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A belated happy new year, everyone! For those of you who missed Ursula’s big exciting news, let me introduce myself: I’m Anna from Annabode, and today I’m sharing this quick, no-fuss DIY desk calendar: [/right]
I’m in love with this project—not only is it ridiculously easy, it also combines two of my favorite things: watercolors and ombré. C’mon, who doesn’t want a pretty little desk calendar in their office?
And don’t worry—you don’t need to be an artist to pull off this project. If you can hold a paintbrush, you can paint ombré! You may need to practice a little beforehand (I definitely wasted about 5 gift tags before I figured it out), but once you get the hang of it it’s quite simple.
If you recreate this project yourself, I’d love to see it! Tag @annabode on Instagram and I’ll be sure to feature your photo.
First, measure the interior of your box (mine was 5 5/8” x 3 5/8”–you won’t need the lid). Then, measure and draw a corresponding rectangle on the back of the patterned paper and cut it out.
With the sponge brush, add a layer of modge podge to the bottom of the box and the back of the paper. Place the paper on the bottom of the box, and smooth out any wrinkles/bubbles (a credit card works great for this!). Let dry for 15 minutes.
In the meantime get out the watercolors, a small dish of water, and the gift tags. I chose to work with pinks, blues, and greens, but you can do any combination of colors you choose–or even a single hue.
Dip the paintbrush into the water and wet the first color, ensuring you have a decent amount of pigment on the brush. Make a large stripe across the bottom of the first tag (remember: do a few practice ones first). Rinse the brush, wipe lightly, and paint another stripe above and adjacent to the first using only water. Repeat these steps until you reach halfway up the card. The color should be darkest at the bottom and gradually lighten until it matches the white of the tag.
Repeat this process on 13 of the tags. Let dry, and repeat on the other sides. Don’t worry if the paper starts to curl — painting both sides will flatten it out, and you can always bend it slightly afterwards.
While the tags dry, add another thin layer of modge podge to the bottom of the box and let dry for another 15 minutes, taking care to make it smooth.
Divide the tags into three piles of 6, 2, and 5 respectively. The first pile will be the months, the second pile will be the day’s first digit, and the third pile will be the day’s second digit. Follow the directions of the rub-on letters and apply the following to the tags (front/back): jan/feb, mar/apr, may/jun, jul/aug, sep/oct, nov/dec, 0/1, 2/3, 0/1, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7, 8/9.
Next place three tags into your box, evenly spaced. Use them as a guide to make three marks on what will be the “ceiling” of the box, ½” from the front edge.
Screw the three C-hooks into the ceiling of the box. Or ask your hubby to do it. These babies take some muscle!
Place the tags onto the hooks! If you find they aren’t easy to hang, you can trim the tops or bottoms until they fit perfectly.
There you have it! Now stop checking your iPhone to see what day it is.
Sources: alphabet transfers, Target // paper, Michaels // box, Michaels // gift tags, Michaels //
Visit Annabode for more beautiful and creative decor!
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FOLLOW ANNA HERE
Wow this is sooooo cute Anna! I love it very much, however could you explain me a bit about how to flip the days? Or can you make a video, that would be useful since I’m doing this for my boyfriend, he’s going to travel abroad and I think I will never see him again so I want this to be extremely perfect. Thank you :3 love the idea very much ~
you probably just take it off the hook then put the number or month on the back
Great idea!!!Loved it…
Totally love this! Pinned!
So cute!! Have to try this!! <3
I love it!
Do you make these to buy at all? I love it but it just seems a little to difficult for me haha
Hey Hannah! Unfortunately I don’t — but you can buy my kit which makes things easier: http://www.darbysmart.com/projects/desk-calendar I believe in you, you can do it! 🙂
Just FYI, the link is no longer up to date. Where did you get the supplies (especially the letters)?
This is just conjecture as I haven’t tried it, but if the C hooks are too difficult to forcefully screw in, using a screw bit and a power drill to make shallow pilot holes seems like a solution!
This is too freaking cute, what a great idea!
Thanks Jesica!
so cute! love the colors you picked 🙂 pinned it.
Thanks Stephanie!
Great visual reminder! I am adding an extra tag “day of the week”. Thank you for stimulating my brain cells ♥
Ooh that’s a great idea Catherine! You’re so very welcome 🙂 I’d love to see how yours comes out!
I love the idea! Im just a little confused with the numbers. Can you help me please?
Thank You
Sure thing Rebecca! Basically, you’ll have two piles of number cards. The one on your left would be the first digit of the date and the one on your right would be the second digit. I put numbers on both sides of the tags to save paper. So left pile was 0/1, 2/3 and right pile was 0/1, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7, 8/9. Does that make sense?
This is SO cute and creative!!! I would totally make these to give as gifts!
katie a. //
Aw, thanks so much Katie! Great idea–they would make nice little gifts! 🙂
Very creative and unique!
Thanks for sharing
Thanks Michelle, anytime!
That looks fantastic and very sophisticated. I love it!
Thanks Christine!
Gorgeous Anna!
Thanks Gilly! Can’t wait for your post 🙂
This is a cool idea. Love
Thanks so much Vanessa!
Wonderful project! It looks so expensive when finished and yet it was easily affordable, love it!
Aw, thanks Gigi! I’m so glad you liked it!
That is so cute, and totally something I could do — but everyone else would think it’s store-bought!
Thanks lady 🙂
Beautiful! I love this project so much Anna! So glad to have you as a contributor!
Thanks Ursula, I’m so happy to be a part of your beautiful blog!
So cool–you are so creative!
Thanks so much Chelsea! 🙂