How to Make Your Own Personalised Calendar for 2026

Posted on 6th January 2026 by Papermill Direct
Filed under Calendar

Starting a new year with something you made yourself feels rewarding. A personalised calendar helps you keep track of your routine and includes your favourite photos, colours that match your space, and reminders that matter to you.

Making your own DIY calendar is easier than you might think. Papermill Direct’s Create-A-Calendar range gives you a sturdy blank base to start with. You can craft on your own, with children, or make thoughtful gifts for family, teachers, or colleagues.

We’ll guide you through making your own personalised calendar for 2026, sharing practical ideas and inspiration so you can add your own individualised touch.

Step 1: Choose Your Calendar Base

Papermill Direct’s Create-A-Calendar range comes in several formats to fit different spaces and needs. Each one uses White Card Plain 250gsm, making them sturdy enough to decorate without warping or see-through issues.

Desk Create-A-Calendar

Ideal for home offices, craft rooms, or work desks. These sit neatly on a surface and are easy to glance at throughout the day. They’re also a popular choice for personalised office gifts.

A4 Create-A-Calendar

This size works well on walls, noticeboards, or in classrooms. The blank space (8” x 5”) gives you plenty of room for photos, drawings, or layered paper designs without looking crowded.

A3 Create-A-Calendar

Choose this if you want your calendar to stand out in the room. The larger blank area (11.5” x 7.5”) is perfect for family photos, bold designs, or shared household calendars, and there’s space for notes too.

Slimline Create-A-Calendar

A neat, modern choice that works well in narrower spaces. The slimline format feels modern and is a practical choice if you prefer cleaner layouts for simple monthly designs.

Each format offers the same freedom to decorate, so the choice really comes down to where the calendar will be placed and how much detail you’d like to add.

Step 2: Decide on a Theme

Some people enjoy planning a year in advance, choosing colours or patterns for each month. Others prefer to decorate as they go. Both approaches work well.

You might choose:

• Soft, neutral tones for a calm, consistent look

• Seasonal colours that change month to month

• A simple black, white and metallic palette

• A mix of photographs and plain card backgrounds

Coordinated paper and card packs from Papermill Direct help you mix colours without making things look too busy. If you’re crafting with children, leaving space for drawings or stickers can make the calendar feel even more personal as time goes on.

Step 3: Add Photos, Illustrations, or Words

This is the step where your personalised calendar really comes to life. Photos are a popular choice, but they don’t have to be formal. Everyday moments, like a favourite walk, a pet, or a holiday snapshot, often work best.

If photos aren’t your thing, you could include:

• Simple illustrations or stamps

• Short quotes or handwritten notes

• Important dates written directly onto the design

• Monthly intentions or reminders

Lightly textured card or subtly coloured paper works well as a background, adding interest without distracting from the calendar itself.

Choosing the Right Materials

High-quality materials really are effective, especially for something you’ll use all year. Thicker card gives a sturdy base, and good paper keeps colours bright and pages lasting longer.

Papermill Direct calendars are designed to handle layers, adhesives, and regular handling, making them suitable for both simple designs and more detailed projects. Matching papers, cards, and adhesives helps keep everything cohesive without extra effort.

Start Your 2026 Calendar Project

Making your own DIY calendar is an enjoyable way to begin the year creatively. Whether you plan every page in advance or decorate gradually, it’s a project that grows with you.

Browse the full Papermill Direct’s Create-A-Calendar range to find the format that fits your space, then pick out paper and card options to bring your ideas to life. If you make a calendar, sharing it on social media is a fantastic way to inspire others to try it too!

Looking for Inspiration?

For more blogs on our Create-A-Calendar click here!

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