Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)              I don't know about you, but my life and schedule has felt extra full lately. Maybe it's because I'm 7 months pregnant, working full time, preparing for baby, completing side projects... phew! I'm tired just thinking about it! Anyway, there have definitely been more appointments and events than usual, so I've been wanting to make a calendar for my office to keep track of all the activities. And why make a plain calendar when you can make one with holographic glitter and gold accents?? That's exactly what I thought too...

Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)           Supplies:
-18x24" sheet of acrylic (x2)
-hologram paper (like this or this)
-1/2" long brass machine screws (x4) and corresponding hex nuts (x4) (Your local hardware store should have them.)
-1" long brass s-hooks (x2)
-gold card stock paper and white card stock paper
-glue dots
-X-Acto knife, metal ruler, and cutting mat
-washi or thin painter's tape
-1" circle punch
-drill and drill bit set
-thin brass chain (optional)

See all our must-have craft tools here!

Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)            You'll want to start by removing the protective film from one side of your acrylic sheet. Using washi or painter's tape, tape off a 12x22" area at the bottom of your calendar. Cut your hologram paper into 35 rectangles that are 2.25" wide and a little less than 3" wide. Space them into 5 rows of 7 and use glue dots to secure them in place. When spacing out things like this, I like to get the top and bottom rows spaced evenly and lined up with the tape marks, then fill in the first and last vertical rows, and then do the middle squares. It helps keep them all spaced out nicely.

Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)
Punch out 35 paper circles with your paper punch and use glue dots to affix them into the top left corner of each rectangle (this will be where you can write the date for each day).

Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)
Use your gold paper to cut out large letters for the first day of each week. You can also use large gold stickers if you like. I traced some chipboard letters I already had in my scrapbook pile, but you can also pick a font and size you like in Word or Photoshop, reverse the letters, and then print them on the back side of your gold card stock (when you cut them out they will be facing the right way!). 

Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)           Use glue dots to adhere the letters in place. 

Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)           Now that your squares and days of the week are attached, peel off one side of protective plastic from your second piece of acrylic and place it exposed-side down on top of your calendar. Use clamps or painter's tape to hold the two pieces together while you drill. Use your drill and drill bit that matches the width of your 1/2" long machine screws (mine were 1/4" wide so I used a 1/4" bit) to drill 4 holes about 1" in from each corner (you can just mark each spot with a marker).

To drill into acrylic, you just need to drill with the drill in reverse and apply a moderate amount of pressure to the plastic as you drill. Speed up if you don't feel it's going anywhere, but try not to go faster than you need, as too much speed can melt your plastic a bit (although the head of the machine screw will help cover up hole imperfections). I like to drill with a scrap piece of wood underneath the hole so the drill has something to hit once it's gone through the plastic. When you have all 4 holes drilled, you can add your hardware to keep it all together.

Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)           Peel back the remaining protective sheets from each corner of your calendar and use a machine screw and hex nut to secure each corner together. If the screw needs a little help going all the way through the hole, you can actually use a screwdriver to screw it in as far as it needs to go (it will self thread into the plastic). On the top two screws, add an s-hook between the back of the acrylic sheet and the hex nut so you have something to hang your calendar from. If you want to add a gold chain, you can also cut a section and hang it from these two hooks as well.

Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)      Hammer in two nails to hang your calendar from, and you're ready to write in all your important dates!
 
Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)           Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)           Love this! Acrylic Hologram Calendar DIY (click through for tutorial)           I simply love how this project came out! The glitter effect is even prettier in person, as I'm sure you can imagine, and I think it adds a little something special from just having a plain color or white behind each day. And in case you're wondering, I know this calendar doesn't have a month space across the top. I kept playing with proportions to fit the month area and just felt like it looked so much cleaner without that area added, and it makes the big gold day letters the star of the top space. You can totally shrink the size of the squares and the day letters though if you want to add a space for the month—go for it! I always feel like it's a double win when I can make something that's helping me keep my life organized and looks pretty too, so this was a big success in my book. xo. Laura

Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with the NEW A Beautiful Mess actions.

 

Flower Petal and Walnut Scrub (click through for tutorial)Hey friends! Kayleigh from Crafts and a Cat here. I'm thrilled to be joining the ABM team and can't wait to share all things DIY with you in the coming months! If you’re anything like me, your skin is less than radiant this time of year. Between cold temperatures and harsh air from heaters, my skin looks pretty dry and dull. Luckily, all it takes to refresh winter skin is some homemade exfoliating scrub. This one is made with crushed rose and chamomile petals. If flowers don’t make you (and your skin) feel spring ready, I don’t know what will!

This flower petal scrub takes just a couple minutes to whip up, and I love how colorful and fragrant it is. I’ve been keeping my jar of scrub by my sink so I can use it first thing in the morning. It makes my skin feel instantly refreshed, and pampering myself with pretty floral bits isn’t a bad way to start the day!

Flower Petal and Walnut Scrub (click through for tutorial) Supplies:
-culinary grade dried rose and chamomile buds (you can also find them in any health food store)
-crushed walnut shells
-moisturizing oil (I used olive oil but also love almond or hemp seed oil!)
-an airtight glass jar
-blender, food processor or a sharp knife

Flower Petal and Walnut Scrub (click through for tutorial)  Step One: Measure out 3/4 cup of flower buds and pulse a few times in a blender or food processor, or roughly chop until the pieces are the size of red pepper flakes.

Flower Petal and Walnut Scrub (click through for tutorial)    Step Two: Measure 1/4 cup of crushed walnut shells and mix with the chopped flower buds, and then place in a jar.

Flower Petal and Walnut Scrub (click through for tutorial)      Step Three: Add in 2 tablespoons of moisturizing oil, stir well, and seal until ready to use.

Flower Petal and Walnut Scrub (click through for tutorial)     Flower Petal and Walnut Scrub (click through for tutorial)       Use your scrub on your face, hands or anywhere else that needs a little TLC. I love that it's gentle enough for every day use and makes my face soft and dewy! I can't wait to make it with hibiscus flowers and lavender next time. It will last a few months if you keep it tightly closed, away from direct sunlight and heat, and free of water. xo, Kayleigh

Credits // Author and Photography: Kayleigh Kosmas. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.

Coffee and tees The Babe with the Power tee Emma Chapman Babe with the Power tee Probably the thing I think about the most is happiness. Am I happy? Is my husband happy? Are my employees happy? (It still and probably always will make me feel weird to say "my employees". It also weirds me out when someone introduces me as their boss, even when it's accurate. :)

I guess you could say I am a little obsessed with happiness, although I have a feeling that most people are. Even if they don't yet realize it. And although I think thinking on happiness too much, like constantly wondering if you're happy, is a great way to make yourself unhappy at times, I do believe that spending seconds or minutes every day noticing and possibly even vocalizing what is currently making you happy is super healthy practice. So, here's a few things that are currently making me happy. 

-Just finished listening to Amy Schumer's book, Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, and found it not only funny but truly inspiring. Kind of caught me off guard. 

-Currently reading Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, and it's probably going to go down as the longest novel I've ever read, but it's basically Pride & Prejudice with magicians, so I LOVE IT SO MUCH. ;)

-Trying out Whole30 this month, and although I wouldn't say it's making me happy (ha!), one thing that is: black coffee. I usually drink my coffee black anyway, but now I look forward to it even more every day. Sort of love that, it's like rediscovering an old favorite. 

-In March Trey and I are going to spend the whole month working and living in Los Angeles. It's one of my favorite cities, so I am STOKED. But also, I can't believe that I've built a career that allows me to do something like that! It seriously feels like such a dream come true and a total privilege.

-Also really enjoying the random, but often sunny, weather we've been having in southern Missouri this month. Even if I only make it out of the house to walk to the mailbox, still always thankful for sunny days. 

-Random but, we went and saw The Lego Batman Movie, and I thought it was hilarious! I had to go to the bathroom pretty much the whole time, but I couldn't leave because I was too into it. (Also, I get anxious to leave theaters or get up on airplanes because I get nervous to annoy others around me. I know, I'm over 30 and should really get over that, but that's how I am.)

Emma Oversized bagEmma's Wearing: Jeans/Levi's (similar pair), Shoes/Vans, The Babe with the Power tee/Oui Fresh, Vest/Seven Oaks Shop, Sunnies/Crap Eyewear, Purse c/o ChicWish (similar). 

Coffee and teesWhat's making you happy right now, sister?

Happiness Elsie LarsonOhhh my favorite subject too. 

Things that are making me happy right now: 

-Reading before bed. This is a new habit I am trying out, and it's really helping me zen out a bit before bed. I'm currently reading Skin Cleanse, which I started over a year ago and forgot to finish. It's SO good. 

-Projects for our nursery. These truly are my saving grace after eight months of paperwork... I am really happy to focus on fun stuff like rugs and light fixtures for just a moment. HAPPY! 

-Collecting records on the weekends. 

-Snuggling with our dogs. 

-Planning a little haircut and new outfits for SPRING. It already feels like spring here in Nashville.... so nice! 

Happiness Elsie Larson Happiness Elsie Larson Happiness Elsie Larson Happiness Elsie Larson Happiness Elsie Larson Happiness Elsie Larson Happiness Elsie Larson Elsie's Wearing: Overalls/Revolve (I love these and wear them out all the time!), Top/ASOS (it's really a bodysuit), Bag/Moorea Seal (similar here), Shoes/Swedish Hasbeens, Sunnies/ZeroUV, Evil Eye Bracelet/Bando (and also an old one from Madewell). 

xx! Emma + Elsie 

Author: Emma Chapman, Photography: Janae Hardy and Amber Ulmer. Photos edited with the New A Beautiful Mess Actions.  

#SkiesOver +pack is now available!edited with Miami from #SkiesOver, by @jeffmindell

Our first new effects +pack in A Color Story since the launch—Skies Over—is here, and we couldn't be more excited about it!! Honestly, photographers like Jeff Mindell were who we had in mind when we were creating this app to begin with. His bright, colorful style served as inspiration for a lot of the filters, so it didn't make as much sense to bring him in to create more similar filters. However, Jeff does the most amazing edits to his skies that we couldn't very easily pull off in the app as is. After talking with him about it, we got OBSESSED with the idea of him helping us create a whole new effects +pack just for skies.

#SkiesOver +pack is now available!   edited with Wildwood from #SkiesOver, by @jeffmindell

Jeff just ran with it from there, coming back with the amazing #SkiesOver concept, theming each effect after a city. So now any sky can be Skies Over Los Angeles or Skies Over Miami!

#SkiesOver +pack is now available!  edited with London from #SkiesOver, by @jeffmindell

With 14 different effects inspired by 14 different cities, these of course are best for skies as well as any simple or light-colored background.

#SkiesOver +pack is now available! edited with Las Vegas from #SkiesOver, by @jeffmindell

Jeff dug through all his old travel photography to find inspiration and the colors for each effect, complementing the skies throughout. 

#SkiesOver +pack is now available!    edited with Positano from #SkiesOver, by @jeffmindell

If you haven't gotten a chance to download A Color Story yet, you can find that here! And to get Jeff's new +pack, just hop over to the shop, find Skies Over, and hit purchase. We hope you love it as much as we do. It's SO fun!! Be sure to tag anything you create with #SkiesOver so we can follow along. xx. -Elsie (+ A Color Story Team)

14I don't know how I would've made it through the baby years with all three of my kids without using a baby carrier of some sort. I used the non-adjustable, pouch sling with Sebastian, the linen ring sling with Ruby, and both a jersey fabric wrap carrier and backpack-style carrier with Smith. Each type of sling had its benefits, but my personal favorite was the ring sling because I felt like it could compliment my wardrobe while also being incredibly practical. Plus, it was super easy to throw into the wash on a weekly basis!

Since two of the gals here at A Beautiful Mess will be welcoming sweet little girls into their lives this year, it only felt appropriate to share a ring sling DIY—complete with natural dyeing instructions to achieve that perfect blush hue. Think of it as a way to be more resourceful in regards to your guacamole habit. There are worse things to be addicted to, right? The texture and drape of the linen paired with the beautiful blush hue you get from this dye method make you feel more like you're wearing a pretty scarf than a piece of baby gear. 

18
You can easily make your own ring sling for a fraction of the cost of purchasing one online as long as you own a sewing machine and know how to use it. If you've never used a ring sling before, be sure to read through and follow instructions on baby wearing safety before attempting to use your sling. This type of sling can be used with newborns through toddlerhood to help promote strong bonds and provide comfort to both mom and baby. 

1SuppliesRing Sling Supplies:
-2 to 2.5 yards of 100% linen in white. A size small would need 2 yards while a size large would need 2.5. I suggest adding an extra 18" for each size up. You'll have a little excess, but as your baby grows, you'll need it. A linen/cotton blend will not dye as evenly as 100% linen, so be sure you're getting 100%.
-one pair of large aluminum rings in your color of choice. I shared the bronze in the supply photo but used the gold in the finished linen sling. 
-sewing machine
-heavy duty machine needle (these are the strongest for standard machines because folded linen is tough)
-color coordinating thread
-iron and ironing board
-scissors
-binder clips or straight pins

Dyeing Supplies:
-8-10 avocado pits. Save the avocado peels for dyeing another variation of pink! 
-10 qt. stainless steel stock pot. Once you've used this to dye, it is no longer food safe. So keep it designated as a dye pot. I have found some great pots at second hand stores for a fraction of the cost of something new. Copper pots will affect the chemistry of your dye experience, so stick with aluminum. 
-tongs or a wooden dowel to stir your pot and adjust your linen in the pot
-knife for cutting avocados
-pH neutral detergent 

4DYEING YOUR LINEN

Many plants require a mordant so the dye will bond with the fabric, but avocados are one of the plants that have a natural mordant so you can skip that step. You can find out more about mordants and how they affect colors in this post on natural dyeing. 

Prepare your linen fabric by washing it in hot water with a pH neutral detergent. This process, called scouring, will remove most of the chemicals or oils left on the linen so it will be able to absorb the dye more readily. The more often you wash your linen, the softer it will get, so I put mine through a full wash (hot water) and dry cycle (on medium heat to pre-shrink it) once, and then washed it in the washer again right before I was ready to dye. You can also pre-soak your washed linen in a large bowl or pot overnight before you are ready to dye. Making sure your fabric is thoroughly saturated means the fibers will be primed to absorb the dye evenly. 

Fill your pot more than half way with filtered water (if possible) so that your linen will be able to move freely and set it to medium-high heat on your stovetop. Add your whole, clean avocado pits. Set your skins aside to wash and freeze if you're interested in achieving another fun shade of warm pink. Let your dye pot get to a simmering point, but don't let it boil or it'll dull the color. The longer you leave it in the pot at a simmering point, the deeper the color you'll achieve.

Dip a scrap piece of linen in the pot to get an idea of the color. Once you're satisfied with your hue, add your pre-soaked and damp fabric to the dye pot. If you need to add more water to cover the top, you can, but this may slightly dilute the color. Leave your fabric in the dye pot for a minimum of 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it's evenly colored. If you wish for a darker color, leave it in overnight or a few days. It won't go all cranberry on you, but it will likely achieve a darker shade than the one in our example. 

Rinse your linen in warm water in a pH neutral soap again, run it through the dryer or line dry, and then iron it to prepare it for sewing. 

SEWING YOUR SLING

Step 1Fold one of the long sides of your linen in 1/4" and iron flat. I fold mine over as I am ironing so I usually don't use straight pins or binding clips, but if that feels more manageable, you may want to try that. Then fold that same edge over again about 1/2" and iron the entire length again. You'll want to add binder clips or straight pins along the length of your double-folded hem until you start sewing to keep things in place. Repeat this same process on the opposite long edge. 

Step 2Starting at one end of your double-folded edge, back-stitch and then stitch down the entire length on the inside fold as shown. Remove your clips as you go. Back-stitch again when you get to the other end. Repeat this process on the opposite edge. 

Step3Repeat this double-fold hem process on one of the short ends of your fabric. Leave the other short end alone until the next step. 

Step4Fold your linen in half length-wise so that the two long-edged hems are resting next to each other, not on top of each other. This is going to keep your thicknesses from getting so thick that your needle can't handle things. If you're right-handed, your two hems should meet on the right side. If you're left-handed, your two hems should meet on the left side. Place a binder clip in the center (mine is just a little off center. SO CONFUSING). Then place another binder clip about 1" in from each side. 

Step5Imagine things in thirds. Fold your left side in so that it covers the center third and then fold it back halfway. Then fold your right side in so that it covers the center third and then fold it back halfway. 

Step6This is how it will look when folded correctly. This ensures a strong shoulder support without being lost in fabric. 

Step7Remove your center binder clip and iron your new folds to create creases. 

Step8Add two more binder clips about 6" down from the top on both sides. This will help keep your folds in place and be a reference point later. 

Step9Stitch across the short edge of your folds about 1/8" from the edge. You'll want to start and finish with a back-stitch. I also decided to add a zig-zag stitch between my stitch line and the edge of the fabric to keep my linen from fraying (not shown).

Step10Add your two rings and fold your fabric down to the place where your binder clips were and re-clip things. Mine are just visual placeholders here because my real rings didn't come in the mail until the morning of our photo shoot! I unstitched these and added in the real ones just in time.

Step11Carefully stitch three rows of stitching near the edge of your fold to secure your rings. You need to back-stitch at the start and end of each row. This will ensure your rings will stay in place and keep your baby safe. 

Once you're finished, trim your loose threads and try it out! Just place your sling over your dominant shoulder so that it's just at the top of your chest. Then thread your other end up through both rings, separate the rings, and thread your ends back through the bottom ring. You can then follow directions here for safely wearing your baby. As always, take great caution to make sure your baby is safely inserted into your sling according to safety guidelines. 

212Ring slings are great for keeping a fussy baby close while still being able to get light house work done or to free up room in your grocery cart when you're out shopping. As a modest gal, I also regularly used mine to nurse in public since there was plenty of extra fabric to help me feel comfortable. It also made it much easier to get the whole family out of the house without hauling around a big stroller! 

If you're not in need of a ring sling, you can easily use this same tutorial to dye linen and sew a cute top or make dip-dyed cloth napkins to make mealtimes more fun. Interested in learning the basics of sewing so you can make more projects like this? Check out our self-paced e-Course, Sew With Us, and get started! -Rachel

Credits//Author: Rachel Denbow. Photography: Rachel and Janae Hardy. Models: Hannah, Jared, M & M. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.

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