Let's start the new year by visualizing and designing the life we truly desire.
This tutorial will guide you through creating a powerful January Mood Board Calendar in Canva, focusing on a collage of images that represent the life you're intentionally building. This is for our amazing community of women over 50 who are ready to embrace their next chapter with intention and creativity.
What you'll learn:
- How to use Canva to create a visually impactful calendar.
- How to curate a meaningful image collage that represents your dream life.
- Tips for incorporating personal style, goals, and aspirations into your design.
- How to use your calendar as a daily source of inspiration and motivation.
- How to download, print, or integrate your creation into your digital planner.
Materials:
- A Canva account (free or Pro)
- Images representing your ideal life (more on this below)
- Inspirational quotes or affirmations
- Your vision and dreams!
- (Optional) Your digital planner app (GoodNotes, Notability, etc.)
Step 1: Gathering Images for Your Dream Life Collage
This is the most important step! Think about the different areas of your life:
- Personal Growth: Images representing learning, mindfulness, travel, hobbies, etc.
- Relationships: Images of connection, love, family, friendships, community.
- Health & Wellbeing: Images of healthy food, exercise, relaxation, nature, self-care.
- Career/Purpose: Images representing your ideal work, creative pursuits, contributions.
- Home & Environment: Images of your dream home, surroundings, and atmosphere.
Where to find images:
- Your own photos: Personalize it with your own memories and experiences.
- Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay: These websites offer free, high-quality stock photos.
- Pinterest: A fantastic source for visual inspiration or use the images in Canva
Step 2: Choosing a Canva Template
- Log into Canva and search for "Calendar" templates.
- Choose a template that provides ample space for your image collage. A template with a large image area or multiple smaller image placeholders works well. Landscape orientation often provides more collage space.
Step 3: Creating Your Dream Life Collage
- Upload your chosen images to Canva.
- Arrange the images: Drag and drop them onto your chosen template. Consider creating a collage effect by overlapping images, resizing them, or using different shapes.
- Use Canva's grid feature: This can help you create a neat and organized collage.
- Consider a focal point: Choose one or two key images to be larger and more prominent.
Step 4: Adding Calendar Elements and Personal Touches
- Customize the calendar dates: Adjust the font, color, and size to complement your collage.
- Add inspiring quotes or affirmations: Place them strategically within or around your collage.
- Incorporate your brand colors (optional): If you have brand colors, use them to create a cohesive look.
- Add text boxes for goals or intentions: You might want to add a small text box for a monthly intention or a key goal.
Step 5: Setting the Mood for January
- Reflect on your intentions for the year: How does January set the stage for your overall vision?
- Use colors that evoke the feeling you want to create: For example, blues and silvers for calm and focus, or warm tones for energy and creativity.
Step 6: Sharing and Using Your Creation
- Download your calendar: Choose a high-resolution format (PNG or JPG for sharing online, PDF for printing).
Here's where you have options:
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Print and display: Print your calendar on card stock or photo paper and hang it where you'll see it daily as a powerful visual reminder.
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Integrate into your digital planner:
- Save as a PNG or JPG: Import the image into your digital planner app (GoodNotes, Notability, etc.) as a new page or insert it into an existing monthly section. This is a great way to keep your mood board readily accessible within your daily planning routine, especially if you have an "Ultimate Girl Boss Life Digital Planner." You could create a dedicated section for monthly mood boards.
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Share on social media: Inspire others in and outside of our community by sharing your creation! You are an Inspiration!
Additional Tips:
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Play with different layouts, image sizes, and text placements.
- Keep it visually appealing: Aim for a balance of images and text.
- Most importantly, make it personal: Your mood board should resonate with your dreams and aspirations.
Conclusion:
You now have a powerful tool to visualize and manifest your desires. Whether you print it or add it to your digital planner, your January Mood Board Calendar will serve as a daily reminder of your goals and inspire you to take action.
As a fellow woman over 50 and lifestyle content creator on YouTube, I'm passionate about empowering women in this exciting chapter. I share inspiration, tips, and insights on mindset, personal growth, and creating a fulfilling life. Visit my YouTube channel, Tricia Bachoo Lifestyle Content Creator Over 50, for more.
Share your creations in our Facebook group! And if you're a near-50 or over-50 woman dreaming of starting or growing a YouTube channel, my channel is a great resource for you.