How to Make a 3-D Calendar

Transform this calendar into a three-dimensional form.

If only there was a three-dimensional geometric shape you could use to create a 3-D calendar. Wait a minute...there is! A dodecahedron is a polyhedron with 12 pentagon-shaped faces or surfaces. Your friends and colleagues will be impressed to see this elaborate-looking desk calendar and they will think you are a mathematical genius. 3-D calendars are actually easy to make, but they don't need to know that.

Things You'll Need

• Dodecahedron template
• Printer
• Glue
• Scissors
• Printer paper
• Card stock
• Pictures (optional)
• Markers or colored pencils

Instructions

1. Find dodecahedron template file online and open it. Websites such as Enchanted Learning and Paper Models of Polyhedra have such templates.

2. Print off the template onto card stock. If the card stock is not printer-friendly, print the template onto regular paper and photocopy this onto card stock. Enlarge the template if you want to make room for pictures.

3. Decorate the background of each pentagon shape with colors, different paper selections or any accents you'd like.

4. Cut out the template in one piece. Fold all adjoining lines to form the dodecahedron. Glue the flaps in place.

5. Find a printable calendar that has all months listed on one page. The Printables 2011 Calendars website and most Word processing programs have templates. If you want to add your own artistic style, use the template as a guide and create one by hand, adding your own color and designs.

6. Print the calendar and cut out each individual month. Glue each month to one of the faces of the dodecahedron in an order and direction you like. Paste photographs or pictures above or below each calendar section.

References

• How About Orange: Make a 3D Desk Calendar
• Enchanted Learning: Make a Dodecahedron

Resources

• Enchanted Learning: Dodecahedron Template
• Paper Models of Polyhedra: Paper Model of a Dodecahedron
• Printable 2011 Calendars