Warm Wishes Mini Card Calendar

          Warm Wishes Calendar

                                           

This card is designed similar to an Advent Calendar. There are actually 32 card slots of various sizes. I personally love the little 1x1 inch ones! The recipient can take out a card each day for a warm message. Without numbers, this calendar can begin at any time. My calendar specifically was made for a friend going through an illness. She has a difficult month ahead. I thought this might cheer her up and give her strength when she has moments of doubt. These cards contain uplifting messages and many have scripture verses for my friend. 

                                                                 Planning

To make the calendar, I used a leftover 12 x 12 inch page protector from Becky Higgins Project Life scrapbooking system. There are 8 slots for photos. I used my sewing machine to make more pockets. I did make a basic sketch before sewing. Blue lines show the original pockets and pink lines are sewing lines for new pockets. 

Sewing the Pockets

 

           

I want to be clear. I am not a seamstress and do not make clothes. If you have a machine and can sew a straight line, you can do this. It really doesn't take any sewing talent! 

Making the Cards

  

Next I made the cards to fit each pocket. Because I am not precise at sewing, I measured each pocket, then made the mini card. Most cards use a white card base. I also used an Exacto knife to cut a slit for card to slip in the new pockets. 

To make your work easier, I suggest stenciling some card panels and using them to cut for card fronts. I used the Aspen Sky stencil, Tea Potpourri, and Sweather Pattern to make a panel of each. I used coordinating fall color inks. I did plan the tree in 3 card pockets that would make the tree complete vertically. I used the stamp from the mini-delight Regal Frame set on two cards. I also die cut and assembled pumpkins with Pretty Pumpkins dies and mugs from My Favorite Mugs die set. I stamped the chipmunk (did you think it was a squirrel like I did?!) and cut some leaves from Garden Friend set. I had some florals leftover from the Cozy Comfort Retreat from the set Embroidered Florals. 

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I stamped small sentiments on the front of some cards and completed the inside with another sentiment, handwritten Bible verse or words of cheer. 

Making the Topper Piece 

 

The top of the calendar needed to be more sturdy. I cut a piece of corrugated cardboard from the side of an Altenew box. I glued this inside a folded piece of cardstock, leaving some paper as an edge to later attach to the top of the calendar. Sewing the header to the top of the calendar was a little tricky. I used a straight stitch but wanted to reinforce it with several rows of stitching. I knew it was unlikely I'd sew 3 perfectly straight rows, so I went with purposely messy lines. I like the look! Lastly, I attached the "warm wishes" (cut from leftover Sweater Weather stenciled card panel) with foam tape and adhered leaves with inked edges. I also added a little tag to put with my gift. 

Making this altered item project was a requirement for my Altenew Educator Certification Program Level 2. It has been a fun creative journey through the level 2 classes. The altered or recycled project for both level 1 and level 2 stretched me outside of my box. 

If you are looking for uplifting sentiments for someone going through an illness,  difficult times,  or need to send condolences, I suggest the Starry Flowers set from Altenew. I've used these sentiments many times. 

Altenew Supplies:

Sweater Pattern stencil,  Aspen Sky stencil, Mini Delight Garden Friend stamps & dies, Starry Flowers sentiment stamps, Alluring Orchids sentiment stamps, Paint-a-Flower Sets (Tulips, Hydrangea, Iris, Waterlily Dahlia) sentiments, *Tea Potpourri Stencil, *My Favorite Mugs dies,  *Warm & Cozy Sentiments dies

*from Cozy Comfort Retreat 

Altenew Inks: Delectable Delights set, Coffee Break Set, Sun-Kissed Delights set, Summer Afternoon set. Woodland Escapes set, Eucalyptus, Evening Gray 

Gina K Supplies: Powder Blue ink, Connect Glue

Cardstock remnants from various manufacturers, Creative Memories tag punch, Becky Higgins Project Life 12x12 inch photo sleeve