Happy June! Father’s Day is coming up soon, and I’m in a DIY mood. What better way to show that special Dad in your life some love than something handmade you’ve put your time and energy into? Here are a couple ideas to get you going: (more…)
I received an inquiry from a company called YOUNIQUE earlier this month, who sent me a set of their Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lashes to try out. I have to admit: I was a bit skeptical at first, since I couldn’t exactly see how fiber lashes that were sprinkled on top of one’s already existing mascara could really make much difference. I mean, was this extra step in the beauty routine really necessary? But once I tried them out I became a believer – and you will too once you see these AMAZING before & after photos. (more…)
Going out in the evening, which necessitated a little bit of much-needed dressing up, so I chose my favorite and ultimately versatile handmade reversible (front-to-back AND inside-out) Gossip Girl-inspired dress. It’s very simple and elegant, so it works for a variety of occasions. I wore it backwards for this evening, with the zipper in the back. (more…)
Hello friends! I am back from my trip to Arizona to see my Dad, and am so pleased to announce that my recent DIY project for Darby Smart has launched! Woohoo! I’m officially a Darby Smart Designer!
Inspired by all those chic lacquer boxes I’m seeing everywhere lately like on Joss & Main (and that just so happen to cost a fortune), I crafted this with some great supplies from Darby Smart. And the kit is now available for everyone to buy – only $29!
This would be an amazing graduation gift for someone special, a wonderful birthday present, or a cute addition to a bookshelf or vanity.
DIY Agate Keepsake Box on Darby SmartCheck out their version! Which one do you like better – blue agate or purple??!
Thanks so much to Darby Smart for the collab!
xo
Carly
P.S. Oh, and if you end up making this DIY, please share your version with hashtags #DARBYSMART and #MADEBYME on Twitter and Instagram!
Leave Comment
Now I’m sure you guys have heard of that amazing crafting supply that does practically everything: Mod Podge. There are major devotees to this glue/decoupage medium/finisher, and for good reason! Because it’s nontoxic, cheap, provides a variety of finishes, and it just plain flat-out works!
Amy Amderson, the amazing and multi-talented blogger brand representative of Mod Podge (and the brainchild behind the cool blog Mod Podge Rocks!) sent me a package from her brand-new Mod Podge Peel & Stick Stencils line, designed exclusively for PLAID Enterprises. I had a blast playing with the stencil, and I fashioned this chic patterned update to an old photo frame I had. Check out how I did it:
You Need:
photo frame / Mod Podge Peel & Stick stencil (mine is in Tangier) / foam pouncer / Mod Podge (matte) / silver leaf / gloss spray acrylic sealer / paintbrush (not pictured)
How To:
1. Place your stencil onto your photo frame. (If your photo frame is very smooth, you may need to rub it with fine grit sandpaper to give it some surface to the Mod Podge to stick evenly on to.)
2. Pour out some Mod Podge and dip the foam pouncer into it, wiping off excess.
3. Dab the pouncer on top of the stencil.
4. Peel off the stencil and allow the Mod Podge to sit for a few minutes to become tacky.
5. Place some silver leaf onto where the Mod Podge was applied.
6. Use a soft, dry paintbrush to remove the excess silver leaf.
7. Once one side is fully leafed, repeat placing the stencil, applying the Mod Podge, and applying the silver leaf in sections across the photo frame.
8. Finish wish a spray of acrylic sealant to keep that silver leaf looking gorgeous!
And that’s it! I love how designer-y and high-end the photo frame now looks…even though it was a super-cheap piece from IKEA. I also love the worn look of the silver leaf and the great pattern that emerged as I applied it. The stencil was super-easy to work with, and sticky enough that I could wipe it off each time and re-use it on different parts of the frame, no problem. The perfect addition to this frame was a photo of Lil Tot practicing his best flying ninja stab jump with my rake. Stab that leaf pile!!
You can find Mod Podge Rocks! Peel & Stick Stencils in craft stores such as Jo-Ann Fabrics and Michael’s, or at the PLAID store online here. I guarantee, they will take your Mod Podge projects to the next level!
Thanks Amy and the team at PLAID! It was so fun to make this little project 🙂
Happy DIY’ing!
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I was sent a Mod Podge stencil, 2 small tubes of glitter, and 2 foam pouncers courtesy of PLAID Enterprises. I have received no compensation for this post. The above opinions are my own. To read my full Disclosure Policy, click here.
Leave Comment
Welcome to the first installment of DIY That Style! I actually used to do a version of this as “Steal That Style” …this is basically the same thing, just renamed. And made a little cooler, with more of a focus on DIY.
For the first breakdown, I’m going to take a look at Diane Kruger‘s recent chic nautical Spring shopping ensemble – which can be easily re-created at home. Love all that navy!
For this dotty statement blazer, I’d personally go with a pair of red pants and totally red-white-and-blue it up!
What would YOU rock this polka dot blazer with?
xo
Carly
Photo source
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you click on a link and purchase something. To read my full Disclosure Policy, click here.
Leave Comment
I can’t believe it’s May already. It doesn’t feel like the school year is almost over. But it is. (more…)
Got any old clothes you’d like recycled? H&M is currently accepting donations of used clothing- and it’s for a great cause.
Actress Olivia Wilde, in her crime-fighting guise of Princess Layers, has teamed up with H&M and DoSomething.org to urge America’s youth to help save the planet by recycling their old clothes. From now through June 20, teens and college students are encouraged to comb their schools and communities for castoff garments—all brands and all conditions are welcome—to drop off in garment-recycling bins at any H&M store. H&M will bundle off these clothes to a recycling facility, where the fibers will be recovered for export or reprocessing.
“Clothing Comeback” participants who send a photo of themselves depositing their unwanted clothing to DoSomething.org will be entered to win a $10,000 scholarship, on top of receiving a 15 percent discount off their next H&M purchase.
More than 85 percent of readily recyclable textiles land up in landfills every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That’s 1.1 million tons, or the equivalent of over 70 billion T-shirts.
Spread the word, and help keep clothing out of landfills. Donate to resale or charity shops (like Goodwill!), or for the unwearable, ripped, dirty, or completely un-resellable…bring them to an H&M for recycling and re-use. You can be a SuperHero too!
xo
Carly
Leave Comment
*This is a project I shared in Snippets Magazine: The New York Issue on Cut Out + Keep in 2010, and am re-posting here on my blog.
Serena sported this beautiful vintage-style necklace in an early episode of the addictive Gossip Girl TV series. Its charm was its modern take on the beautiful art of crochet – and the delicate balance between darkness and fragility. Plus, with some appliques from the sewing store it’s a cinch to make. Here’s how:
(more…)
I love this. Just found it and it couldn’t resonate more.
“You never realize how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.”
xo
Carly
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.
