Year of the Dog Mini Calendars

Although I don't like making multiples, I did want to make a 'tuck-in' to mail with our family holiday newsletter.  These are for friends who we think of all year, but with whom we don't always exchange gifts.

 The Dandelion Designs' Year of the Dog stamp set (purchased at HM Ben Franklin Crafts) seemed perfect for this mini calendar because it was simple and so many of our friends are dog owners.  I started with KaiserCraft 12x12 printed Asian design card stock (also from HM BFC).  These sheets will make four calendars (five if the design is not in one direction).  First I cut 3"x 8" strips and then marked them across at 1/2", 1-1/4", 2" and 5".  Fold the strips so that the bottom can be accordion folded and the last tab overlaps the back.  A scoreboard would be ideal and easier for this part.

 This side-view shows how to assemble the calendar base and use double stick tape to attach the back flap.  The mini calendars (1-1/2" x 1-5/8") were ordered from Vippies.  The dogs were colored with Copic pens and fussy cut by hand. (My favorite scissors for fussy cutting is a Fiskar mini.) The words were stamped and heat embossed with Nuvo black sparkle powder.  I chose lightly printed KaiserCraft papers to make these calendars so that the red character stamp would show up. I think you should try making multiple mini calendars because they are so easy and require very few supplies.  These little calendars fold up flat for mailing and are fun to give out to spread holiday cheer.  Craft some happiness for this wonderful time of the year!