Chipboard Birthday Calendar

by Lee Chipman

This birthday calendar does double duty as a wall accent and an organizer. It's a quick project with lasting results.

Supplies:

• Chipboard letters (one for the first letter of each month)
• Small chipboard shapes or tags
• 12 mini clothespins
• 1 yard of ¼ inch ribbon coordinating ribbon, cut into pieces the same length as the mini-clothespins.
• 1 yard of 1/8 inch ribbon coordinating ribbon, cut into 2 inch lengths
• 1 yard if string or twine
• 2 pins, tacks or magnets to attach the birthday calendar to a wall or chalkboard.

Instructions:

1. Arrange the chipboard letters in order according to the months they represent: JFMAMJJASOND
2. Using a hot glue gun, apply a small dot of glue to the back of each letter, and attach a strip of 1/8 ribbon. Let cool, and check to make sure the ribbon is securely attached.
3. Place a chipboard tag or shape beneath each letter. Punch a hole in the top of each one, and slip the other end of the 1/8 inch ribbon (the end not glued to the letter) through the tag, and tie a secure knot. Trim the edge of the ribbon. The tag should now dangle below the letter.
4. Using a fine-point Sharpie pen and your current birthday calendar, write the birthdays (day and name of the person) on each tag.
5. Using a hot glue gun, glue one 1/4 ribbon strip to the front of each clothespin.
6. Attach a yard of string, twine or ribbon, using a tack on either side, to the wall where you'll be displaying the calendar.
7. Attach the mini clothes pins to the string, and space them out, clipping a chipboard letter to each one, in order of the months they represent.

Check the calendar monthly, and consider purchasing cards and gifts several weeks ahead. You'll have kept your New Year's resolution, and impressed family members with your thoughtfulness too!