Dec 11, 2013 | DIY, Life, Media
Hello lovelies! Have you noticed that as of late there have been some FABULOUS DIY-themed crafty digital magazines to peruse while getting into the holiday spirit? No? Well, here are a couple of my favorites – I just can’t stop flipping through them (you may see some of your favorite DIY’ers and their projects featured)…and best of all, they’re completely FREE! Clicky click through the links to read…
Damask Love
Toile: A DamaskLove Holiday Publication
PapernStitch
The Happy Holidays Guide to DIY
{sign up for email list above to receive download}
Ruche
A Homemade Holiday
Hope you have a Happy Handmade Holiday!
xo
Carly
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Dec 7, 2013 | Fashion
Lately it seems that beaded bangle bracelets have gone completely DIY, with companies offering a variety of different beads and charms to completely customize the look of the bangles to the wearer’s identity. Each charm can be something meaningful or commemorative for your recipient, and with a number of beautiful and semi-precious options the resultant bracelet can become a timeless family heirloom. Persona is one such company that offers the choose-your-own-charm option for bracelets, and they kindly sent me a bangle with 2 beads and a charm to review.
The bracelet arrived in a lovely jewelry box inside its own sleeve, along with a soft jewelry pouch, silver polishing cloth, small gift bag, and even some folded tissue paper in case you might want to present it to someone inside the gift bag. It’s an incredibly thoughtful array of packaging and needed items for the long-term care of the bracelet, which is much appreciated.
This particular Bangle from the collection is rhodium-plated, and has easy-open swivel ends. They also included a couple beads and a charm for decoration. From left to right: Crystal Cove bead from the Celestial Collection, Tiger Tooth from the Highland Collection, Lucite Beehive bead from the Celestial Collection.
The jewelry is a bright, non-tarnishing silver – and I love that the bangle has adjustable stopper beads to prevent all the charms from sliding around (space them close together or far apart, however you want them!). It is very lightweight, though – and barely feels like I’m wearing anything (great for bracelet stacking purposes!) The charms are incredibly detailed (the tooth charm is my fave!) and I like how they look edgy and modern (as opposed to stuffy and outdated like some other brands I’ve seen).
For someone like me, who loves black, silver, and sparkles and things with an edge, these beads and charm are perfect for my personality. But what if that’s not your style?
The great thing about the Persona collection is that you can totally customize the look of the bracelets no matter what your style. If you like pinks and baroque styling, then beads from the Versailles collection might entice you. If you prefer neutrals and black, the Highland Collection might speak to you. And if sparkles are your thing, then go for the Celestial collection! You can choose Zodiac beads, affirmation beads, crystal beads, beads with Swarovski rhinestones, Italian glass beads, and marcasite beads, a well as precious metal beads of silver and gold. They also have a number of different bracelet styles so you can customize the base of your arm adornment too. In other words, you have complete control!
Check out the graphic below for a quick how-to:
If you’re looking for that perfect gift for a special someone, you could make it truly unique to that person with your choice of beads and bracelets.
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I was gifted a bangle, 2 beads, and a charm from Persona for review purposes. The opinions above are my own. I have received no compensation for this post. For my full Disclosure Policy, click here.
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Dec 5, 2013 | DIY
Hello all! I actually had completely different content planned today…and then I glanced at the calendar and realized that because of the day of the week Christmas fell on, I would have to get my holiday parcels out tomorrow if they were ever going to be delivered in time for Dec 25th in Japan. Curse you, late Thanksgiving!!!
So since I spent my whole day running around trying to get all these packages ready to be sent tomorrow, instead today I’m going to share with you some ideas for creative gift wrapping and presentation…after all, if you’ve DIY’d any Holiday Gifts, you want to present them beautifully, no? I’ll be adding to this Pinboard in the next week or two, so follow along to get some ideas and inspiration for creating the perfect wrapping:
DIY Gift Wrapping and Presentation on Pinterest
Also, if you’re looking for ideas to make your holiday a DIY one, from baking to decorating to gifts to unique trees to wreaths to ornaments, please check out my:
Holiday DIY Projects: Christmas/Winter Board
Hope to see you there!
xo
Carly
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Dec 4, 2013 | DIY
The holiday season is upon us! (Was that FAST or what??!) I’ve been trying to stick to a budget this year, and make what I can for those near and dear to me. There’s nothing that’s more personal or heartfelt than something you’ve made yourself, and here are 17 ideas of lovely gifts to make and give to your friends and family:
DIY Dry Baking Mixes are always great, and travel well. There’s so many to pick from, too! Hot cocoa mix, cookie mix, or muffin mix are some great choices. (This is a great roundup of ideas for jarred mixes!)
Last year I made tons of my DIY Holiday Chocolate Bark, and my family begged me for more. (I wouldn’t share the white chocolate macadamia flavor leftovers, though!) Anyone who likes chocolate will love this, plus it packs and keeps really well (good for boxes being sent through the post!)
These DIY Stamped Cookies are also divine. (I’m thinking you might be able to directly color on the stamp with food-grade coloring pens rather than dealing with a stamp pad? Shall have to try.)
Home-made candles are really lovely, and you can mimic that high-end Diptyque look by using pretty jars (and maybe adding printedwater decals or stickers with fantastic images or typography?) Check out this DIY tutorial for candles in tumblers.
For the avid sewist in your life, a DIY Tomato Pincushion is a must. Or you could go old school and sew up a DIY Sewing Needle Book to hold needles.
Decorative objects can be great choice for homeowners and renters alike. Some lovely pieces include: DIY Kelly Wearstler Kaleidoscope Starburst, DIY Dinosaur Planters, DIY Starburst Mirror
DIY Office Supplies are a welcome present to anyone who has an office space, whether at home or at work. Paint rocks with magnetic paint and glue together to make this paperclip holder or make a No-Sew Pencil Roll to help tame clutter.
Body lotion, scrubs, bath bombs, soap: beauty products that can be made at home and shared are a wonderful indulgence for a favorite someone. Love this DIY Coconut Rose Lip Balm! (And yes, this works for guys too; just use more “manly” fragrances and additives into soap bars or DIY Shaving Soap!)
Since it’s the holidays, why not gift some DIY ornaments to a special someone? Some of my favorites include these Colorful Geometric Ornaments, Sprinkles Ornaments, Pinned Sequin Ornaments.
Need more ideas for gifts? Check out my list of 30 Great DIY Hostess Gifts for some more inspiration!
Happy Holidays and Happy DIY’ing!
xo
Carly
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Oct 30, 2013 | DIY, Life
Halloween’s TOMORROW (OMG!) and you may still be wondering what to wear. (For the record, it’s been dictated that I will be Splinter, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ rat trainer and Master of Ninjutsu…as dictated by Lil Tot, who is tickled at the idea of me playing second fiddle to his Leonardo. Teenage Mutant Turtle, that is…not Da Vinci. Who incidentally might be a pretty cool DIY Halloween costume for a guy using just a bandage, a brown tweed jacket, and some paintbrushes…but I digress.) If you’re freaking out about what to wear – try raiding your closet to become one of these inspiring (and fashionable!) ladies:
Anna Wintour (former Editor of American Vogue and current Artistic Director of Conde Nast)
The grandmother of American fashion and symbol for generations of style personified, Anna Wintour’s classic look is easily made with a pair of oversized sunglasses, neutral coat with furry collar, and A-line dress.
You Need: large sunglasses, bob (or faux bob if your hair is longer), beaded choker necklace, neutral overcoat, furry scarf or collar, stiff A-line dress, black pantyhose, low-heeled nude sandals or brown knee boots, copy of Vogue magazine.
Sue Sylvester (character from TV series Glee)
That outspoken and terribly evil rival and the Glee club’s worst antagonist, Sue Sylvester is instantly recognizeable in her trademark tracksuit with accompanying bullhorn and stopwatch to keep everybody (cheerleading squad included) in line.
You Need: Striped tracksuit, white sneakers, stopwatch, white bullhorn (DIY from some rolled white cardboard, secured with tape). On the series she has appeared in a number of different-colored tracksuits, so any color you have is a go (or a quick Goodwill purchase).
Janelle Monae, award-winning singer/songwriter
With that trademark pompadour and borrowed-from-the-boys image, Janelle Monae’s stylish duds are easily re-creatable with just a tailored suit, bow-tie, and slicked hair.
You Need: Tailored white or black suit, tie, bow-tie, or black ribbon, rhinestone stud earrings, rat, sock, or donut to build a large pompadour on.
The Duchess of Cambridge, public figure
The whole world has watched as the Duchess of Cambridge has shot to fashionista status with her wardrobe of kicky prim dresses and coats, ever-present pantyhose, classic heels, and sweet little hats.
You Need: Flared coat-dress, opaque black hose, prim black heels, pillbox hat (cover a clean tub or can with felt or fabric for a last-minute DIY and pin in place). (optional: baby doll swaddled in a blanket)
Cher Horowitz (character from the movie Clueless)
This iconic character from the 90’s mainstay Clueless picked her wardrobe via computer to ensure ultimate matching. Don separates with a sassy mini-skirt, knee-socks, and a ton of shopping bags so you won’t let that jeep’s trunk space go to waste. As if!
You Need: Black blazer, white button-down, pleated miniskirt, white knee-socks, maryjane shoes, shopping bags.
Miss Piggy, character from Sesame Street and iconic figure
The original fashion-lover since the 70’s, Miss Piggy is best known for (besides her opinions) her bright pink wardrobe, opera-style white gloves, and classy long curly hair.
You Need: tight pink dress (or pink bathtowel), white elbow-length gloves, triangle ears on a headband (DIY your own with painting some cardboard triangles peach and taping to a headband), faux eyelashes, feather boa, pink eyeshadow, large rhinestone earrings, necklace, and bracelet, green stuffed frog (optional).
Happy DIY’ing – and Happy Halloween!
xo
Carly
Photos sources: Anna Wintour, Sue Sylvester, Janelle Monae, Duchess of Cambridge, Cher Horowitz, Miss Piggy.
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