Archive for the ‘fashion + accessories’ Category
Alright, I couldn’t resist the color block trend any longer. Time for a new DIY!
Here’s the story: I’ve had this yellow wallet for years, and since I bought a new one recently, old yellow is not really getting any use. So I grabbed some of my trusty textile paint and got to work. Now I am using it as a colorful clutch for lunch dates with friends. Wanna make your own? Here’s the breakdown (two ways)…
Supplies:
- old wallet (marks and scuffs are okay)
- textile paint (I prefer Jacquard Textile Paint)
- paint brush
- an old rag or paper towels
How to Make it (part I): Distressed Paint Technique
1. Clean your wallet as best you can with a little soap and water (or leather cleaner). If you used yours as much as I used mine, you need to clean it girl!
2. You can do this two ways. I’m going to show you the color blocking one last because it’s pretty straight forward. So for those that are looking for something more unique and distressed instead of bold (and beautiful).
Grab your paint brush and start with one small(ish) section at a time.
3. As the paint is drying, take your rag or paper towel and start lightly wiping the paint away. You can experiment with this technique and just have fun with. At times, I even added a little water to my rag to remove large areas of paint and then went back into it once it was dry.
4. Continue to layer your paint and then wipe off in certain areas to get that distressed look.
Here’s the finished piece…
How to Make it (part II): Color Blocking
1. Again, clean your wallet as best you can with a little soap and water (or leather cleaner).
2. Now I am going to show the color blocked version. It’s pretty simple. First, choose your color combo. I picked red-orange and fuchsia textile paint and decided at the last minute to keep a pop of the original yellow as well.
3. Next, it’s time to grab your paint brush and paint away. Pay close attention to even strokes and don’t be afraid to layer up! I ended up painting at least three coats of the red since it’s a bright color and I wanted it to really pop. Here’s an in-process shot of the layers as I was building them up…
4. Choose an area for your accent color (optional). I don’t have a picture of this part, but it is pretty self explanatory. My wallet had a natural place to add my accent color, find yours if you want it to look like you bought it that way. If you want to share your artistic side, choose a less expected area for your accent color – maybe a fun shape or stripes.
Here’s the finished piece…
I like the color blocked version better than the distressed look from part I. What do you think? Which is your favorite?
Weigh in below in the comments section.
This contributor post was written by Christina of Down and Out Chic.
The mod 70′s colorblocking trend is back in full force and I especially like this trend when it comes to jewelry. A little goes a long way and these handmade pieces approach the graphic, bold use of color in a fresh way…
(above) colorblock layered bangles set of 3 ($60) by the glossy queen
eagle point necklace ($188), clear fork necklace ($68) and central point pop bracelet ($42) by minoux
geometric necklaces in triangle and circle ($34) by snug studio
water resistant watches by May28th ($39)
leather arrow necklaces ($22) by leebee jewelry
leather colorblock necklace ($24) rare bird
What do you like most about this trend?
Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.
This contributor post was written by Michael Ann of Michael Ann Made.
April showers bring May flowers! Today I have a little Fabric Flower Brooch DIY for you to help bring the springtime cheer to your wardrobe. Added bonus, this little project is very quick to finish and uses materials you probably already have, making it a great last minute Mother’s Day gift!
Here are the materials you’ll need:
1. Fabric with a bold floral print. You could make a mother’s day gift extra special by using a treasured piece of vintage fabric.
2. Wool Felt in a coordinating color.
3. Embroidery thread and Needle.
4. A pin back or safety pin.
Here’s how you make it:
1. Cut out your flower from the fabric. You get to decide how much or how little of the fabric’s floral print you want to feature. I chose to cut out just one large flower, but you could also add leaves or smaller flowers, maybe even layering and stitching them on top of each other.
2. Cut out your felt backing. Leave a little bit of a border to help frame your flower.
3. Stitch the flower to the felt. I used a simple running stitch along the outside, but you could use any decorative stitch. Be Creative!
4. Add your pin back. I had an extra pin back, but a safety pin could also work. Just make sure to stitch it on tight!
5. Just keep stitching! If there are certain areas of the flower you want to highlight, you can do so with more stitches. Outline one or two flowers if you are working with a small bunch, or stitch around a couple petals.
When you’re happy with how your little brooch looks, tie off your thread and you’re done!
I was able to stitch this little guy while sitting watching a movie, and it came along so quickly I think I might need to make a couple more for the dear women in my life. Hope you all have a lovely last bit of spring and a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Happy crafting!
Michael Ann is a sewer, knitter, crafter, thrifter, living a crafty life with her husband in Portland, Oregon. You can find her at her blog Michael Ann Made where she shares projects, tutorials, and bits of inspiration to help you live a crafty life too. You can also follow her adventures on twitter.
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Yesterday was a pretty gloomy day, weather-wise. So today, I am bringing on the color with hand-dyed pieces from the spring/summer collection of Amber Coppings at Xmittens.
Each top, skirt, hoodies, scarf, etc in this collection is made from 100% made in the USA cotton and are hand-dyed in Amber’s Pittsburgh studio. The dyeing process is low impact and low water with high colorfast fabric dyes. So each one is a little different. Love that!
$10 off! Use code 10PRE to get $10 off any order of $100 or more from the new spring/ summer collection. Discount code can only be used on items in the spring / summer section of Amber’s shop.
Visit Xmittens now for more hand-dyed wearables.
Okay, so I am a little behind on this, but I just recently learned that one of my favorite photographers, Debbie Carlos, also has a jewelry shop called AHC. It is AMAZING. I swear I could have added all 50+ pieces to this post. But I’ll just share a few of my favorites and let you browse Debbie’s shop for the rest….
Gold dipped jade rings, modern beaded bracelets and dainty, feminine necklaces.
(above) Jade Charm 2 / Gold Dipped Jade Necklace
Visit AHC on Etsy for more everyday jewelry from Debbie Carlos.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so if your mom lives out of town (and you have to ship a gift to her), it is time to get on it!
Need help finding a gift?
Minneapolis jewelry design, Erin Kate Duininck, of E. Kate Designs is offering 20% off all purchases in her jewelry shop today and tomorrow with the coupon code MOTHERMAYI at checkout. Offer ends at midnight (EST) tomorrow. How’s that for a Mother’s Day treat!?
Visit E. Kate Designs on Etsy now to use your 20% off coupon before the offer ends tomorrow night.
I’ve done a lot of DIYs with polymer clay – mostly home decor related though. So when I saw what Hana Brewster from A Quiet Curiosity has been dreaming up lately, I got a little excited.
Hana makes colorful jewelry – specifically necklaces – from clay and an occasional piece of leather. Some of the clay is painted, while others are stamped to create interesting textures. Really cute shop. You should check it out…
Visit A Quiet Curiosity on Etsy to see more of Hana’s designs.
