Thursday, February 11, 2010

A Purse Calendar for 2010

This is going to be a long post, so those of you who trek it out, thanks and I hope you take some inspiration and tips along with you. There is a saying in the "Art World" ....."An artist is only as good as his/her tools". Some tongue in cheek but some truth also. If you are a watercolor artist you want a "Windsor Newton" sable for those oh so important washes. So, if you have Regina Easter from "The Cutting Cafe" in your bag of tricks it is like having a "Windsor Newton" Sable. So don't hesitate to check her out. Thanks Regina for all your awesome inspiration. I was working on another project when this came to me, I could not finish fast enough so that I could get started on this one. I had already done a Safety Pin Calendar using "The Cutting Cafe" templates but this one was from the Muse, it just went together like I had directions in front of me. I am going to post a rough how to here of the calendar and accessories, if you have any questions please feel free to email me. Last year I did the pocket calendars and I did love them, however, they were not perfect, I had to find it first in my purse and it was a tricky little thing, and then I lost a couple. So I have been calendarless for the first 2 months of 2010. I think this is going to work. Although this is a little more elaborate than my Safety Pin Calendars ( I will post them tomorrow). It is not as difficult as it looks. You will need "The Cutting Cafe" 2010 Calendar. Fifteen 2" circles and12 - 1 3/8" circles, thank goodness for George Cricut Cartridge. Although I do use the EKSuccess 1 3/8" punch and will explain in a minute. You will need 8 - 7mm oring findings and 8 -10mm (I use Metal Madness from Michaels throughout this project). One packet of large Spaces and one packet of large lobster clasps. You are going to adhere 2-2" circles for your calendar, and 2 1/38" circles, you are then going to punch out the computer generated calendar and punch it out with the 1 3/8" hole punch and adhere that to the top of the 2 - 1 3/8" circles, you will have 2 mos per 2" circle - front and back - Jan/Feb, etc. You will then need 6 - 3/16 eyelets and a setting tool, (I use the Crop A Dile), set eyelets at the top add the 7mmoring then the 10mm and secure it to the large large oring at the bottom of the lobster clasp. I did a cover for my calendar which is optional, I used 3 -2" circles adhered them together and then added a charm from "Blue Moon" and embedded a crystal in the opening at the top (also from Michaels). Your calendar is done.

The gift box is easy, easy, easy, get one of the 12packs of instant coffee from Starbucks, if you don't drink coffee give them to your best coffee drinking friend, but keep the box, take it apart and lay it face down on a 12"X12" sheet of decorative patterned paper and trace around it, cut it out, score the folds and adhere one flap and it is done. Add a little ribbon for excitement.












Here is a close up of the calendar.














Here is a closeup of the cover page for the calendar.














Now for one of the fun parts of this set. I will definitely agree that the lettering is a little small, however, I can read the numbers fine if I have good light and my glasses on, but just in case, the calendar comes with its own magnifying glass and it really works. So here we go, cause this one is really fun.
From the Cricut Cartridge "Sentimentals" cut the magnifying glass out in black-out-4 times (shadow) at 3.33 width and 3.302 heighth, (DO NOT CUT IT OUT WITH THE HOLE). Adhere two together twice, so you will have 2 pieces that are 2 deep. Now take your 1 3/8 hole punch and punch out a circle on white card stock, position it on the magnifying glass as a template (use repositionable adhesive on the back) and punch out the hole on both pieces. If you use the template on Cricut with the hole already there you will never get it the right measurement (trust me). Now using UltraPtix Bookmark Magnifier *lightweight approx. 2" X 7", they are around $2.25 and you can cut about 4 - 1 3/8" circles from one sheet with the EKSuccess 1 3/8" hole punch, I buy them at Barnes and Nobel. Around the edge of your opening on the back magnifier piece put a very thin line of adhesive lay your magnifying glass on top and now adhere the second piece on top and let it dry for 35mins or so under a stack of books, it is done, now create a little jacket for it and embellish to your taste. I have just put a couple of scrap rub-ons on mine.
I told you it was long, but it really goes together quickly, hope you enjoyed, Happy Friday, Hugs

15 comments:

Sharon Caudle said...

Oh my gosh, how FABULOUS and creative is this project!!!! You are soooo amazing!! I love it! And thank you so much for sharing the instructions!!! I LOVE it!!! And a magnifying glass too!!!! It's the cherry on top! WOW!!! WOW!!!! WOW!!! HUGS!

Carole Beath said...

You are indeed amazing, but I have to wonder if you get bored hearing it, and certainly from me because that's all I ever say. Amazing amazing Sandi.
A darling calendar, a Regina printable, Sandi's touch, and of all things, she threw in a magnifying glass.
Holy cow..!!! Hugs
Carole

eiyiyi said...

Fabulous, just flat out fabulous! And a magnifying glass as well. You never cease to amaze me. hugs to you, eileen

DonnaMundinger said...

Well Sandi, this is about the coolest thing I've ever seen IN MY LIFE! I have NO WORDS! Well, maybe one...FABULOUS! xxD

Kris said...

Now making your own magnifying glass - that it the ultimate! What a WOW project Sandi. Just love it. Hugs...Kris

1CardCreator said...

I love the calendar, and you are so very clever to think of punching out your own magnifying glass, that is totally awesome! The gift box is totally cool also! Take care, ~Diane

Anonymous said...

Cute, cute, cute! Even when you described it, I could not envision...I guess that's your job! It's wonderful:-)

Regina Easter said...

your just a bag of creative JUICES i tell ya....this is one of the most fabulous projects ever and the colors are way classey....i love that the most....so nice chatting with you the other day..hugs

Julie Ranae said...

Crazy creative, Sandi !

Sandy from Ukiah said...

I am so totally speechless.. and the directions are great... hope I can find the time to try it. Thanks Sandy

Threadbear said...

This is so awesome -- thank you for inspiring!!

Debbie said...

Classey is an understatment this is stunning...

Lisa said...

OMGosh! This is gorgeous! I already have the calendar and what a great idea! I love this! Thank you for the inspiration!

Jodie from Oz said...

wow wow wowser, I am blown away by this amazing creation. This is very classy, and something I would treasure forever. Thanks for sharing. hugs jOdie from oz

Sandy said...

Sandi....I just don't know what to say...I cannot believe everything I've missed...I am so happy these fab projects are here for me to drool over! I can feel the inspiration just washing over me...thank you thank you thank you!