Now here is another fun project using Epoxy Clay (and it doesn’t have to be Martha Stewart brand – any brand will do) and gold leafing, that produces a very chic and polished result. String these lightweight pendants on graduated chains for a pretty, layered piece. Here’s how:
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more conscious of not only what I put in my body (favoring organic, responsibly-produced, ethically-farmed, and natural products whenever possible)…but also what I put on my body. The skin being the largest organ means that what it absorbs truly makes a difference in not only how you feel, but also the toxic load placed on your entire system. (more…)
Shoe Cult, NastyGal‘s very own shoe line, has just launched – featuring fashion-forward footwear with cut-outs, clear detailing, and rugged soles. The perfect mix of that edgy cool-girl bootie, that mellow tomboy-ish brogue, and that refined chic heel, the collection ranges in price from an amazingly affordable $20 – $158.
You can also see a number of ways to wear some of the styles from the collection in street style photos, submitted by fashion bloggers, here, and you can tag any photo of you wearing a pair with the hashtag #SHOECULT to be featured on their blog.
DIY kit company Darby Smart recently sprung onto the scene and is making waves with their fashion-forward packages of fun DIY projects you can make at home. Instead of a monthly subscription to their kits (which many other companies are using as a business model as of late), you can buy a Darby Smart kit any time, and for anyone! Inspired by Pinterest projects and catering to the community, the kits provide the materials and supplies to make chic and polished crafts for accessories, jewelry, and home decor. And at Darby Smart, anyone can become a kit designer! Designed by amazingly creative designers, bloggers, and crafters, the submitted projects are voted on by the Darby Smart community and then the most popular are turned into kits for sale.
I was recently sent the You-Nique Monogram Tote Kit to play with and create my own DIY stenciled tote. I decided to create a tote with a badge, with my personal mantra “DREAM IT / MAKE IT / DO IT” emblazoned on the front. Using the stencils and the glitter pen provided, I added some paints and glitter from my collection to create something with a throwback 80’s feel. And that’s the piece I created!
I had a lot of fun with the kit, which was easy to use, and I was impressed with how long the glitter pen held up and how much ink was in it. Plus – and here’s the BIG PLUS, folks – the tote is not the cheap kind of canvas tote you’d find for $5.99 at the craft store…it’s actually a heavy-duty canvas piece from Baggu, with inner snap, pocket, and adjustable shoulder strap. An extremely good value for the price of the entire kit.
And Darby Smart is also graciously offering 2 You-Nique Monogram Tote kits to give away to my readers!
Edit 9/1/13: Giveaway is now closed and winners are announced. Thanks!
Also, please Pin your favorite kit from the Darby Smart websiteto show extra enthusiasm! (Not required for entry into giveaway)
Good luck!
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I was sent one You-Nique Monogram Tote Kit (retail value: $31) to review, and 2 Tote Kits will be sent to the winners of this giveaway, courtesy of Darby Smart. I received no other compensation, and the opinions above are my own. See my full Disclosure Policy here.
Houseline, by Portland Garment Factory, is manufactured on-site in Portland Oregon. The brainchild of Britt Howard and Rosemary Robinson, Portland Garment Factory was founded to fulfill that unique niche in the local economy: a full-service clothing manufacturing facility (of which Portland only has a bare few). (I actually interned for 3 months at Portland Garment Factory not long after I arrived in Portland!) After manufacturing other local lines for awhile, Robinson and Howard branched out to design and create their own brand Houseline in 2011. For the upcoming A/W 2013 season, the line has grown to include outerwear as well as their staple easy-to-wear loose dresses, jumpsuits, palazzo pants, and even accessories.
Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
Back when I worked on the May campaign with Martha Stewart Jewelry, I actually made a couple of pieces while playing around with the treasure trove of supplies I was sent. (Only my DIY Enamel Spring Flower Bib Necklace made it to the blog for the campaign post.) But I also made a few other pieces with the extra supplies (like the DIY Ombre Filigree Earrings I shared here.)
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more conscious of not only what I put in my body (favoring organic, responsibly-produced, ethically-farmed, and natural products whenever possible)…but also what I put on my body. The skin being the largest organ means that what it absorbs truly makes a difference in not only how you feel, but also the toxic load placed on your entire system. 
Shoe Cult, NastyGal‘s very own shoe line, has just launched – featuring fashion-forward footwear with cut-outs, clear detailing, and rugged soles. The perfect mix of that edgy cool-girl bootie, that mellow tomboy-ish brogue, and that refined chic heel, the collection ranges in price from an amazingly affordable $20 – $158.
DIY kit company 
I was recently sent the 
And that’s the piece I created!
I had a lot of fun with the kit, which was easy to use, and I was impressed with how long the glitter pen held up and how much ink was in it. Plus – and here’s the BIG PLUS, folks – the tote is not the cheap kind of canvas tote you’d find for $5.99 at the craft store…it’s actually a heavy-duty canvas piece from Baggu, with inner snap, pocket, and adjustable shoulder strap. An extremely good value for the price of the entire kit.
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