Using My Calendar Illustrations as Prints
I've written about my 2016 calendar here and here, but I also want to share some tips about using the illustrations as art prints once the months have passed.
The calendar pages are designed so that each illustration can be used as a 4"x6" print in a frame with or without a mat. With a bit of simple trimming, the pages will be ready to fit in your frame.
(Although I'm sharing how to do this with 2016 calendar pages, it would be the same for the 2015 calendar).
The bottom 2 1/2 inches and 3/4 inch from each side will need to be trimmed.
It's easiest to simply line up the page and measure from the top down to 6 inches,
cutting off the bottom calendar.
Use either a cutting mat and blade or a paper trimmer. If you're good with scissors, that's another option, too, but I'm not and wouldn't try it myself.
In the same manner, trim 3/4 inch off each side and you're ready to frame your print.
They look sweet grouped together.
Like these three sitting on a shelf in my studio.
The paper and ink are archival, but it's recommended for best life of the print that it be framed behind glass. I keep a calendar in my studio and have not noticed any fading in the calendar pages while I have them on display each month.
One word of caution.
Washi tape will damage this paper when you try to remove it from the page. I learned that the hard way with my 2015 calendar. If you want to hang your calendar pages with washi tape, place the tape on the edges outside of the 4"x6" of the illustration and don't try to peel it off before you do your trimming.
Punching holes in those outside corners and hanging the calendar with string, yarn or twine is another option that won't damage the prints (a hole punched in the center will show when you frame your print).
I keep mine on a little easel purchased at Ikea years ago. Although I don't think they sell them anymore, similar easels are available at craft stores, art supply stores or online.
I've been working to keep my shops stocked with my calendar, so you can still find it on my website and in my Etsy shop.
I find it a little hard to believe that soon I'll be turning the page to January. What about you? Has this past year flown by for you, too?
The calendar pages are designed so that each illustration can be used as a 4"x6" print in a frame with or without a mat. With a bit of simple trimming, the pages will be ready to fit in your frame.
(Although I'm sharing how to do this with 2016 calendar pages, it would be the same for the 2015 calendar).
The bottom 2 1/2 inches and 3/4 inch from each side will need to be trimmed.
It's easiest to simply line up the page and measure from the top down to 6 inches,
cutting off the bottom calendar.
Use either a cutting mat and blade or a paper trimmer. If you're good with scissors, that's another option, too, but I'm not and wouldn't try it myself.
In the same manner, trim 3/4 inch off each side and you're ready to frame your print.
They look sweet grouped together.
Like these three sitting on a shelf in my studio.
The paper and ink are archival, but it's recommended for best life of the print that it be framed behind glass. I keep a calendar in my studio and have not noticed any fading in the calendar pages while I have them on display each month.
One word of caution.
Washi tape will damage this paper when you try to remove it from the page. I learned that the hard way with my 2015 calendar. If you want to hang your calendar pages with washi tape, place the tape on the edges outside of the 4"x6" of the illustration and don't try to peel it off before you do your trimming.
Punching holes in those outside corners and hanging the calendar with string, yarn or twine is another option that won't damage the prints (a hole punched in the center will show when you frame your print).
I keep mine on a little easel purchased at Ikea years ago. Although I don't think they sell them anymore, similar easels are available at craft stores, art supply stores or online.
I've been working to keep my shops stocked with my calendar, so you can still find it on my website and in my Etsy shop.
I find it a little hard to believe that soon I'll be turning the page to January. What about you? Has this past year flown by for you, too?
It's a great idea to reuse your calendar as prints! That is a cute little easel on which you display your current calendar. This really has been one of the quickest years of my life. My son reminded me that he is 18 next year - something I am totally unprepared for! I still need to buy a diary for 2016 but I am in denial that a new year is almost upon us! Have a great weekend Anne. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Simone.
DeleteWow, 18! I bet he's excited. I have a "big" birthday coming up in 2016, too. A bit hard for me to get my head around.
Last year I made my own 2015 planner and have already started printing out the pages for 2016, but they're pretty plain. Maybe I'll have to make something a bit more fun. For 2017 I'm planning on designing one and having it printed.
Hope you have a lovely weekend, Simone!