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:
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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Hey there! I'm Anna, an interior design addict and relentless DIYer. I believe good design can still be affordable, and that you can make anything you set your mind to. Be sure to follow all my shenanigans at annabode.com and keep checking back here for more posts on Home Made by Carmona!
Hannah
May 11, 2017 at 1:32 pm (1 year ago)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 ~
DinaHaines
March 25, 2017 at 5:11 am (1 year ago)Great idea!!!Loved it…
Corey Willis
January 9, 2017 at 1:45 pm (2 years ago)Totally love this! Pinned!
lily
November 4, 2016 at 2:25 pm (2 years ago)So cute!! Have to try this!! <3
Katrijn
July 11, 2016 at 7:38 am (2 years ago)I love it!
Hannah
October 17, 2015 at 7:24 pm (3 years ago)Do you make these to buy at all? I love it but it just seems a little to difficult for me haha
Anna
October 19, 2015 at 5:02 pm (3 years ago)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!
Julia
April 28, 2017 at 12:46 pm (1 year ago)Just FYI, the link is no longer up to date. Where did you get the supplies (especially the letters)?
Patricia
July 28, 2015 at 3:01 pm (3 years ago)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!
Jesica
February 24, 2015 at 1:05 pm (4 years ago)This is too freaking cute, what a great idea!
Anna
March 18, 2015 at 12:16 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Jesica!
Stephanie, Sandpaper and Glue
January 28, 2015 at 10:32 am (4 years ago)so cute! love the colors you picked
pinned it.
Anna
February 2, 2015 at 10:49 am (4 years ago)Thanks Stephanie!
Catherine
January 25, 2015 at 3:03 am (4 years ago)Great visual reminder! I am adding an extra tag “day of the week”. Thank you for stimulating my brain cells ♥
Anna
February 2, 2015 at 10:49 am (4 years ago)Ooh that’s a great idea Catherine! You’re so very welcome
I’d love to see how yours comes out!
Rebecca Friedman
March 12, 2015 at 7:31 pm (4 years ago)I love the idea! Im just a little confused with the numbers. Can you help me please?
Thank You
Anna
March 18, 2015 at 12:18 pm (4 years ago)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?
katie a.
January 22, 2015 at 5:17 pm (4 years ago)This is SO cute and creative!!! I would totally make these to give as gifts!
katie a. //
Anna
January 22, 2015 at 5:36 pm (4 years ago)Aw, thanks so much Katie! Great idea–they would make nice little gifts!
Michelle
January 21, 2015 at 9:18 pm (4 years ago)Very creative and unique!
Thanks for sharing
Anna
January 22, 2015 at 5:35 pm (4 years ago)Thanks Michelle, anytime!
Christine
January 20, 2015 at 12:30 am (4 years ago)That looks fantastic and very sophisticated. I love it!
Anna
January 20, 2015 at 9:29 am (4 years ago)Thanks Christine!
Gilly @ Colour Saturated Life
January 19, 2015 at 6:52 pm (4 years ago)Gorgeous Anna!
Anna
January 20, 2015 at 9:30 am (4 years ago)Thanks Gilly! Can’t wait for your post
vanessa
January 19, 2015 at 11:33 am (4 years ago)This is a cool idea. Love
Anna
January 20, 2015 at 9:30 am (4 years ago)Thanks so much Vanessa!
Gigi Harlan
January 19, 2015 at 11:15 am (4 years ago)Wonderful project! It looks so expensive when finished and yet it was easily affordable, love it!
Anna
January 20, 2015 at 9:31 am (4 years ago)Aw, thanks Gigi! I’m so glad you liked it!
Kristen
January 19, 2015 at 10:29 am (4 years ago)That is so cute, and totally something I could do — but everyone else would think it’s store-bought!
Anna
January 20, 2015 at 9:32 am (4 years ago)Thanks lady
Ursula Carmona
January 19, 2015 at 9:39 am (4 years ago)Beautiful! I love this project so much Anna! So glad to have you as a contributor!
Anna
January 20, 2015 at 9:33 am (4 years ago)Thanks Ursula, I’m so happy to be a part of your beautiful blog!
chelsea jacobs
January 19, 2015 at 9:30 am (4 years ago)So cool–you are so creative!
Anna
January 20, 2015 at 9:33 am (4 years ago)Thanks so much Chelsea!