Gorgeous and simple to follow tutorial from Kelly Hicks.
Beaded & Braided Necklace - DIY Tutorial
(via More Design Please - MoreDesignPlease - DIY Braided Necklace)
Hey, that’s cool. I don’t have much tolerance for stringing tiny beads, but maybe I could make this one work.
sweet lemonayde: Draped Jersey Circle Top Tutorial
I decided recently that I don’t have enough drapey tops. This looks like a good start.
Woven Chain Bracelets
http://go.tipjunkie.com/hm/1101/honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-woven-chain-bracelet/
You’ll need:
- a curb link bracelet
- embroidery thread
- two bobby pins
- a pair of scissors
Cut 2 sets of 15 strands of embroidery thread, with each strand measuring four times the length of the bracelet. Knot the all the threads at the top, leaving about 2 inches of slack. Sandwich each set between a bobby pin – this will help you easily weave the threads through the links of the bracelet. Lay the threads to the left of the bracelet. Pull the first color (coral) from under the first link and over the top of the left side. (Click images to enlarge)
Lay the second color (blue) over the first color (coral). Pull the second color (blue) from under the same link and over the top left again. Repeat the steps, moving onto a new link: put the first color (coral) on top of the second color (blue) and pull it out from under the 2nd link and over the top left. Lay the second color (blue) on top of the first color (peach) and pull it out from under the 2nd link and over the top left again. Because the links of this particular bracelet are large, I wove the threads through twice on each link. If you are using a smaller linked bracelet, you should weave through each link once like this.
Repeat the steps until you reach the end of the bracelet. Finish it with a knot and trim the ends.
Granny Chic Scalloped Bracelets
Having two babies has taught me to plan ahead. For the most part anyway. I still leave the house without an extra diaper on occasion, which baffles me. You’d think I’d have the kid stuff down to a science. I don’t.
But I am planning ahead for Christmas. I’m already looking at different gifts I’d like to get for people. I’m thinking about what I might like to make the neighbors. I’m keeping my eyes open for a cute stocking for Frankie Valentine.
And I’ve started making gifts for girlfriends. Which brings us to today’s topic. Crocheted bangles. They are granny chic. They can be made quickly. They are seriously the easiest, cutest handmade gift around.
What you will need:
* small crochet needle (2.10mm-2.27mm)
* cotton pearl embroidery thread (I like Valdani, or you can often find DMC in your local craft store)
* thin metal bangles or hoops (round works the best)
* jewelers glue or super glue
Now as you all know, I suck at writing patterns. However, I can tell you that all you need to do to make these darling scalloped bangles is to single crochet around the bracelet until the metal is completely covered. Then, to create the scallops, chain seven, skip five stitches, single crochet and repeat until you have gone all the way around. Tie off and put a small dab of glue to secure the knot.
I own one pair of hoops and these are it. I love them. Same pattern, just on a smaller scale.
I worked up a lavender pair for a teacher gift.
For a seasoned crocheter, these bracelets can be made lickity-split. If you have the know how, you can change the pattern to make shells or something else fancy. For the beginner they might take a little finesse, but they are totally doable. I dream of wearing ten or more on one arm. They would make a gorgeous statement piece. They are like friendship bracelets- for adults.
Oh and last but not least? Presentation is everything. Brown craft jewelry boxes can be found without too much effort. Add a little lace and ribbon a you have yourself a seriously awesome handmade gift.
Bow Back Tshirt
http://go.tipjunkie.com/hm/1010/inspirationrealisation.blogspot.com/2011/05/bow-on-back.html
inspiration&realisation
I made it last year and sure enough I’m going to wear it
over and over again this summer :)
It all begun with some internet browsing, and when I look for t-shirt inspiration,
the Red Valentino label is a great source. …
Yeah, a bit excessive price tags, agreed.
This shirt was 255$… now on sale @ 178.50 on net-a-porter.com.
What a joke!
image from net-a-porter.com collage by me
I had everything on hand:
* a grey t-shirt
* some black mesh
* a small piece of black silk for the bow
* my sewing machine
click on picture to magnify
* cut the back of the t-shirt in the middle, leaving about 3” at the top uncut
* round the edges (optional, the original doesn’t have round edges)
* cut a piece of black mesh in a sort of triangular shape with a round base (the two extra parts sticking out at the bottom won’t be necessary if you don’t round the edges)
* place the mesh inside the shirt and pin the sides onto the side of the cut
* trim the excess mesh underneath
* make a bow and pin it with a safety pin (so you can easily remove it to wash your shirt)
Harry Potter Apron
http://go.tipjunkie.com/hm/1356/bakingdom.com/2011/04/harry-potter-gryffindor-apron.html
I searched everywhere for an adorable HP apron to buy, but no luck. I knew I’d have to make it myself, so I went hunting for the perfect fabrics. I had decided I wanted a Gryffindor themed apron, because the majority of my favorite characters are in Gryffindor – Ron, Neville, Fred and George. I also love Ravenclaw (and Luna), and may just be making a blue and bronze apron soon. No matter how hard I looked though, I simply couldn’t find the perfect scarlet and gold fabric that had the right whimsy to it. Clearly my design plans needed to change.
That’s when I came up with my “uniform” design (Loki always watches over my craft projects to make sure I don’t screw up). I decided to design the apron around the Hogwarts school uniforms – gray on top and black on the bottom. The gray would represent the sweaters worn by the students, while the black represented the pants/skirts they wear. While he was in the States, my amazing hubs did a fantastic job finding the perfect fabrics for my apron. To make this apron, I followed the same steps that I used when making these handmade aprons.
To make the apron Gryffindor themed, I trimmed it with scarlet and gold grosgrain ribbon and a gorgeous Gryffindor patch.
I also wanted the apron to be girly, so in addition to the skirted bottom, I added sweet little bows to each of the pockets.
Taking the girly factor even further, I stitched alternating pieces of glittery scarlet and gold tulle to the base of the skirt.
I searched high and low for a great Gryffindor patch when I decided to make this. There are a lot available on eBay, as well as Amazon, but I decided to order mine directly from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was the most authentic and looked like the highest quality. I spent a little more on it ($6.95 plus shipping), but it was worth it. I’m really pleased with it, and I ordered a Hogwarts patch and the other house patches at the same time. The patch is beautifully made and heavy duty…definitely great quality. It is iron on, which is great, but I still stitched it into place as well.
TADA!! My finished apron.
Flower Ring
here’s the post i was too sick to do last week. i’m feeling better. thank you for your kind words. and no i didn’t burn the toast on purpose, that actually happened (a few days earlier…i just thought it was funny and so i took a picture.) who knew that it was a perfect picture for how i would feel a few days later. but yes, a little better on the sickness…not all better. but good enough. ;) hope your weekend was nice a lovely.
okay…now onto our regularly scheduled post:
okay…now onto our regularly scheduled post:
here’s a perfect ring to give to a friend, mother, daughter, wife, or yourself.
with a few and easy steps you can make this lovely little (okay kinda big) fabric flower ring for whoever you chose!
supplies:
*one strip of fabric measuring at 1 inch by 10 inches.
*one adjustable ring blank
*hot glue
i have kits for this ring in my shop yes that’s right i’m making the move to big cartel.
paypal friendly, codes allowed for discounts, not nickle and diming me to death all made it easier for me to make the move. yes you will see my newer designs in my bc shop. i’ll keep my etsy open…but assuming all goes well sooner than later all will be moved and only operating through V and Co. the shop .
the kits come in three colors for now but if you are interested in another color just contact me either through email or through my “contact” in my shop and we’ll see what i can do for you!
each kit comes with enough fabric and a ring blank. okay i digress.
ready to get started? here we go:
first you will need to get your fabric cut to 1 inch by 10 inches. (it doesn’t have to be perfect we’re going for wonky)
dab a little bit of hot glue at the end of your strip and fold in half. secure.
dab another bit of hot glue and fold in half
dab a little bit of hot glue to the end again…
this time you are going to fold over like the picture above. (fold down instead of in half again)
now you are going to twist your fabric a little
and dab a little bit of hot glue to the “base”
i like to make sure my fabric is twirled a little on the tighter side(but not too tight!). this will make your flower smaller and tighter.
continue to twist and twirl your fabric all the while adding a dab of hot glue to secure your new twist to the last twist.
when you get your flower as big as you want it (making sure you leave a little bit of a tail)
add some hot glue to the bottom of your flower and fold and secure your tail at the bottom of your flower flat.
next cut off the extra tail that shows.
next you will get your adjustable ring blank
place a dab of hot glue on to it and
secure your ring. let cool.
what i love about these rings is that they are adjustable and comfortable so no matter how big or small your fingers are the ring base will work for you!
http://go.tipjunkie.com/hm/667/www.vanessachristenson.com/2010/04/tutorial-fabric-flower-ring.html
