If you’re like me, you love the idea of a cute, personalized calendar sitting on your desk. A calendar that not only keeps you organized but also adds a splash of creativity to your workspace. That’s why I decided to make my own DIY Watercolor Desktop Calendar! It’s an easy and relaxing project, and the result is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind.
Ready to get creative?
You First Task? Grab the list below:
- Watercolor paper (the one that is thick enough to handle the paint)
- Watercolor paints (I prefer pastel shades)
- Different sizes of paintbrushes
- A small easel or photo stand
- A ruler and pencil
- Calendar printouts/ stencils (if you prefer not to handwrite the months and days)
- Fine-tip marker or pen
Step 1: Plan Your Calendar Layout
The real deal starts with planning and visualizing your watercolor desktop calendar. Let me tell you mine:
I made 12 small watercolor pieces, one for each month of the year. You can follow the same or keep it simple with just the month’s name and dates. You can also get creative and add some fun designs, like flowers, abstract shapes, or even seasonal elements.
Step 2: Let the Craft Work Begin
Cut your watercolor paper into 12 equal-sized cards, one for each month. Try the 4×6-inch size, or you can adjust it based on your space.
Step 3: Let’s Paint
Here’s where you can let your creativity flow. You don’t need to be a professional artist, as watercolor’s unpredictability makes every stroke unique.
Here’s how I created mine:
- Wet the paper lightly before adding paint to create soft, blended backgrounds.
- I did a different color theme for each month.
- Blues and purples for January, warm yellows and oranges for summer months, and rich reds and browns for fall. You can choose colors that represent how each month feels to you!
- Layer your designs: After the background dries, you can add simple patterns and shapes. Or go with seasonal symbols like snowflakes for winter months or flowers for spring.
- It’s your calendar, so you can keep it as minimal or as detailed.
Step 4: Add the Calendar Details
Once your watercolor backgrounds are dry, it’s time to add the months, days, and dates. You can either write them out or use pre-printed calendar templates that you stick on top of your watercolor designs.
What did I do?
I wrote down months at the top of each card using a fine-tip marker. I went for a mix of calligraphy and simple block lettering. Further, I include days and numbers with a bit of extra decoration like dots, hearts, and starts. You can use the stencil way or go creative with your writing.
Step 5: Display Your Calendar
Now that your 12 beautiful watercolor calendar cards are done, it’s time to place them. Take a small wooden easel or photo stand to display your calendar on your desk. Each month, you can simply swap out the card for the new one. If you’re feeling extra crafty, you can even make a small wooden frame to house your calendar cards and flip through them as the months go by.