- I bought a piece of sheet metal 2’x2’ in size (from a local sheet metal place … they had no problem cutting it to size and only charged $5-$10). I like the large square size!
- Made a simple frame (from a piece of frame molding, cut 45 degree angles) and painted it.
- For the calendar numbers I used this rounded square graphic and the font Abscissa (click the font for a link to download). Just use whatever program you’re familiar with (I like Microsoft Publisher, but even Word works) and add the numbers centered in the middle.
- I used the same Abscissa font for the month names and days of the week … just resize how you like them.
- Then the fun part! … Use the same square above and add some cute clipart (I like using Microsoft Clipart because it’s free, EASY to download or copy and there is a lot to choose from).
- Add a label to the top or bottom and print them out. Here are some of the days we have … holidays, birthdays, camping trips, local annual festivals that we love, movie nights, home depot kids workshop (click the link to find out more), take a trip, go to the beach. Just personalize to what your family likes to do!
- Laminate everything! I’ve discovered that a roll of clear packing tape also laminates well
- Add a piece of sticky-back magnet or magnetic tape to the back (found at Michael’s for $4 or here
) I love the magnetic tape because it’s nice and thin so the extra days store nicely.
- I store the extras we’re not using that month in a larger magnetic tin (found at craft or even office supply stores)
- Oh, and I use a piece of Wikki Stix
shaped into a circle to mark today’s date.
Available here.
I assign one of the kids a turn to change the calendar at the beginning of the month. Great for counting and practicing their numbers and keeping them lined up. They love that job! Sounds like a lot of work (it is) but so worth it to use for years and years. Feel free to ask questions if you have any!
