"Out of Print" Bird Cage Calendar

So I am sure it seems that I have been MIA from the blogword, but I am still around! Wonderful life experiences like birthday parties and big family vacations have gotten in the way, but I am not complaining. :) My little guy Sam turned 4, and we went on a long road trip to Pigeon Forge, TN. It was beautiful, green & not in the 110 degree heatwave like here in Oklahoma! I can't wait for this intense heat to subside. Unlike Michelle, I am ready for the fall! (yeah willieburg, I am talking to you! :)

As promised, I told many of you that I would eventually share a tutorial on my perpetual calendars and today is the day! I present to you this one-of-a-kind bird cage calendar. Truly unique because I didn't buy more of these cages, and I am kicking myself like crazy because they are all sold out. :( I created this calendar using the lovely Basic Grey "Out of Print" collection. I have always been a huge fan of Basic Grey, and they nailed it again with this line. In addition to the papers I used, I incorporated some of their new "bow ties" and "lace it up" stickers.

Here are the details...
1. Choose a metal surface for the base of your calendar. Be sure that magnets will stick to it before you begin. It can be very deceiving but magnets definitely don't stick to aluminum but do stick to tin and other metal substrates. My best advice is to take a magnet with you when shopping to be sure it will work.
2. Choose the background papers and cut accordingly to the shape of the metal.
3. When adhering the paper to the metal, it is crucial that you use an adhesive that will hold permanently and covers every bit of the paper! Through trial and error, I have found that when there is moisture in the air the paper tends to warp a little. If it is not absolutely stuck to the metal, the magnets won't stick to the metal...and if the magnets don't stick well poo! That wouldn't be good! My favorite recommendation is to use a 5" Xyron machine. Just cut your paper down into 5" strips and reassemble accordingly onto the metal.
4. Create your grid in pencil and then come back over it with a Sharpie. I always do 7 rows accross and 6 rows down to accomodate for the months that start & end mid-week.
5. Put your permanent days on there via stamps or Dymo tape.
6. Stamp around the edges of the metal as desired or add sweet embellishments like flowers, ribbon, etc.
7. Raid your junk drawer for unique numbers like keys, dice, dominoes. Next, raid your scrapping stash for chipboard letters and rub-ons.
8. Once you have decided what numbers to use, glue heavy duty magnets onto the backs of each number. For paper thin pieces like tickets for example, you can use magnetic sheeting. That stuff totally rocks! For your adhesive on the numbers, use E600. Yeah, it is rather toxic smelling but it definitely has a good solid bond.
9. Lastly, create your days of the month using scrabble tile. To be able to form a complete set for all the months, keep in mind you will need several of some letters and some not at all. Here is a handy little list of the numbers you will need...A:2, B:1, C:1, D:1, E:3, F:1, G:1, H:1, I:1, J:1, L:1, M:1, N:1, O:2, P:1, R:2, S:1, T:1, U:2, V:1.
10. Guess what? That's it! Now you can make a calendar that you can enjoy for many years to come!

I hope as you create your calendars as I know many of you will, please be sure to share! I would love to see all of your fabulous creations!

As always, thanks for your sweet comments and support on my blog. You all inspire me to create! Happy Weekend to one and all! :)
Amy