Office Depot. For the size, it cost about $12 (with a coupon!). Honestly, for the quality of the paper, print, and customer service – it was worth it! (Although my cheap-o side is still trying to figure out a way to get a print this size cheaper!)

The background is 12 inch by 12 inch tiles to help get a sense of scale.If you like the design, I’m selling a digital version of my Class Focus poster in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

P.S. I find it relaxing to make stuff. What is your weekday stress-buster? In the past, I’ve taken online artsy classes. This year I’m trying something new and I just signed up for Pilates classes! Thursday is my first class and it is a tower class. It involves weird accessories like springs. Fingers crossed that my clumsy self can handle this!