Creating handmade gifts is always special, and an easel calendar is both a beautiful and functional project. It’s perfect for a desk, workspace, or to give as a gift for any occasion. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create an easel calendar with two main parts: the easel stand and the pocket for Post-it Notes and a pen. Let’s dive into this simple and fun project!
Creating the Easel Base
First let’s talk about how to make the easel stand which will form the structure for the pocket and the calendar. Start with a 4-1/4 x 11 inch piece of cardstock. Score the 11-inch side at 5-1/2 inches.
Cut a 4 x 5-1/4 inch piece of patterned paper and adhere it to the front of the easel card base. This patterned paper will become the backdrop for the pocket and calendar.
Next, cut a 4 x 4 inch piece of cardstock. Score this cardstock piece at 1/2, 2, and 3-1/2 inches. Fold the cardstock along the score lines. The cardstock will have three folds:
- Fold the first score line upward, like a valley fold.
- Fold the second score line downward, creating a mountain fold.
- Fold the third score line upward, like a valley fold.
You now have a piece of cardstock that resembles a “tent.” Add a piece of Tear & Tape to each of the 1/2-inch wide valley folds of the tent.
Now you are ready to adhere the easel section! Adhere the 1/2 inch scored sections to the bottom inside flaps of the easel card base. Be sure to watch the video to see this process in action.
Creating the Pocket
Next, let’s talk about creating the pocket for this easel calendar. Adding a pocket for Post-it Notes and a pen turns your easel calendar into a functional desktop accessory.
Start by cutting a 5-1/2 x 4-1/2 inch piece of cardstock. Use the same color cardstock as the base of the easel. Score down the 5-1/2 inch side at 2-1/2 and 3 inches. Turn the cardstock and score down the 4-1/2 inch side at 1/2 and 4 inches.
With your scissors, cut each side of the 1/2 inch squares which formed where the score lines intersect in the middle of the cardstock. These small cuts along the score will create tabs for the pocket. Fold on all the score lines, tuck the tabs inward and adhere the side flaps together to create the pocket.
Apply strong adhesive, such as Tear & Tape, to the back of the pocket. Adhere the pocket to the bottom section of the easel base. Be sure to watch the video to see this process in action!
Decorating the Pocket Easel Calendar
Once you have created the easel and pocket, you are ready to add a mini calendar. I found these mini calendars on Amazon. There are many different retailers which carry mini calendars. You could also create your own calendars.
Adhere the mini calendar to the pocket of the easel card using strong adhesive such as Tear& Tape.
Place your Post-it Notes inside the pocket and slide a pen next to it. Feel free to decorate your pocket easel calendar with stamp images, die-cuts, or embellishments.
These pocket easel calendars are sturdy and display beautifully. You can also fold them flat for mailing. However, the pocket does not fold flat so it would ship at a package rate.
Tutorial & Supplies
Now you have an easy and functional pocket easel calendar which you can create for yourself or to give as a gift. For a complete list of supplies and instructions for creating this project, feel free to download the printable tutorial.
I hope you enjoyed this project and are inspired to give it a try with any supplies you have on hand. Be sure to watch the video to see the assembly of the pocket easel calendar in action. Have a fun and creative day my friends! ~ Lynn