Here's the article:DIY Wall Calendar That Keeps Your Family on Track
Are you tired of the daily scramble? The "Where's my soccer practice?" and the "Did someone remember to take the chicken out of the freezer?" questions that echo through your home? I get it. For years, our family life felt like a chaotic whirlwind. We were constantly missing appointments, double-booking events, and generally feeling like we were just barely holding it all together.
Then I discovered the power of the wall calendar. Not just any wall calendar, mind you. A big, beautiful, custom-made DIY wall calendar that we createdtogetheras a family.
And guess what? It changed everything.
Suddenly, everyone knew what was happening and when. No more frantic last-minute searches for cleats. No more forgotten birthdays. Just a sense of calm, organized control that permeated our home. If you’re ready to ditch the chaos and embrace a more organized family life, stick with me. I'm going to show you how to create your own DIY wall calendar that will actually keep your family on track.
Why a DIY Wall Calendar Works (When Others Don't)
Let's be honest: We've all tried to get organized before. Digital calendars are great, but they're often buried in our phones, easily forgotten, or simply ignored by the kids. Pre-printed wall calendars from the store are nice, but they often don't have enough space for all the things we need to write down. And let's face it, they can be a bit…boring.
Here’s why a DIY wall calendar is different: It's Visible and Centralized: It's big, it's bold, and it's hanging right there in a high-traffic area, like the kitchen or entryway. No more excuses for forgetting! It's Customizable: You can design it to fit your family's specific needs and style. Need extra space for meal planning? No problem! Want to incorporate chore charts? Go for it! It's Collaborative: The process of creating the calendar together fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. When everyone is involved, everyone is more likely to pay attention. It's Fun!Let's not underestimate the power of making something yourself. It's a great way to bond as a family and unleash your creativity.
Getting Started:Planning Your Perfect Calendar
Before you dive into the crafting supplies, it's important to take some time to plan your calendar. Think about these key factors:
1. Location, Location, Location!
Where will your calendar hang? The kitchen is a popular choice, but consider your family's habits and routines. Do you spend more time in the dining room? The entryway? Choose a spot that everyone sees regularly. Measure the available space and make a note of the dimensions. This will help you determine the size of your calendar.
2. Size and Layout
Think about how much you need to write for each day. Are you just noting appointments, or are you also including meal plans, chores, and reminders? Consider a large format calendar if you need ample writing space. You could opt for a monthly layout, a weekly layout, or even a combination of both. My preference is a large monthly calendar with smaller weekly side sections. That way, I can see the big picture while also having room for more detailed planning.
3. Materials You’ll Need
The beauty of a DIY project is that you can use whatever materials you have on hand. However, here are some suggestions to get you started: A Large Surface: This could be a piece of plywood, foam board, a large sheet of paper, or even an old whiteboard. Markers and Pens: Dry-erase markers are essential if you’re using a whiteboard. Otherwise, use a variety of colorful markers and pens for adding dates, appointments, and decorations. Ruler and Measuring Tape: For precise lines and measurements. Tape or Glue: To secure grid lines or decorative elements. Stencils (Optional): If you're not confident in your freehand skills, stencils can help you create neat letters and numbers. Decorative Elements (Optional): Stickers, washi tape, photos, or even paint can add personality to your calendar.
4. Gathering Input From The Family
The best way to ensure your DIY calendar works is to get everyone involved in the planning process. Sit down with your family and discuss their needs and preferences. Ask them:
What information do they want to see on the calendar?
What colors and designs do they like?
Who will be responsible for updating the calendar?
What type of events should be included? (sports, birthdays, lessons, etc.)
Step-by-Step: Creating Your DIY Wall Calendar
Okay, you've done the planning, gathered your supplies, and consulted with your family. Now it's time to get crafty! Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own DIY wall calendar:
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by preparing your chosen surface. If you're using a piece of plywood or foam board, you may want to paint it a light color to create a clean background. Let it dry completely before moving on.
Step 2: Create the Grid
Use a ruler and marker to create the grid for your calendar. If you're making a monthly calendar, divide the surface into equal squares or rectangles to represent each day. For a weekly calendar, create rows for each day of the week.
Pro Tip: Use a light pencil to draw the grid first, then trace over it with a darker marker once you're happy with the layout.
Step 3: Add the Dates and Days of the Week
Use stencils or freehand to write the dates and days of the week in each box. Get creative with fonts and colors! Consider using a different color for weekends or holidays.
Step 4: Decorate and Personalize
This is where you can really let your creativity shine! Add stickers, washi tape, photos, or drawings to personalize your calendar. Consider using different colors to represent different family members or types of activities. For example, you could use blue for Dad's appointments, pink for Mom's, and green for the kids' activities.
Step 5: Hang It Up!
Once your calendar is complete, find a sturdy way to hang it on the wall. Depending on the material you used, you may need to use nails, screws, or heavy-duty adhesive strips. Make sure it's securely fastened so it doesn't fall down.
Tips and Tricks for a Successful Calendar
Creating the calendar is only half the battle. Here are some tips and tricks for making sure it actually works for your family: Establish a Routine: Make it a habit to update the calendar regularly, ideally at the same time each week. Assign Responsibility: Designate one person (or rotate responsibility) to be in charge of keeping the calendar up-to-date. Make it Accessible: Keep markers and pens within easy reach of the calendar. Communicate Clearly: Use clear and concise language when writing on the calendar. Avoid abbreviations or jargon that other family members might not understand. Embrace Flexibility: Life happens! Don't be afraid to adjust your calendar as needed. The goal is to create a system that works for your family, not to stick to a rigid plan. Have Fun!Remember, this is a family project. Enjoy the process of creating and using your DIY wall calendar.
People Also Ask
What if I'm not crafty? Don't worry! You don't need to be an artist to create a functional wall calendar. Focus on simplicity and practicality. Even a basic grid with clear handwriting can be effective. How do I get my kids to use the calendar?Make it fun! Let them decorate their own sections of the calendar and involve them in the planning process. Also, make it a rule that everyone checks the calendar each day. What if we have a lot of events?Use a color-coding system to differentiate between different types of events. You can also use smaller stickers or icons to represent specific activities. What's the best type of marker to use?If you're using a whiteboard, dry-erase markers are essential. For other surfaces, use permanent markers for dates and headings and washable markers for appointments and notes. This avoids smudging, but still makes it easy to change the calendar if needed.
One Last Tip:Celebrate the Small Wins
Remember, the goal of your DIY wall calendar is to bring more organization and calm into your family life. Don't get discouraged if things don't go perfectly at first. Celebrate the small wins, like remembering an appointment or avoiding a double-booking. With a little effort and patience, your DIY wall calendar will become an indispensable tool for keeping your family on track. Now go get crafty!