It’s already the beginning of February, which meant it was time to replace the still-on-display December calendar in our kitchen. This year John wanted to make a new one himself. His idea was simple and sweet: pick our favorite inside-joke lines and place each on a long, skinny, numbered page so we’d smile every time we checked the date or wrote an appointment. Cute, right?
He originally said it would be a secret Valentine’s present for me, but since February 14th was a few weeks away (and we both felt a little guilty about the expired calendar that was still hanging up), he shared the plan so we could make it together on the last weekend of January. Because it was already almost February, we only needed eleven new pages, and we were able to create a basic calendar template quickly in Photoshop. By adjusting the dates, colors, and quotes, we produced all of the months in under an hour.
You don’t need advanced design software to make something like this. A simple version can be assembled in PowerPoint or Microsoft Word. The bold condensed font we used is called League Gothic; it’s a free font available online if you want that same clean, retro look. The process is straightforward and approachable for most people.
We printed each page on standard 8.5 x 11″ cardstock (we used 100 lb weight) and ran the sheets through our inkjet printer. To make cutting easier, we added faint gray guide lines on each page so the long strips would be uniform when trimmed from the standard-size sheet. I spent an evening cutting the strips in front of the TV while Burger—our dog and unofficial project mascot—watched closely.
Once the strips were cut, we punched a small hole near the top of each one so they could be hung on the compact wire Command-style hook we use in the kitchen as a calendar hanger. The hook is removable and leaves no damage, which is perfect for apartment life or anyone who doesn’t want holes in their cabinets or fridge.
Now the finished calendar hangs in the kitchen, completely homemade and free. We love how personalized it feels; every time we glance at a page, a memory or a private joke pops into our heads. For instance, whenever Burger does his gentle puppy nibble we say “no biting, just kisses,” and he immediately switches to licking instead of nipping. That phrase was perfect for February—Valentine’s Day and puppy kisses seem fitting together.
We included everything from silly song lyrics that make us laugh to our brief but unforgettable wedding vows. Naturally, the vows landed on the July page since that’s the month we got married. Each month is a small, personal snapshot of our life together, turned into something practical and cheerful that we use every day.
The project was simple to execute but surprisingly enjoyable. It feels like a small walk down memory lane each time we peek at the kitchen calendar, and it cost nothing beyond some cardstock we already had on hand. Homemade projects like this can feel more meaningful than store-bought alternatives, and the customization makes it uniquely ours.
How do you keep track of dates at home? Do you order custom photo calendars from online printers, pick up discounted wall calendars after the holidays, or rely entirely on digital calendars on your phone and computer? Some people still love the tactile, visual reminder of a paper calendar, while others have fully embraced digital scheduling. Either way, a custom paper calendar can be an inexpensive, personal addition to any kitchen.
Update: After several kind requests, we created a free template of our calendar that you can download and customize. The template is a layered PSD file intended for Photoshop; you can also edit it with compatible free software such as GIMP. If you want the same look, search for the League Gothic font online and install it before editing. Each month is on a separate layer—remember to toggle visibility for the month you want to print. We’re glad this project helped others who still needed a calendar for the year.