Incredible and Unique Calendar on Handmade Paper

Sometimes, we are given items for the store which are so very special they deserve extra effort to explain just how much time and love has gone into them.

This is such an item. It was donated to us by a very talented young Lady called Olya. She is from Ukraine but left at the start of the Full Scale invasion and moved to Estonia in the Baltics, where she works as a Graphic Designer.

She is the friend of one of the teachers in the Middle School we visited in Ulaniv back in January and when she heard of our visit and work, she decided to help us by donating these items I am about to talk about.

On a fundamental level, what we are talking about are just Calendars, printed with the months of the Year 2025, however they are so much more than that.

In my opinion they are functional works of art, that deserve to be enjoyed for far longer than a year.

First of all, the paper the Calendar is printed on is hand made. An ancient art form that has existed for as long as humanity. When you hold the calendar in your hands, it is obvious that no mass production is involved. 
The edges are rough and uneven, which is part of the making of the paper as each sheet is made as a discrete item. Totally by hand and each one is different. The paper has a real weight to it, and is very thick and tactile. 
Each sheet is A3, approximately 50CM high by 30CM wide.

The typography is utterly unique, having been designed in person by Olya. Proof if ever there was of her talents as a designer. This is not a font that is available digitally, it only exists physically as a metal typeface, as printers have done for many centuries. It is quite incredible to think that people are still keeping the old skills alive in this age of digital media and Laser printers.

At the top of the Calendar, it simply says Ukraine 
There is a silhouette of a Soldier standing, weapon in hand, over the skulls of the dead invaders. Brutal yes, but also accurately reflecting the mood of Ukraine.
Underneath the text 2025, is a poignant lyric from an iconic and famous song in Ukraine. Very relevant to the imagery of the calendar.
It says…
“This is the land you have always wanted. Now you get yourself mixed with it”

On the reverse of the Calendar are Olya’s own words!
“The idea to create this calendar came out of the blue.
My goal is to show the strength and victory of Ukrainians and the weakness of Muscovites.
The phrase: “This is land, you've always wanted now you get yourself mixed with it"
 is from the iconic song by Stasik. It became the “soil” on which the idea was born.
There have been different times in our history, but our ancestors held on, they stood, fought, and believed. No matter what, we live, we fight, we do not give up, our sacrifices cannot be in vain.
Ukraine is strong! Ukraine is ours!
Ripped paper, letterpress, graphics - it's all about the calendar you hold in your hands.”

The very last line on the reverse is the name of the singer Stasik who wanted to be credited for her lyrics.

You will not be able to buy this item anywhere else in the world, and if you choose to help Ukraine and buy this from our store, you can be sure that every penny of your money goes back to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to help them in their struggle against the evil invaders of their beautiful Country.

We only have 9 pieces available for Sale. When they are gone, they are gone for good. We will never have this opportunity to sell them again. 
Because of the time, love and effort that goes into each piece, we want to price them to reflect this.
Each sheet is priced at £60.

This item has been brought back from Ukraine during Elliott's trip to visit Ukraine in January 2025. If you purchase one or more of these fantastic items, when you receive them, please share pictures with us through our Facebook page.

Visit Ukraine UK AID on Facebook here.

All items for sale by Ukraine UK Aid have been bought back from inside Ukraine while completing missions in the country unless stated otherwise.

AS STATED ALL MONEY RAISED FROM THE SALE IS USED TO FUND HUMANITARIAN AID INSIDE UKRAINE.