Sunday, December 4, 2016

Easel Calendar Tutorial


Wow, was I ever surprised at the enthusiastic response for a tutorial on the easel calendars! Holy smokes, I never knew there were so many lurkers visitors to my blog!
Smiley from Millan.Net
Okay, here you go. It may look like there are a lot of steps, but that's because I broke it down into little bites for beginning stampers. For you "seasoned stampers", it's really just a simple easel card with pockets added for the pen and note pad.

At the bottom are links to some non-Stampin' Up! products that I used (like the calendars & mini pens) as well as the SU products used. They worked for me, so they should for you, too!

Now on to the show! We will start by cutting all the components needed. Choose coordinating or contrasting colors, and decide which ones will be the base, pockets, DSP and mats. PLEASE NOTE: Click on any photo for a closer view of details!

Tools needed:
 Stampin' Trimmer
 Bone Folder
 Sticky Tape (Tear & Tape is too wide - see notes below)
 Liquid glue
 Paper snips

Cardstock cuts:
 Easel base: 4-1/4" x 8-1/2"
 Front (same color as base): 4-1/4" x 4-1/4"
 DSP: Two pieces 4" x 4"
 Mats for DSP: Two pieces 4-1/8" x 4-1/8"
 Sticky note pocket: 3-7/16" x 4-3/4"
 Pen pocket: 2" x 3-3/16"
 Mat for calendar: 2-3/8" x 3-1/16" (I used a double mat on this one, cut 1/8" larger. If using a different size calendar, cut your mat 1/8" larger than the calendar.)

  1. For the easel base, we are working from right to left on scoring. Slide the base into your trimmer from the right side (long edge against the bottom stop), up to the 4-1/4" mark. Score with the bone folder in the groove of the trimmer, then slide cardstock to left (line up edge at 6-3/8") and score again. (Note: I line up the first score line at the 2-1/8" mark so I don't have to open the trimmer. I prefer using a bone folder in the groove on the trimmer for a deeper score line.)

  2. Fold in a Z fold and add two strips of adhesive. Attach the 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" front piece.

  3. Adhere DSP squares to their mats, and then fasten one to the front and one inside of the easel. (Note: At this point you can add a doily or die cut that will peek out the top of the note pocket. Make sure you glue all edges down well, so the note pad doesn't catch on it when it's inserted into the pocket!)



  1. For the pen pocket, we are working from left to right on scoring. With the long edge against the stop, score cardstock at 1/2".

  2. Rotate so short side is against stop and score at 1/4". Slide cardstock to the right so edge lines up with 3/4" and score again.


  3. Rotate cardstock 180 degrees (so the opposite short edge is against stop) and repeat, scoring at 1/4" and 3/4".

  4. Your scorelines should look like this:
  5. Fold inward on all scorelines. Use your bone folder for a nice, sharp crease. Cut from bottom up to scoreline on all four creases. (Note: I cut a very narrow V shape notch to make things tuck together better.) Trim off short outside flaps.
  6. Flip over and add adhesive strips to long outside flaps. Fold up sides and then bottom flaps to form pocket. Add adhesive to hold bottom flaps closed.

  1. For sticky note pocket, we are working from left to right on scoring. You will score three sides (one long edge and both short edges) at 1/4" and 3/4" as you did before. Starting with short edge against stop, slide cardstock to right of groove. With edge at 1/4" score with bone folder; slide to right again and score at 3/4". Rotate so long edge is against stop and repeat for both short sides.

  2. Your scorelines should look like this:
  3. Fold inward on all scorelines. Crease with bone folder. Cut from bottom up to second scoreline along creases on both sides, as shown.
  4. Trim off sides in a stair-step.
  5. Flip over and add adhesive strips to both sides and bottom edge.
  6. Peel back some of the adhesive liner on one side, tuck the flap in, and fold the bottom up over the side flap so that it's held by the adhesive. Repeat for other side. (Note: Having the side flaps inside the bottom flap helps guide the note pad into the pocket so it doesn't get hung up on the bottom flap.) Use your bone folder to get into the points when attaching sides.

  1. Hold the pen and note pockets together on the easel front to get a feel for how much of a border there will be on each side.
  2. Peel off adhesive liners from note pocket and adhere to easel having bottom edge even with edge of DSP (not all the way to the bottom!). Use the bone folder to press the seams down inside to adhere firmly.
  3. Add a strip of adhesive to left side of note pocket, if desired. (I did just to be sure everything was firmly stuck together.)
  4. Peel off adhesive liners on pen pocket and side of note pocket. Carefully line everything up and press in place. Use a pencil or chopstick to press the seams down inside the pen pocket.

  5. Add a greeting, matted and popped up on dimensionals near the bottom of the inside to hold the easel in an open position.
  6. Adhere calendar to mat and then to front of easel. Decorate as desired!
Notes:
The mini calendars are from Sky Blue Pink. I used the large size ones that are 2-1/4" x 3" (actually 2-15/16").
These are the mini pens used. I got 18 of them for less than $7.
Sticky tape - this stuff is 6mm wide (slightly less than 1/4") which is perfect for this project!

Product List

8 comments:

  1. WOW!!! Let me say it again, WOW!!! You never cease to amaze. The amount of time it must have taken to be so detailed. I for one greatly appreciate it. As you know, I am a visual person. Since I do not have the pleasure of sitting with you to complete this project, your photos are the next best thing. I cannot wait to make these for EVERYONE I know. Love you lady :-)

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    1. Becky, your comment just made my day! Thank you so much for letting me know you appreciated the effort. Makes me want to do more tutorials, lol. I do SO MISS stamping with you. Love you back!!!

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  2. Cindy, You're awesome - thank you so very much! justdottie@sbcglobal.net -- I will share your blog with my students, again thank you! Happy Holidays, Dottie :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Dottie! I wish your students great success if they make these!

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  3. Thanks for this detailed tutorial and illustrations!

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  4. Replies
    1. You are so welcome! (Great name, by the way.) 😁

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