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Anastasiia Tysevych – Czech Republic
Tamara Morton – United Kingdom
Today we’re sharing a project that blends beauty, structure, and everyday usefulness. Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador Maria Smeshkova has created a stunning handmade disc-bound calendar titled “My Year in Notes” using our Journaling Through Time paper collection. This thoughtfully designed calendar is more than a planner — it’s a decorative piece you’ll enjoy all year long. In this post, you’ll find Maria’s inspiring video tutorial, detailed project insights, and helpful tips to guide you in creating your own functional keepsake calendar.
Inspiration for creating a decorative yet practical handmade calendar
Clever pocket-and-mini-notebook design for notes and reminders
Tips for working with a disc-bound system
Ideas for keeping layouts cohesive across multiple pages
Encouragement to start your project any time of year
Complete supply list featuring the Journaling Through Time collection
“Hello everyone!
This time, I’d love to share a project that turned out to be both decorative and truly practical. It’s my handmade disc-bound calendar, “My Year in Notes.”
When I started creating this calendar, I wanted the paper to be the main focus of the project. The collection I chose works perfectly for this idea. It is elegant, balanced, and incredibly versatile. The patterns feel timeless, the colors are harmonious, and they make every page look finished without overloading the design. This paper is ideal for a project that will be used all year long.
The calendar is built on a sturdy base and assembled using a disc-binding system. This makes it flexible and easy to use; pages can be turned smoothly, added, or rearranged if needed. Each month follows the same clear structure, which keeps the entire calendar cohesive and well-organized.
On one side of each spread, there is a monthly calendar grid with space to fill in the dates by hand. On the other side, I added a pocket with a mini notebook for notes, ideas, or reminders. I really love this format. You can simply turn the calendar, take out the mini notebook, write something down, and place it back. It’s both beautiful and functional.
The first and last pages were decorated separately. For the cover page, I used die-cut letters to create the title “My Year in Notes.” All decorative elements were prepared in advance, keeping the same sizes and proportions throughout the project to maintain a clean and harmonious look.
All months are decorated in the same way, using one consistent principle. This helps the calendar feel complete and thoughtfully designed from beginning to end. Even though the calendar starts with January, I decided to begin using it from February. One of the best things about handmade projects is that they easily adapt to real life.
As a final touch, I created small dangles for the mini notebooks. These little details add movement, texture, and a playful accent, finishing the project perfectly.
This calendar shows that you don’t need to wait for the start of a new year to create something meaningful. A handmade calendar like this can be made at any time and will help organize your days, thoughts, and plans while letting you enjoy beautiful paper every single month.
How to Make a Disc-Bound Calendar Album | Graphic 45 Journaling Through Time
1. Let the Paper Shine
Choose a collection with balanced patterns and harmonious colors. The timeless designs in Journaling Through Time allow each page to look complete without heavy layering.
2. Keep a Consistent Layout Structure
Repeating the same design formula for each month creates cohesion and makes assembly faster. Consistency is key in multi-page projects.
3. Build on a Sturdy Base
Use heavyweight cardstock or chipboard for durability. A calendar is handled all year long, so structure matters.
4. Embrace the Flexibility of Disc Binding
One of the biggest advantages of a disc-bound system is adaptability. Rearrange pages, add notes, or update months as needed.
5. Add Functional Details
Pockets, removable mini notebooks, and labeled tabs make your project interactive and useful — not just decorative.
6. Don’t Wait for January
Handmade calendars don’t have to follow traditional timelines. Start when inspiration strikes and adjust the months to suit your needs.
7. Finish with Thoughtful Embellishments
Small dangles, stitched details, and die-cut titles add personality and movement without overwhelming the design.
A handmade calendar like “My Year in Notes” is a beautiful reminder that organization can be creative and inspiring. Whether you’re planning appointments, jotting down ideas, or collecting small memories throughout the year, this project turns everyday moments into something meaningful.
We hope this tutorial inspires you to create your own decorative and functional calendar using the Journaling Through Time collection.
✨ Ready to start crafting?
Watch the video, gather your supplies, and share your version with us by tagging @Graphic45 so we can see your beautiful creations!
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