Sep 14, 2013 | DIY
With Summer still in its last throes I wanted to share this quick and easy DIY makeover for sandals with all of you…especially as there is only a few more weeks to wear it before we all start switching over the Fall boots. I’ve seen a lot of sandals that have an ankle strap made of elastic, which is a pretty cool design element, and definitely ups the sexy factor to any shoe. I wanted to convert a regular pair of ankle-strap sandals over to this fun elastic banded-type, which is also a breeze to switch out if you’re looking for a different color or look to the top strap. Just a little bit of hand-stitchery necessary! Here’s how:
You Need: (more…)
Sep 13, 2013 | DIY
image source
Sorry I just can’t help bursting into giggles each time I look at this photo and the model’s expression. *snort! LOLOLOLOL* There I go again!! 😉
Wow! Can you believe it’s mid-way through September already??? And Friday the 13th, to boot! Where did Summer go? The last 3 weeks have been a blur for me of family visiting, finishing up Summer projects, and school starting. Finally I’m getting back into the rhythm of the school-year…though my body is still adjusting to early wake-ups and long hours in the car, shuttling Lil Tot back and forth to school. Here are some neat things I found recently:
Dream It: Inspiration & Creativity
7 Amazing Art Deco Quilts. Taking an heirloom project into industrial design territory, mixed with a little bit of craftiness and a lot of ingenuity. Awesome! (Craftsy.com)
Learn about The Real Neuroscience of Creativity. (ScientificAmerican.com)
7 Ways to Get Out of a Creative Rut. I have a feeling I’ve linked to this before, but these tips are so useful! (PsychCentral.com)
Buy It: Shopping Picks
Okay, Old Navy‘s sweaters are so adorable this year!! How perfect is this pretty owl? Or this fabulous doggie?
In dream world, this would be my go-to carryall. And at 40% off it’s a steal! Yes, 3.1 Phillip Lim, come to momma. (And the Nude color is also 30% off…)
These sandals are fabulous with their shield-like metal plates and super-affordable price tag. Leave it to ASOS to always offer up the best pieces at the best prices!
Make It: DIY
These DIY Diorama Bookends from Sea of Shoes would be a wonderful addition to any home. (Plus a great gift for a loved one!)
Even though Summer may technically be over these DIY Hair Accessories look easy to make, and can work year-round. (Elle.com)
Whimseybox rolled out a new look to their site – and I’m loving this version! Finding projects has never been easier, and it’s so simple to navigate. (One amazing project that caught my eye recently was these cute DIY Wordy Hairpins.) My friend Alicia has been so hard at work on her venture, and it truly shows! Way to go, Alicia!
Live It: Lifestyle
EVERY girl needs to know this. Video: How to Highlight & Contour like a Pro (MaskCara.com)
I’ve started a Pinterest board for Fall DIY’s that are right at home in your…well, home. Wreaths, pumpkins, and DIY, oh my! Check it out and gather some ideas for your own abode ASAP. (And if you’d not following me on Pinterest yet, please do! I’d love to connect with you there:-)
Did you know? Women will RULE in the future of work. Sounds about time to me!! (Forbes.com)
Get your FILL every Friday!
xo
Carly
Sep 7, 2013 | DIY
Laurence King Publishing (the same publishers of the incredibly useful DIY Couture by Rose Martin) recently were gracious enough to send me a copy of their newest sewing book, Sweet Dress Book: 23 Dresses of Pattern Arrangement
by Yoshiko Tsukiori. 
Translated from the Japanese, this pattern book features 23 tutorials for making a variety of blouses, tops, dresses, cardigans, and even shorts – all engineered from a basic 6 patterns with different darts, flounces, and lengths to switch up the silhouettes. (more…)
Aug 29, 2013 | DIY
Hello all! I am so thrilled to be guest posting today over on Domestic Slice. As you may have seen, Kate from Domestic Slice kindly contributed a guest tutorial for a DIY Raffia Wrapped Necklace here on Chic Steals while I was in Tokyo for a month, and I’m reciprocating today. My tutorial is for a (faux) gold-leafed succulent in a handmade origami planter – kind of no-fuss gardening meets home decor.
And please let me know what you think!
xo
Carly
Aug 27, 2013 | DIY
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.)
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:
You Need: (more…)
Aug 21, 2013 | DIY
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!
How To Enter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Also, please Pin your favorite kit from the Darby Smart website to 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.
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