How to Recycle Calendars for Crafting

Wait, don't throw away your old calendar-- be good, be green! Here's how you can recycle calendars by using the images to make scrapbook embellishments or cards.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Imagination
• Calendar images
• Craft materials (scissors and/or craft knife, glue/foam dots, card stock paper, etc.)

1. Choose a calendar picture and decide how much of the image you want to use for a card or an embellishment for scrapbooking. You could choose several small portions of a large picture and make a few cards using just one calendar image. The snowy card (pictured) is about 2 1/2 inches tall and is just a portion of a larger image, for example.

2. 
   2004? JW calendar

   Cut out your calendar picture(s). If you're going to use a small portion of the picture as an embellishment for scrap books or for a card, adhere an adhesive, apply it to your project, and you are done, you crafty gal. (If you're a crafty guy, my sincere apologies, dude.)

3. You could follow Step 2 and apply your image to card stock. Or maybe you want to make a card like to the ones pictured? Then you'll need to fold your card stock in thirds that are large enough to accommodate your image. In other words, you'll need your paper to be at least 3 times wider than your image of choice. Got it? Okay, now fold, beloved Craft Queen.

4. Cut out a shape or "window" in the second/middle section of your folded card through which the scene will be seen. (Pun intended.) Place your calendar image face-up in your window and fold your first card section under the image. Determine whether or not you'll need to trim the first section so that the card will fold nicely.

5. Adhere your image to the first section of the card, and put some glue on the backside of your "window" and image, too. Press your card all over to make sure the adhesive is holding the card together well. All done. Wow. You have just made a one-of-a-kind card that is earth-friendly and beautiful. Whatever will you make next? Happy Crafting to you, and thanks for reading!

Tips & Warnings

• Landscape images are best for this project since you can use different parts of the same picture with great results.
• Choose images, fold the card stock, and supply a glue stick for this project and give as a kit to a friend or bored kid.
• Keep craft knives out of the reach of children, please.

[Mndy]

on 2/2/2009 Great idea! love crafts.

[FrancoisTheo]

on 12/30/2008 Great Idea. Very "Green"

[writeitout]

on 12/24/2008 These are great ideas. Thanks for writing this.

[UnStarvedArtist]

on 12/17/2008 I've always kept the images from calenders for art referencing and for inspiration. I love your ideas. Great article.

[Quickstar]

on 12/17/2008 I thought I was only one that kept old calenders, but I keep them not just for the pictures to hang on the wall, but to keep that little memory of that appointment, like when I found out I was pregnant. Or the date marked for the surgery my oldest daughter underwent. Great article !!! 5*