Anthropologie Sandals

I fell absolutely in love with these sandals in the Anthropologie Spring catalog. But for some silly reason three-hundred-plus dollars didn't seem really reasonable for such little sandals that I seemingly could manage to create myself.  So I searched and searched for weeks to find some cheap little strappy flats that I could pimp out myself with sweet bows.  I found these babies at Target for $15, the perfect price point for this DIY challenge. The bows are variations from this pattern and were whipped up using Lion Brand Microspun acrylic yarn in French Vanilla and an E hook.  I stitched them on using some heavy duty thread and a glovers needle (used for leather, or in this case pleather). Took me a couple hours all and all, but I really like the way they turned out...

Felt Lampshade

 

 

I made this lampshade a while ago following this tutorial on Design*Sponge... Well maybe a couple months ago. It took forever. I hand cut all the little felt circles.  I think there must have been over 400... and dang it- I used most of 'em up on this one lampshade, which would be fine if there weren't another lampshade embarrassingly naked and hiding out on the other side of the bed.  So now I'm in a dilema... I really can't imagine spending several more hours cutting and gluing little felt circles but-- the lampshade turned out so darn cute that I desperately want another one. Plus the shades kinda have to be a matching pair since the lamp bases are entirely different styles.  Call me old-fashioned, I know.

I think there may be a solution to this problem, though: a circle cutter. I know, this sounds like a mystical object but, though there is debate around this tools ability to cut through felt, it does exist and seems like it's worth a try.

I dunno, this could end up being a not so cheap DIY lamp shade.

Bow Headband

Isn't this cute?

I made it this morning on the bus to school. You can make one, too. Get the pattern here, at CreativeYarn. Or you can visit this craftastic lady's Etsy shop if you'd like to buy some of her wonderful crocheted goods which are all handmade in Italy and one of a kind.

Crochet Pillows

 

It has been crazy crochet time here in my little hobbit hole.

  

I've been working some patterns from my favorite crochet book ever.

  

And trying some styles of my own design.

  

I'm even crocheting in school. The first segment of Textiles 1 was crochet, it's been a breeze.

  

I still need to finish stitching a couple of the pillows together.

 

But a couple are already finished and I love them!

Now I am working with some different colors. I've got a huge patchwork granny blanket that I started many years ago which I am now finally stitching together slowly but surely. And I just started a ripple blanket, as well, as something to work on before bed every night. It puts me to sleep nicely.

I love crocheting...

Piñata Pendant DIY

 

 

So... This lamp project caught my eye a while back on Apartment Therapy.  The scotch tape and wax paper seemed a little temporary, though, and turned me off of the otherwise gorgeous project.  Likewise, even though the lamp looks absolutely ethereal in white, I'm more of a COLOR! COLOR! COLOR! girl if you haven't already noticed. So the other day I decided to bite the proverbial bullet and dig into another project I would normally only fantasize about completing. I headed out with a shopping list and acquired a yard of gorgeous mint green linen, a nine inch paper lantern, and a 'Make Your Own Lamp' kit. The result? The Piñata Pendant, inspired by the wax paper makeover which was previously inspired by this gorgeous (totally DIY-able) ostrich number.  Oh, how creativity evolves!

 Step 1.  Gather your materials, folks! You need about one yard of fabric. It can really be almost anything and any color.  Just remember- the thinner and lighter the much much brighter.  I'd consider using organza for a more romantic look and felt for a more sculptural look. Also you'll need a high temp glue gun and many, many glue sticks and, of course, a blank nine inch paper lantern.  Oh yes and a hanging light cord of sorts.

 

Step 2. Cut it up. Your fabric should be cut into strips about 2 cm by 8 cm.  Cut up most of your fabric, trust me, you'll need way more than you think.  And cutting them up right away saves you the trouble of cutting more whilst in the middle of gluing.

 

Step 3. Start gluing.  Working from the bottom up glue rows of strips around lantern with about 3 cm space between tops of strips.  You're going for the layered look.  Really the spacing is up to you but I found this created a full cover with few 'bald' spots and a nice depth of transparency. 

 

Step 4. Keep gluing. Don't get discouraged when you start to realize how long this project is going to take.  I think I spent about 5 hours all together. For a second I thought I was crazy until I saw the finished product.  Then I was overcome with conceit at my crafty prowess.  Don't worry, you will be, too. One quick note- I forgot to take a photo of the last couple rows.  This is where it gets a little trickier.  You'll have to shorten your strips a little for the last couple rows to get the same layered effect.  On the last row glue the strips so they fold over the top edge of the lantern to the inside.  This will give it a finished look. 

 

Et voilá! Ça c'est finis...

 

And it looks great both night and day. Fabulous!

(first two images via Apartment Therapy)

Farm Sweater Revamp

So it started out as just a pullover sweater. Then I cut it and crocheted around the edges, added some hook 'n' eyes, and a pocket. I'm going for the 'I might have found this at Anthropologie or Ambiance' look. It needs something more, a little added decorative element. A bow? A flower? Some pom-poms? I dunno... What does it need?

P.S. Pay no mind to my messy room.

Birthday Banners

 

 

 

 

 

 

So this is something else I've been up to.  Tomorrow is my little niece's 6th birthday and Saturday is my mum's birthday.  I'm broke as an empty sack of nickles but wanted to send something special to these girls that I adore... Mum's getting a welcome sign to put behind her counter in the little shop she runs in her quaint little mountain town.  My niece is getting a banner with her name to decorate her side of the room she shares with her older sister, who I also love to pieces and who will probably be getting something similar in a couple months.  I'm pretty excited by how these turned out and I think I'm going to have to make one for our little cottage, too.

Off Subject: Dorie Millerson

 

This blog is the greatest procrastination tool I've ever had. But really, how could I not share this with you. I found Dorie Millerson tonight on one of my favorite little blogs, Please Sir. I'm just in complete adoration of these charming sculptures. Aren't you?

(images via artist's own website)