Inspired by…Catalogs

A couple of years ago, I started making calendars out of catalogs I received in the mail…Anthropologie, J.Crew, Free People, Urban Outfitters…it’s an endless list. I would take the photos that inspired me and make collages to create a lovely calendar that I would not mind looking at 365 days a year! Once my friends and family started seeing them, they were asking me to make them one, too!

Catalogs are a great source of inspiration for me. First of all they are FREE and you can sign up for as many as you would like. Second it is a great way to see how the clothes you may purchase are styled and worn on an actual human being, rather than a mannequin. It gives me so many ideas on outfits, how to style particular items and new trends that have just come to the surface.

Once I start making calendars out of my used catalogs, I continued on to note cards, gift cards and even gift-wrapping. I get so many compliments on this extra little step I take. I love people’s reaction because it looks like you spent so much time and money, yet in reality it takes no longer than 10 minutes. So if you are of the creative nature and looking for a new project…dig out those catalogs from the trash and put them to good use!

Creating your own calendar:

1. Collect all the old and new catalogs you have lying around
2. Print out a 12-month calendar on your computer (I have used both excel or my email account). You can use either white or colored paper, whatever you prefer.
3. Pick your calendar background. I have used two different backgrounds, either an actual catalog and pasting the calendar and collages right on the back of the pages so it flips down. Or I have gone to a craft store and picked up backing that you use in scrap booking and connected each front and back with string or ribbon.
4. Start to create your collages…I usually theme mine around the month!
5. Put it all together and voila you have your very own inspired calendar!