{this post was originally written for write.click.scrapbook}

September is almost over, summer is now a somewhat distant memory, and by this time I think we are all well settled into our regular daily schedules. I felt this would be a good time to talk about calendars. Calendars are very useful tools to keep track of time and events, but as scrapbookers I think they can take on a whole other dimension, as design elements, source of inspiration, and gift ideas.

I think it’s only fit that we start with talking about the most traditional purpose of calendars, before we jump in during the next few days into some more creative uses.

Planning

OK, let’s say that you decided to make a calendar. Or maybe you’re just considering it and want to see what’s involved. The first step is to make a few design choices regarding

• production
• format
• content.

Production

Will you be assembling the calendar yourself, or have it made professionally? The main factor to consider here is how many calendars you want. If it’s just one, putting it together yourself might be fun, but if you need multiple copies, I would suggest into looking into printing places. Look into what formats are offered by professional services, before you settle down on one format for your calendar.

Format

There are so many options for calendar formats! From the standard 11″x8.5″ wall calendar, to desk calendars, planners, wallet calendars and more.. Thinking about who you are making the calendar for might help you narrow down the choices.

Content

Naturally, your calendar will include a daily schedule for all the months in a year. But what else do you want to add? Once again, there are several options to consider. First of all, you can use photographs – either of people, or of nature. Another popular choice is to use inspiring quotes.

Here is the plan for the next few days:

• Tuesday: wall calendars
• Wednesday: desktop calendars
• Thursday: incorporating calendars to keep track of time in mini albums and pocket scrapbooking
• Friday: using calendars as time keepers and/or design elements in scrapbook pages.

I would love to hear from you about how you incorporate calendars in your creations!