4 Apr 2012

WhatIWore: Got an old pair of sneakers laying around? Maybe some old Keds, Converse  or Toms that need a new life? Here’s a super easy DIY project that only requires canvas sneakers, fabric paint and a pencil (about an hour of your time!)  Click through to get started!

1. You’ll be using your pencil eraser as a stamp.  Start by dipping it lightly into your fabric paint and dabbing off excess.

2. Begin stamping at the back of your sneaker. It might take a few dots to get the hang of the amount of pressure and paint to use.  Go easy at first! It’s easier to add more paint later.

3. For each section of the shoe, I did a center dot first and then did an alternating pattern. You can do your dots at random, or even use a ruler and a bit of chalk to pre-mark your design. 

4. After your first coat is down, let it dry and then go back and touch up (if you want to!) I used a combination of the erase and a fine tipped paint brush. 

5. Once your shoes are dry, you’re good to go! 

You can use any dotting tool to make these shoes! For small dots, try using the ball head of a straight pin or for really big dots, a the cork from a wine bottle. Or a combination!! 

29 Mar 2012

WhatIWore: About a month ago I completely fell in love with a beautiful trench from Kate Spade New York, but couldn’t rationalize the investment… so I decided to make my own version! Contrast trim trenches are everywhere this season, from KSNY to Milly to the Jason Wu for Target line. If you can do basic hand sewing and have patience, you can do this DIY too!!

Supplies:

• Trench Coat (I bought mine for $70 at TJMaxx)
• 4-5 packages 7/8” Wide Single Fold Bias Tape (or whatever size works best with your trench)
• Needle, Thread, Scissors
• New Buttons (if you want!)

This project is all about doing a slip stitch to attach the bias binding tape to the edge of your jacket. I chose to trim the sleeve bands, belt and the front lapel and collar edge of the jacket. 

Initially, I tried to do mitered corners, but it ended up being too difficult. Instead, near an edge, I would fold my bias tape right sides together, hand sew a little seam and then turn it right side out again to have a nice crisp corner.

After you’ve slip stitched the bias tape to the outside of the garment, you’ll need to secure it on the inside as well. I also decided to add new buttons and even though they are pricy, I think they really add a lot to the final product. 

This is a great project to do while the TV is on (or outside on the porch if the weather is nice!) I’ve been working on it on and off for a couple weeks, and probably put in.. 8+ hours… but I wasn’t in a hurry or anything.  The original jacket I wanted was nearly $700.  My project cost $70 for the trench (see the BEFORE on facebook), roughly $10 for the bias tape and the buttons were $18.50. That’s just shy of $100 and a major savings!  I’ll post more photos of the final product with outfit pictures this afternoon!

21 Mar 2012

WhatIWore: I’ve seen so many bloggers rock out great neon necklaces or create beautiful DIY baubles, and I’ve been wanting my own version as well.  Just last weekend I saw an old wooden beaded necklace and thought to myself - that would be a great place to start!! A quick trip to the craft store and I was on my way!

Before we get started, this project involves paint (potentially messy) and some small tools (sharp!) so be smart and safe!

Supplies:

• Old beaded necklace (wood works well!)
• Jewelry Making Wire
• Rings and Clasps
• Neon Spray Paint
• Additional Beads
• Pliers and Wire cutters

How To Make It:

I started by cutting the beads off the original necklace and spray painting them yellow and pink. I probably did 4 light coats of paint, moving the beads after each spray and dry.  

The following afternoon, I sanded the beads a bit where the paint was bumpy and used Adam’s suggestion to paint the beads already strung onto some floss. It made the process much easier, so do it that way!

Once everything was dry, I got out my painted beads, store bought beads and wire and just started playing around! 

I’ve never been trained at jewelry making, so I just wove the wire around and twisted it to secure. It’s really helpful to raid your own jewelry stash and identify how those necklaces were made.  If that’s seems overwhelming, try stringing your beads onto multiple strands and securing them all with an O ring and clasp in back.  Play around with it! If you don’t like the result, you can always start over!