|
Creating an Inexpensive, Purse-size Calendar
with ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates - Calendar: 4x6 Crafty 2010
Note: Tutorial created using Adobe Photoshop CS3 with Windows XP.
Do you want to make a special gift or are you thinking about creating custom calendars for your family members this year? ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates - Calendar: 4x6 Crafty 2010 are designed to make it easy for you to create a brag book calendar with a unique and artistic feel. The download includes 12 double-page digital scrapbooking calendar layout templates, front and back cover, one "Notes" and one "Inspiration" page template in layered PSD and individual PNG files, for a total of 28 4x6 inch pages.
Begin by opening one of the layered PSD files and then the digital scrapbooking paper you want to use. Drag the paper onto the template. I am using a paper from Thao's Beautiful Life Collection Biggie.
Resize the paper to 50% so that the edges will contain more texture. Create a clipping mask by pressing Ctrl+G (Cmd+G for Mac) for Photoshop CS and PSE and Alt+Ctrl+G (Opt+Cmd+G for Mac) for Photoshop CS2 and higher.
Repeat with the other layers. Embellish the page and save the file under a different name. Continue to assemble all of the pages.
ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates - Calendar: 4 x 6 Crafty 2010 are very versatile. You can use the elements (like borders) with other templates. Here, I am using the ScrapSimple Digital Layout Album Templates: 4x6 Organizer. To give the pages an artistic feel, I add the painted border from the ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates - Calendar: 4 x 6 Crafty 2010 and "family" word art from the Brush Set: Reversed Paint - Wordart Biggie. I will use these pages to plan next year's vacation activities.
Use the border to embellish your favorite 4x6 inch photos and include them on the calendar.
Once you're done with all of the pages, you can start printing. I use photo paper for printing, but cardstock is OK, too.
To make this calendar, you'll need few things:
- Printed layouts
- Two pieces of corrugated cardboard that are slightly larger than 4x6 inches. (You can use cardstock or chipboard for firmness instead.)
- Glue
- A hole-punch tool and book-binding metal rings. The Bind-it-All or other binding tool will also work.
- Ribbons (optional)
- Sponge and paint (optional)
- Mod Podge or other decoupage medium (optional)
- Trimmer (optional)
If you want a ribbon to make a closure, you'll need to choose something thin and preferably wide. (I use colored, cotton gauze.) Glue it to the cardboard and glue a piece of paper to the ribbon to strengthen the binding.
Glue the cover layouts. To prevent the printed layout from tearing while using the calendar, hand-stitch the ribbon/gauze at the edge of the front and back cover layout. You can cover the stitching on the left side of the cardboard with the actual calendar layouts, but be sure to allow room on the right side for ribbon movement.
Glue the calendar pages together; be very careful about the order and position of the two pages. One of them should be rotated 180 degrees horizontally, just the way you flip through the calendar. Paint the edges of the pages to cover any imperfections and give them a more professional and fancy look. You can also trim away any extra paper at the edges. Let dry.
Bind the pages and adorn with ribbons and pieces of fabric. Your custom calendar is now ready! For more durability, you may also coat the cover pages with Mod Podge. Let them dry completely before assembling the calendar.
Here's my finished purse calendar:
Project by Ariadna Wiczling
larger view
The last five products are included in this month's Scrap Girls Club offering. Members receive a substantial discount on these club supplies. They are also available elsewhere in the Boutique at regular prices for those individuals who would rather not join a club.
Tutorial written by Ariadna Wiczling
| 
