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It’s nearing the end of the year. If you’re a wall calendar user, it’s almost time to swap for 2020. Here’s an idea to upcycle and repurpose the 2019 calendar you’ve enjoyed this year.

I used my Curated Quilts wall calendar, which is perfect for these simple cards since they are one sided pages on white cardstock and blank on the back. Scroll to the bottom for an adaptation for other types of calendars.

I started by removing the days of the month section by the perforations.

Then I trimmed the page to 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" using my rotary cutter and straight acrylic ruler. I didn’t center the quilt. Instead I shifted to show as much of the quilt as I could on the front of the card (the left side in the image above). I was mindful to keep the name of the quilt and artist on the card. This one is It's My Birthday! by Evie Jespersen.

Once trimmed, I simply folded the cards in half. You can purchase A2 size envelopes (4 3/8" x 5 3/4") wherever you purchase office supplies.

Here are my dozen new cards, blank inside to use for any occasion.

 

If you have a calendar with thinner pages or it’s printed on both sides, a simple option is to adhere your calendar images to a folded piece of cardstock. Use 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock, cut into two 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" pieces. Fold each piece in half to make 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cards. Then cut your calendar images down to 4" x 5 1/4" and adhere to the front of a card with glue stick or sewing machine stitching.

I'm participating in the 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge with Cheryl of muppin.com.

Tonight was my friend Linda's 41st annual cookie party. She's been hosting them every year since I was one. My mom has attended since the beginning. As a teen I remember waiting up for her to get home from the party to see (and taste!) what cookies everyone else made. I've been attending the party since college. It's a holiday tradition that I really enjoy.

The party consists of mostly the same familiar faces from year to year. We describe our cookie to the group, do a little craft project, play a gift exchange game with wrapped holiday ornaments we bring, and of course, taste the 12 varieties of cookies that were made by participants. This year we tasted first and voted on favorites.

When I decided to make Oreo balls, I didn't now how ridiculously easy they are to make. I just knew they were tasty. Basically, you pulverize Oreos (I used the food processor), mix with cream cheese, and form into balls. Then dip in melted chocolate. Voila! There's a little more to the technique. I used the recipe from Preppy Kitchen. I opted for semi-sweet chocolate for the dipping. and sprinkled a little Oreo dust on the outside. My daughter helped and I think she could make these solo. She has big plans to experiment with some variations with this type of cookie.

This year's cookies were a great variety and very tasty! Here's a glimpse of the rest of the cookies.

Last year my husband did the baking for me.

What are your favorite events for the holidays?

I'm participating in the 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge with Cheryl of muppin.com.

Today, I thought I'd take an opportunity to share some of my favorite Etsy sellers. Maybe you have some last minute gift shopping to do. Maybe you want to buy yourself something nice. Maybe you just like to look at pretty things. Here are some of my favorite Etsy shops that I think you'll enjoy!

Beth S Macre - Whimsical Art and Clay designed to make you Smile

Clever Notions Designs - Bags, books, and more

Downstairs Designs - Practical indulgences for you and your home

Grecny Art - Comic book art, home decor and accessories.

Hammerly Ceramics - Handmade colorful mugs, rough texture planters and more

Just Add Sunshine Inc - Just Add Sunshine

LZ Pencils - LZ Pencils

Made by CBK - Ocean Inspired Folk Art Decor

Nutmeg Designs - Mosaic & Stained Glass: House Numbers, Words, Pendants

Pink Robyn Designs - Hand-Lettered Art

Rock Baby Scissors - Handmade Items for Life

Rosanna Diggs - Modern Embroidery Originals, Kits, Patterns, & Cards

Texturize Your Eyes - Woven textile art and mixed media

 

I'm participating in the 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge with Cheryl of muppin.com.