Archive for February, 2010
I love a good before and after as much as the next girl. So today, I’ll be sharing an easy diy that transforms a worn out clutch to a glamorous evening bag. The idea came to me several months ago when I found a great vintage bag that needed some TLC.
Days later, I opened up a little handbag shop called Laur, where I sell hard-to-find vintage pieces, that are either left in their original condition or hand-painted by me for a new look. These are the results from one project.
Here’s what the clutch looked like before…
And the “after” is at the top of this post.
So, how do you get the look? Well, it’s a lot easier than it looks. Here is the step by step…
1. Once you’ve found the perfect clutch to makeover (remember you want to look for something that is leather or something similar to leather like vinyl for best results), choose a high bonding textile paint in the color you would like to use. I recommend the brand Jacquard.
2. Using a round paintbrush for the least amount of visible brushstrokes, start painting using thin, even strokes, while avoiding any metal or hardware that you don’t want painted. You may even want to tape those areas off if you think you will have trouble avoiding it.
3. Once a layer has been applied, use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove some of the paint while it is still wet, with a patting technique. This is going to help the first layer to really get into the material and also will help diminish the look of brushstrokes.
4. Repeat steps two and three with 3-5 layers of built up paint. That’s it!
Pretty simple right? Here’s a couple more pictures of the finished product:
Simple screen-printed goods from Pretty Penny Designs. Each piece in Kelly’s Los Angeles studio is made using bamboo, organic cotton and upcycled fabrics to create simple, wearable designs at affordable prices.
Visit Pretty Penny Designs to view the entire collection.
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t surprise your significant other in the sack, now does it?
I’m talking about pillowcases, obviously.
I spotted these hairstyle pillowcases by threeheart over on Naturally Nina. Wouldn’t they be a fun gift for your sleeping buddy? Or a well-deserved treat (from you to you) to spruce up your sheets? I think I’d giggle every time I got into bed.
Have a great week,
Home decor for Tuesday’s favorites. To shop for the items above, click here.
Beautiful prints from artist and doll-maker Paola Zakimi.
Special Discount: Receive 20% off your entire purchase (over $30) when you mention “papernstitch”. Convo Paola before purchase for a reserved listing with discounted price.
Visit Paola Zakimi on etsy to view more artwork (and dolls).
1. Sky-high nude colored sandals make your legs look like they go on and on forever. Sandals by Jessica Simpson, $58.90 from Nordstrom.
2. The silhouette of this dress is breezy and effortless, and the unique, one-of-a-kind details make it special. Dress by DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, $139.50 from the Outnet.
3. A dove grey faux-leather jacket is modern and chic for spring. Jacket from Arden B., $68.
4. The sophisticated blush color and tailored ruffle details make this purse girly without being fussy. Purse from Urban Outfitters, $68.
5. This lovely leather cuff is inscribed with a message to inspire you throughout the day – “let love rule.” Bracelet by Cynthia H, $50 from Max & Chloe.
6. A cascade of asymmetrical ruffles give this casual-cool tank a feminine twist. Tank by Larok, $89.60 from Bloomingdale’s.
7. This vintage-inspired ruffled bikini is sure to make you the belle of the beach. En Pointe bikini from Anthropologie, $98.
xoxo,
Lesley of 315thomas
Welcome back to Craft Venture! I’m Brenda from Phydeaux Designs, with another post about product photography! Last week, we talked about what to avoid with your photos. Today, we’re talking about some styling ideas to make your photos come to life.
A little ditty has been running through my head for the past few weeks as I think about how I want my own online shop to look. “Are these the photos I want Martha Stewart or insert-other-big-celebrity-name-with-the-power-to-affect-my-business-in-an-unbelievable-way-here?”
What if you knew for certain that Martha Stewart’s staff would be looking at your shop tomorrow? Are your photos up to snuff? You’ll get a 20 to 30 second chance if this were to actually happen; if your photos aren’t immediately engaging, your chance is shot.
Until computers are equipped with smell-o-vision or virtual reality becomes available to all, your photos are absolutely crucial to the success of your business. Your photos are the first thing that potential customers see – or don’t see! You want your photos to be those that stand out in a sea of other photos and draw customers into your virtual shop.
Because you can’t smell or feel the items in your photo, you need to bring your photos to life for your customers. Turn two dimensional into three dimensional! Show your items in use! Create movement! Taking a snapshot of your secret recipe brownies on a napkin on your floor is flat, unengaging, and unappetizing. But style your brownies so that they’re on a clean white plate with a frosty cold glass of milk with a red gingham napkin … and you’re showing someone brownies about to be devoured.
