How to Make a Reusable Dry Erase Wall Calendar
When we were in the process of planning out our kitchen renovation and working on the layout with Cabinets To Go, I knew I wanted a large pantry with more cabinetry next to it so that we could have an extra bit of counter space in addition to the L shaped part of the kitchen. Our old house had an amazing kitchen island that our neighbor built, and we used that extra counter space all the time. However, because this wall was far enough removed from where we cooked, we didn’t need a backsplash above it, and I figured we could cut the extra cost of a little more backsplash. Initially I thought we might hang more open shelving there, but the more I thought about it, the more I knew we didn’t need shelving. What we needed was a space to help keep our family organized. For the last year, I’ve had a paper calendar in the closet, and when I need to check schedules or see what’s going on that week, I’ve had to go open the closet. I am well aware that I could put all of my calendar information in my phone, but call me old-fashioned, I really like to see it all written out in front of me. I knew that a large reusable calendar was exactly the thing I needed on that wall! It was a large space to fill, and the lucite calendar I was eyeing was $550 in the size that I desired. Yikes! I just couldn’t see spending that much money on a calendar, no matter how cool it looked or how many years of use I would get out of it. Well, I was in my basement one day, when I spied my beautiful horse print that just hadn’t found a place on our walls in this house, when I had a lightbulb moment… what if I could create a calendar print to put in that huge frame (which featured plexiglass) and save myself some major money? Of course, I didn’t have the graphic skills to create it on my own, so I enlisted the help of my friend Bryant. (This post contains affiliate links. I am also an Amazon associate and receive a small commission on links used here to their shop. Thank you so much for supporting my blog!)
The frame that I had on hand was a specific size, since I was working with what I had. It was 30×40 and happened to be the perfect size for our kitchen wall. Once I realized just how right the size was for the wall, I knew what I h ad to do! Before proceeding, I double-checked to make sure this frame would in fact fit… I was working in the confines of this one space, and had to stay below the light fixture and above the outlet. Catcher was a huge help, as you can see.
After confirming that it was in fact perfect, I sat down at my computer and tried to create a design. I am no graphic artist, and could not for the life of me figure out how to create it and make it so that the resolution would work at such a large size. A lightbulb went off! My friend, graphic artist Bryant, worked with me to create Wilder’s custom print which is now available in his shop.
He also created the piece that is in my entry, though that one wasn’t custom. He just has awesome printables in his shop and I selected that one because it’s so rad!
His modern look is exactly what I was going for, so I enlisted his help! Now let’s talk about what you need to create your own DIY wall calendar!
Materials Needed
- Calendar download (available in almost every scale to suit the needs of whatever frame you have laying around!)
- Frame with plexiglass (you can use what you have, or create the size and look you need with Custom Picture Frames, and use code CASSIE20 to get 20% off! It’s a fraction of the cost of that original frame. With your discount a 30×40 would be approximately $68 in a similar gold finish, but they have several other options available as well.)
- Inexpensive printing source (I love Costco, but my calendar was too large for them, so I used Gotprint and my poster was beautiful quality and only $33).
- Dry erase markers (I like these fine tip ones, so I can fit several items on one day of my calendar.)
Instructions
Find a frame you already own to use, or figure out where exactly your calendar will go, and what size will work best for your wall space. If you don’t have a frame, head to Bryant’s shop, and check out the dimensions he has available in the printable. (As I mentioned, he has almost every size imaginable, but if you don’t already have a frame, you will want to pick your print size first so you know what size frame to order.)
Once you’ve received your printable download, save it and head to Costco printing or Gotprint for what I consider to be the best prices available. Always check for promo codes! I use the honey app on my computer, and it automatically checks for available promo codes to get you the best deals on several retail websites. (I know it works on Amazon, but I haven’t tried Costco yet.) It’s free to use, and doesn’t interfere with anything on the computer, so I love that it always gets me the best available prices. If you haven’t already added it to your computer, I strongly recommend it! I added it before Christmas and it saved me some money on order gifts for the kids and Chris.
If you don’t have a frame on hand you’re using, now is the time to order that frame from Custom Picture Frames. They are super quick in their creation and delivery, and you can get virtually any size you need in the look you desire. Both my entry print with the black frame, and the Wilder quote in Wilder’s room with the wood frame feature Custom Picture Frames. They have great prices, plexiglass, and all sorts of styles to suit you. Just don’t forget to use CASSIE20 for 20% off your order!
Now all you have to do is wait for everything to come in, put it together, and hang it on your wall!
Let’s imagine that I didn’t have a frame on hand and had ordered mine, and break down the cost for you.
- Downloaded printable in 30×40: $5.99
- Custom Picture Frame with discount code: $68
- Gotprint 30×40 print plus shipping: $43.30
- Dry erase marker set: currently $8.99
- TOTAL: $126.28
Do you see that total? $126.28 compared to $550 for the lucite calendar in about the same size. that is less than 1/4 of the price!
For a fraction of the price, I have a huge reusable dry erase calendar that our family can use for years to come. I love that it’s somewhere we can all see, and it helps us all stay aware of what’s going on each day, where we need to be, who needs a ride to wherever, etc… In truth, this little piece of wall real estate has been a life saver to me.
I will let you in on a little secret- I do still keep a monthly calendar in the closet, so that I can keep track of things happening in future months… and then as the month changes, I transfer all of those items to this dry erase calendar. I am not always the most organized human being, but this is one way that truly helps me stay on top of things. Are you old fashioned like me? Do you prefer to have a calendar on your wall, or are you totally into your app?
If you create this calendar for your own home, I would love to see it! Send photos of it in your space to me at [email protected].