Have a nature-loving pal who still needs a gift this season? Then try making her a cool botanical calendar. It's also an easy project that you can share with precocious youngsters, so everyone can get in on the fun!


What You'll Need

• Sunprint kit [1]
• Foraged garden leaves, stalks, flowers, etc.
• Rimmed baking sheet
• White, ultrafine paint pen
• 2009 calendar for reference

To find out how to make it, .

Here's how, from The San Francisco Chronicle [2]:

• Gather items to use as images; finely textured plants and leaves work best.
• Lay item on Sunprint sheet, leaving enough room to write in days of the month
• Follow instructions on Sunprint kit: Place briefly in direct sunlight. Expose until paper turns almost white.
• Rinse in baking sheet filled with water for about a minute.
• Lay flat to dry. Once sheets are dry, press under books to flatten. (Note: It's faster and easier to make several at once, but begin with one sheet to make sure you are comfortable with the process.)
• Using a pencil and a light touch, write the months, days and dates on each sheet. Work freehand or use a ruler to mark straight lines. Trace with a paint pen and, when dry, lightly erase your pencil marks.
• If desired, punch holes in the top of each page and bind with ribbon to hang.

Source [3]