As 2013 approaches (or possibly the end of the world… uh…) I realized it was time to make a new Instagram calendar for my mom. Last year I made my mom a calendar using all Instagram photos of my pug (my mom LOVES dogs). I saw her use it all year, she hung it in her art studio. I'm making it an official tradition this year, because I made her a new one for 2013.This year there were a few features that I changed. I still used all Instagram photos (printed from Postal Pix) but the photos feature my dog, Trey's dog and one surprise "dog" appearance. I also decided to try a slightly different technique for creating the calendar this year. Here's what I did:1. Supplies needed: pretty papers, photos, mini calendar (I bought mine at Walmart for $1 but you could also create your own and print off the pages), scissors, glue and a stapler. 2. Deconstruct the mini calendar and use it as a guide to create your calendar pages. Go ahead and place your pages together so you can clearly see where your photos and calendar pages will go. 3. Cut out your calendar (and photos if necessary) and glue to the pages. 4. Staple the inside folded edge to bind the calendar together. Optional: add glitter numbers to the cover!A couple of tips: I would recommend using a glue stick for this project. Even though I tried to apply my glue evenly I still had some wrinkles in my pages after it dried. I think using a glue stick would solve this issue. I also recommend using thinner paper than the blue ones you see above for the actual pages. My calendar ended up being a little difficult to fold because all of the papers added so much bulk. If you find this to be an issue for you then try binding your calendar more like I did for last year's edition. 🙂Easy, inexpensive and cute! Ring in the new year with your own homemade calendar. xo. Emma
69 Comments
I love this idea so much! Gonna try it with kids and grandkids for my parents. Maybe by birthday month… http://catherinedenton.com
hi! next time you should try spray adhesive (reallly inexpensive… like $5 a can that will last you forever)! its easy to use, you don’t need a lot, and it won’t ridge your paper like the wet glue does. instead, you get a nice even stick with no air pockets and no paper ridging. <3
This is a wonderful idea! I usually order my mother a photo calendar from Apple, but I really love the personal touch to this calendar. Thanks for sharing!
I’d recommend using rubber cement for a project like this! It brushes on but does not warp paper. Coat picture only for removable bond, picture and the paper it’s being mounted to for a full bond. You can also rub away any glue you get around the edges with your finger. I use this stuff a lot!
Great idea! I love doing projects with paper and I have a couple of tips for next time. Like someone previously mentioned spray glue ( or glue sticks) is awesome when working projects like this. Or you can use this glue that comes in a binder form called studiotac, its less messy and still gives you great results. Another tip is to put the whole book or in your case calendar under a stack of heavy books so that way if flattens out nicely. Lastly if you’re having trouble with folding the pages use a bone scorer, it’s this white plastic stick and you use to fold and it makes life so much easier!!! They sell it at michaels. Best of luck!
Absolutely love this idea! Although this is my first time commenting on a post, I’ve been reading A Beautiful Mess for a while. Thank you so much for such a pretty little slice of internet heaven (and a great Christmas gift idea for my new bf!)
This is cute! Love the blog! You should try using PVA glue (meant for paper and book making) next time, the pages won’t wrinkle at all! Permanent double sided tape does the job just as well, too.
This is a lovely idea. Actually I made a calendar 2 years ago (with my dog first year of life I don’t have istagram, so I used the normal picture I took of her!
🙂 I love the color of the paper!
I have that problem a lot when gluing things, but sometimes find that glue sticks just aren’t strong enough. My favourite solution is double-sided tape. So simple to use and works so well – whoever invented that stuff is a genius! Great present idea 🙂
This would be an excellent gift for my dad, he loves getting things for his office, especially if they’re homemade. He doesn’t know Instagram but I’m sure he’ll just love the idea. Thanks for the tuturial xoxo
I like the result so much!
I do calendars for grandparents every christmas with my son pictures but i order them on a web… i should try one of your calendars, they look much better
69 Comments
I love this idea so much! Gonna try it with kids and grandkids for my parents. Maybe by birthday month…
http://catherinedenton.com
hi! next time you should try spray adhesive (reallly inexpensive… like $5 a can that will last you forever)! its easy to use, you don’t need a lot, and it won’t ridge your paper like the wet glue does. instead, you get a nice even stick with no air pockets and no paper ridging. <3
This is so sweet! cute dogs and glittery letters! I hope your mum loves it
http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk
This is so cool! I was going to buy myself a new calendar but now that I know how to make one, I’m going to do that instead!
http://thehonestfox.blogspot.com/
What a great idea!
thanks for the tutorial! i make my mom a calendar for christmas every year, maybe i will try out a square one!
xo!
Paige
http://www.punkrockparti.com
This is a wonderful idea! I usually order my mother a photo calendar from Apple, but I really love the personal touch to this calendar. Thanks for sharing!
http://amysreallife.wordpress.com
Such a cute Christmas gift! My mum loves cats, can I pull it off in the next few busy days?!
Here’s my vintage and handmade gift wrapping ideas: http://www.turquoiseflamingo.com/2012/12/vintage-inspired-gift-wrapping.html
Cathy
Turquoise Flamingo
http://www.turquoiseflamingo.com/
Such a cute idea! And I love that it’s so personal!
I love it ♥ It’s simple, personal and unique. I’ve attempted to make my own calendar for many years, but I’ve never done it.
I think I’ll make one for next year. Could you tell me where did you get the calendar itself? I mean, the months. I really like them 🙂
Oh, Right! The calendar is from Walmart. I hadn’t read it before writing the previous comment, oops 🙂
I’d recommend using rubber cement for a project like this! It brushes on but does not warp paper. Coat picture only for removable bond, picture and the paper it’s being mounted to for a full bond. You can also rub away any glue you get around the edges with your finger. I use this stuff a lot!
–erin
Cute!
XO Nat
http://www.natinlove.com?cm=1
Wow, it’s a great idea! These glitter number on the cover reminds me of New Year’s Eve Party.
http://wolvesfeast.blogspot.com/
I love it!!!
My daily OUTFITS IN http://cravingforbarneys.com
Very Cute!
Cute! I really wanna do this!
Love this! Can be used as a personalized Christmas gift too!
N|D
http://rainbowsandtress.blogspot.com/
awwww!
Valentina
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
Awesome Idea
I LOVE that you are doing this because I literally designed little calendars for my family & friends this year!
Love it!
cool calenders! 🙂http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Love this….personal, useful and adorable!
This is such a lovely idea!
Jodie xx | Future Freaks Me
Adorable
Great idea! I love doing projects with paper and I have a couple of tips for next time. Like someone previously mentioned spray glue ( or glue sticks) is awesome when working projects like this. Or you can use this glue that comes in a binder form called studiotac, its less messy and still gives you great results. Another tip is to put the whole book or in your case calendar under a stack of heavy books so that way if flattens out nicely. Lastly if you’re having trouble with folding the pages use a bone scorer, it’s this white plastic stick and you use to fold and it makes life so much easier!!! They sell it at michaels. Best of luck!
Such a great idea for my instagram pictures!!
So creative xx
Absolutely love this idea! Although this is my first time commenting on a post, I’ve been reading A Beautiful Mess for a while. Thank you so much for such a pretty little slice of internet heaven (and a great Christmas gift idea for my new bf!)
Super cute Emma! Do you think you’ll keep using Instagram when the new policies go into effect in January?
Thanks for sharing this DIY 🙂
xx
cute stuff!!
Very pretty! I love this DIY!
This is adorable! Definitely going to try this sometime.
xo, Clare
http://thewanderingelefant.blogspot.com/
This is cute! Love the blog! You should try using PVA glue (meant for paper and book making) next time, the pages won’t wrinkle at all! Permanent double sided tape does the job just as well, too.
Cute! Love making new family traditions!!
http://sarahthearchitect.com/
Love the idea!
how lovely!
What size did you get your prints done? Thanks.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
It’s precious! I love it!
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
what a cute idea! i may have to do this for my brother, i have some really awesome shots of Emma, his cat!
This is excellent! What a fun thing to make for your mom.
That is such a great and cute idea! Love it :))
xx
http://www.evesbreeze.blogspot.com
Super cute Emma!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
That is really so, so sweet! I might make my own calendar for next year!
x Michelle | thefeatherden.net
This is a lovely idea. Actually I made a calendar 2 years ago (with my dog first year of life I don’t have istagram, so I used the normal picture I took of her!
🙂 I love the color of the paper!
I have that problem a lot when gluing things, but sometimes find that glue sticks just aren’t strong enough. My favourite solution is double-sided tape. So simple to use and works so well – whoever invented that stuff is a genius! Great present idea 🙂
It’s always nice to put your heart into a gift for a loved one…Love the glittery letters!
This could be a great holiday gift!
http://www.theironyou.com
Fabulous !
Check out my new post: http://www.thestilettoholic.com/2012/12/21/74-75/
This would be an excellent gift for my dad, he loves getting things for his office, especially if they’re homemade. He doesn’t know Instagram but I’m sure he’ll just love the idea. Thanks for the tuturial xoxo
http://inspirationdailyoverhere.wordpress.com
That looks so nice. Perfect idea and great like a present. Have a nice day.
http://www.fashiondenis.com/
This is such a great idea. I love Instagram and have been only showcasing them on stickygram. But this is another way to show them off! Thank you~
I love this, it certainly saves money rather than buying a shop one 🙂 Cute dogs too!
http://www.wakemeupwithasmile.wordpress.com
such a cute idea!
http://iamturquoise.wordpress.com
You can also buy wrinkle-free glue sticks- they are awesome! They’re what I use for any photo gluing purposes. 🙂
Fantastic idea! I think I have my next holiday craft lined up.
This is such a lovely idea. Thanks for sharing this cute craft! 🙂 love the photos and glitter 2013!
cute idea! I’m gonna check postal pix out!
<3
jen
http://www.jennyscribbles.com
this is so wonderfully creative!
I like the result so much!
I do calendars for grandparents every christmas with my son pictures but i order them on a web… i should try one of your calendars, they look much better
Cute Calendar!
Will Try this!
Check out my giveaway at http://islandgirl-kd.blogspot.com/
Beautiful idea 🙂
Wait what was the one surprise dog photo?!!!!!
SUCH a cute idea! Thanks for sharing!
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
Love it. thanks for this. I like cute calandars and havent seen one i like for 2013 yet.
A tape runner would also work well! Easy to apply, totally dry adhesive and photo safe. No warping and no fading for your photos!
LOOOOVE this.
Aaaww, so cute. I was thinking about making one like this!!
I starred this one and last year’s in my Google reader. I finally made one for 2013!
http://2tarabytes.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/diy-instagram-calendar/