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Archive for make

A World where there are Octobers [printable calendar]

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” My favorite month is here! I have an October birthday, so this month always feels a lot like the start of a new year. That feeling of being on the cusp of something fresh gets an extra boost as we see the change of seasons from summer into fall. And, we are really ready this year! Cooler temperatures arriving right on time has been just the lift my crew has needed.

I hope you’ll download this month’s printable calendar and the cut-away mini 5 x 7″ print to enjoy or share. And, I hope it helps you mark a few special days with those you love. As we head into the autumn season in earnest, there’s no better time to stay close to home and celebrate time with family. My crew has already come up with a few plans for family birthdays, Halloween, and decorating parties that are on our calendar. We have started a list of new recipes to try, and are looking forward to completing a fire pit project in our backyard for s’mores making. Let the season of pumpkin spice and crunching leaves begin!

maker’s dozen . Tools [printable calendar]

Welcome, September… and whatever teasing of Fall and cooler weather fun you might bring! I’m kicking off the month with a Maker’s Dozen saluting our family’s most eventful transition of the last few weeks — the start of school. Plus, as you scroll down, you’ll find a monthly printable calendar with some new artwork.

As you may be experiencing in your neck of the woods, the 2020-2021 school year has a unique set of challenges as we all navigate the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are adjusting to a new schedule with my daughter in full-time virtual learning and my sons in a hybrid plan with in-person school two days each week and virtual learning for the other days. While, I’m so happy to have them with me for extra time, it’s quite a juggling feat with client projects, kid activities, and assignments and more school assignments. Still, we’re thankful for the creativity and commitment of our excellent teachers, and we haven’t let this weird year dampen our excitement for… school supplies!

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maker’s dozen . Americana [printable calendar]

July is here, and I decided to start off the second half of 2020 with a Maker’s Dozen – 13 curated curiosities and bits of nostalgia and ephemera unearthed in the studio. I love all things vintage, and Maker’s Dozen is a perfect way to indulge my collector’s spirit. Today’s theme is AMERICANA, and it’s filled with little bits of vintage patriotic items and souvenirs to remind us of Independence Day. Plus, since we’re starting a new month, I’ve also included a free printable calendar with a mini print celebrating our sweet land of liberty.

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May. [printable calendar]

I don’t know about you, but the month of April was a complete blur! A hodgepodge of unnamed days, social distancing, distance learning, emergency projects, way too many things to think about — all within the limited view from the living room window and the back patio. My thinking has been just as much of a hodgepodge, just trying to keep up and balance everything, and my heart is torn between seeking out normalcy and indulging in the unique and haphazard opportunities of these unprecedented days. I still don’t know how that dual thinking will all shake out, but for today — May 1 — I’m planting a flag of reference at least in this Field Guide space… a calendar.

Who knew the calendar would be such a novel and increasingly out-matched tool? Almost all of our “normal” routines and events have dropped off the calendar these days, and the things we’re adding are mostly virtual with a few well-spaced work items and logistical necessities thrown in. The task of deciding what day it is has become an increasingly elusive one! Birthday celebrations and family date nights have become in-home “events” with a lighted candle, a new recipe, that project we’ve never found time to do — until now. Bedtimes and morning routines have grown fluid, a lot like summer time, but not exactly. As we head into week eight of this Covid-19 altered reality, I’m needing a reminder to stem the chaos. A reminder to capture the days in all their uniqueness. A reminder to seek out all that we have to learn and grow from this time. Welcome, May.

DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR

make . Printable Valentine Fortune Cookies

Are there hearts and flowers in your future? Love is in the air, and it’s easy to share the good fortune on Valentine’s Day with these paper fortune cookies! I’ve been wanting to share more free downloads and paper craft ideas on the Small Pond Field Guide, and my daughter says that this one passes the cuteness test! Shaped like traditional Chinese fortune cookies, a batch of these paper creations would make a sweet addition to your Valentine decor, or a unique way to create handmade, personalized Valentines or party favors. Plus, they are easy and quick to make!

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