Category Archives: DIY

I AM THE MASTER OF CRAFTS.

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Okay, I just have to share because I LOVE the feeling of making something cute, sustainable, and like fifty times cheaper than purchasing it.

I never, ever wear bikinis because usually the tops are like two tiny triangles of nothingness and that just doesn’t work for me. There’s so little fabric & coverage that I’d be better off sewing two potholders together or something. And bathing suits that actually are fitted cost upwards of way too much money.

A month ago, I found the cutest ever bathing suit top online (From this website, if you’re curious). It was absolutely perfect for me–retro, fitted to my bra size rather than the dumb XS-XL model, and on sale for $17. Whattt. I had to buy it.

I also wanted to find high waisted bottoms to go with the retro feel of the top, but alas. They’re kind of tricky to find. My dream pair was from ModCloth, but it was SO expensive. I couldn’t see myself spending nearly $60 on bathing suit bottoms. So I decided to change that, thanks to a trip to the fabric store.
Screen Shot 2014-05-06 at 10.57.43 AMModcloth version: $57

My version: $36 ($2 for supplies plus $34 for actual bottoms)

 

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And yes, they’re even cuter than the ModCloth ones (in my opinion). I am the master of sewing now.

DIY: your 1st time blogging

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So if you’re interested in starting a blog or have maybe been always told you should, DO IT! Why not?! Blogging is hard to maintain at times, but always worth the effort! It’s always nice to look back on the things you wrote and benchmark progress in your life. Plus, I guarantee you’ll become a more effective communicator in the process. My blog isn’t perfect or famous, but it’s something I genuinely enjoy! I’ve become a better writer too, so bonus!

So how to start?

First (and the hardest step), figure out what you want to write about. What’s the purpose (or if you want to get really specific, mission statement) for your blog? Will it be short term specific, like about a semester abroad or a specific topic? Or are you looking at a longterm all purpose blog? This blog is the latter and my statement of purpose is “a blog by a twenty-something about the little somethings that make life great.” Pretty simple, but it helps me focus.

Second step is making it! I use WordPress, which is the most effective platform in my experience, but maybe you like Blogger or prefer Tumblr! It’s all good! The point is to just write!

Figuring out a title and layout is hard sometimes, but it can be fluid. If you don’t find THE perfect name or design right away, it’s okay. You’ll figure it out!

Finally, write, write, write! Figure out something you like doing (like me and my gif love) and then just do it! Try to post 3 times a week and especially in the beginning. Consistency in the beginning helps the blog to actually stay around! I’ve had wayyy too many half finished blogs with 5 months of posts.

And like Field of Dreams, if you build it, they will come. Don’t make your focus be on getting views or readers. I believe that if you’re doing something you’re truly passionate about, excitement is contagious. Focus on the foundation and blueprints first, not the wall color.

If you decide to join the blog club, let me know! I’d love to read your stuff & get you to guest write here!

DIY Don’t: Upcycled Mens Shirt Top

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I have a dream.

An insane dream to one day be able to upcycle (read: converting useless/old material into something cool & fresh) old clothes into awesome trendy pieces…and yet, EVERY SINGLE TIME I try to enact this plan, I fail miserably and comically.

This isn’t an exaggeration. I may be good at some DIY projects, but my sewing machine hates my guts.  If my life were an animated movie, it would be the bad guy & would probably have an ominous smoker’s voice.

Like this, but evil.

Like this, but evil.

But alas, I am a fool.

I’m obsessed with the idea of denim button up/oxford shirts that are literally EVERYWHERE and look fantastic in a variety of outfits. While perusing my local Goodwill, I found an old denim men’s shirt, which I thought would be PERFECT in fulfilling my desire for denim and my upcycling DIY dream.

Not too shabby! I'm imagining that it belonged to an old construction worker.

Not too shabby! I’m imagining that it belonged to an old construction worker.

The sleeves were too baggy and the shirt was a tad too large in general to just wear normally, so the Mens Shirt –> to Sleeveless Top transformation began! I feel optimistic, like the fairy godmother of bad clothes!

image-1

(If you squint, you can kind of see a slight ombre effect to the shirt–another upcycle that failed miserably)

You’ll need: scissors, pins, a sewing machine, an oversized shirt (duh), and a sleeveless top that fits you well, a better attitude than I had

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Line up the top with the mens shirt and trace a new outline, being sure to cut seam allowances–something I ignored. Foolishly.

So then just sew it up! You’ll be fine. Also make sure to size it correctly…another cough mistake cough.

This is where my issue came. Once it had been sewed and finished, I realized that there was just something weird about the sleeves that made the entire shirt look like something out of a very butch lesbian’s closet.

No comment.

No comment.

Maybe sleeveless button downs are just not a good idea. Maybe they resemble denim Mom vests too much. Maybe I should stop fooling myself about upcycle projects.

With normal clothes, my new shirt isn’t too horrible, but I highly doubt it’s wearable “on the outside.” Sigh. Anyone want a free, moderately well-tailored shirt with…interesting sleeves?

Catchphrase #743: Red lipstick fixes everything!

Catchphrase #743: Red lipstick fixes everything!

But really.

Glitter Starbucks Travel Mug: That’s What’s Up.

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Of course I’ve seen this all over Pinterest and fell in love. It looked pretty easy and I’m here to tell you today that it was just as simple as I thought it’d be! 

Needed:

  • Starbucks travel mug (the kind that has two layers)
  • Spray adhesive (I used good old hairspray…which I do NOT suggest) 
  • GLITTER. 

And then spray, shake in the glitter, and wait! It’s easier than making Shake N Bake Chicken, y’all. 

Now you can enjoy your beautiful (not dishwasher safe) Starbucks cup! 

Fall Break = Mug DIY!

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I’ve been home for break for approximately 53 hours and already I’ve done like 45 projects. It’s like a DIY craft a minute, y’all. Pinterest is the wind to my proverbial wings, creativity speaking. One super easy DIY I kept seeing was decorating cute little coffee cups with nothing more than a sharpie and an oven! Sounded pretty feasible, right?

The most perfect soup mug you’ll ever see!

Materials Needed: 

  • Mug (While perusing the Dollar Tree, I found mine for (you guessed it) $1!)
  • Sharpie or Non-Toxic Porcelain paint pen (Because I was too lazy to run to the store to buy this, I just used a Sharpie…I just will use the mug for soup rather than drinking from it. ha)
  • Preheated oven @ 350 degrees

Prep Time: Depends on your design! If you’re like me, it’ll probably take you more time to choose than actually implement.

Bake Time: Stick that in the oven for 30 minutes!

And then voila! The easiest, coolest mug you’ll own. I’m going to make like 82,935,743 of these for Christmas gifts. It’s such an inexpensive, yet still personal present!

As Seen On Pinterest: Fall Decor Part II

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I just love the Loud & Clear blog! She is doing “As Seen on PInterest”-esque posts as well and DIY inspiration is simply contagious. I’m going to have to try this out ASAP.

the loud and clear

Okay, I have been TOTALLY slacking on my Pinterest Projects. I swore I’d do one a week, and I’m failing.  I’m sorry.  I’ll try to be better. Promise.

Anyway, my second Pinterest Project is from none other than Martha Stewart. Martha’s Harvest Feast Branches looked simple, pretty, and festive.  Three great craft qualities if you ask me.  Martha recommends that you use fleece to wrap the branches.  I’m not positive, but I don’t think she means the kind that makes my favorite type of jacket.  I think she means fleece yarn, as in yarn that hasn’t been spun yet.  She says the natural oils from your skin and the friction of the fleece on the branches will make it stick.

Well, that’s nice and all, but yarn is expensive and I’m guessing fleece is too.  Plus, I didn’t want to leave the house (aside to get a branch from the…

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As Seen on Pinterest: DIY Autumn Wreath

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October, you’re finally here! The next 31 days are some of my absolute favorites of the entire year; there’s just something about the month of October that is simply magical. If you could transfer your birthday to another month, I’d easily choose this one over hot, humid July.

The best little house in Cleveland!

The house I live in this semester is the epitome of charm and I feel like the luckiest senior at Lee University to live in it! But alas, as I was perusing Pinterest, I realized that my home was nothing without a fall wreath! I found a few that I wanted to try and started looking at tutorials. Continue reading →