DIY 2015 Calendar

We all have that one friend or family member who’s incredibly difficult to buy a Christmas present for. The one who says they don’t want anything, don’t give you ideas, seem like they already have everything, or wouldn’t use what you actually end up getting them. You know who you are.

I love giving (and receiving) homemade gifts, they’re so much more personable. But you, again, run into the problem of “What do I make them? Will they really use this?” The answers? You make them this and yes! What’s the one thing that people always buy for the New Year? A calendar! I love this gift idea because it’s something *almost* everyone can use. Parents? Yep. Friends? Sure. Co-Workers? Absolutely! My four year old cousin? Eh, probably not.

I had a random piece of wood in my basement that I knew I could do something with. It was originally 30” in length and I cut off 11”. I also cut off two corner pieces for the base. If you don’t want the base attached, you can get a cheap plate stand at the dollar store and place the finished product on that.

After the pieces were cut I sanded off the rough edges and grime with a hand sander and fine grit sandpaper.

I grabbed a can of spray paint and painted my pieces. I ended up needing 2 coats on both sides.

While my pieces were drying, I created a template that I would use for the nail placement. You can create your own or you can download my template here.

I printed out my template on 8.5” x 11” paper and (once my pieces were dry) centered it on the wood and taped to secure.

I began by drilling holes for my base (the bottom two points if you’re using my template) and doing the same for the two corner pieces.

Next I took my nails and put 1 in each corner of the border. I started on one side and began dividing the space into equal parts so the nails were about 3/8” – 1/2″ apart. Continue until you have a completed border.

Next I had to put in the nails for the numbers. I started by putting a nail in each “corner” of the numbers and then continued placing them about 3/16” – 1/4″ apart. Continue until all of the numbers have a border.

Taking 2 final nails, I placed them where I wanted my calendar piece to be mounted (the middle two points if you’re using my template). I then removed my template from my piece of wood.

Taking a spool of embroidery thread I divided it up into 3 pieces. When you look at your piece of thread you’ll notice that there are 6 individual pieces making up that 1 thread. I made 3 pieces of 2. Does that make sense? I really hope so!

Beginning at a corner, I tied off my thread and began “stringing”.

TIPS

1. The more you “string” the more the numbers will pop.
2. You can run your thread around the nail border to create an actual border to help it pop as well.

Aligning the two corner pieces up, drill together with two screws. It stands, yay! Remember, you can also do the plate stand method.

Now all that’s missing are the dates! I created a free 4 x 6 printable (it’s just January for now, more to follow!) that you can download here, or feel free to make your own. You’re all so creative! You can also check out other printables here, and here.

I printed out my calendar, mounted it with 2 binder clips, and hung the clips on the 2 nails below the string art.

That’s it, all done! They’re bound to love this gift and I’m still so in love with the fact that they’ll actually use it. And every time they do, they’ll think of you! *cue the sappiness*

Want more DIY gift ideas? Check out this week’s Dare to DIY party hosted over at Maybe Matilda and the other wonderful cohosts!

. Rachel . Kim . Michelle . Katja .