For years and years, my father-in-law has put together a family calendar showcasing family photos from the previous year. He has it printed up at Kinko's, and it has been fun for well over a decade now to hang that on our wall.
On my side of the family, my sister-in-law brought the same tradition from her family when she married my brother. Her tradition is to highlight (via photos) each person in the family on the month of his/her birthday, which is so fun. She, too, had it printed at Kinko's. And then we had two family calendars hanging on our wall side-by-side.
About the time my sister went to working nights full-time as a nurse, Heritage Makers added calendars to their product line. I knew she was swamped and exhausted, and I had a little more time, so I asked her if she wanted me to do the calendar. She was so relieved! And I gave Heritage Makers calendars a try. The result was GORGEOUS. I've been the calendar-maker of the family ever since. She loves being on the receiving end now.
Plus, I have a go-to Christmas gift now for my whole side of the family every year! Win-win.
Then I had an amazing idea inspired by Family Search for my 2020 calendar. I can't wait to show you! But first let me tell you my favorite thing about making calendars with Heritage Makers.
2021 UPDATE: If you're having some technical trouble with Heritage Makers at the moment (a new platform is coming in 2022), click here to see another high-quality option for creating amazing family calendars! There is a simple platform with lots of 12x18 calendars to choose from, and a fully-creative option with 4 sizes to choose from. Contact me if you have any questions!
The thing I love the most about Heritage Makers calendars--aside from the quality--is that there are so many possibilities! There are 5 sizes to choose from, including one that doubles as a scrap page for the next year.
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The largest calendar is 11x16. |
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This Now & Later Calendar comes in 12x18 or 8x12, and the top tears off to save as a scrapbook page! |
No matter which size I choose, I can make it exactly what I want it to be--no template-caused restrictions (even when I choose to use one) and so much gorgeous digital art ("clip art") available right in the program for me to use at no cost!
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This little Desktop Calendar is 10x4. |
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The 11x8.5 calendar has a coil wire in the middle. |
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The 11x8.5 calendar, closed. |