Today is a fun day for two reasons... it's the Papertrey Ink Senior DT Challenge day (out a tad late due to the holiday) and ...well..I'll tell you the other reason at the end of the post! :)
We were challenged to come up with an system or show what we already do to keep organized with birthday's... and getting those cards actually out the door. I honestly had mixed feeling about this challenge because I've been such a slacker when it comes to getting cards out... I make them then forget to send them... or just plain forget because I'm a scatter brain! LOL! I was seriously worried that I couldn't come up with a system that would work since I fail so miserably already. on the up side... I really wanted something to work!
As I started to contemplate this it occurred to me that what ever it was it would need to be painfully simple...something that even a scatterbrain like me could stay on track with. Then I started to think about how I personally organize and work. I know this forgetful nature I have so I have gotten in the habit of emailing myself important events and deadlines. for some reason birthdays haven't worked in that system. Well, while looking over my supplies I saw some coasters I had purchased at eP and in popped the idea. you'll have to let me know what you think!
I covered the lightweight coasters with Papertrey's pattern paper, then sanded the edges. I then sponged the edges with light brown ink. I then formatted the text and lines and printed them on Kraft cardstock. Here they are for you to use for personal use if you would like!
Download Coaster Birthday calendar jan through june
Download Coaster Birthday calendar July through Dec
I decorated each coaster with various Papertrey stamp sets then put magnetic sheet on the back so that it can stick to my fridge! I recycled some but you can usually find them online by googling self adhesive magnetic sheet...or buy them at the local Big Box craft store. (you might fin them in a photo department too.)
- Wise Owl for January- Also a reminder to be wise an keep goals!
- lOvE songs for February
- Flower Garden for March
- lOvE songs for April- love that little ice cream cone!
For storage I chose to use a clear box from Papertrey an label the side so I can put it on my book shelf! I keep addresses in my computer but I like how I had room to store stamps with the coaster. My kids use mine up and setting some aside will really help with getting birthday wishes out the door!
Here is an easily mass produced birthday card... simple and fun! I used Birthday Basics and Borders & Corners {Circles} for it. (photo removed for publication)
Make sure to check out the other DT member blogs to find out what fun Birthday systems they have come up with...
Do you have a system that works for you for Birthday cards?
Oh... I almost forgot to share the other reason to day is special... I turned 40 today! isn't this the year I get to start counting backwards? LOL! I'm getting together with some friends so it will be a nice night!
Thanks for coming by...
Happy birthday! You share your birthday with my older daughter - she turned eleven today. I love your coaster system. I think I might try something like that, too. I have just enough room on top of my ink pad holder to prop the current month's coaster.
Posted by: Chris | January 02, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Happy Birthday! What a wonderful age. I loved my forties--embrace them
Posted by: Alyssa | January 02, 2009 at 09:54 PM
Happy Birthday Lisa!! I hope you have a wonderful time with your friends. And thank you for inspiring me to get better organized so I'm less scatterbrained about sending out cards too.
Posted by: jen | January 02, 2009 at 09:58 PM
Happy Birthday! This is a cute idea - thanks for sharing!
Posted by: michelle | January 02, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Happy Birthday Lisa! Thanks for sharing those templates, can I pls know what size those coasters are? :)
Posted by: fiona y | January 02, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Happy birthday!!! Love the templates and the coasters you made are too cute! Such a good idea to put them on the fridge!!
Oh, and I'm sure you've heard that 40 is the "new 30"! :)
Posted by: Gina | January 02, 2009 at 11:22 PM
Happy Birthday!
But can I say I am 32 and I wishhhh I looked as young as you do... swear to it you could pass for mid 20's... oh you do rock it girl !!! congrats!
Posted by: Big Mama | January 02, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Happy birthday to you:)
Posted by: Cindy | January 03, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Happy Birthday! This is a darling way to get organized!
Posted by: fran | January 03, 2009 at 03:12 AM
Wow, what a great system this is! I am exactly the same way with getting my cards out on time, if I'm lucky enough to remember the occasion in the first place, lol! This would work great for me.
Happy Birthday!!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 03, 2009 at 03:27 AM
Happy Birthday!! Love your organization idea!! Blessings and Hugs!!
Posted by: MelissaC | January 03, 2009 at 04:40 AM
Here's to a wonderful birthday, Lisa! I loved being 40...Seems I had enough experience under my belt to feel good about life, and didn't have any of the aches that 50 brought. I truly hope your day was grand!Oh- Love your organizational system!
Posted by: Donna | January 03, 2009 at 04:59 AM
Happy Birthday!! Such a great project to start the year off with. It's only the third day of 2009 and I can't believe the new ideas and projects that have been introduced - it's going to be a BUSY 2009!!
Posted by: Barb W | January 03, 2009 at 05:08 AM
Happy Birthday and welcome to the decade! I found 40 be fab and each year since has just gotten better. I don';t think you start counting backwards - but you DO appreciate each day more and more (I think any way).
Thanks for sharing your creativity. Its a real inspiration!
Posted by: Maureen L. | January 03, 2009 at 05:41 AM
Happy birthday, Lisa! (From Katy and me... ;) )
Posted by: Mandy Cheshire | January 03, 2009 at 05:50 AM
Thanks for the birthday calendars - they'll fit right in the corner of my big calendar and I won't have to re-write the info each year - great idea!
And Happy Birthday - it's a great age no matter what they say!
Posted by: Joyce H | January 03, 2009 at 05:51 AM
Happy Birthday Lisa! Love the storage idea. Have a great day, and enjoy!
Posted by: Carol W. | January 03, 2009 at 06:23 AM
Happy Birthday, Lisa! Here's to another 40 years of providing us with inspiration through your awesome talent!
Posted by: Carolyn Mustopa | January 03, 2009 at 06:26 AM
Happy Birthday Lisa! Thanks for the downloadable calendars---I was already thinking---how did she make those???? and there they were! Thanks for sharing. I hope you have an amazing day! I'm loving my 40s!!!
Posted by: kathleen | January 03, 2009 at 06:51 AM
I love your birthday calendar idea! Happy birthday! I'm way past 40, and I can honestly say that the most fun I've had (and appreciated) all began after that milestone!!
Posted by: broni | January 03, 2009 at 07:16 AM
A very happy birthday to you! I love your calendar!
Posted by: Michele | January 03, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Best birthday calendar idea I have found so far. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!!!! Love your site.
Posted by: Shawna | January 03, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Happy Birthday! I use a perpetual calendar and I re-decorated a file system from Hallmark that has folders.
Posted by: Tessa | January 03, 2009 at 07:38 AM
Wow I love this! This is my favorite of all for this challange! Kudos! One of my to do's today is to clean and organize my studio, so this is really inspiring me.
Posted by: Carrie | January 03, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Happy Happy Birthday! I love your coasters. Great Idea!
Posted by: kristie larsen | January 03, 2009 at 07:58 AM
Happy Birthday! 40 is GREAT! I love the calendar system that you made -- especially how you worked it into a gift box. Nice touch!
Posted by: Susanna Boyd | January 03, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Lisa, I like your organization system best for two reasons: (1) the months going on something magnetic like the refrigerator so it is always in sight and an excellent reminder; (2) each month's list on the coaster allows one to list just the dates/names we need to remember making it more compact but also allows us to list more than one or two people on a single date! (e.g., I have two nephews born on Dec. 24 exactly a year apart!) As my family grows, the need to list more than one person on a specific date has become more important. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thanks for sharing your great idea. All the contributors had super ideas.
Posted by: Rene Tucker | January 03, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Happy Birthday Lisa and thanks for sharing this wonderful project! I hate to say it but the older I get, the more I NEED something like this!!!
Kathy
Posted by: kathyc on scs | January 03, 2009 at 08:10 AM
THANK YOU!!! What an awesome idea. . .think I'll get to work on it today :) I really appreciate the downloads too. Happy New Year to you!
Posted by: jennibell | January 03, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Happy Birthday, Lisa! I share a January birthday also ... on the 7th I will be 61. YIKES! Love your magnet idea and will definately try this! Enjoy your special day!
Posted by: Judy S | January 03, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Happy 40th Birthday!! Great birthday tracking system - very clever.
Posted by: Karolyn Loncon | January 03, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Such inspirations!! Love your idea. I think I just needed something like this to get me going on getting organized. Thanks
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | January 03, 2009 at 09:40 AM
Wishing you a very happy 40th birthday!! :-)
Posted by: Bee | January 03, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Happy Birthday wishes your way!! Thank you for sharing the templates for the coasters...way cute!
Posted by: Gail S. | January 03, 2009 at 11:07 AM
A very Happy Birthday, Lisa! May this be your best year yet!
Posted by: Tricia Dee | January 03, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Happy Birthday Lisa! Love your creation today!
Posted by: Geny | January 03, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Happy Birthday, Lisa!!!!!
Love the magnet idea!!! tfs!!!
Posted by: Kimberly Crawford | January 03, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Happy Birthday!!! Is this the year you start backwards? You don't even look close to 40. I guess I have 10 more years before I can start counting backwards. I hit 30 in Dec. :(
Good timing for keep up with birthdays!!! TFS!!! I have a hard time with birthdays as well. It doesn't help that there are so many in my family and more coming soon :)
Posted by: Melissa D. (SCS honeybee7896) | January 03, 2009 at 12:15 PM
So cute! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Kelly Braund | January 03, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Happy Birthday Lisa!! I LOVE your idea for birthday organisation...unfortunately our fridge isn't magnetic...that's my excuse for my scatterbrain LOL
Posted by: Kelly | January 03, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Happy Birthday, Lisa. I love your idea to help remember birthdates. I am like you....I make a lot of cards and then time gets away and they do not get out. I think I will try the coasters!
Posted by: Jeanne | January 03, 2009 at 02:55 PM
Happy birthday Lisa! I hope you have (had?) a wonderful day :)
Posted by: Jessica | January 03, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Happy Birthday!!!!! Girl, you don't look anything near 40. Very cute idea for birthday organization!
Posted by: Lori A. | January 03, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Happy Birthday!! Today is my Mom's b-day too, so I can tell that today must be a day when some pretty great people were born :). Hope you had a terrific day - and thanks for sharing your awesome idea!!
Posted by: Tracey C. | January 03, 2009 at 07:58 PM
Have a Happy Birthday - great post! :)
Posted by: Katy Frame | January 03, 2009 at 08:49 PM
Happy 40th Birthday to YOU!
I just love your Birthday Organizer and love the idea of putting your postage stamps with it. I just love this card. Simple but so fun.
Posted by: StampinCathy | January 04, 2009 at 05:47 AM
Happy Birthday Lisa! I love your birthday organizer especially since I am fairly new to paper crafting. Thanks for the templates. This will be an easy project for me to do.
Posted by: Anna/Oma | January 04, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Happy birthday! I just received my Love Songs set and can't wait to play with it!
I have been having so much fun with my Out of the Box and Out of the Box Sentiments!
Posted by: Deanna | January 04, 2009 at 08:34 AM
HAPPY 40th! Just drove 6 hours a couple weeks ago to surprise my Best friend for her 40th! It was great! Enjoy!
Love the coasters!
Posted by: Shelly Kettell | January 04, 2009 at 10:08 AM
I just discovered your blog today and I love all your great ideas!! I have a ton of those coasters and your system is great! I am making 2 sets today- one for me (I seldom keep anything I make but that is one of my new year resolutions lol) and 1 as a gift. I'm going to put a little variation on your idea and attack strip magnets to the back...everything I need to remember goes on my fridge!
Thanks for the inspiration and the great download.
Posted by: Janice | January 04, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Happy birthday. I hope you have a fabulous day and have fun celebrating with your friends. Thank you for sharing this great project. I love it!
Posted by: Vivian | January 04, 2009 at 01:20 PM
I didn't start counting backwards until 41. I loved being forty. 41 was anticlimactic and made me feel old so I went back to 39. About a year ago, I got tired of trying to keep track of where I was so I just picked a number (26) and I stick with it.
Many many blessing on your first time being 40!
Posted by: Jacki Jones | January 04, 2009 at 04:56 PM
You cannot be 4-0! You do not even look close to it. But it is not as bad as everyone makes out that it is. Trust me..I am almost 3 years into it! ;)
Happy Birthday. I love this little calendar idea. It is so different.
Posted by: jules p | January 04, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Belated Happy Birthday - and thanks for a great idea. I give my daughter in law a stamped up calendar every year for Christmas -her idea- after the 1st one she asks for it :-) I'm going to make this "calendar" now for next year.
And, enjoy being 40, I did and every year after that since (it's been just a few LOL)
Posted by: Pat | January 04, 2009 at 06:19 PM
Happy Birthday! Love the idea with the coasters and thank you so much for the pattern to download. Enjoy~
Posted by: Tammy Murphy | January 04, 2009 at 06:54 PM
A Happy Birthday from me, too!
Thanks you so much for the great calendar downloads!!!
Bianca!
Posted by: Bianca | January 04, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Oh, very fun project! I love the coasters and how nicely you decorated them - thanks so much for sharing your pages! and Happy B'day - 40's nothing! hope you had a fun celebration with your friends!
Posted by: Julia Aston | January 05, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Happy Belated Birthday Lisa! I would never have guessed that you were 40 so my suggestion is that you remain 32 forever !! :)
Love you system. Very simple and doable!
Posted by: Stefanie Staniak | January 05, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Happy 40th Birthday! I turned the big 4-0 in Oct. It hasn't been too bad. I had my first adult birthday party to celebrate. Hope you had fun with your friends. Thanks for the caramel recipe and the other great ideas. I made vanilla cream cheese fudge this year and chocolate lollipops using pretzel sticks this year. I packaged the pretzel sticks in pretzel cellophane bags and a ribbon with a cute tag.
Posted by: Traci | January 06, 2009 at 08:04 AM
Happy, happy Birthday to You . Hope you have a great year fllled with wonderful surprises!
This system is a winner and I will definitely make one for myself.
Posted by: chrisd | January 06, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I really like the coaster Idea!! It could also make a great gift, along with a few cards and stamps!!
Thanks
Linda
Posted by: Linda | January 06, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Lisa -- this is a wonderful idea. I turned 50 in 2008, so let's hear it for milestone birthdays!!!
Posted by: Sean Marie Blancaneaux | January 06, 2009 at 02:41 PM
thanks for sharing the templates!
Posted by: Susan Todd | January 07, 2009 at 10:15 AM
I rarely if ever leave comments. I usually just try to learn and learn--I do. However, when you said you didn't start until you were in your 30's I had to comment. So many of the bloggers are fantastic, as you are, but they started stamping etc. at birth. I just found out I had creative abilities in my late 30's and have really been stamping, cardmaking and scrapbooking since about 40. I'm now 48. Thanks for the encouragement!!! By the way 49 is due in May each year gets better and better and.......
Posted by: Suzie Carpenter | January 08, 2009 at 12:38 PM
What a gorgeous card! The colors are amazing together. Happy Belated Birthday!
Posted by: Charlene Austin (Willow01) | January 08, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us. I have enjoyed and used many of your ideas for gifts. Thank you also for the pdf of the months. Finding the pattern to fit some of the projects you see are sometimes hard to find if they are not included.
Posted by: Linda | January 10, 2009 at 08:05 AM