For the past year, a little calendar has sat on the corner of my desk and helped me keep track of the date. Space is at a premium on my little desk, and this one resides in a CD case so it doesn't take up much room. I thought when I bought it that it was a clever concept and one that would be easy to duplicate.
So I've been playing around in Photoshop putting a new one together. Photoshop is such a complex program, and I tend to work in a rather narrow area editing photos so this is the perfect project to experiment with digital brushes and increase my understanding of layers.
For several years, I've been downloading free brushes when someone recommended them or I stumbled on designs that appealed to me, but I rarely use them. Most of the brushes I used on the calendar were from Jason Gaylor but I had a few from Two Peas(September, November and December) as well. And in several cases, the images created with the brushes were further enhanced with standard shapes available in Photoshop.
Here's how they turned out:
Creating them was fun and a good way to improve my skills, and I have a new little calendar all ready to go. And (donning my Santa hat) I want you to have one, too...an early Christmas present from me to you. You can add one to the corner of your desk or maybe you're in need of a little something for a gift exchange or for...say, the mailman, and this would work. At any rate, I'm happy to share.
The files are in .pdf format so you'll need Acrobat Reader to view and print them. If you don't already have it on your computer, you can get a free download here. When the print menu pops up, make sure the Page Scaling is set to None...you'll see it about half-way down on the left. That will insure that you'll get the right size to fit in the CD case. There's a thin black line around each month's page as a cutting guide. Cut the line off entirely and your page should fit perfectly inside a CD case.
Download Cover
Download Jan-Feb
Download Mar-Apr
Download May-June
Download Jul-Aug
Download Sept-Oct
Download Nov-Dec
With any luck, it will all work just fine but if not, e-mail me...the link is under my photo. Feel free to share the word with others, if you like. The calendar is here for anyone who would like to have it.
I still hope to create and post new pages for the planner from last year but there's a few things on the list ahead of that...like Christmas. I might be ready for 2009 but I'm not ready for Christmas!
I love it Brenda - what a clever idea!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. This will be perfect for my desk too!
One of the things on my "to do for 2009" is to learn some Photoshop skills.:)
We have 2-5 inches of snow coming our way tonight - and more forecast for Thursday - enjoy your sunshine.:)
Posted by: Linda J | December 16, 2008 at 06:20 AM
Thank you! The images and layout are amazing! I'm leaving today to meet my new grandson - who will be arriving Sat. or Sun.!!! When I get home, I plan to print out the calendar first thing. Thank you again for the gift of your talent.
Posted by: Angie | December 16, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Brenda! Oh my, this is just gorgeous! you totally outdid yourself friend! THANK YOU! hugs!
Posted by: Leslie Herbert | December 16, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Thanks Brenda! It's so darn cute and I love it. Going to print one out! Neat gift idea too! One for them and one for me! Ho Ho Ho
Posted by: sandee | December 16, 2008 at 10:46 AM
This project is darling! I love how you've showed off the possibilities of using brushes while keeping the overall design so simple & clean. Great work!
Posted by: Molly Newman | December 16, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Brenda - Thank you so much for sharing. I love it! I am going to print one out for me and one for my boss's wife as we both need the space on our desks too!!
Would you mind sharing what kind of paper you printed yours on.
Thank you again!! Happy Holidays!!
Bev
Posted by: Bev | December 16, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Absolutely lovely, Brenda! Merry Christmas! :)
Posted by: susan opel | December 16, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Thank you! I can't wait to print this for my counter at the lss where I work! I will make sure I tell everyone who "gave" it to me! Merry Xmas!
Posted by: Sherri Thompson | December 17, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Thank you so much for your great kindness. This calander is beautiful.
Posted by: Teri M. | December 17, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Thank you so much for your great kindness. This calander is beautiful.
Posted by: Teri M. | December 17, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Brenda, this is fantastic! Thank you SO much!
Posted by: Jingle | December 17, 2008 at 12:52 PM
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING! This is SO cute!!! You did a great job, now when I look at my new calendar, I will think of you! :)
Posted by: Cori | December 17, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Thank you for such a wonderful gift. These are beautiful templates!
Posted by: Lisa | December 17, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Hi! Thanks so much for sharing this! What do you suggest that I print it out on? Photo paper or Cardstock? Thanks!
Melissa
OKC, OK :)
Posted by: Melissa | December 18, 2008 at 03:57 PM
How cute! Thanks for sharing!!!Deb
Posted by: Deb | December 18, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this, you are a gem!
My favourite months are January and September, but I love them all!
I printed them on cardstock and the quality is very nice.
Have a great Cristmas!
Posted by: Carol | December 18, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Brenda, thank you so much. I am not much of a computer whiz so thanks for solving a problem for me (like Google did for you)
Posted by: Charlene | December 19, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Great calendar. In fact it is awesome. TFS.
Posted by: Janet aka Jarie | December 19, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Your projects are great inspiration. First -- the changes you made to Jessica Sprague's wonderful Stories in Hand and now inspiring me to experiment more with Photoshop. I love what you created and will look forward to the 2009 planner. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Marty | December 20, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Dear Brenda,
I love the simple but elegant designs you've created here; thank you SO much for sharing!!!
I enjoy reading your blog posts daily. :-)
Merry Christmas!
Betsy in Chicago
Posted by: Betsy | December 20, 2008 at 10:29 PM
I love this ! It will be the perfect size for my desk & I'll think of you when I look at it. I finally have power back & am glad to be online & able to keep up with your blog again. Have a wonderful holiday.
Posted by: Donna | December 21, 2008 at 11:00 PM
I loved the 2008 planner! This is a terrific calendar. I am thankful that there are great people like you who are creative and technological enough to create things like this and then be so generous as to share! I hope you can make the 2008 planner work- I love mine! My friends are jealous and I would love for them to make their own. Thanks for all your creativity and generosity! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Posted by: debbycruises | December 23, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Love this calendar - googled and found your blog by looking for a planner - can't wait for the 2009 updates for that. Have a great holiday season - thanks for sharing - Nancy
Posted by: Nancy LeB | December 30, 2008 at 01:31 PM