вторник, 7 февраля 2012 г.

Hey DIY :)


Chain Crafting Part 2: Chain Collar!

CHAIN COLLAR! HOLLER! 
Does anyone else watch Tosh.0 and remember when Tosh wore a collared shirt every episode for a season? No? Well I do.And this here necklace was inspired by that. 

No, it wasn't. I was more inspired by Dannijo's awesome Hixon Bib that I very much so want. (I also want everything else they make. Just sayin'. In case you are in the mood to drop a few Benjamin's on moi, my birthday is in September.) 
But, back to Tosh.0 - if you don't watch it, you should. It's flippin' hilarious. 
That's all. 
.
..
...

No, that's not all silly! I still have to show you the craft! 
ANNNDDDD here it is!
Chain collar, people. Chain. Collar. 


Supplies:
IGNORE THE SCISSORS. I had been crafting for a while when I started this little ditty. It was late. I think I was delirious. Point is, you do not need scissors for this project. 

1. A light weight chain from Toho Shoji.
2. Metal loops from Toho Shoji. 
3. Lobster claw hook from Toho Shoji.
4. Pliers from a local hardware store. 

Step 1:
Use the pliers to cut the chain in half. 

Step 2:
Use the pliers and the metal loops to attach both ends of each piece of chain. You should end up with two chain loops. 

Step 3:
Use pliers and metal loops to attach the two chain loops you made in step 2. 

Step 4:
About 1/3 of the way from the two chain connection, add a metal loop and the lobster clasp to one of the chain loops. 

Step 5: 
Add a metal loop to the other chain loop the same distance from the connection. 

HOLLER FOR MY COLLAR! 









Adjectives I could use to describe my new necklace: 
Girly
Edgy
Trendy
Pretty
Shiny
Delicate
Chunky
 I could go on.
POINT IS- this is a pretty versatile piece of metal. And I can't wait to wear it!

Have you made any bad-ass collar necklaces lately? Tell me you have! Then send me the pictures. Or buy this one. Seriously, I can make it for you. It would be my pleasure. 

Hello chickens. 
While you were watching the super-bowl (commercials) and drinking beer, I was busy watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Parts 1 and 2) and making this little ditty:

This pretty hair piece was inspired by Miu Miu's Jewelry catalog:

might be the only New Yorker who did not tune in to the game (halftime show). 
"Why not, you anti-social loser?" you ask. 
Because I don't understand football nor do I enjoy watching organized team sports. Don't get me wrong - I'm athletic - I have some ninja hand-eye coordination AND I ran a mother f-ing marathon. (No big deal.) I'm just not team oriented (or spirited). 

I have no idea what the rules of football are and I find the whole thing painfully boring.* To me football means watching a bunch of men in tights and shoulder-pads run around a field for like 10 hours. (Why is it SO long?!) This might mean I'm a bad American, but hey, at least I wasn't hung over for work on a Monday morning.
*My dad is not proud of my complete inability to grasp football.

To illustrate my point, I made you a collage. You're welcome.
This is what football would have to look like to catch my interest:

This is why I'm single.
I have also discovered I have a new hobbie: Making ridiculous collages on Photoshop. Just another way to ensure everyone I know thinks I'm bat-shit crazy. Fun times!

Since football does not look like the above picture, I made a sparkle-y headband during the Super bowl. And then I paraded around my apartment (alone) wearing it like the bad-ass that I am. You stopped reading when you saw the picture didn't you. Oh well, I'll continue anyways. For my own entertainment. 


Supplies:
1. A plain headband from M&J.
2. Scissors.
3. Embroidery thread from Michael's. (I was pleasantly surprised to learn I had enough gold thread for the entire headband, so I didn't use the pink or purple.)
4. E6000 glue from M&J.
5. Rhinestone chain. Mine is actually one of those horrible belts that we thought were cool circa 2001. No? That was just me!?Yikes. No matter. You can get rhinestone chain at M&J or Toho Shoji. 

Step 1:
Cut the rhinestone chain to about 9 inches. 

Step 2:
Add glue to the outward-facing side of the headband.

Step 3:
Place the rhinestone chain over the glue. 

Step 4:
Add some glue to the inward-facing side of the headband and wrap the embroidery thread around it. 

Step 5:
Start wrapping the thread around the headband in between the rhinestones. 

Step 6:
When you get to the bottom tie a knot. 

Step 7:
Add some glue over the knot to seal it. 







I love putting pretty gold things in my hairs! 
And also, I'm the worst at taking pictures of myself. I would get a friend to do it, but that would take coordinating and involve me being in front of a camera, and none of those things are happening. 

Did you watch the superbowl? Did you not watch the super bowl and make an awesome collage instead? Did you make a rhinestone headband? Do you want me to make a rhinestone headband for you?

Mustache Necklace

I have been lady lusting after mustaches lately. (In the on-a-mug or as-a-finger-tattoo kind of way. Sorry boys, the 70's-porn-star-look aint my thang. But I know lot's a few girls who totally dig that! Viva la mustache!)

I have seen many variations on the mustache necklace theme, and I'm not gonna lie, I have come close to purchasing one on multiple occasions. But I decided the cheapest and most fun way to acquire such a ridiculous necklace is to make it myself! 
Challenge accepted!
 
Not too shabby, eh?! 
(That's me - I just realized I'm not too big on posting photos of myself. I'm camera shy.)

Check it against the Urban Outfitters version:
love hate to toot my own hornbut I think mine is better. It's all about the placement of the holes. Write that down. 



Supplies: 
1. Fimo Pasta maker from Michael's.
2. A small paint brush from Blick. 
3. Fimo from Michael's. 
4. Martha Stewart craft paint in black from Michael's. (Or just use black fimo, I didn't have any.)
5. A push-pin from Staple's. 
6. Gold loops from Toho Shoji. 
7. Gold lobster clasp from Toho Shoji. 
8. Gold chain from Toho Shoji.
9. Pliers from a local hardware store.
10. An X-Acto knife from a local hardware store. 
11. NOT PICTURED: Oven or toaster oven. 

Step 1:
Knead the fimo in your hand until soft. 

Step 2:
Pull the fimo through the past maker at the thickest setting. 

Step 3:
Use the X-Acto knife to cut out the mustache shape. I free-handed it, but if you are less confident with your hand, use a print-out as a guide.

Step 4:
Use the push-pin to make holes in both top corners of the 'stache.Then bake in an oven or a toaster oven for 5-10 minutes at 275 degrees. 

Step 5:
Once cooled off, paint the 'stache black. Let Dry. (If you used black fimo, skip this step.) 

Step 6:
Use the pliers to cut the gold chain in half. 

Step 7: 
Use the pliers to hook the mustache the gold chain to a gold loop. Do this on both sides of the mustache. 

Step 8:
Use the pliers to attached a gold lobster clasp and loop to the opposite end of one chain. Attach only a loop to the other. 

I'm ready for a night out in Williamsburg!




If you followed me on twitter or liked me on facebook, you would have had the pleasure of seeing this preview picture this morning. Just sayin'.

Also, I have a hunch this necklace is going to be a grand party companion. What better way to spice up a boring conversation than putting a fake mustache under your nose. Your friends will be all like "WTF are you doing, freak. Go home." And you can be all like, "You guys. It's cool. I made this!" And then everyone will think you are just the baddest chick that ever existed, despite your poor social judgement. 
I haven't experienced the social benefits of my new necklace yet, but I'm going out tonight and plan to work my mustache magic. So I will keep you posted on just how awkward I make people feel. Exciting stuff. 

Here is a fun idea:
What if I took this fimo piece of 'stache and covered it in glitter?! Did I just blow your mind? Not only would all of my friends be repelled by my annoying craft antics, but they would also run away to avoid any contact with glitter. And you know, I wouldn't blame them. But, I would be lovin' my necklace so hard - nothing else in the world would matter. 

Disco Ball Earrings

D-I-S-C-O Don't you want to disco?!
That was a line from one of the less popular color war cheers from summer camp. Good times. 

I don't know if you noticed but I used a super cool disco ball bead in a couple of recent projects, like this necklace and theseearrings. I found it at Toho Shoji and kind of fell in love. I just think it is so sweet looking.  

I wanted to make something where the balls were less of a side element and more the main attraction. So I made a party for my ears. It was just the obvious next step.

Hello, Disco Ball Earrings:
Perfect for the Discotech, no? 


Supplies:
1. Pliers from a local hardware store. 
2. Gold loops from Toho Shoji.
3. Earring hooks from Toho Shoji. 
4. Disco ball beads from Toho Shoji. 
5. Gold Chain from Toho Shoji. 

Step 1:
Use the pliers to cut the chain in half. 

Step 2:
Use the pliers to attach a hook to one end of the chain and secure it on. 

Step 3:
Thread the bead onto the chain and use the pliers to bend the loop at the end of the chain. This will secure the bead onto the chain. 

Step 4:
Use the pliers to attach the other end of the chain and the earring hook onto a metal loop. Repeat on the second chain. 

Party Time!


I'd say this is a most elegant ear party. Maybe this is the only "ear party." Whatever, I'm having fun. 
I'm 100% going to wear these next time I go dancing. I wonder if anyone will notice the thematic dressing...

What do ya think? Nifty right? Want them? I made extras!

DIY Vintage Earrings. WHAT?!


You heard me right. DIY vintage earrings! Well, not for real vintage earrings, but vintage style earrings.
SEE: 
Lookin' granny chic! Right? RIGHT?!

I love vintage fashion, but I rarely wear it. Why? you ask. Because I hate vintage stores. First of all, they smell really bad. Like moth balls, dust, and sadness. Also, ever since the bed bug infestation in NYC, I have developed a phobia of secondhand stores. I don't know, I just think secondhand stores are like a breeding ground for bed bugs. It's not totally logical, but we all got a little bit of crazy in us. 

So back when I was still a fetus in high school, I bought this crazy bag of Fancy Buttons from Michael's:

No really, they are called "Fancy Buttons." And I have the Value Pack. Bad-ass. 
I thought that I could use them to jazz up a boring shirt. I never did that. And good thing I didn't, because these earrings aregold. (Well, actually plastic, but you know what I mean.) So with out further ado...


Supplies: 
1. Fancy Buttons from Michael's
2. E6000 glue from M&J
3. An extra small paint brush from Michael's
4. Pliers and/or an Exacto knife
5. Earring studs and backs from Michael's
6. A working surface – I used some old foam core

Step 1:
See that button hole thing that my thumb is pointing at? We need to get rid of that.

Grab your pliers or Exacto knife and break it off.

The back of the button should be flat when you are done, like mine above. 

Step 2:
Drop a glob of glue on your working surface and get some on the tip of your brush. 

Step 3:
Add a small amount of glue close to the edge of the back of the button.

Step 4: 
 Place earring stud on top of glue. 


Have the stud sit right on the edge of the back, like mine above. 

Step 5: 
Let sit and dry overnight.

And now I have a bunch of vintage earrings without having to take a step in a vintage store!

And here are some pictures of my gorgeous friend Ashleigh wearing my new earrings!
My friends are pretty!





diy: Lanyard Stitched Clutch


This was one of those projects that I started without any real direction or idea as to what I was about to do. I'm actually really happy with the outcome, considering I kind of just winged it...but those are always the best kind of projects ;)


Alexander McQueen Ivory/Black Clutch, $1,850
Photo Credit: Polyvore/Matchesfashion.com


It was actually inspired by this McQueen clutch. There's also this one, too.


Sometimes, I look at things...and certain techniques used (as oppose to the actual item) jump out at me. I loved the stitched look in this clutch, and automatically thought of the black lanyard I have in my stash. I also thought back to the techniques I used in this Fur & Ribbon Scarf and Lanyard Double Chain Bracelet. I ended up weaving the lanyard like I did with the ribbon in the scarf, but connecting two of those weaves together like I did in the bracelet.


Check out how I did it after the jump!









Supplies:

- Envelope clutch (I actually got mine off of Ebay)
- Ruler (It helped a lot that the one I was used is clear)
- Washable marker (I used Crayola) & a paper towel
- Scissors
- Super glue / E6000
- Large roll of lanyard plastic lacing
- Focal piece / pendant
- Clear nail polish (optional)




This is actually from a chandelier. I found it at a thrift store a couple years ago; I made it into a necklace, but didn't wear it too often since it was so heavy. So I'm glad I was able to repurpose (again) for this project! I love the detailed cut along the edge.




1) With the washable marker, draw three lines along the edge of the top flap, on one side. The length will obviously depend on the size of your clutch; each line was roughly 7 inches. Notice how I positioned them slightly diagonal.




2) Make the lines about 1 centimeter apart.




3) If you mess up, you can always dampen the paper towel with some water and gently wipe away the marker.




4) When your lines are set, carefully cut along the lines. It might help to pierce the material at first, then cut.






You'll end up with the two leather strips that lanyard will be wrapped around. The bottom (closest to the edge) and the top (farther from the edge).





5) When all the lines are cut, wipe away the marker.




6) Cut a strand of lanyard, roughly 12-15 x the length of one line. So in my case, I multiplied 7 inches by 15. I This should be more than enough, but it's better to have too much than too little!




7) Fold the lanyard and half, then fold it around the strip closest to the edge. Make sure there's an equal amount on either side.




8) Fold the bottom strand over the top strand, then under the leather strip.




9) Bring it back over the leather strip, so that both strands are now facing the same side. Basically repeat Step 8 over again; bring the "new" first strand over the second, and under the leather.




10) Fold it back over, and keep repeating...








...until you reach the end.




11) Tie it off with a few tight knots, and cut off some (but not all) of the excess just so the strands don't get in your way.




12) Cut another strand of lanyard, same length as before (length of line multiplied by 12-15). Slip the strand through the first stitch, again making sure it's folded perfectly in half.




13) Place the bottom strand under the leather strip, and the top over the leather strip.




14) Start weaving the lanyard the same way you did in Steps 8/9. Bottom strip folds over the top, and goes back under the leather strip.




15) Except this time, before folding that strand back over the leather, weave it through the next consecutive available stitch.




Then back over the leather.




Continue the entire way down, making sure to connect both sides by weaving the lanyard through the other stitches.










It might look a bit wonky and weighed down, but this is normal.




16) Tie off the ends.




16) Repeat on the other side, making sure to MEASURE to make sure everything is symmetrical and even. For example, if the lines that you cut started an inch from either side edge, make sure the lines on the other side are also an inch from the edge. I was a little off in the center, but that's where the focal piece will be going anyway (thankfully!).




I finished off all ends by tying the strands in knots, and securing them with some clear nail polish.




17) Glue the focal piece/pendant to the center of the clutch. Let dry overnight.




 My clutch came with a strap, so it could easily be turn into a purse. I think it's something a little different, and a fun way to dress up an otherwise plain or thrifted clutch. I'm pretty happy with it, and I especially love how it's a new and more mature way to use lanyard.






xo!

DIY: Color Popped Collar + Glitterly Chunky Heels

Because of the mild Winter across the US many weather ladies and gents have dubbed January 2012, Juneuary. I have to say I’m in love with the 76 and sunny and type weather we’re having in SoCal. So in honor of Juneuary, and hopefully Febune, I’m skipping anymore Wintery type DIY post and bringing on Spring a little early. Color is the most exciting thing about Spring trends. Here’s a quick and easy way to bring a little color to those boring button downs. Just to be warned there is a whole color situation going on in this post that might cause epileptic seizures. Well not really, but you’ve been warned…
Materials: Button Down Shirt, Stained by Sharpie Fabric Marker
Be as creative as you wish! Used any color fabric pen you desire. Use multiple colors. Whatever you want!
I paired my colorful button down with my pair of DIYed glitter chunky heels. I picked up the heels from Target, applied a healthy amount of Aleene’s Tacky Glue to the toe and heel then I doused it in glitter. GLITTER BOMB!!!!! Shake off the access glitter and then allow it to dry. I used painters tape to help me get such straight lines.
Have fun! xo

DIY: Tassel Knot Chain Earrings

Ok so full disclosure: This post was inspired by an episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Yes I’m a fan of entire Bravo TV Housewives  franchise. I watch all of them, except Orange County. Don’t judge me! Anywho, I was watching last weeks episode of RHOATL when these earrings on the lobes of Ms. Sheree Whitfield caught my eye. They were all chain and dangling down here neck. They were fierce! My inner diva was turned on and I was inspired to make my own…
Materials: Chains, 2 Jump Rings, 2 Earring Findings
Sip the earring finding onto the jump ring. Cut your chain to be about 8-10 inches long.
Slide your chain through the jump ring.
Knot the top of the earring, finding and all, around the chain and pull tight to secure.
Honey, you gotta love a pair of earrings that move in the wind!
Anytime I wear chains it brings out my inner Rihanna. My inner rocker. They edgy and fun. Not necessarily something I’d wear every day, but with the right outfit they’re the perfect match.

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