I’m not a big fan of putting anything on the outside of my refrigerator.  I like to keep it clean and simple.  However, I need somewhere to post cards, invitations, appointment reminders, etc. so came up with this covered cork board idea.  It’s super simple to make and a great way to display information.

Here’s everything you need to get started:

 

 

Lay the corkboard face-side down on top and in center of the fabric.  Cut the fabric so that there is about 2 to 3 inches on all sides.  Remember: If you’re using a pattern, make sure that when you flip over the board, the pattern will be straight and not crooked.

 

 

 

The final product!

Now it’s ready to post anything you like!

These calendars are so cute!  And they’re easy to make!  Every Christmas we try to come up with ideas of gifts to give to our para-professionals.  This year we made these and everybody loved them.  Over Christmas break, I needed a project.  Even though I had already bought my mom and sister their presents, I decided to make these for them too.  These make great personalized gifts for anyone! 

Do you have someone difficult to buy for?  Do you have a secret sister and run out of ideas to give her?  Make these.

Here’s what I did:

I simply took a card and used it as a template to cut cardstock the size of each section, about 5 by 7 1/2 inches, or whatever size you prefer.  You will need to cut a total of 6 pieces of cardstock. 

{Cut everything using a scrapbook trimmer.} 

Then, use the same card and cut 12 backgrounds, the same size, from different themed scrapbook paper.  You will need one for each month.  Using dot adhesive, place the cardstock in the middle and then match up the months that go back to back – January and July, February and August, March and September, April and October, May and November, June and December.  The cardstock should be in the middle to make it more durable, with the backgrounds on the outside. {You can also buy backgrounds that are precut.  This makes it a lot easier and ensures that everything matches up.  At the time I made these, I didn’t find precut backgrounds I liked, but if you do it’s a great alternative and saves a lot of work!}

Using Microsoft Word, pick out a font and size you like and print out names for each month.  Go online and find a yearly calendar, download it, resize it if you need to (about 2 1/2 inces squared), and cut it out.  Simple as that!

Using a standard black piece of scrapbook paper, cut out 12 small pieces to mat the background of each month name.  Using white paper, cut out 12 pieces as a background mat for the dates of each month, about 3 by 3 inches.

Then assemble each month using the dot adhesive.  Decorate each with any adhesive stickers you have that match the theme of each month.  Make it as simple or complicated as you like!

Using a small hole puncher, punch the corners of each section.  Use twine and tie the months together.  Use a longer piece of twine on the top so that the calendar can hang. You may have trouble with the corners bowing in.  If you do, use a large toothpick or small popsicle and stuff it in the top between the backgrounds so that it makes it more solid.

Each year you can simply print out new dates for the calendar and switch it out.