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This year isn’t back to school for us, but my son’s first time going to school. Yea, this mom is pretty torn up about it. Despite my heart-brokenness, I’m trying to prepare myself and our house for the big day.
Part of my preparation has been trying to get organized. That is quite the feat around here, but I have to be honest I’m just using these projects as an excuses for more crafty fun. A perfect example is this DIY Chalkboard Vinyl Calender.
Yes, I could have just bought or printed off a calender for the family, but why would I, when I could use my Silhouette to make a calender for our fridge. Which by the way, I’m in love with! I’m on my second roll already. I was really impressed with the quality of the vinyl. It’s thicker than the regular vinyl and does great when working on projects like a calender, because it prepositions well if you are going nuts trying to line everything up.
To make my calender it was super easy to just design a few shapes in the Silhouette software and start cutting. Because I have a Portrait with only a 9″ cutting space, I simply rolled my vinyl out and cut it into sheets that I could put on my cutting mat. I tried doing it with out my cutting mat and it slipped a little, but once I added the mat there was no problem.
As my shapes were cutting I started applying the pieces to my fridge. I used a dry erase marker to grid out my spacing and make sure everything was lined up right. I think if I was to redo this project the best plan of action would be to use masking tape, which they even have in 1/4 in for quilters, to plan out my design. That would have ensured everything was straight and even, more so than lines that erase easily.
I found chalk markers at my local craft store that have worked very well with this vinyl. All you have to do is wipe it off with a damp cloth when you are ready to change the months and they come in different colors so everything can be color coded. YAY!
Since my fridge is right by our back door I think this was a great place for the calender. It is easy to check on the way out to see what we have planned for our week. I hope with the busyness of the school year this will make it easier to keep the families schedule organized.
Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?
My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so check out the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration!
1. Weekend Craft // 2. From Wine to Whine // 3. Life After Laundry // 4. Adventures in All Things Food // 5. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 6. Sowdering About // 7. The Kim Six Fix // 8. Architecture of a Mom // 9. greylustergirl.com // 10. Please Excuse My Craftermath // 11. Simply Kelly Designs // 12. My Paper Craze // 13. Sweet Tea & Saving Grace // 14. Black and White Obsession // 15. Ginger Snap Craft // 16. It Happens in a Blink // 17. Creative Ramblings // 18. Little Blue’s Room
Becky @ My Paper Craze
Wow, this is amazing! I know what my next home project will be!
Kelly Hedgespeth of Simply Kelly Designs
I love this idea Brenna! I have some of the chalkboard vinyl but haven’t used it yet. You’ve got me thinking now.
Trisha D.
Girl, your project is off the charts!! Totally brilliant idea to use chalkboard vinyl! We’re always erasing things that change or crossing things out when in all reality we should have just started with chalkboard to begin with! Great work girl!
Angela @Little Blue's Room
Brenna, I LOVE it! I’ve never used the chalkboard vinyl in my machine before (I have some smaller pieces I’ve used for other crafts). I’ll have to check it out. What a great way to keep organized and believe me, when your baby heads off to school and all those papers start coming home with dates to remember you’ll be one glad mama that you did this! ๐
Kristy gd
WOW!!! Putting chalkboard vinyl on the fridge for a calendar is just genius! Well done!
Michelle from Weekend Craft
This came out so great Brenna! I’ve had chalkboard vinyl for awhile and I haven’t tried it yet. I think it may be mixed in with my black vinyl now!
Kathleen @ Fearlessly Creative Mammas
I really love this! Such a great idea. I hope that you can enjoy your time with your son in school. Find some fun projects to do while he’s gone.
Julie Propst
Love this idea Brenna. Even though my children are grown, I can still use it to keep up with my grandchildren:) I have ordered my Silhouette, I can’t wait till it gets here!
Karen Marie Kedzuch
Brenna,
I was just thinking this might even be a good organization flow for blogging too. Schedules are important to keep everyone feeling calm during this hectic world.
Thank you for sharing your creativity,
Karen Marie
Dragonfly & Lily Pads
Kirsten
I love this calendar!! It’s huge and fabulous! Great job ๐