Make Amazing Things, Win $5,000 — Here’s How!

Jun 03, 2014

Hello fellow DIY-ers! We’re here to announce something seriously exciting. We’ve teamed up with Scotch to inspire all of you to make amazing things! As part of their Make Amazing Contest, we’ve created an entire interior design scheme using a bunch of Scotch products like a laminator, heavy duty shipping packaging tape, and decorative masking, washi and Magic tapes. Yes, MAGIC! Colors, patterns and graphics can all be your oyster with a few simple tape tricks. Check out the video above to see what we’re talking about.

But this isn’t just about us making amazing things. This is about YOU! Show us what you can make using Scotch Brand products for an opportunity to win $5,000! That’s $5,000 for you to make even more amazing things. How cool is that? Head to ScotchBrand.com/MakeAmazingContest for more details.

Now, let’s get to making! Follow the tutorials below to learn how to make your own Color Blocked Tape Vases and Wooden Flashcards. In the coming weeks, we’ll also show you how to make this epic washi tape wall, wrapped book end tables and more.

Can you believe these are made out of tape?!

Color Blocked Tape Vases

Materials:

– Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape

– Scotch Magic Tape

– Scotch Expressions Magic Tape

– Scotch Expressions Washi Tape

Tools:

– Scotch Precision Ultra-Edge Titanium Non-Stick Scissors

– Scotch Titanium Utility Knife – Large

– cutting mat

– straight edge

Using Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape, make a grid slightly overlapping each piece sticky-side down on a tabletop (test this first with a small piece of tape to make sure it won’t ruin your tabletop when removed). Peel the grid off of the table and turn it over, sticky-side up. Add another grid to this side creating a sheet of tape “paper.” How cool is that?! Just think of all the things you could make with taper (tape + paper = taper :)).

Place your tape “paper” on the cutting mat and measure four rectangular pieces that are 3 inches by 10 inches (we made three vases with varying heights). Also cut a 3 inch by 3 inch square for the bottom of your vase. Cut a piece of Scotch Heavy Duty Shipping Packaging Tape the same length as your vase. Tape two of the rectangular pieces together making sure to hold the pieces at a right angle. If you don’t, the vase will bow along the seams. Tape the remaining sides together and then add the bottom of the vase. Reinforce the inside edges with Scotch Magic Tape.

Now it’s time to add color! Cut small square and rectangular pieces of colored Scotch Expressions Magic and Washi Tape and add them to the outside of the vase. We created a pixelated look, but you could make stripes or add polka dots — whatever strikes your fancy!

We added in a few paper flowers because, why not? :) Next up, we created a set of chic flash cards inspired by the ones we used to make as kiddos.

– laser-cut wooden numbered flashcards

Wooden Flashcards

– card stock

– Scotch Expressions Washi and Magic Tapes

– Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches

Tools:
– Scotch TL906 Laminator

– Scotch Designer Multi-Purpose Scissors

If you don’t have access to a laser cutter, you can do a similar method using wooden veneer paper or thick woodgrain card stock with a utility knife.

Laser cut your wooden numbered flashcards (if you don’t have access to a laser cutter, you can make these out of card stock). Cut a piece of card stock that will fit into the lamination pouch. Leave a small margin on each side. Then add Scotch Expressions Washi or Magic Tape to the card stock evenly covering the entire piece. Place the piece of card stock into the lamination pouch and send it through the laminator.

Trim the laminated pouch so that it fits the back of the wooden flashcard, and then tape the laminated card stock to the back of the flashcard tape-side down. When you flip it over, you should see the tape through the die cut number.

How fun are those? They really bring the room together ;)

Now it’s time to see what you can do! Head to ScotchBrand.com/MakeAmazingContest to learn all about how you can enter the Make Amazing Contest for a chance to win one of three $5,000 cash prizes. Happy making!

Run A Business In California? This Free Loan Tool Can Help You Grow

CA Small Business Loan Match

business loans

Are you a small business owner looking for a good loan to grow your business? California Small Business Loan Match makes it easier to find the right loan for you. Loan Match pre-vets mission-driven lenders and matches you with the best lender for your business, at no-cost. Get started in less than 10 minutes with a brief pre-application and no credit check required!

Loan Match is powered by IBank, a state government agency that helps to promote healthier economies and improve quality of life in California communities. All lenders are enrolled in IBank’s Loan Guarantee Program, which helps bridge the gap between responsible lenders and small businesses.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Wondering if you're eligible? Any business operating in the state of California, with 1 to 750 employees, is eligible. You just need to be a business entity (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Cooperative, Corporation, Partnership, S-Corporation, or Not-For-Profit), and operate in an eligible industry according to the 2022 NAICS codes (read: a legit business).

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Fill out a short pre-application questionnaire that takes just minutes to complete. No credit check required!

Step 2: Based on your eligibility, they’ll match you with lenders who fit your needs.

Step 3: Review details about each lender, select the one you like, and they’ll connect you with them.

Step 4: The lender will reach out within three business days to complete the application process. (You’ll also get their contact info so you can follow up directly.)

Most California Small Business Loan Match lenders are certified as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which means they offer competitive rates but specialize in helping borrowers who don’t meet the rigid lending criteria of traditional banks — for example, small businesses that have a lower credit score, a prior defaulted loan, or no up-front collateral. CDFIs specialize in helping people in lower-income communities too, and offer a much more flexible and affordable repayment plan than online lenders or Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) loans.

Check them out to help you grow your business, meeting our mission to help you succeed! Good luck!

Hero photo by Amina Filkins

Tiktok’s Viral Invisible String Theory Makes Soul Mates Seem Real

I spent an unhealthy amount of time thinking about love and relationships when I was younger, so I'm surprised I hadn't heard of the invisible string theory. You'd think someone who's familiar with imaginationships, red flags, and long-term relationships would, right? But this viral Tiktok theory took me — and the internet — by storm recently.

Since I was intrigued, I sought out some expert advice to really get to the bottom of what this lovely little social media notion was, and if it actually has some merit to it. With the help of Courtney Morgan, Licensed Therapist (LPCC) and founder of Counseling Unconditionally, I'm here to help you understand WTF the invisible string theory is and whether it's something that can apply to your life.

P.S. This one's for my lover women who can't get enough of the enemies-to-lovers trope often found in their fave romance books. 😘

Why are love theories so popular on social media?

Image via Pexels User/Pexels

Fromloud budgeting to the lucky girl syndrome, it's not unsurprising that I discovered the invisible string theory on TikTok. It turns out I'm not the only who loves hearing about how other people met the person they're dating or married to. Morgan says, "I believe that love theories are popular on social media because they bring up positive feelings, are relatable, and fun to consider. Even if they’re a little wacky or far out there, it can be entertaining to consider the possibility that they may be true and explore how they relate to your situation."

That's probably why I found myself creating a few imaginationships in my late teens, but we won't dive into that.

So, what is the invisible string theory?

Image via Photo by Juliano Astc/Pexels

Since the only string that comes to mind when I think about this is string cheese, I asked Morgan if she could fully explain this theory. "The ‘invisible string theory’ is a viral phenomenon that essentially alludes to the fact that we are connected to a person so innately that the bond cannot be broken, and that we would find this person in any lifetime," she says.

Now that I have a better understanding of this, I liken this theory to finding "the one," but more on that soon!

Should I expect to find the invisible string theory hard at work in my life?

Image via Angelina Orlova/Dupe Photos

I'll be honest — I asked this question for you, but I kind of want to know if there's actual merit to it for research purposes 👀. I know it's fun to think everyone will have the same experience, but that's not always the case.

"I don’t think that everyone will experience this phenomenon for themselves, and I also don’t think it should be a goal that we set out to accomplish, as feelings and interpretations can be so mixed and ambiguous. I am hopeful that a person seeking this connection will find a person or persons that make them feel secure and connected, even if their relationship doesn’t perfectly follow the invisible string theory," says Morgan.

Okay, noted.

Will the invisible string theory help someone attract "the one?"

Image via Elizabeth Pishal/Dupe Photos

Remember what I said about my not-so-secret former obsession with finding "the one?" Well, Morgan has thoughts about how that could connect to the invisible string theory. She says, "I believe that when people set out looking for something, they will find it. This doesn’t always mean that it works out and that it is meant to be this way, but believing that there is a person out there for you creates hope."

She also says, "A person that has this hope is a lot more likely to put themselves in situations to meet “the one”, whether that is striking up conversation with an attractive stranger, trying to get out of the friend zone, or accepting an invitation on a first date."

I'm just going to drag my younger self by saying that I entertained more guys than I probably should've on my journey to find true love. Thank goodness for growth and maturity!

Does the invisible string theory only apply to romantic relationships?

Image via Adrienn/Pexels

It feels like society has started to change how it takes about relationships by realizing that not all of the important ones are strictly romantic. There are familial and work ties along side our many friendships have nothing to do with romance, but they're important nonetheless.

"People will reference the invisible string theory in a variety of relationships. Some of the relationships are romantic, but others may experience this feeling with their close friends, a really amazing mentor, or another person that has significant positive impact on their lives," says Morgan.

All jokes aside, should I expect for this theory to be perfect?

Image via Alena Shekhovtcova/Pexels

Eh, define 'perfect.' Seriously, we like to throw the word 'perfect' around, but nothing ever really measures up to that — especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

"A person should not expect to experience the invisible string theory exactly as it is described. Rarely do things work out exactly as planned, and the invisible string theory is not an exception. The invisible string theory is fun to consider, and believing in the theory can be valuable if it inspires you to put yourself out there," concludes Morgan.

Long story short, no one can tell you not to believe in the invisible string theory. All I or a licensed therapist like Morgan can do is help answer your heart's burning questions while (hopefully) guiding you towards making an informed decision.

Want more relationship advice? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Lead image via Vlada Karpovich/Pexels

dating advice romance lifestyle tiktok trends Relationships

8 Social Media Hacks To Help Your Brand Stand Out, According To Our Social Media Pro

Adobe Express

creativity tool

Mallory Levy leads a busy creative life in NYC as head of social for Brit+Co. She wrapped 2023 with a dreamy forest wedding and bucket-list honeymoon to Australia and is back to work creating clever and often hilarious posts for our Brit + Co followers, from snappy recipe Reels to inspiring quotes to celebrity interviews and more. Where does she get her inspiration to bring you the best social content?

“I’m lucky to be within walking distance of world-class museums, theater, and cool events, like fashion week. The inspiration is endless!” she says. “Social media can get overwhelming at times, but I often come away feeling more inspired than anything else. It’s a great way to connect with other creators and find new inspiration, which fuels my creativity to deliver fresh, engaging social media content every day.”

Mallory’s secret to bringing her inspiration to life? She uses Adobe Express, the all-in-one AI content creation app, to ideate and design colorful and engaging content on-the-go. “The features on the all-new Adobe Express mobile app make editing and collaborating on projects easier than ever!” she says. “Because we’re a remote team, I’m very rarely at my desk, so being able to ideate and create, or make adjustments, when I’m out and about is truly game-changing.”

Adobe Express makes designing easy and fast for anyone – even if you’re not a pro – with thousands of beautiful, professionally designed templates and a massive selection of assets for your Instagram and TikTok content, flyers, logos, and more. Plus, Adobe’s Firefly generative AI technology, which allows you to create the perfect image, edit with ease, and generate and customize amazing text effects with styles or textures that really stand out. All these features are now available on the mobile app.

In this fresh, new Reel, Mallory shares a day in her colorful life as she creates standout visual assets for Brit+Co’s social channels using the generative AI features in the new Adobe Express mobile app. Check it out below!

What a fun, creative job, right? “My day-to-day is genuinely such a blast. I love having the creative freedom to run with my ideas and infuse some of my own humor and pop into our content,” says Mallory. “Most of my friends and family don’t believe that this is what I get to do every day!”

Looking to improve your social content game? Here are tips for saving time and making an impact on social media for your work, side hustle, or to build your personal brand.

1. Engage with your audience: Engaging your audience with content that resonates can lead to higher reach and visibility. Thanks to Mallory’s constant performance monitoring, we know our B+C follower loves to treat herself and her besties, she’s super creative, indulges in celebrity news (especially nostalgia TV), and gets joy from entertaining, travel, food, and decor. Knowing this, Mallory creates fun, interactive posts like polls and quizzes, and always keeps our content fresh and interesting using the massive library of fonts, photos, and design assets in Adobe Express.

“I’m always out and about filming fun content for TikTok and our other video platforms,” says Mallory. “Adobe Express makes it so easy to add clips, music, and captions (and record voiceovers!) so I can edit it all together in real time.”

2. Generate anything you can imagine: AI has become a powerful tool for content creators, helping them enhance their creative work and simplify tasks. Leveraging the right AI tools can help you work and create high-performing content faster! The new Adobe Express mobile app is packed with AI goodness that makes complicated tasks simple. For example, speech to animation lets anyone easily animate extraordinary characters using their own voice. Adobe’s Firefly generative AI, which is designed to be safe for commercial use, helps creators ideate, generate, and edit stunning images and turn text and headlines into attention-grabbing designs – all on-the-go and in just a few taps. And the Adobe Express Generative Fill feature even lets you insert, remove, or replace people, objects, backgrounds and more with just a description.

“The AI tools are fantastic,” says Mallory. “Even the most obscure ask in the Text-to-Image feature will yield dozens of options. My favorite hack is to include “hand drawn” or “illustrated” in the prompt box to get a more authentic/stylized result.”

3. Embrace trends: Hopping on social trends quickly can boost your visibility and relevance. Constant collaboration ensures our team is on top of what people are talking about – and Mallory takes that to social media to make sure our POV is part of the conversation. The ever-changing nature of marketing and social media can make it hard to keep up! With the Adobe Express TikTok Creative Assistant tool on the desktop version, you can easily ideate and search what’s trending, so you’re in-the-know and able to reach more followers and stand out with your creative take on the latest trends. Then head to the mobile app to quickly schedule or post the content directly to your necessary social platforms! More on that below.

4. Keep it short and sweet: Attention spans on social are short, so it's best to keep your content concise and to the point. Use clear and concise language and don’t be too fussy (sound like the real person you are!). Break things up with text with photos, emojis, and bullet points to make your content more scannable.

5. Create a consistent visual style: While our audience can have slight nuances across our social channels, Mallory makes sure our content is instantly recognizable. Using tools like brand kits in Adobe Express (shown below) can help you easily stay consistent and on brand, easily saving and applying colors, fonts, filters, and imagery to any asset to create a cohesive look and feel across assets – and in a fraction of the time.

6. Repurpose content: Repurposing our top-performing content into different formats or for different platforms helps stretch the impact of a post and helps us test performance. Sometimes a post that didn’t perform well in the past kills months later!

7. Schedule ahead: In today’s on-demand world, consistency is key to keeping your social audience engaged. Develop a content calendar and schedule posts in advance to ensure a steady stream of content. With easy-to-use tools like the Adobe Express Content Scheduler, you can quickly plan, preview, schedule, and publish in a few clicks to all your social media channels and on-the-go.

8. Leverage data: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your social media content and identify trends, patterns, and audience preferences. Analyzing data can help you achieve a successful content strategy and focus on creating content that inspires, delights, and keeps your audience coming back for more!

Download the all-newAdobe Express mobile app today to try out all the innovative and fun features, including Adobe Firefly generative AI—a one-stop shop for all your content needs!

Video Direction & Editing by Mallory Levy.

analytics tools brand stand out content calendar content strategy generative ai features interactive posts social media hacks social trends speech to animation brand kits sponsored creativity

The 9 Best Beach Tote Bags For Your Next Vacation

As a self-confessed fashion girlie, I have to say that I always like to feel good about my outfit from head to toe — even when I'm casually bumming it at the beach on vacation. Beach style is so unique with all its lovely straw and linen looks, so when I'm prepping for a day out in the sun like that, I especially love to have a fun — and practical — beach tote bag to feel prepared and put together. And while I'd love to have a designer special for every setting, finding these chic, beachy options on a budget always makes the look even sweeter. So I rounded up 9 beach bags that are fashion-forward, but still affordable so you don't have to panic when they get all sandy! Keep reading to see all of our chic cool-girl approved picks!

Shop Beach Tote Bags Here!

Gap X Love Shack Fancy Tote Bag

Love Shack Fancy is one of those brands that is absolutely killing the game at the moment. Everything they release is so on-brand and fun and this adorable tote bag is definitely just that! It's floral and fun and totally adorable! We love this affordable collab and think you should definitely grab it while it's still on sale!

BDG Urban Outfitters Mini Tote

A mini tote is perfect for all you ladies that only need the essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, and a book or two. This bag fits just enough items and it's great that you don't have to lug around a huge bag. At $39, this bag is a steal and so cute!

Damson Madder Bon Appetite Bag

Damson Madder is another brand that has such a unique style that is so recognizable when you see it. This bag just encapsulates them as a brand and is the perfect beach bag. It can fit lunch (which is perfect since its print is food and the name is "Bon Appetite") and any other essential you'll need for the beach. Obsessed with this one!

LL Bean Boat Tote

The OG tote bag that is very on-trend recently because you honestly just can't beat a classic! I love the idea of monogramming this sweet bag with your initials or a cute phrase. This beach tote will never go out of style!

Staud Raffia Moon Bag

This one is more expensive than our previous, but I wanted to include it in case you're going straight from the beach to lunch or dinner. The shape is very on-trend at the moment and it's the perfect day-to-night bag! It looks so high-fashion and luxe with its simple yet unique shape.

Ganni Denim Tote

You can't do beach totes without including this iconic Ganni bag that's everywhere at the moment. I see so many pictures of this when I scroll on Pinterest. This one will definitely make you look like a cool-girl influencer that you see all over IG.

Aloha Splash Proof Sun Bag

This splash-proof bag is not only adorable, but also practical as well. It's simple yet fun — and is also super affordable at under $70! The perfect beach bag that will fit anything you need!

Carhartt Fruit Tote Bag

I'm loving printed bags at the moment, so here's another one to add to the list. Carhartt has been releasing so many good items and this is one that's currently on my wishlist! Whether you need it for the beach, the gym, or school — it will definitely work in a ton of different scenarios all-the-while looking extra cute!

Djerf Avenue Tote Bag

Djerf Avenue has been one of my favorite brands for years and this tote bag will really carry absolutely anything you need! It's massive and extremely durable plus the print is so cute! With this bag, you'll look like a Scandi-girl angel!

Looking for more awesome pick? Sign up for our shopping newsletter, and be sure to check out our Amazon storefront for more editor-approved products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Urban Outfitters.

bags style inspiration shopping fashion vacation style Style

5 Subtle But Gorgeous Wedding Guest Makeup Ideas That Won’t Upstage The Bride

Summer is quickly approaching and you know what that means...so is wedding season! Spring and summer can tend to be jam-packed with wedding events, celebrations, and ceremonies. And if you're anything like us, you might be looking for some new makeup looks to try out for all of the seemingly endless occasions where we wanna look our best, but somehow manage to sweat off our hard work before the photographer even takes the first picture. Well, we asked the experts for their best tips for long-lasting coverage, but their favorite looks to try out — because nobody needs to look back at a wedding picture and wonder how they could have kept their mascara on better! Here's are four amazing expert tips for the best wedding guest makeup, plus a simple look to try yourself!

Tips For The Best Wedding Guest Makeup

Photo by Ron Lach/PEXELS

1. Prep Your Skin

Skin prep is the #1 key to not only getting dewy looking makeup, but long-lasting makeup that doesn't crease! We asked the experts atDr. Hauschka what they would do for long lasting makeup, and they said, "Moisturized skin is glowing skin. Always prep face and with rich emollient moisturizers (like our certified natural Rose Day Cream). Your makeup will easily glide over face and blend with your moisturizer for a glowy finish." IMO, this tip is absolute gold because you don't want your skin to dry or cake over throughout the day, and it seems like this will really help with that!

They also said, "If you want your complexion to look naturally sun-kissed, look to bronzers you can blend with your foundation or moisturizer. (Mixing a few drops our Translucent Bronzing Tint with your moisturizer provides a subtle sun-kissed glow without shimmers.)" Talk about a glow! We love this dewy tip and have PLENTY of moisturizers, both tinted and otherwise, to recommend!

Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images

2. Opt For Simple

Next, you definitely want to opt for a more simple look, makeup-wise! It's better to keep things minimal instead of doing too much with a bold lip and bold eye. Makeup artist and owner of The Green Room Agency, Nysa Green said, "Pick one feature to be the focus of your look, and concentrate on that. It can even be legs or shoulders. Tone down everything else." We love this trick because it's so simple to choose either a fun eye shade or lip color and have that be the focal point!

Nyssa also said, "Use a setting spray to keep everything in place through the festivities." Setting spray is the key to really lock in your makeup and ensure it lasts all day!

And Nyssa's final tip? "Avoid a red lip unless you want to stand out in all the pictures!"

Photo via Stephanie G-M

3. Don't Upstage the Bride

When doing wedding guest makeup, you want to make sure not to over-do it because you never want to appear like you're trying to upstage the bride in any way. Celebrity makeup artist, Stephanie G-M gave us a tip on this matter and said, "I suggest going for a look that elevates what your day look may already be. Starting with either a bit of color on your lips as a stain or eyes with statement jewelry (like above) means you'll be looking elegant but not out shining the bride's look."

She added, "Dewy skin and a little more blush than usual will also brighten up the look you go for. I would suggest just balancing it and not doing a full eye look and full lip look for the wedding." Duly noted!

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

4. Don't Forget Touch Ups

Stephanie G-M also gave us all the tips and tricks for how you can quickly — and effectively — touch up your wedding guest makeup throughout the day. She says, "Carry blotting paper with you for any shine that may occur instead of powdering it away when you are trying to achieve a dewy look. Always have a balm you can use to enhance highlight areas. You can always use your lip color as your cheek color too as the day goes on!" She also added, "You can always carry an eye liner with you if you choose to make it more bold for the evening." We love these tips for essentials to keep in our clutch!

Put It All Together For This Gorgeous Natural Wedding Guest Makeup

Photo via Yaz Roque/Ringmybelle.com

Makeup artist, Yaz Roque has a great look that is a must-try when it comes to the perfect wedding guest makeup look. She said, "With wedding guest makeup it’s key to keep it simple. I love to give wedding guests neutral tones, with a little bit of a shimmer on the lids. My tip would be to switch out your harsh liquid liner with a more smoked out liner, soft glam on the skin, and a pinky mauve or nude on the lips. You can even finish with my favorite lip oil at the moment byBlossom Beauty, it’s natural, smells amazing, and gives the right amount of shine for a perfect pour. Plus it’s under $7.” We love a good lip oil! I can't wait to try this look out for an upcoming wedding! This look is super natural yet still overstated enough for fancier occasions like a wedding.

What's your go-to makeup hack? Follow us on Pinterest for more inspo!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Stephanie G-M

makeup trends makeup hacks makeup tips beauty beauty trends beauty advice Makeup