Coaster Calendar project

 Here it is....the final project from my Filled With Love valentine class.  this particular project doesn't even have any stamping on it, but it didn't need it.  Of course, you could always stamp a little heart or two in the corner if you wanted to but I tried to keep this more on the generic side since it's not just a Valentine project. 

To make this quick and easy calendar, all you need is some great Designer Series patterned paper (I used the polka dot pattern from the Filled With Love bundle, a little ribbon, 4 jumbo eyelets and a mini calendar.  I got this from a bulk buy put together by a friend but if you do a google search for mini calendars, you should be able to find some easily.   The coasters I used were rectangular (approx 4" x 6") which cost a little more than square ones but they are worth it because this is so cute!  This would work with standard 4" square coasters as well.

The jumbo eyelets (they show up a little bit better in the second photo) act as the "hinge" holding the two coasters together like a tent so it is freestanding.  I saw this style of calendar on the blog of Angie Juda, a fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator a few months ago and thought it would be a fun project. I was right...so cute and easy, who can resist it?  You can see more of her beautiful projects on her blog , she even has a little video if you are a "visual" person.   There is a link to her site below if you want to have a peek.  http://www.mychicnscratch.com/2010/12/rectangle-coaster-calendar.html

So, to make this project, measure your coasters and cut the DSP to size, round the corners and grab your gluestick to adhere the paper to the coasters.  I found that putting glue on both the coaster and the back of the DSP helped the paper slide a bit and gave me a little "wiggle room" when adhering the paper, if you end up with any edges overhanging the coaster you can buff them off with a sanding block once the glue is thoroughly dry.  Use the CropADile (CAD) to punch your eyelet holes (punch the first hole then go back and punch another half a hole to enlarge the hole just a smidge...it ends up being about 1.5 holes if you want to be technical) then set the eyelets.  The CAD makes it easy to set a thick eyelet and you don't even have to squeeze it very hard. Once you have your eyelets in place thread your choice of ribbon (I used Old Olive for the one in the picture) thru from the front eyelet to the back eyelet (to keep from popping the eyelet out of the coaster) and tie the ribbon off in a little knot then do the same on the other side.  Now your coaster will stay upright without needing a stand. 

The calendar is first attached to a black cardstock mat and then adhered to the front of the calendar.  If you want this to last all year, be sure to use Sticky Strip to attach it.  So, that's the last project from my class..hope you have enjoyed them.  Please stop by again later, I am going to be showing some of the cards that I made to swap at the Leadership conference earlier this month.