The beginning of a new year offers so much hope and one can only dream of what is to come for the next 365 days.  I have many ideas and big plans for 2019 like starting up an Etsy store, continuing with the monthly card packs, introducing a few card classes, attending more handmade markets, and experimenting with mixed media on my cards.  I am full of excitement for the new year and can’t wait to share my projects here on the blog, Facebook (Birdwing Paper Designs), and on Instagram (@ellefedynak).

To start the year off, I don’t have any cards to show… yet, but I do have a calendar to share.

I cannot take full credit for the awesomeness of this calendar because it was created with  the help of two very talented local ladies.  The amazing photos used in this project were taken by Baby Bee Photography and the calendar with a cute little stand is from Lasting Moments Co.

The paper and stickers used on the calendar were from the Big Plans Memories and More Card Pack from Stampin’ Up!.  The colours are so fresh and they balance the black and white photos perfectly.

With the calendar, photos, and card pack in hand, I went to work planning the layout for all 12 months. Because the calendar has months printed on both sides, I used two sets of calendars to help with the planning.

And… the finished 5″ x 7″ calendar…

I only had enough photos to cover 6 of the months, so the other 6 months have words of inspiration.  And the paper background for April is a gorgeous floral with a silver foil outline!

The kids are the focus for their birthday months of May and June.  I love these photos!!

To add a little variety in design, I used a larger 3.5″ x 5″ photo, smaller 2″ x 3″ photos, and, like the one below, a 3″ x 3″ square photo.  This photo is one of my faves because I know how hard it was for my 10 year old boy to stand that close to his sister!!

Now that I am finished a calendar for myself, I have to start working on one for my husband to display in his office.  Although, I may have to rethink the colour scheme and floral accents because I am sure he would prefer something a bit more masculine! (Updated: Part 2 of the 2019 Calendar is here.)

Happy New Year to you and I hope you come back throughout the year to see all the new projects and get some card design inspiration!

Leah