Author Topic: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar  (Read 4567 times)

Offline Erica McPhee

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Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« on: November 08, 2013, 02:36:37 PM »
I can't believe it is November 8th already! I'm starting my Christmas planning now and wanted to share this fun project I did last year. It was a huge hit - especially with the kids! They could not wait to turn over the card every day to see who was featured in the photo for the day! And it made a lovely display for all of our guests on Christmas day with highlights from our year.



Total cost: $15
Supplies needed:
 
Kraft cardstock – I purchased mine at HobbyLobby. I considered it a 2-fer as it included 50 cards and 50 envelopes for only $9.99 ($5.99 using my 40% off coupon). Now I can use the envelopes for my Christmas cards!
 
Mini clips – purchased at Walmart for $3.88
 
Reinforcement labels – again Walmart for $1.00
 
Ribbon (3 yards) – found an awesome one with baubles at Big Lots for $2!
 
Photos – size 3.5×5



Once your calligraphy is complete, you can set up a file that is 7"x10" (the size of the kraft cards, not folded). You can then pull in the calligraphy from your file. (See Preparing Your Calligraphy for Printing Tutorial http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=28.0 for how to do this.)

You can fit four per card. You will need to rotate to have the lettering going sideways. (See Creating a Flourished Frame Tutorial http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=34.0 for how to do this.)

Then print them off, trim in half and then in half again (3.x5 x 5). I made a template to trim the corners, hole punch the top, and add the circle reinforcement. Repeat for all the days up until Christmas and you're almost there. I had the photos printed at 3.5x5 and then trimmed the corners using the same template.

Hang your ribbon, clip on the photo with the date card on top, and voila - you're done!


I even used the left over cards to make gift tags!

« Last Edit: November 08, 2013, 02:38:50 PM by Erica McPhee »
Warm Regards,
Erica
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Offline FrenchBlue Joy

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2013, 08:10:35 AM »
Sweet!  And I ADORE those merrymerry cards. 

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2013, 10:27:50 AM »
Thanks! I was really pleased with this project and my kids LOVED it! I was so happy they were so into it. I can't wait to put it up this year.

I appreciate your kind words!
Warm Regards,
Erica
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Offline Aisling Beatha

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2014, 12:22:51 PM »
Looking at this for this coming Christmas and wondering how smoothly the nib runs on that kraft type card?

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2014, 07:19:49 PM »
I believe I scanned in the numbers and printed them out with the printer. However, I do have some cardstock that is "kraft" color and it takes the nib really well. The real bumpy one does not, though.  :)
Warm Regards,
Erica
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Offline tintenfuchs

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #5 on: October 06, 2014, 04:21:52 AM »
This is so lovely!!
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Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #6 on: October 06, 2014, 11:31:22 AM »
Thanks Natascha,
This has become one of our favorite holiday traditions. I print out photos taken throughout the year (which no one else has seen yet) and then the fun begins as each day the children look to see who is hiding underneath. All three take turns and even the oldest likes to have her turn. I try to get all of our family members throughout the year including grandparents and aunts and uncles. It's fun to relive our adventures from throughout the year. It is really a fun tradition now and adds so much excitement to the holidays.  :)
Warm Regards,
Erica
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Offline Meredith S

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #7 on: October 06, 2014, 09:23:36 PM »
What a great idea!

Offline thistledesignstudio

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2014, 12:33:23 PM »
What an amazing idea Erica!  You should write crafty posts for Martha Stewart or something!  How wonderful & unique!
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Offline ericp

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2015, 02:43:28 PM »
That is just stupendous!
Thanks Erica!

<blocking entire month of November 2015>   :D  :D  :D

P.S. beautiful kids!

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Calligraphy & Photo Advent Calendar
« Reply #10 on: April 21, 2015, 10:43:22 AM »
Aw - thanks!  ;D
Warm Regards,
Erica
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