A Roundup of Free & Fab Calendar Downloads... You know, REALLY free ones!

There's nothing like seeing a pin on Pinterest, celebrating a gorgeous free download, only to follow the bread crumbs to a request for your email, or a requirement to download install software (always makes me nervous), or, worst of all, a dollar sign. I've followed many trails to find several fab pins that truly are free. I'm sharing the downloads and projects you can make with them on Studio 5 this morning at 11:00.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: All calendars are intended for personal use only. I do not own the rights to these images. I am simply compiling a list of my favs. Enjoy!

FREEBIE #1: Striking Succulents by Wonder and Wildness

This one prints beautifully on regular printer paper. It's simple yet on trend and elegant, just right for adding some fresh green to these gray winter days.

FREEBIE #2: Natural Beauty by Hanna Nilsson Design

This is a two-for-one deal. You can choose from the feather or the lovely florals.

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FREEBIE #3: Glamping Happiness by The Cottage Market

You know me and glampers--I can't get enough. This is a year at a glance, making it an ideal option to print and frame.

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FREEBIE #4: Mermaid Magic by The Cottage Market

Confession: I grabbed this one with my five-year-old in mind, but it ended up being one of my favs. Think my daughter will notice if I snag it for my room? I had fun printing this one and stitching it to art paper, which I sprayed using Prima's awesome Color Bloom spray ink. I then used the beautiful new Make Waves mermaid line by Close to My Heart to dress the artwork up further. It didn't take long before I had a calendar that makes quite the splash!

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FREEBIE #5: Classically Clean by Paper Trail Design

I love this one because it offers a blank slate. It's clean and graphic and works awesome as is or opens up a world of easy embellishing ideas.

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FREEBIE #6: Planner/Calendar Inserts by Eliza Ellis

If you want to add calendar inserts to your day planner, this source is a wealth of awesome options. It includes download choices for various planner sizes, as well as different color choices.

Calendar Printing Pointers

1. Feel free to adjust the percentage at which it prints to customize the size to fit your needs. For example, for a full-size calendar, print at 100%. For a smaller desktop size, try resizing to 50-70%. Typically, you can adjust the percentage in the print preview screen before you hit print.

2. Give your home-printed calendar more oomph by printing on cardstock or simply adhering your printer paper version to cardstock using glue.

Thanks

A giant thanks to the talented folks who designed these pretty calendars and offered them up as TRUE freebies. No strings attached; just lovely artwork for us to enjoy. SO nice!

Happy 2018, friends!

Paper Crafting with Patches

"Sew it, stick it, do somethin' with it." That's the tagline on the packaging of one of the patches. Isn't it perfect?! There is so much you can do with these little textured treats. Whether you sew it on or use it as a sticker, you're sure enjoy working with this up and coming crafting trend. Think beyond clothing and backpacks to paper crafting. Patches are a quick and easy way to add texture without adding bulk. Use them on albums, scrapbook pages, cards, gift wrap, and home decor. 

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About the Patch

Many are sticky-backed, some are iron-ons, and others are meant to be stitched on. 

Like the enamel pins, patches seem to be a throwback to the '80s. They're back in a big way! Of course, you can use them on your clothing. In fact, many clothes are currently designed with patch designs already in place, like this cute Cat & Jack pack that I picked up at Target (which Maggie promptly claimed as her own).

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Where Are They?

Patches are available locally at stores such as Target, Michaels, and Hot Topic. You can also find them online. There are so many to choose from. You'll find something for everybody. Try searching "iron-on patches" or "embroidered patches." I have a Pinterest board with a few fun possibilities. Prepare to be '80s inspired! ;)

Paper Craft Using Patches

Pair patches with fabric bags to create fun gift wrap or even add them directly to the fabric liner of your planner. Both are fun iron-on options. The peel-and-stick variety stick very well, so proceed with caution but also know they'll stay put, even on textured surfaces like this awesome Jillibean Soup frame.

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Of course, patches are a natural partner to pair with paper projects. They're flat, so they work well on scrapbook pages.

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Maggie loved making a quick card and gift bag. You might say these are stickers with pizazz, making they quite kid friendly.

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Some are small enough to make awesome planner extras. Taco Tuesday anyone?

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As Seen On TV

I'll share even more ideas today at 11:00 AM on Studio 5 (Utah channel 5 if you're in the 'hood, otherwise, you can watch live streaming here).

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Thanks to My Production Assistant

I have to give a special shoutout to my help. She made going to the show more fun (which I didn't know could be possible). Thanks, Mags!

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Upcoming Classes

I'm so excited to have four local classes coming up. I'd love to see you at any or all of them. Space is extremely limited, but I'd be happy to give you dibs. To receive an e-mail when class sign-ups are posted, please email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com and I'll add you to my mailing list. I hope to see you there! :) The classes are:

1. Wreath Making

2. Creative Planning (November and December classes)

3. Creative Journaling Using a Bullet Journal

Cheers!

Upcoming Planner Class

I'm so excited to introduce my next planner course. It's Friday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 at Paper Crush--the cutest little shop in Lehi, Utah! I sure hope to see you there. Here's where you sign up.

Also, in honor of some awesome new goodies coming out this fall and the segment I did on Studio 5 today, I have a giveaway happening over on my Instagram account. Woot! You can win delights from American Crafts, Simple Stories/Carpe Diem, Fancy Pants Designs, Freckled Fawn, and Jillibean Soup.

Cheers!