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Friday, April 26, 2024

Repurpose Old Calendars

From Forgotten to Fabulous: Repurpose Old Calendars into Budget-Friendly Decor


Discover how to transform old calendars into stunning home decor pieces with this easy DIY project. Learn step-by-step instructions and creative ideas to repurpose your forgotten calendars into custom accents that add personality to any room. Plus, explore the budget-friendly and eco-friendly benefits of upcycling.


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Hey there, folks! Ready to dive into a fun and wallet-friendly DIY project that'll spruce up your space in no time? I've got just the thing for you. Let's talk about transforming those old calendars gathering dust into stunning home decor pieces that'll leave your guests impressed.

Now, we all know the feeling of holding onto an old calendar, thinking, "I'll find a use for this someday." Well, that day has finally come! Whether it's those picturesque scenes from years gone by or those quirky illustrations that caught your eye, it's time to put them to good use.


Picture this: Me, rummaging through our basement, and there they were—the forgotten calendars, waiting for their moment in the spotlight. With a little creativity and a few simple supplies, I knew I could turn those overlooked treasures into eye-catching decor accents that add personality to any room.


But first, let's talk materials. You'll need:


Materials:
  1. An old calendar with pictures that tickle your fancy
  2. Scissors
  3. Dollar Store Tray
  4. Stain of your choice, I used Minwax, Walnut Gel Stain 
  5. Brush
  6. Scotch Adhesive Putty


Now, onto the fun part—the crafting process:

  • Start by prepping your tray. Give it a fresh coat of stain, making sure to cover every nook and cranny for a polished finish. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
  • While your tray is drying, sift through your old calendars and choose your favorite images. Whether it's a serene landscape, a charming illustration, or a nostalgic photograph, pick the ones that spark joy.
  • Carefully cut out your chosen images, making sure to trim them to fit the dimensions of your tray.
  • Once your tray is dry, it's time to assemble your masterpiece. Apply Scotch Adhesive Putty to the back of each image, positioning them on the tray as desired. Press firmly to ensure they adhere securely.
  • Step back and admire your handiwork! You've just transformed an old calendar into a beautiful piece of custom decor that's as unique as you are.





But why stop there? With a little imagination, the possibilities are endless. Consider incorporating your calendar images into other DIY projects, such as coasters, wall hangings, scrapbooking paper, greeting cards, upcycled envelopes, or even furniture decoupage. The only limit is your creativity!


That bit of discoloration was sloppy glue the stain did not adhere to. I didn't care for the look, so I thought why not add a few favorite vintage finds to the bottom of our "frame" for a unique ledge that adds more vintage flair to our dining room? If you look below you will see how our picture frame doubles as a ledge for our sterling brush. Any time I can incorporate more vintage goodness into our home, I do it.


Now, let's address the elephant in the room—why bother repurposing old calendars when you could just toss them out? Well, besides the satisfaction of giving new life to forgotten items, there's also the environmental impact to consider. By upcycling instead of discarding, you're reducing waste and minimizing your carbon footprint—a win-win for both your home and the planet.




And let's not forget the budget-friendly aspect of this project. With just a few inexpensive supplies and a little elbow grease, you can create custom decor that looks like a million bucks without breaking the bank. Who says you need deep pockets to have a stylish home?


So, the next time you come across an old calendar gathering dust, don't toss it aside. Instead, unleash your inner DIY enthusiast and turn it into something beautiful. After all, the best decor is the kind that tells a story—and what better story to tell than one of creativity, resourcefulness, and a dash of nostalgia? It's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, as in using what you already have around your home, instead of purchasing new.


And hey, speaking of new tricks, I've got something else up my sleeve. If you're a fan of vintage vibes and floral flair (minus the hassle of watering), I've got a free printable just for you (yes, I finally figured out how to do this)! Just click on the image below to download it as a little thank-you for joining me on this creative journey. Who knows what other surprises await as we dive into the world of DIY together? Let us know if you enjoyed today's free printable, it may become a regular addition to our posts if there is interest.





Don't Forget to Pin for Later!


Ciao,

Cara

Would you like to comment?

  1. I love it all my friend. So creative! The printable is adorable & I’ll be downloading it for sure. I’m delving into the world of printables too and I’m spending too much time instead of doing other things!!! Have a wonderful weekend. XO- MJ

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    1. It can certainly be addictive, isn't it MaryJo? I had some fun, I love those old receipts, and seeing flowers printed on them. If I could fill our walls with old handwriting, handwritten receipts, and nothing else, I would be ok with it. :)

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  2. Calendars have some of the most beautiful pictures and I love how you've restyled this one, Cara.

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    1. Thank you Ann, I had held onto it for all of these years, so I knew I had to do something with it. I am having difficulty in finding this tray now though so I am not sure my wall of six will ever be complete. I need more walls to fill them with all the things I love.

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  3. Love this idea! I have a habit of saving calendars with pretty pictures! Now I know what to do with them!
    Your printable is so pretty! Great job! I need to learn how to do that!

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    1. Thank you Donna, I surprised myself with learning how to create a printable. If I can do it, anyone can! I am finding that I keep creating them, while I need to work on other things. When I came across this old calendar, I was pretty excited thinking I would do something, but the tray worked perfectly and was so economical. I also did not need to trim the photo which was a plus in my book.

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  4. This is such a beautiful idea, Cara! I sometimes see old calendars for sale and have no idea what to do with them so this post is perfectly timed. I would have normally passed them up but now I realize I can make them into wall art. Thanks so much for the printable. It's gorgeous and I can't wait to use it! Hugs, CoCo

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    1. Thank you CoCo, I love old calendars too. I have used them for wall art in the past, but always found they did not fit into the frames I had, this was a perfect solution since I did not loose any of the image. I love Longaberger baskets, and this calendar is a beauty, I cannot wait to share more of it.

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