PaperWhimsy Calendar Girls by Julie Loeschke

…

…

To quote the Neil Sedaka song:
“I love,I love,I love my calendar girl
Each and every day of the year.”

…

I hope you will enjoy making your own “Calendar Girls” for 2013! Every year between Christmas and New Years (or so) I try to carve out a little art-making time to create a new calendar for my desk.

This year, I thought it would be fun to do something a little different-and the “girls” were born.

This project would also make a great gift or would be a fun project for kids if those school vacation days start to get a little long.You can display them all together or individually.Either way,I hope you enjoy this playful way to keep track of the passing days.

Have a glorious and art-filled 2013!  All best, Jules.

…

…

Method:

1.  Print out images on drawing paper weight paper.  Mine were about 7″ for the smaller figures and about 10″ for the larger ones.  Print the image and then it’s mirror image, as each figure will be two-sided.  Cut each out.

2.  Using a glue stick, attach each cut out image to the manilla folder or card stock and cut out again.

3.  Finally glue each doll to the print card stock and cut out.  This may seem like a lot of layers, but we don’t want droopy dollies.

4.  Punch out four circles for each set of dolls.  Glue together in pairs.  Bend and crease each double layered circle through the center to form the stands for each side.  See photos.

5.  Glue each of the figures to one of the creased circles.  Be sure they are standing up straight.  Their feet won’t necessarily both be even.  When the dolls are joined together, the stands will fold down and overlap and form a stand.

6.  Print and cut out calendar pages and glue to a sheet of decorative paper.  You will see both sides.  Decorate as desired.  I cut mine out with a pinking shears and embellished with stamping.  Distress edges of figures and calendars with ink, if you wish.

7.  Attach the doll fronts and backs with a bit of wet glue at the top of the heads.

8.  Bend the stands and overlap the bottoms to allow the dolls to stand on their own.

9.  Embellish as desired.  I kept mine fairly simple,as a large portion of the doll is covered by the calendars.

10.Attach the calendars to the dolls on both sides with a variety of clips.I chose not to glue the calendars to the dolls because I may want to use them another year!

If you have any questions,please let me know.  Thanks so much.  Julesxo.

…

Suggested Materials and Supplies:

…

Assorted PaperWhimsy Beautiful Faces Singles
Drawing paper weight white paper
Manilla folders or similar weight card stock
Double faced print paper or card stock
Assortment of paper clips and fasteners
Large round scalloped or regular round paper punch.  Mine was 3″ diameter.
2013 calendar – Each month should print out at about 2″x3″.  You can also use sheets from an advertising calendar or check register, or those free little calendars that Hallmark puts out.
Label rubber stamp
Assorted bits clipped from PW sheets: roses, mushrooms, butterflies, medals,etc.
Buttons, brads and French general notions
Bits of ribbon and lace
Distress ink pad