Prairie Girl, Calendar Girl

Hope all you awesome Mom's had an awesome Mother's Day!  Being a mom has to be one of the greatest gifts in the world.  But I think the second greatest gift is being at home by yourself for a couple of hours.  Thanks honey, it was grand! Not exactly what we had planned for the day, but that's how it worked out. The silence was wonderful but almost deafening I must admit.  I spent much of the day watching old movies, finishing a project, and reading this lovely book that my hubby bought for me for Mother's Day.  "The Prairie Girl's Guide To Life" is the title and I absolutely love it!

Right up my alley I must say.  Such a sweet and charming book that I think should be in every crafter's library.  Learn to lay a fire, spin yarn, make candles, make rock candy, knit a shawl, bake a rhubarb pie, braid a rug, and heaps more!  What I love most about this book is that it almost gives me the feeling that I'm getting the chance to chat with my great-great-great grandma and learn all of the wonderful things she knew how to do.  It's a nice little read to say the least, my only problem with it is that there aren't any photos in this book.  I'm guessing the author is trying to stick to the old time charm of the simple pioneer life by doing that, which is wonderful.  But I'm a very visual learner and like to see how things are done.  So if you're like me and like to ooh and aah and pictures, then this book might not be for you.  I still find it so endearing and encourage you to swing by the bookstore and check it out!

So, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to do some creating this weekend and managed to crank out this little pretty.  It's one of those ideas that's been in my head for a while and I just had to get it out of me before I popped!  It's a calendar! Weeeeeee!

I've had this idea in my head for quite some time now, so I went ahead and got all the supplies that I thought I would need........the stamps, the inkpad, the buttons, the velcro, the glue, etc.  I had everything I needed by Wednesday. 

I actually started making this at 2am Thursday morning!  I was tossing and turning and just couldn't sleep because I had this silly idea dancing in my head, so I got up and started picking fabrics, covering and stamping buttons, pulling the stems off the buttons and gluing velcro coins to the backs like a mad woman.  I finally went back to bed at about 5 am, satisfied that I started something worthwhile.

I finished it all up yesterday and here are the fruits of my crazed and frenzied late night labor!  I know! I'm a nut!  I'm telling you there was steam coming out of my ears from all of the wheels and gears turning in my head! Sometimes you just can't hold yourself back from creating when the notion really hits you!

I made enough buttons for 31 days + 7 blank ones for the "other days" of the calendar and for leap years. 

and then I stamped up some linen ribbon for the months!

I left the back very simple with some waffle fabric and some gentle embellishments.

I like my projects to be things that would be useful and not just sit around a collect dust.  Is this just fun to look at or would you actually use this?  You know I always welcome your feedback!   I love this so much, but I plan to pass it along to someone I know loves red and blue very much.  I hope she finds it useful! I think I'll make one in some colors that are a little more me next round.  I'm off to buy more buttons!! Ciao!

Comments

[Siret]

It's lovely calendar!!!!

[allison]

Beautiful! You should totally write a book!

[julo]

Your crafting skillz continue to amaze me (I read through all your archives last week and you make just gorgeous things!). A calendar as cute as that would actually be worth the work of re-jiggering it every month. ;)

[vanna]

this is an incredible calendar. i have a soft spot in my heart for all things time related. i love everything about this one!! you have a talent and an eye that is so sharp and wonderful!

[Evie]

Arg! That calendar is totally cute!

[Wanett]

That is some kind of awesome! Just lovely! I wish I had some use for it in my very un-stylish home :)

[Stefanie]

Once again you leave me speechless and inspired. Do you mind if I make myself one using a similar design?

And I agree you should write a book. A I heart linen book. I would buy it! (and give it to everyone I know)

[Rashida]

Thank you all for your comments! Oooh a book would be fun wouldn't it... something to think about I suppose.

Julo - Re-jiggering? Omgosh, that's my new favorite word. Love it!
Stefanie- No, i don't mind at all! I'd love to see your version!

[sappmama]

I would stare and stare at it. Endlessly.

[Wendy]

Ahhh!! That calendar is the cutest thing ever. (I feel like I've said that about stuff you've made before!) What could be better than something that is part thing-that-is-one-your-wall-anyway and part quilt. I would totally use it.

[Karen aka pranamama]

I *LOVE* it! I especially love your precious little buttons! and the fantastic combination of fabrics in on the calendar itself. If I had one of these, it would be a pleasure to change month to month.

Even cooler, if you made some extra buttons for "birthday" "last day of school" etc., (or sold those separately :)

[Carla]

Your calendar is so awesome. Perfect in every way.

[muralimanohar]

That is really, really CUTE!! I can't believe you actually stayed up til 5am making it, though...don't you have little kids???? lol

That book looks adorable, but I neeeeed pictures....written instructions just boggle my mind. :p

[Lissa]

Oh my gosh..I LOVE this, what a fantastic idea...

Lissa
Australia

[Maritza]

Wow! This is so frigging cool! There are no words for just how immensely I love this. Seriously - love love LOVE it! I reiterate the suggestion of a book. I would buy an "i heart linen" book in a heartbeat! You are brilliant, Rashida!

[Michelle.S]

You are just so damn clever..love it!

[Jennifer Worick]

Oh my goodness, is that calendar amazing! Maybe I can interview you for my follow-up to The Prairie Girl's Guide to Life (which I'm thrilled you enjoyed; photos always add a huge expense to the budget and yes, we were trying to keep a rustic feel to the book), which will feature 50 new projects. That is a brilliant idea.

[Sarah Jackson]

That is so fantastic! I really love it.

[leslie]

a big happy mother's day. to you!
and that calendar. is absolutely perfect. perfect.

[cindy]

This is simply gorgeous and I love the little buttons for dates! Nice job. I know what you mean about late night inspiration. I need to act on it instead of trying to fight it and go back to sleep, its not gonna happen ;)

[Jenny]

Hi. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your creations. This calendar is just AWESOME! I can see this being used to help a child learn about the calendar - the days of the week could be added, too. Such a great, creative idea. :)

[tamika]

Love this!! PUT THIS ON ETSY, I'd BUY it!!!

Love is...
TL

[Jodie]

AWESOME !!!!

[kelly]

Fantastic calendar! I love it! -kb

[Concha]

wow it's amazing!! I adore your aestetics, I really do! :)

[kayla_d]

I'm with you on the usefulness of crafts. I don't like knick-knacks, so pretty much everything that gets a spot in the house serves some purpose.
This calendar is definitely useful, and super cute, too! I love how you incorporated patchwork. You have such a good eye for combining fabrics!
And if you still feel inspired, you should put some calendars in your shop!

[Manuela]

PERFEKT!!!!!!!!!

[natalie]

wow! absolutely amazing!!!

[Maria]

I love this calender!! What a great idea...and the colors! FANTASUPERTASTIC!

I just found your blog and am reading for 2hrs now... I found out you're exactly 1 day younger than me! How cool is that!

Your creations are all amazing. Thank you for sharing.

Cheers from Germany

[Cath Ü]

I know exactly what you mean about an idea in your head and you just have to get it out and made.... I am the exact same..LOL

Your calendar is a brilliant idea... well done...
Cath Ü

[hmle2002]

Just curious. How do you make the buttons? I love this project!

[cindy k]

it is absolutely fantastic! it is so creative, functional and features your amazing attention to detail.

[Rachael Rabbit]

The calendar is just so beautiful - wonderful wonderful - you really do have the best ideas and the most gorgeous fabrics too.

[Linnea]

This is absolutely genius! I would definitely use it :o) and not let it collect dust. Your work is impeccable. So beautiful and detailed!!!! When I saw this, I just swooned!

[michelle]

The gears in my brain start in the middle of the night also. I usually lay there, trying to sleep, and just give up and go to work. I figure if I can't sleep I may as well get something done. It's nice to know I'm not the only one.
I love that calender. How clever you are.

[City Farm Girl (jenn)]

Wowee... you sure got a lot done in the middle of the night. Yes, definitely cute. Definitely Etsy-able. You go, girl!

[June]

This is a fabulous calendar project and I'm madly in love with the whole thing. You've done a beautiful job making this. Now I want one, too. I also agree with your statement about liking things that are useful--I heartily endorse this as I also try to maintain the same concept.

[Whatever deedee wants]

Looks great! I love seeing all of your projects!

[jenny b harris]

Ieeeeee! So clever!!!! What size is it? It is so CUTE!!!

[Lourdes]

Gorgeous and genius! Absolutely love everything about it!

[ayumills]

Absolutely Amazing!!!
How can you be so creative and original and so many interesting crafting ideas come to your head? You really are a inspiring crafter!
I love this idea of making the calender so much. Your friend is lucky!!

[Lori]

I just saw this on the Craftzine blog and had to come by. I love this idea (and may have to, er, "borrow" it...) and I love your excecution of it.

Thanks for the inspiration!

[Michelle]

No question about it, I'd absolutely use it. It's wonderful, I love just about anything with covered buttons, but this is one of the cutest ideas ever. Brilliant, and worth all the sleeplessness, I'd say.

[Nichole]

That's superbly cute!

[Dallas]

This is cute, cute, cute! I would have never thought of something like that but what a great idea.

[Katy]

That has to be one of the cutest crafts I have EVER seen. I love the colors, the buttons, everything. I wish I was that creative! Love love love it!!!!!! And now I really want one!

[chelsea]

I love when I see a brilliant idea! KUDOS to you on a beautiful project, and thanks for sharing!

[sulbubmom]

Oh my, how lovely (came here from Craftzine).

Some suggestions (can't wait for them to pop out of my head too):

1. Make a pocket so you can keep the extra buttons in.

2. Instead of moving it to change the months, have buttons for the days on the top line - thinking of a sunflower for Sunday!

3. I was thinking of how to show today - maybe a big red ring to hang on to today's date - but then thought why not a big Today button - change it day by day (keep the current day number in the pocket!)

[s.]

wow, that is gorgeous. And I'm glad I'm not the only one who can't sleep from art ideas.

[Michele]

Wow, awesome!!!!

[JJB]

Oh my, oh my, oh my! I love this and my mom would too. Now I'm going to have ideas dancing around in my head!!

[patricia]

Wow! What a lot of work! It looks wonderful.

[lucykate crafts...]

this is amazing, loveliest calendar i've ever seen!

[Miaou]

Oh that is just LOVELY - I've never seen anything like it - what a great idea!

[Sarah Latham]

This is amazing!! Im in total love with this. very sweet!

[Apryl]

wow that is so beautiful! its really georgeous, I really wish I could sew when I see things as brilliant as this.

[Didi from Paris]

Wow, this is one of the most gorgeous handmade thing I have seen on the web.
Thansk for sharing : it is beautiful.

[jocelan]

awesome i like your blog!

[Ravenhill]

what a fabulous idea! You are just bursting with creativity! I love it! I have to add you to my blogroll right away!!! I will be a loyal visitor to you and your genius!
Happy creative weekend from Emily

[Ruth]

Mmm... now I really *need* that book! lol :-D

Your calendar is excellent... a great idea perfectly executed.

[Wendy]

This would be great as a chore board for kids, too.

I love it! Really really great.

[boobook]

what a beauiful creation!
You have done such an amazing job!
i don't think i could have slept either. May is such a great month too!!
I look forward to reading the rest of your blog.
Thanks to Leni and Rose I found you.

[Lori]

I think it is pretty darn fantastic! I love it and would use it. I think it would be a great idea for an advent calendar as well.

[Romy]

What a wonderful idea!! Very pretty!! Can't stop admiring this calender

[Karin]

I love it. I would definitely use something like that! It's fabulous!!!

The book sounds perfect. I'm going to look for that one. Thank you!!

[Sara]

FUN! My SIL loves this calendar and is planning on making one! GREAT idea! What is the fabric you used? It's fantastic! I love the one that looks like washing instructions!

Also ... just wanted you to know that I gave you a shout out on my blog for the coasters you made for your coaster swap ... I made some similar ones because i liked them so much!

[Jen]

I just love your site. I stumbled across this quite by accident and I'm so pleased I did. I'll be adding this to my favourites! I love the calendar it is just lovely lovely lovely!

[Chara Michele]

I absolutely love this!!

[Kristine]

Wow. Fantastic. I also like to make things that are useful, not just pretty or funny or exciting to make. And this one I would definitely hang on my wall!

[willow]

You started this at 2 in the morning? This is lovely, truly lovely, and, as you said, a wonderfully useful project -- a great way to make something so ordinary (a calendar) into something extraordinary. I've been disappointed by a lot of craft books lately, so I am delighted to see something so original and inspiring.

[Pat]

I love your calendar! What a wonderful idea. You're very creative. Thanks for sharing.

[Amy]

Wow! I LOVE this. Love, love, love it. I'm so impressed that you hopped out of bed and made it happen. I wish I had amazing ideas like this late at night...or anytime else, for that matter. Add me to the list of people wishing for an I Heart Linen book!!

[Stephanie]

You could TOTALLY sell this as a pattern!!!

Very cool!

[Stephanie]

You could TOTALLY sell this as a pattern!!!

Very cool!

[Jeanne]

Thank you for sharing this very clever and creative idea!

[Nanette]

Really clever. I've had this idea too and didn't know how I wanted to do it. What a great idea to use buttons. I was going to use little pieces of fabric that I had cut the edges with pinking shears. Your idea is so much better with the buttons. Love it. I just found your blog. How super creative.

[Mandy Bee]

I just stumbled upon your blog and I just had to comment on the calendar. It is so awesome!

I love the idea. You were able to use a bunch of different fabrics with different patterns and colors, so it's very interesting to look at. Not having to buy another paper calendar would be a nice up-side to this. :)

So very cute! Can't wait to see the next one!

[joanna]

oh my gosh!! this is MARVELLOUS!!!!

[iSew]

Beautiful. What a fantastic idea!

[jaana*maaria]

ohDEAR!
You ARE amazing! This time I really get cold showers all over caused by excitement... I want to try one: NOW!

Thank you for inspiring, always!
I'd love to link you, hope it's ok for you!
*hugs*

[Kristine]

Wow, that is incredibly beautiful. It beats anything I've seen in a Japanese craft mag! Clever you.

[sheree]

Oh, I love this! Great job!

[Maureen]

Ohhh...I really love this.
This calender is great!

Love,
Maureen

[emily]

What a fantastic calendar. Great design and so well-made!

[Deborah]

This is wonderful! Such a lovely idea! I understand what you mean about being kept up with an idea...you just have to get up and do something about it...or at least write it down. Great job!

[Mique]

I LOVE THIS!!! It's the cutest calendar I've ever seen. I have a 30 days blog that I am putting pics with links for tutorials. Would you mind if I posted one pic and your link to this post?
You can view my project here:
www.thirtyhandmadedays.blogspot.com
Please let me know.
Thanks!

[Amber]

This is beautiful... and such a wonderful idea!

[AIDA]

I love idea! Very,very beautiful!!

[mandylifeboats]

did u need to put any interfacing such as timtex in between to make it stiff so the corners didn't droop over when u hung it?

[Roxie]

Where did you get the little handmade and sewing machine tags? Beautiful work.

[mclairepatch]

Très original, bravo

[Panfila]

Thanks for writing this.

[arzu erhan]

ıt's a super ıdea.I love it so much.ı want to try to make it.ı'm from turkey.ı write to you from beatiful city Hatay

[kader]

değişik bir fikir
teşekür

[Jedda]

I am inspired!

[vicki]

This is supercool! Thanks

[yust]

wonderful calender, İ send my best wıshes from Ankara,the capital city of Turkey...
loves from me....
yuksel

[samewish]

Your handcraft is neat and nice~!Im Love the handcraft useful and no just sitting making dust~~

[Jen]

This is the MOST amazing thing I have EVER seen!! I wish I had the fabrics you used... I adore it!

[Jen]

Can you share where you purchase your buttons to cover? All I can find are 5 packs, I would like to buy them bulk! Thanks...
I BIG puffy HEART this tutorial and calendar!