I'm not talking about just any calendar but a calendar that you personalize with those millions of pics just sitting around that no one ever sees or appreciates, the pics that you want someone to see. Even better, if you are giving this to a loved one who lives in a different state, they will get to see what really goes on in your life. Hmmmm, this could be either a good thing or bad thing.
Let's get to the meat of the project. Did you know that there are "holidays" for almost every day of the year - or maybe there is one for every day of the year. I don't know how these were designated as holidays but there are plenty of sites out there that list them. I searched around and I like Gone-ta-Pott because it has silly holidays like "Cuddle Up Day" or "Talk Like a Pirate Day" or "Holy Batman! Day" (sadly the last two fall on the same day, so you just have to pick one.) The holidays listed in the pic above are: Step In A Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day, Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day, International Skeptics Day, and National Hat Day. Yes, it's true, we are a silly family and I have pictures that can be used for these holidays, and so do you!
How to make your personalized calendar:
Pick calendar - I like the desk top ones with the spiral bound edge. TJ Maxx has a selection of calendars at a reasonable price or any bookstore or Amazon has many. Be sure to pick a calendar that they will love! Check these out:
Start by writing everyone's birthday and anniversary on the calendar. Find pictures for all those events, it doesn't have to be taken on their birthday or even taken recently (use some of those old pics), just put in a flattering picture of everyone. I can't stress the word flattering enough as I have seen people given photo gifts with unflattering pictures of them or loved ones and it was not a gift they cherished.
Start to fill in the rest of the pages with pics that fit the "Holiday." Start with the standard holidays like 4th of July, Christmas, etc, and then start reading the list of the other obscure holidays. There is a "Hug Day", "Best Friend's Day", "Go Fishing Day", and "Chaos Never Dies Day" to name a few. Once you get started you will see ways to work quite a few of your pics in. Here is some inspiration:
Measure the area that is open on your calendar for each date and crop pictures that size. I cropped photos in Photoshop Elements (PE). Open photo and set crop size. This will open a crop box on the picture that you can move around and resize, but will still keep it the set size ratio. Crop, save, print, cut out and paste to calendar.
I can't tell you how much people love these. I mean really, puppy of the month in a basket is cute, but not as adorable as your grand kids in a mud puddle! After you finish up your amazing personalized gift calendars, wrap them up, and then wait for the rush of orders next Christmas, when everyone wants another one.
-Laurie
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