Happy new year! How’s it been for you so far? Us? Well we woke up to minus 4C and a heating system that wasn’t working. Fortunately it was only the AA batteries that needed replacing in the programmer and we were able to get it up and running again. It did remind us however to buy a replacement for the other more specialised battery in case that one goes in the future. So before I forgot I wrote myself a note using my new 2021 easel calendar.

This is the third or fourth year I’ve made this handy calendar combined with a Post-It® Note pad and pen. It doesn’t need any special tools or techniques and is really quick to assemble once the various pieces have been cut.

FLOWERS FOR EVERY SEASON

This year I decided to use a couple of patterns from the Flowers For Every Season Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. I chose a Misty Moonlight dotted design for the backgrounds, and coordinated that with Misty Moonlight Card. Then from the same pack I went with a bright and cheerful design of roses and poppies. With those decisions made I was ready to start cutting.

From the Misty Moonlight Card I cut the following pieces:

• 4-1/4″ x 11″ – scored on the long side at 2-3/4″ and 5-1/2″
• 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″
• 3-1/4″ x 3-1/4″ (for the Post-It Note pad)
• 2-1/4″ x 3-1/4″ (for the calendar)

Next, from the Flowers For Every Season DSP I cut three pieces:

• Two background sheets each 4″ x 5-1/4″
• Floral piece 3-1/8″ x 4-1/2″ (for the Post-It Note pad)
• plus I used Paper Snips to cut out a poppy image with a couple of leaves

Finally I cut a 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ piece of gold Brushed Metallic Cardstock to go under the calendar.

The other materials I used were:

• scrap of Whisper White Card for the sentiment
• 4″ of 3/8″ Fine Art Ribbon (available from January 5th)
• 1-7/8″ x 2-7/8″ stitched 2021 calendar tab
• Papermate InkJoy Mini Gel Pen (any pen up to 5″ long would do)
• 3″ x 3″ Post-It Note pad

TIP – my Post-It Note pad was pale blue but I decided to ink the edges using Misty Moonlight ink and a Sponge Dauber so that it coordinated better.

ASSEMBLING THE CALENDAR

To put the pieces together I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) and Stampin’ Dimensionals, while the ribbon for the pen was attached using a couple of hidden staples.

Rather than try to explain how to put everything together I thought it would be easier to simply film the process.

I love making these calendars as they’re so useful but pretty at the same time. If the blue doesn’t go with your decor, simply select a DSP and card colour that does. These also make great gifts and fold down for easy wrapping too.

OK, well the first few days of 2021 are obviously going to be eventful with a snowstorm due tomorrow. So I’m off to design something using a new DSP pack from the January to June 2021 Mini Catalogue. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow to see the finished project.

PRODUCT LIST

RETIRING PRODUCTS – All Whisper White products are being retired following the closure of the facility that made these for Stampin’ Up! They will be replaced in the coming weeks and months by new Basic White products.

TEMPORARILY WITHDRAWN – Sadly the Brushed Metallic Cardstock used today has been temporarily withdrawn. It will be available again on July 1st when the July to to December 2021 Mini Catalogue launches to customers.

The calendar tab was purchased for me by my daughter in the UK. If you’re looking for these, search online for “2021 calendar tab” and see what is available to ship to your location.