Thrifty Perpetual Calendar

I have another project to share that I’ve been keeping until the appropriate season – a perpetual calendar.  I hope you don’t mind, it’s a thrifty project (*wink*).  This was made during my days in the Dirty Dozen and the thought behind it was to recycle something unused in my craft room and who doesn’t have an . . . ahem . . .extra thing or two laying around in their craft room (rolls eyes). 

So here’s the quick rundown.  In my stash I found these little $1.00 boxes that I had purchased at Michaels as well as wooden blocks,  I’m not remembering the exact size on the blocks but they were between 3/4" and 1".  I spray painted all the items with cream paint and let dry.  Then I covered all the surfaces I wanted to apply design paper to with Modge Podge then put the design paper on the Modge Podge layer.  I let that dry and sanded the edges of everything and followed up with a coat of Modge Podge on top to seal the paper in.  For the months I cut 12 pieces of paper the size of the inside lid of the box.  I stamped my months on each of those twelve pieces of paper then stacked them inside the lid for storage.  Now for the numbers on blocks I used rub ons because I didn’t have stamps the size I wanted – you can use either and if you are in a pinch, generate them on your computer.  

This is what the calendar looks like stored, with everything inside.  When ready for use, pop the blocks up and sit them tilted in the top!!  I have two different looks here.  The one on the left has been scuffed and tarnished up with a little bit of Antique Linen Distress Ink and the one on the right is a crisp clean look.

Now I have to admit there’s a trick to getting the numbers on the blocks so that you can use them to display each day of the month.  Walk through your settings before you adhere them permanently.  On one cube include the following numbers: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and on the other cube include these: 0, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8.  The 6 will be used for both 6 and 9.

Project Recipe:
Stamps:  Months of the Year – CTMH
Paper:  K & Co
Ink:  Antique Linen Distress Ink, Black Brilliance
Accessories:  $1 Wooden Box – Michaels,  Wooden Blocks, Modge Podge, Ribbon, Rub on Numbers, Ivory Spray Paint

Thanks for letting me share.  I have couple of these slotted to make since we’re in to the new year, but the truth is since these are perpetual, they can be given year round.

(Note: My hubby reminded me that he had to do a bit of sanding for me when I did this project.  The blocks were a tight fit, so he took a little bit of sand paper and sanded on one side of each of the blocks so that it would fit in the box).  So if yours are to big, grab that man of yours and put him to work for a good project cause!)

Don’t forget there are still new Spellbinders dies being revealed each day.  If you haven’t seen the samplings from the Spellbinders Surprise Party, be sure to see the list of designers HERE.

Stay warm friends!!

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  • AmericaJanuary 10, 2010 - 8:59 am

    SUPER CLEVER!!!!!!! great thrifty work GF! Lovely as can be!ReplyCancel

  • josie walrathJanuary 10, 2010 - 9:06 am

    Another great project! tfsReplyCancel

  • CherieJanuary 10, 2010 - 9:12 am

    Becca, Those are just too darn cute! You are so-o creative! TFS!ReplyCancel

  • Donna MundingerJanuary 10, 2010 - 9:41 am

    OMG how CUTE! Love the fact it can be given year round. TFS, I love it! xxDReplyCancel

  • ConniecrafterJanuary 10, 2010 - 10:04 am

    Beautiful, so creative, Love it!ReplyCancel

  • DianeJanuary 10, 2010 - 10:08 am

    Becca,
    Another great idea. I love the fact that your hubby involved.

    {{Hugs}}
    ~~Diane~~ReplyCancel

  • CharmaineJanuary 10, 2010 - 10:12 am

    Brilliant! Love this idea.

    CharmaineReplyCancel

  • Diane GJanuary 10, 2010 - 10:29 am

    What a great project! TFS!ReplyCancel

  • Betty BolandaJanuary 10, 2010 - 10:32 am

    I just don’t know how you come up with all these things. But I’m glad you do.ReplyCancel

  • ElaineJanuary 10, 2010 - 10:41 am

    Great decor and a fun project!ReplyCancel

  • MelanieJanuary 10, 2010 - 10:45 am

    I LOOOOOOVE this!ReplyCancel

  • Elaine AllenJanuary 10, 2010 - 11:26 am

    Great Idea Becca! So pretty and guess what? I have about 6 of those boxes. Hmm don’t have any wooden blocks, let me scour my studio and see what I can substitute – LOL!

    Elaine AllenReplyCancel

  • DamjanaJanuary 10, 2010 - 11:37 am

    Great project, this would make a wonderful gift. Thank you.ReplyCancel

  • LynnJanuary 10, 2010 - 11:57 am

    How adorable, and DITTO to all the comments already left. I have always wanted one of those calendars ~~~ now I know how to make one for myself!. I may even some some blocks in my ‘stash’, just need to get the strogage box portion. TFS. !ReplyCancel

  • Jill HaddadJanuary 10, 2010 - 12:53 pm

    These are wonderful! I’d love to have one of these on my desk at work! Now I just need to find the boxes (I have the blocks!).ReplyCancel

  • WritingEliJanuary 10, 2010 - 1:11 pm

    Becca,
    I love this idea. So cute, not too complicated, uses some stash…all things I love.

    Thanks for always inspiring me.ReplyCancel

  • CarolJanuary 10, 2010 - 1:42 pm

    Becca, I’m going to make this – and since I don’t have a man in my toolbox, I’ll handle the sanding! (it was cute, I’m glad he’s supportive of you!) ;-)ReplyCancel

  • TeelaJanuary 10, 2010 - 2:03 pm

    Clever idea! Love the colors, too.ReplyCancel

  • FemyJanuary 10, 2010 - 2:14 pm

    Pretty and clever. I have to try this. Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Mary Cardini- AndersonJanuary 10, 2010 - 2:26 pm

    What a wonderful idea and so beautiful too.

    MaryReplyCancel

  • Tracy McAlisterJanuary 10, 2010 - 2:31 pm

    A fantastic project that can be viewed all year long.ReplyCancel

  • Candy MillsJanuary 10, 2010 - 2:35 pm

    Becca,
    These are just an awesome gift. So very pretty the way you decorated them. You always have the BEST ideas anywhere!!
    Love, CandyReplyCancel

  • Peggy MaierJanuary 10, 2010 - 2:48 pm

    Neat idea! Would make a nice gift – practical, too!ReplyCancel

  • Margaret ThompsonJanuary 10, 2010 - 3:22 pm

    Extremely cleaver idea! It surely won’t take up much room on a kitchen counter or even a desk. Won’t the children just love to change the date every morning before school and it will also be educational for them – they will already know the date when they arrive at school that day.
    Good work Becca.ReplyCancel

  • Barb HardemanJanuary 10, 2010 - 3:43 pm

    Thank Y_O_U for sharing with us. You work is just so fabulous, so creative and I love visiting your blog daily. I will be looking for a wooden box and block at Michael’s ASAP and see if I can create something nearly as gorgeous as your.ReplyCancel

  • BirdJanuary 10, 2010 - 4:10 pm

    you never cease to amaze!ReplyCancel

  • MrsHJanuary 10, 2010 - 4:17 pm

    Good evening, Becca – a great project!ReplyCancel

  • MaryJanuary 10, 2010 - 8:32 pm

    I know I’ve been saving the cigar boxes for a reason! I just love this idea, you are so creative!!ReplyCancel

  • Mod Podge AmyJanuary 10, 2010 - 8:34 pm

    So pretty! I love them.ReplyCancel

  • Donna in AKJanuary 11, 2010 - 2:10 am

    These would make such nice gifts for our secretaries. I love to recycle & reuse to make new things. Thank you for bringing us new ideas.ReplyCancel

  • veronicaJanuary 11, 2010 - 2:38 am

    Absolutely brilliant, now to tackle the project – put thinking cap onReplyCancel

  • NancyJanuary 11, 2010 - 4:12 am

    Great project Becca, I’ve always loved the pretty perpetual calendars and now I know an inexpensive way to make one!!! Likely won’t be as pretty as yours though lol , thanks for sharing the project!ReplyCancel

  • lois skiathitisJanuary 11, 2010 - 6:25 am

    You certainly are a crafty crafter. Love this perpetual calendar it is so pretty. I bet your craft room is just a warm and inviting place to be. TFS!!! Becca.ReplyCancel

  • Wendy MooreJanuary 11, 2010 - 9:13 am

    What a great project. This is definitely one I am going to put together. TFS!ReplyCancel

  • Leslie MillerJanuary 12, 2010 - 12:25 am

    Oh, how I love these little boxes! What fun, and so beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • SophiaJanuary 12, 2010 - 8:33 pm

    I love them! I’m always looking for inexpensive little gifts, and they’re adorable!ReplyCancel

  • Lacey BortvitJanuary 13, 2010 - 2:02 pm

    How amazing! My boutique features boxes and creative ways of packaging…I will be trying this ASAP!ReplyCancel

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