joi, 27 februarie 2014

DIY Neon Rope Cuff

And there you have it! A little DIY inspiration to kick off the weekend. Now if you’ll excuse me, my neon rope cuffs and I are out the door. Happy hour doesn’t last forever.



DIY: Gladiator Wrap Sandals

Today DIY is a little special. I’m actually revisiting one of my first Glitter ‘N Glue post ever. In 2010 I transformed a pair of flip flops into a pair of tribal inspired gladiator sandals using ribbon. Wrap sandals are again very popular this Summer so I decided to take an old project and elaborate just a little. These new and improved wrap sandals are the perfect accessory for my upcoming vacation.



DIY: Colorful Thread Wrap Bracelets

The great thing about this project is that you can use whatever color you wish, use multiple colors on once bracelet, wrap it all the way around the bracelet or just wrap a portion and leave the rest of your bracelet exposed. There are just so many options! A true do-it-yourself project.



DIY: Safety Pin Beaded Collar

Tis the season for extra embellishments like tinsel on trees, bows on boxes and rooftops covered in lights. While you’re decorating this season don’t neglect the collars of your cozy sweaters. Use a few safety pins and beads to adorn your sweaters collar and be ready to glitz up any Holiday party!




DIY ROUNDUP: MAKE A STATEMENT

A Beautiful Mess’s braided statement necklace made from parachute cord is to die for! We’re always a huge fan of anything neon, hence why we’re one of the only places WE know that carries neon studs.



DIY: BUTTON NECKLACE

We may be in the minority here, but we love cold weather! There is nothing better than curling up in a sweater while sipping hot cocoa. But bundling up in layers makes it pretty hard to show off those dainty jewelry pieces that were so popular in the summer. And forget about wearing any cute little layered bracelets because they’ll make pulling down those cardigan sleeves impossible! If you still want to accessorize your style this fall/winter, take the dramatic approach and make statement with a bold button necklace!



DIY TRANSPARENT CLUTCH BAG

Recently I’ve been obsessing over anything transparent, with clear bags being at the top of my list. I saw this pic over at pinterest a little while ago and knew I should try to make my over version. Turns out it wasn’t so hard.



DIY: Washi Tape Clutch

If you haven't experimented with washi tape before, you must try it! Washi tape is essentially Japanese masking tape made from rice paper that comes in many different colors and patterns. You can use them to decorate anything from vases, notebooks, frames, and in my case, poly envelopes.



DIY: TASSEL FRINGE PUMPS

Over the weekend we had a taste of spring, and we seriously can’t wait until this snow is behind us. There’s less than a month left until the season begins, and we are putting some spring in our step for this week’s DIY, literally. These pumps are adorned with gorgeous tassel fringe in fun, floral colors, making them the perfect segue into one of our favorite seasons. So what are you waiting for? Make this DIY today and kiss winter goodbye!

This fun, floral footwear is just the thing you need to shake off the winter blues! So get a pair of pumps, a section of fringe, and start DIYing your heart out!



D.i.y. punk statement necklace

From the Met Gala to the leather-heavy, spiked and studded fall runways, the fashion scene is currently reveling in the resurgence of all things punk. Luckily, statement-making accessories are the simplest way to amp up the rock factor of any look this season. With a handful of safety pins and a few well-placed spikes, we transformed an old bib necklace into an eye-catching punk statement piece to upgrade any fall look.

Here's what you'll need: A mesh bib necklace, safety pins, spike beads, and a gold link chain



D.i.y. acid wash shirt

All you ’90s kids rejoice: Acid wash is having a fashion moment yet again. When we saw it strut down Rodarte’s Fall 2013 runway we did what any label-loving, salary-less student would do: cry. But then, in true grunge fashion, we took to the contents of our under-the-sink cabinet and emerged with spray bottle and bleach in hand, ready to put our own spin on the trend. Find out how to recreate the acid-washed look yourself (minus the traditional acid wash process) in a few (super simple) steps below.



D.i.y. spiked ear cuff

The fall 2013 runways had all eyes above the neck as ear cuffs emerged as a fresh new way to accessorize. And if the spring collections are any indication, our lobes will continue to enjoy the spotlight next season, too! The perfect solution for the piercing-shy, ear cuffs are the easiest way to add some temporary edge to your look. Here’s how to D.I.Y. your own metal-heavy version to rock now and wear through spring.



DIY: Copper Wire LOVE Bracelet

Now we all know how I love a nice piece of chunky statement jewelry, but sometimes something dainty, delicate and demure is all you need (<- please read in your best Southern accent). I’ve seen these wire bracelets floating around Pinterest for awhile now and they continue to catch my eye. I don’t often work with wire, but these style bracelets are just too adorable not to give one a try. I dreaming of a copper (the broke girl’s rose gold) bracelet that reads LOVE in honor of Valentine’s.



DIY: Sequin Heart Shaped Purse

Valentine’s is days away… show of hands who has a hot date?!?! Well don’t be too jealous of me because I’ll be spending my Valentine’s night curled up on my couch, playing kissy face with a quart of Haagen Dazs rocky road ice cream and watching SCANDAL!! #OkBeJealous Anywho, if I had plans on Thursday night that required me to put on actually clothes and not just my PJs, this heart shaped sequined purse would be my go to accessory. It’s so festive and so easy to make!



DIY: Button Brooch Necklace

Although I wasn’t crazy about her dress, the second I saw Anne Hathaway’s Oscar necklace I thought to myself… CLEARLY SHE READS MY BLOG!!!! lol Her Tiffany & Co necklace reminded me of a petite version of the brooch necklace I crafted a few weeks ago (here). I see you Anne! In honor of Anne’s Oscar win and what has become a little “DIY an Oscar winners necklace” tradition around here, I present to you a DIYable version of Anne’s Oscar night stunner…



DIY: No-Sew Tote Bag From A Pillowcase

I was inspired to make this DIY tote bag after I took a trip to the farmer's market and realized I needed a comfortable and lightweight bag to carry all my goodies. I love the way this DIY project turned out and, more importantly, there was no sewing involved!

A pillowcase already has all the stitching you need to create this easy and stylish tote bag. The cross-body shoulder strap also makes it super comfortable to carry around all day. Just grab a pillowcase from your dresser, stamp it, give it a couple snips and you've got a custom carry-all tote for your next trip to the market!



DIY: Cork Tile Placemat From Wine Corks

If you're a cork collector like me, this DIY project is for you. Wine drinkers know how many leftover corks you can accumulate over the years, so let's put them to use! Not only do I love wine, but I love using cork for crafting projects. It's easy to cut, naturally waterproof with a beautiful rustic look, and it has a cushion material that makes for the perfect handmade placemat.

The DIY possibilities are endless by simply gluing corks together. You can also make coasters, table runners, trivets, floor mats or cork boards, just to name a few. Make one for yourself or maybe a gift for a wine lover? The best part is, if you know how to use a glue gun, you'll be a pro at this project.

Follow the steps below to make your own upcycled cork placemat.



DIY: Studded Skinny Cuff

This project is chic, super easy and you can make an entire arm full for just a few bucks. To complete this project just follow this simple DIY equation: earring + earring = bracelet!



DIY: Framed Fish Tank

I’ve been wanting to get a pet for some time now.  I figured a fish would be a great starter pet! Plus a colorful Betta is a great and inexpensive way to add a little color to a room without pulling out the paint brush. I wanted a really decorative tank for my fish to live in. Since I always feel like I’m in an art museum when I stare at my Betta, I thought framing the tank would be a fun and creative idea to display my new moving art piece.



DIY: Wall Shelves From A Shoebox

The days of creating dioramas from shoeboxes may be over, but there are still plenty of great DIY projects you can make by repurposing empty boxes. With a little bit of paint and paper, dress up your empty walls by turning shoeboxes into decorative shelves. Perfect for lightweight items, get creative and display some of your favorite pieces such as small vases, found objects, trinkets or frames. Use different sized boxes and a variety of colorful paper to create your own one-of-a-kind display, customized for your home. Display a single shelf or cover up an entire wall. The possibilities are endless when you DIY. Plus, you now have an excuse to buy more shoes.



DIY: Ombrè Vase

I've been eager to post an ombrè-inspired DIY tutorial after seeing so many adorable projects pop up on Pinterest lately, including this picnic blanket and this beautiful flower centerpiece. The dark-to-light finish creates such a beautiful contrast of colors, especially when you add flowers!

I chose an oversized juice bottle to create my ombrè flower vase, because I just love its big round bottom and tiny handle at the top! But you can use anything from wine bottles, soda cans or even milk cartons, so look around the house for anything that has a flattering shape.

Follow the steps below to make your own custom vase that will be sure to add a lovely handmade touch to your home.



DIY LEATHER MAKEUP BRUSH HOLDER

Makeup brushes have always seemed a little intimidating. Not being a makeup expert, I worry I’ll use the wrong one and wind up looking like a clown. You mean you shouldn’t put on eye shadow with the biggest brush you have? Exactly.

So if you know a mom in serious need of a new set of makeup brushes – or one who needs 10 minutes to rummage through several drawers to locate them for a photo (ahem) – this leather brush holder is the perfect handmade gift.




DIY UPCYCLED WRAPPING PAPER CLOCK

 If it comes in a whimsical floral design – calendar, card, wrapping paper – I am completely smitten. Seriously, it’s out of hand. When I came across this wrapping paper at Paper Source, I knew had to display it in our apartment somehow. What better way than to make your own clock covered in recycled wrapping paper? Now every time I check the time, I can admire the lovely print!



DIY: Mini Wall Art From Shoebox Lids

This project is a semi-sequel to the DIY: Shoebox Wall Shelves I posted a few weeks ago. After using all my shoeboxes for that project, I was left with a bunch of shoebox lids and the crafter in me knew I couldn't just throw them out! I realized that shoebox lids are similar in depth to canvas boxes, and so this DIY project emerged! Just cut 'em up, add your favorite decorative paper (or cut out graphics from old magazines like I did) and you've got custom wall art for your home. Imagine an entire wall of these! Follow the steps below to create your very own.



DIY: No-Sew Makeup Brush Roll from a Sushi Mat

If you like to stay organized as much as I do, this DIY project is for you! I love how I now have a dedicated slot for each of my makeup brushes and I can't wait to take this on my next trip. Sure, you can buy one of these at most beauty stores, but why not make it for under $5?! You can also adapt this project for your crochet needles, colored pencils, paintbrushes or even picnic utensils. I used a sushi mat to create my brush roll, but if you've got larger items you'd like to use this for, you can also use a bamboo placemat to give yourself more space.



DIY: Lunchbox Container from a Milk Jug

A milk jug makes a great lunch box, because not only is it food-safe, but it is the perfect size to keep your sandwiches from getting squished! Plus it will cost you about $1 to make! It can also be used as a container to organize all your little goodies. And the smaller milk jugs make the perfect on-the-go boxes too.



DIY: Mini Notebook From A Cereal Box

I am still a little old-fashioned when it comes to taking notes and I usually have at least two pocket notebooks in my purse at all times (one for craft ideas and the other for making to do lists). I realized that I am also very picky when it comes to choosing the perfect notebook, and for those of you who are like me, I've got a solution for you!

Follow the directions below to make your own personalized, budget-friendly pocket journal out of cereal boxes inspired by my favorite Moleskine notebooks. Choose your favorite decorative paper and a stylish button to create the perfect notebook that suits your own style. These were so easy and fun to make, I ended up making four...one for me and three for my friends.



DIY: iPad Case From Cork + T-Shirt

Dress up your tablet with a custom handmade sleeve! I love the natural look of cork and I've been seeing more and more fashion accessories (including my new flats) made from it too. And thanks to self-adhesive cork sheets, it was really easy to line my iPad case with a patterned fabric (which used to be an old t-shirt), creating my new favorite techcessory for only $10! You can also use this technique to create a iPhone sleeve or even a stylish clutch. Follow the tutorial below to craft up your own.



DIY: Personalized Key Covers

Got some colorful paper? Dress up your keys in just a few minutes! I recently color coded my keys and am excited to share this easy tutorial with you all today. I love this DIY project, because not only is it a practical way to help identify your keys, but it's also a great way to add some color and handmade flair to your key chain. Just pair up any of your keys with your favorite scrapbook paper and you've got a personalized little accessory of your own. I think this technique would also be nice to try on vintage keys and string them on a chain to wear as a necklace. I might have to try that soon!



DIY: 3 Duct Tape Necklaces

After spotting the beautiful lace patterned tape (shown below), I knew I had to somehow incorporate it into a piece of jewelry. I decided to pair the duct tape with gold chain to create a bold look while also adding a different texture to the piece. I ended up creating 3 necklaces and I couldn't decide which tutorial to post, so I've included them all!



marți, 25 februarie 2014

DIY Coat Rack

With the holiday’s comes company and with the winter brings coats, so why not a cute and functional spot for your guests to hang their coats!  We built this handsome guy for about $30 and it was quick and EASY :)



Industrial Chic Sconce

Anyone have a giant blank space in their home that is just screaming to be dressed up???  Well I HAD one in my dining room and I came up with a super easy, quick and cheap way to make it fancy!  Here’s how I did it!



EMERALD BRAIDED BRACELET DIY

Emerald Green is Pantones color of the year for 2013. Make this Emerald Braided Bracelet DIY as an easy way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe and your arm candy.



DIY Magazine Tray

Hey guys!  I hope you all had a great weekend!  My oldest three were at their grandparents, so I got busy on a little project for my coffee table.
I love magazines (almost as much as Pinterest ;-)), and decided I needed a little something for my table to hold them!  This project is super easy and cheap.  And it can be used just about anywhere! Woohoo!



DIY CROCHET BEADED BRACELET

My inspiration to make this bracelet came from this photo in the May Lucky magazine. The mix of bright colors, beads and gold chain make this a fun bracelet for spring or summer.
TOOLS & MATERIALS:

Large chain
Closure
Jump rings
Embroidery floss
Crochet hook
Beads
Pliers
Scissors
Needle (to sew in ends)
Beading needle





DIY SPIKE NECKLACE

Inspired by punk rock and the need for more necklaces to stack together, this DIY Spike Necklace is fun to wear alone or layered with more necklaces.



CHAIN & PEARL NECKLACE

I’ve seen many versions of this type of necklace, from Chanel to Lilly Pulitzer. But what I like the most about it, is the combination of an edgy heavy chain with pretty pearls. It’s a fun necklace that can be worn with just about anything.



PEARL BROOCH DIY

This is quite easy to make and really creates an unexpected statement on whatever you wear it with. It looks amazing as white on white as in the inspiration photo and it also works with more contrast as I wore it on black.



SNOW AND ICE DYEING

You can create some amazing colors and designs with this awesome technique for dyeing. I was really amazed at how easy it was and how cool it came out!



DIY Dion Lee 3D Filter Jacket

Gorgeous on its own, but also a beauty with brightly coloured pieces underneath, it'll become a well loved piece in your closet! I wore it all throughout my Las Vegas trip over the holidays and got tonnes of compliments on it. Trust me, this is a DIY you WILL want to have in your closet, it wont be one of those that you make and toss to the back of your closet. Onward with the tutorial!



DIY Pet Bed

How cute is this DIY wood pet bed?  With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to give you guys a great gift idea for your pets!
I love the way it turned out, and the best part??  This thing cost under $12 in wood to build.  Yup… That makes me love it even more!
I had the whole thing done in a couple hours.  I made this bed to fit a standard smaller dog bed.  I actually found the cushion for the inside at HomeGoods, but you could also use something like this bed on Amazon.  I will be sharing a plan for a large dog bed soon!
 So… Let’s get started!



Silver Bead Bracelet

I’m always up for learning to make easy DIY bracelets, especially for those which are typically designed. For example, this silver bead bracelet is shaped like tree bracelet. Don't you think it is a wonderfully wearable tribute to the winter season and beyond?



Materials and Tools:

Waxed cord

Round seed beads

Toggle clasp

Ruler

Scissors


Wrapped Rings with Wire And Button

I'm exploring an easy way for you to get a new piece of ring jewelry. If you are a wire or button fancier, it would be better. Because this project of how to make a ring is going to show making of wrapped rings. Slide wire through the holes of a bright button, and then well wrap the wire into a ring.



Materials and Tools:

Wire

Resin button

Marking pen

Wire cutter pliers


DIY Framed Chalkboard Wall

So… I have a wall.  I have stared at this wall for 5 years now bored to tears with it.  Not anymore!  Check out my new DIY framed chalkboard wall!
How cute is that??  I have such a narrow hall, and the other side is my DIY board and batten wall, so I needed something that would lay very flat.  I love how it turned out!
I built the entire thing for under $30 and had it done in no time!  Here is how I did it!


Supply List
1 – 1x6x8′ Pine or Whitewood board
2 – 1x6x6′ Pine or Whitewood board
Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint
Varathane Stain in American Walnut
Kreg Jig (optional and totally recommended)




How I paint walls!

Many of you know I recently started redoing my baby son’s room.   I have been debating his wall color for a few weeks.  His room has been a very light blue color that I did when we first moved in our house for his big sister.  I have no touchup paint, and couldn’t remember the name of the color, so repainting the whole thing was my solution.  I went to Ashley’s new house last week and fell in LOVE with some of the wall colors.  My favorite was called Seine by Valspar, and I immediately knew I wanted it for Brooks’ room.



Super Cute & Easy Wood Letters!

I really wanted to put his name on the wall somewhere.  I found the perfect corner for it, and I LOVE how it turned out!
Now these couldn’t be any easier!
I found these great, black letters at Hobby Lobby for $4 a piece.



DIY Wine Rack

I decided it was time to build a new and improved wine rack for the dining room.  I love the last one I made, but I was ready for a little change!  Check out how my new DIY Wine Rack turned out!
How cute?!  I mean, every wine rack should be cute… Right??  This is a very simple build!  It is a perfect first time Kreg Jig project for those of you that still haven’t tried yours out yet.
Let’s get started!


Supply List
1 – 2 x 4 x 10 board
1 – 1 x 4 x 8 pine or white wood board
1 – 1 x 2 x 4 pine or white wood board
Metal label holders  (optional)
The total cost of wood was under $8!  Actually, I had enough scraps to make this baby free, and many of you may also.


luni, 24 februarie 2014

LOVE BALLOON PILLOW

I guest posted over at icandy handmade over the weekend for their amazing Pink Week. You have to go check it out!


Supplies:
Burlap – 15″ was the size I used. Make it bigger if you want.
Scraps for the hearts, cotton and felt
Yarn or embroidery thread
Big needle
Sew machine
Pins
Fabric paint
Sponge brush
Iron
Scissors and/or Exacto knife
Ruler
Fabric pen


FELT HEART GARLAND!

Plenty of ways to hang this around the house…and it was an AMAZING addition to the Valentine’s theme going on. SO simple too. I wish I had thought this up myself though. I have yet to become thaaaaat crafty. For now, this is good enough for me.
 I’m really happy with my crafting this year, I mean, 2 crafts done in one month or even one year. That is a record for me!


Supplies:
felt
sewing machine
thread
scissors or die cut machine
fabric pen (or normal) for marking the hearts


FREEZER PAPER HEART TOP

I’ve been thinking about this heart shaped project forever now and waiting to do it and stick it up around Valentine’s day. I felt it was very appropriate. I think this would be so cute in hot pink with arrows running through it or the word amore written in it. But for now, plain and simple and loving it. I cut off the collar and the bottom to add a more romantic carefree look. Maybe I just got that feeling.


Supplies:
Top to refashion or upcycle if you will
Sponge brush
Fabric Paint
Hairdryer (if you want it done quickly)
Freezer paper (I bought a HUGE roll at walmart for $5)
Iron and ironing board
Scissors
Something to put in in the shirt to prevent paint linking through to the back