Updated for 2026 with a free editable desktop calendar Canva template.
After I got married, I got hooked on Artifact Uprising’s mini desktop calendars (you know the ones). They’re simple, personal, and look so good sitting on a desk. I loved them so much that I started gifting them to family and friends.
The only downside? The costs add up fast — especially if you’re making one for more than a couple people.
Fast forward to now: while planning a cousin’s wedding and organizing my own home office, I started thinking about how nice it would be to have a custom desktop calendar again — but without the premium price tag. That’s when it hit me: why not DIY one?
Spoiler alert: it’s way easier than you think — and you can make a polished, high-end looking mini desktop calendar for about $10. This is one of my favorite easy DIY projects because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and something you can update year after year.
Below is my step-by-step tutorial (plus a free editable 2026 calendar template) so you can create your own DIY mini desktop calendar to use at home, at work, or gift anytime throughout the year.
DIY 2026 Desktop Calendar Template (Free Download)
I’ve created a free, editable 2026 desktop calendar template you can customize in Canva. It includes all 12 months and photo placeholders, so you can easily personalize each page with your favorite memories.
👉 Get the free 2026 desktop calendar template here
Note: You’ll need a free Canva account to use the template. Once you have one, you can reuse it for tons of other DIY projects, too.
2026 Desktop Calendar Supplies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own mini desk calendar:
- Wooden Sign Holder: these are exactly what I used (as pictured). The walnut finish looks so high-end, but there are alternate finish options you can choose from if you prefer a different aesthetic!
- Editable 2026 desktop calendar template
Additional Supplies for At-Home Printing:
- Bright White 80lb Cardstock (lighter weight cardstock won’t be sturdy enough to stand on its own)
- Home Printer
- Guillotine Paper Cutter: this is the one I use for all my paper projects
How to Make a DIY Desktop Calendar
1. Choose Your Photos
This is the most time-consuming step, so I recommend starting here. Pick 12 photos — one for each month. These could be:
- Seasonal images you love
- Wedding or engagement photos
- Family moments
- Travel highlights
2. Open the 2026 Desktop Calendar Template
Access the free editable 2026 desktop calendar Canva template and make a copy so you can customize it.
3. Upload and Customize
- Upload your photos to Canva
- Drag and drop them into the photo frames
- Add custom details like birthdays, anniversaries, or meaningful dates (Psst… got some BIG plans next year? Grab my DIY Party Checklist to help you plan the ultimate celebration without the stress!)
- This is where the calendar really becomes personal.
4. Print Your Calendar Pages
You can print at home or use a local/online printer.
For best results:
- Color or black & white — both look great depending on your photos
- Paper: 80 lb bright white cardstock
- Orientation: Landscape
- Print quality: “Best” or “Photo”
5. Trim the Pages
Using a guillotine cutter or paper trimmer, trim each page to 5″ wide by 7.5″ high. Use the cutter guides to keep everything consistent.
6. Assemble Your Desktop Calendar
- Stack the pages in order
- Test-fit them into the wooden holder
- Adjust as needed so everything sits evenly
That’s it — your DIY 2026 desktop calendar is ready to display.
Why I Love This DIY Desktop Calendar
This mini desk calendar is:
- Budget-friendly
- Fully customizable
- A great way to showcase meaningful photos
- Perfect for desks, shelves, and home offices
It’s one of those projects that feels simple but looks incredibly polished — and it’s easy to update year after year.
If you’re looking for more easy DIY projects, printables, and creative ideas, be sure to browse around the blog — I share new ones all the time.