happy april! normally this would be an odd month to introduce a new calendar into your life, but this handy little guy is perpetual, which means “good anytime”, forever and always. we ran across something similar at a thrift store a while back and thought it would be an easy, and super customizable project that could be made using little more than an empty peanut can and some paper. we’ve provided some downloadable templates, but you could mix it up with all sorts of fun font and color combinations. In addition to the rotating strips for day of the week, month of the year, and date, we thought it would be fun to add an option for mood as well. this being april 1st and all…we had to go with “nutty”.
have fun!
derek & lauren
CLICK HERE for the full project instructions after the jump!
here’s what you’ll need:
-empty can of nuts (the template is for a 6.5 oz can that is 3.5” tall and has a 3” diameter.)
-print out of “calendar1” file on thick cardstock (we printed on two different colors for alternating stripes)
-print out of “calendar2” file on regular white paper
-x-acto knife and straight edge
-rubber cement
-double-stick tape
1. clean your empty can thoroughly. (you can also use an empty tin can, but the smooth cardboard surface of the mixed nuts can works great for adhering the paper calendar to.)
2. download and print both calendar pdf files.
3. carefully cut out calendar strips along dotted lines using your x-acto knife and straight edge. make sure to cut out the little rectangle on the the third strip- this is the window that will show the days of the month on your calendar.
4. adhere white calendar page to can using rubber cement. the gray area printed on the right hand side indicates the overlap. put a little rubber cement on the overlapping area to secure. don’t worry if you can see through the white paper- it will be covered by another layer of cardstock.
5. wrap printed cardstock strips around the can and secure each with a small piece of double-stick tape on the gray portion where the cardstock overlaps.
45 Comments
What a great idea!!
That is awesome!! Thank you so much for sharing. I would love to share a link to this project with my readers!
Yeah I really digg this!!
this is way too cute!
WOW, this would also be a great project for food storage!
A very clever idea
i love it! it reminds me of all the decorative pencil cups i made for my parents in elementary school…masking tape on wrapped around a can or tissue paper glued on a glass jar.
this is way cuter! much more grown up! :)
Fantastic!!!
This is fantastic! Your DIY projects are some of my favorites! Pretty AND functional!
This is so cool. If I ever get some spare time I’m going to have a go at making this. Thanks for the great idea.
What a cool idea! I have to try it!
SO smart!
I would love to do this with my kids, too. My seven year old is into calendars right now.
Love it! And I agree with Heather – it’s a great project to do with kids!
This is so adorable. I finally get to move out in August and seeing all of these great crafts is making me feel like I’m going to explode from the potential I see in my new apartment.
Thank you!
This is a damn good idea! Fun for a new job present, when somebody gets a new job again. I guess it might be awhile.
Thanks! This is such a cool calendar and easy to DIY too!
Very clever!! I’m totally doing it! How fun!
This is an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing.
It’s such a delightful idea. Fun and practical little DIY project.
This is cool! Recycling rocks!
just when I was going to throw out the cans! perfect project for easter parties too! Thanks! :+)
You both impress the heck out of me! This is really cool…
Please see, my five-year-old’s take on this project!! http://revivenampa.blogspot.com/2009/04/greatest-part-about-yesterday.html
that is so great. i am totally making onee!
That is so cute! Not to mention useful and a great way to recycle!
this one is the best idea ever!
perpetual calendar pencil cup
Genius!
Very good idea! Fantastic :)
Fantastic idea! Love it! Thanks!
Very cool idea! Plus it saves you money by not having to by a desk calendar every year.
i like it.
it sure is cool.
such an amazing idea.
Love it
This is so clever & simple, yet clean & modern! Love it. I’m linking to it via Dollar Store Crafts.
i love it very pretty and colour : )
I love it and I have found it just in time. My kids will be going on school holidays soon and this will give them something to do on one of those boring days when they have nothing to do, this will keep them busy as well as help with their creativity.
Very intelligent! I suggest to put under few more lines – with words: meeting, school, party, call…
this is a cute idea. you coul dset the date for when the food you want to cober expires then it would be cute and informative
I love this!!! I’m going to make it for my mom’s desk at work. She’ll like it :).
this is super cool
The links no longer work for the PDF downloads. Can this be updated, please?!
I love the idea, but the links for the downloads don’t seem to be working.
This idea looks awsm buy the link for the downloads doesn’t work. Please update this soon so I can make this awsm project for my daughter to take as her teachers gift on the first day of school. Thank you
desolé mais je ne peut pas telecharger les gabarits ??
don`t see the printable template??!! I love it!
Leave a Comment