Would you like an office with an ocean view? It's possible when you decorate using beautiful pictures from a fish calendar.
FINDING FISH CALENDARS
Before you can start decorating, you'll need to find a handful of calendars. While you can try the average discount store, your best bet will likely be specialty shops. Start looking early in the holiday season for the best selection.
Usually around Thanksgiving, specialty calendar kiosks and stores start opening at major malls. They typically have a calendar for almost any interest or hobby one can imagine. Another place to try is your local bookstore. Larger ones will probably offer the widest variety. You can even look as late as January for closeout specials.
Another option is stores that specialize in tropical fish and supplies. Some pet shops even have sections dedicated to salt water hobbyists. They might carry calendars intended to be stocking stuffers etc. Outdoor adventure gear or scuba shops might also yield a fish calendar or two.
Like almost anything else, you can also try searching for calendars online. Look up charitable organizations related to ocean, marine life or tropical reef preservation. Your decorating purchase might even be tax deductible. Just about any style will work for decorating; selection is completely based on personal taste. Find pictures you like, and you're ready to go.
FRAME YOUR PHOTOS
Now that you've found the calendars and chosen the photos you want to use, you have quite a few options as to how to utilize them. One option of course is to frame several pictures and hang them strategically around the office. You can also make an eye-catching display by using photos of varying sizes or shapes and hanging them together in a group. Make the grouping a focal point on any large wall, possibly behind an executive desk. Groupings with small to medium-sized pictures work great on shelves or file cabinets when wall space is limited.
You can get adventurous with the frames too. Craft stores normally have plain wooden frames which can be painted to accentuate a particular part of the scene. You might also attach shells, coral or sand dollars in addition to, or instead of painting. If you have a special collection, consider making a shadow box using a calendar picture as the backing.
CUT-OUTS AND COLLAGES
If you can't decide which photos to use because you like them all, think about making a collage. Buy a piece of sturdy posterboard, and trim it to a standard size. This is especially important if you'd like to finish your project with a ready-made frame instead of having one custom-fitted. Again, any craft store should have a variety of frame sizes and styles to choose from.
Next, cut out whatever portion you'd like to keep from each picture. You can keep as much or as little as you'd like. If one shot stands out in particular, use it in the center, and surround it with the other pictures. Attach the pictures with craft glue or the type used for scrapbooking, and make sure everything has dried thoroughly before framing.
MAKE A PERSONALIZED CALENDAR
In addition to using store-bought calendars, you might consider making one of your own. It would be a very special addition to any display and a great way to remember a special weekend trip or family vacation. There are several resources available both on and off-line which explain how to use your photos to create a one-of-a-kind calendar.
Simply typing "make your own calendar" into a search engine will yield several choices from kits to free software. There are also a number of books available. You could also call a local print shop or graphic designer for some pointers, or you may even have them do it for you, depending on your budget.
As you can see, decorating with fish calendars is a great way to bring the beauty of the ocean into any office space. Now grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy the view!
