DIY Mardi Gras Mask

It’s true, my little family loves Mardi Gras.  We travel to Louisiana every year to visit and celebrate Mardi Gras (family friendly style) with dear friends and it might be our favorite trip of the year.  This year, I’m making a special mask to match the beads that I’ll be receiving (at the very family friendly parades, people). 

Making your own Mardi Gras mask is easy and you can customize it however you like.  I chose the traditional purple, green, and gold of Mardi Gras fare, but there is an abundance of colored feathers at craft stores for you to choose from if you’re wanting to create something similar for a masquerade or Halloween.

 DIY Mardi Gras Mask

Supplies needed:  Plain mask, glitter, glue, sponge or brush, feathers, decorative trim and embellishments, small piece of felt, hot glue.  Optional:  wooden dowel or skewer, ribbon.

My masks came with an elastic band.  I wanted to hold my mask rather than wear it, so I removed the elastic.  This is your preference. 

DIY Instructions:  To start, brush glue over the entire surface of your mask.  Do not miss any spots.  If your glue is too thick to spread easily, slightly dampen your sponge or brush.  But don’t add too much water, or you might not get a good glue coverage – I learned this the hard way.  You can hold your mask up to the light from behind to check for any missed spots.

Once you have a good solid coverage of glue, add your glitter.  This is the messy and fun part.  I use two sheets of paper so I can catch and reuse (re-sprinkle?) the glitter that doesn’t adhere.  Once you have a fully glittered mask, step away while it dries.  Step.Away.  Maybe 20-30 minutes or more.

After the glue and glitter have dried, add your trim.   If you want to add jewels or other embellishments, now’s the time to do that, too.  This sequence trim is sold by the roll and you may need to look near the fabric notions at your craft store.  It is perfect for this project because it will bend around the curves of the mask more easily than ribbon.  I used tacky glue to adhere it.

Now for adding feathers.  You can just glue the feathers to the back of the mask.  Be careful if you’re using hot glue since these plastic masks may melt with the heat.  However, I created my entire feather piece separate by first gluing the feathers to a small piece of felt.  This gives you more control of the feather placement.  Then, you can add the entire feather piece to the back of the mask. 

To make the mask handle, I wrapped ribbon around a wooden dowel, and used hot glue to affix it to the back of the mask. 

Laissez les bons temps rouler, DIY’ers!

~julee~

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Video: How to Make Aluminum Stamped Jewelry

This week I shared my tutorial for making aluminum stamped jewelry on WDRB in the Morning.  Take a look at the video to see how easy it is to make this cute personalized jewelry.  To save on cost and to be a little more environmentally friendly, I also showed how easy it is to create the charm blanks from a recycled aluminum can.  Using the paper punch leaves the edges surprisingly smooth.

As always, it was such a fun morning crafting on WDRB in the Morning with my friend Craft E Magee.  If you’re local, you can see our next craft segments on Wednesday, October 9th at 7:45am & 8:15am.  If you can’t watch the show live, you can always view our videos on YouTube.

Thanks for watching!

~julee~

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DIY Aluminum Metal Stamped Jewelry

I absolutely love the look of stamped jewelry and accessories, and making your own is pretty easy.  You will need a few tools to achieve the desired look, but they can all be purchased at a craft store (or online).  As you know, I love to use as many recycled items as I can in my craft projects, so this tutorial will show you how you can also make blank charms for stamping out of aluminum cans.

The supplies that you will need to make the blank charms are:  Aluminum can, exacto knife or scissors, circular paper punch, small hole punch.

The supplies that you will need for the metal stamping are: set of metal alphabet stamps, hammer, and metal stamping block. 

You may also need jump rings and a chain, if you’re making a necklace.

To create a blank charm from the aluminum can, start by cutting off the top and bottom of the can with your exacto knife or scissors.  After that, you can cut up the middle of the can to create one long sheet of metal.  The aluminum is thin enough for the paper punch to cut through.  Use the circular punch to cut your charm, and use your small hole punch to cut a hole for hanging.

Now you are ready to stamp.

Simply lay your charm on your stamping block.  If you want your letters to be perfectly aligned, use a piece of masking or washi tape to be your guide.  (I didn’t, because perfectionism eludes me.)  Lay your letters on top of the charm, and use your hammer to make the imprint.  Because the aluminum is thinner than other metal charms you can purchase, do not go crazy with the hammering or you will bend the charm.  (Unless you are going for that bent-up banged-up look, in which case, hammer on like a crazy gal.)

Now, attach your jump ring and your chain and wear your recycled stamped necklace proudly.

You can also use a black sharpie to fill in your letters if you want them to be more prominent.  Also, use other shapes of paper punches to play around with more designs.  Using the easy-to-cut aluminum really broadens your options and allows you to create unique designs.

Happy metal stamping, DIY’ers!

~julee~

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DIY Shell Necklace

So, I get that fall is practically tomorrow, but I’m still playing with my beloved summer seashells over here.  I’ve organized them, decorated with them, and now, I’m wearing them. 

Creating your own DIY shell necklace is easy.  When collecting shells on the beach, don’t immediately toss back the ones with small holes in them.  They are perfect to use for jewelry making without the need for power tools.  Or, if you don’t have any beach trips planned soon, you can buy shells from Wholeport with the holes already predrilled.

To make your own DIY shell necklace, you’ll need a variety of shells with holes and a leather cord.  Also consider adding charms for more interest.  If your shells are in need of holes, you’ll have to break out drill to create them.  The predrilled shells, bronze charms, and leather cord I used are all from Wholeport.  If you use your found shells, wash them in a bleach and water solution and allow to dry beforehand.

The length of cord you’ll need will depend on your preference, but you’ll need to add at least two extra inches to ensure it’s not too short after you tie on your shells.  Knot a shell with the cording every inch or so until your necklace is the length you desire.  When I had all of my shells added, I simply tied the ends together on mine, but you can add a necklace clasp if you prefer.  That’s it!  Now you’ve created a beautiful piece of jewelry from your beach treasures.

You can create many different looks by including a larger variety of shells.  Hanging a single charm or shell on leather cording is also very pretty.

Happy creating, DIY’ers!

~julee~

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Make It: Derby Fascinator

Making a stunning hair piece or fascinator isn’t as complicated as you might think.  With the Kentucky Derby right around the corner (also known around here as our favorite day to wear crazy stuff on our heads), I’ve put together these very basic steps to help you create a simple and gorgeous hair accessory. 

Fascinator Tutorial

1) Gather your supplies.  I’ve used tulle netting, a variety of feathers, silk flower, small piece of felt, and a hair clip.  You will also need hot glue.  You can purchase all of these items at a craft store.  2)  If you’re making a larger hair piece, you will use the felt as your base.  Glue it on to your preferred type of hair clip.  This makes it easier to get all of your pieces glued to the clip.  3) Before gluing anything, lay down your pieces to try out a look that you like.  Build your fascinator in this order:  netting, feathers, flower.  4) Use hot glue to secure everything in its place.  5)  Trim any pieces as necessary.  Here, I’ve trimmed my netting into a point.   You may need to trim your felt base or feathers.  6)  Clip into your hair, beautiful lady!

Here is a smaller fascinator.  I’ve used a silk flower, rhinestone, and feather.  I then used hot glue to secure the pieces to my hair clip. 

These are just the basics to get you started.  If you would like a more bold hair piece, consider using a larger flower, additional netting,  more and bigger feathers, sprigs of rhinestones…whatever you love.  Play around with different options until you get a look that you love.

Happy fascinator making, DIY’ers!

~julee~

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Wear It: eShakti

Every time I wear these boots with a dress, I want to go two-stepping.

I don’t even know how to two-step.

But the denim jacket makes me look like I could rock the two-step, no?

This is my new dress from eShakti.  I love it for a thousand reasons, not the least of which is because it has pockets.  Also, because clothing from eShakti can be customized to fit your exact measurements.  And you can choose dresses in your preferred length.  And sleeve style.  Seriously, with so many ways to customize their already fabulous selection, eShakti is a woman’s dream shop.

My dress fits me perfectly, the length hits me exactly where I like my dresses to hit, and the shipping was speedy quick.  Plus, I’m stepping from my comfort zone and gleefully wearing flying critters.  It’s an all around win-win.

Beaded ring from LindsayLou Jewelry.

Figs and Ginger Necklace

Almost Africa Earrings

I purposely selected a dress that I could transition from spring to summer, back to fall.  With the length and sleeve customizations, many of eShakti’s dresses can transition from season to season, which I love.

If you’re interested in checking out eShakti’s clothing for yourself, you can use code DYLSVLLE for 20% off until 3/20/13. 

Have you ever had a dress customized for yourself?  How do you feel about wearing flying critters on your clothes?

~julee~ 

 

I post my outfits here to show off my thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, I like cute clothes. I link up each week with What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy, Whatever Whenever Wednesday, Not Dead Yet Style, Real Girl Style, Dress for the Day, Lily Among Thorns and Casual Friday. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments – I would love to come check out your blog!

A sample product was gifted from eShakti. Opinions expressed here are my own.

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Wear It: Handmade

Don’t look too close at these pictures or you’ll see my goose bumps and extra long arm hairs standing straight up.    It was freezing, but I really wanted to show off this fabulous skeleton cameo necklace by Louisville jewelry artist Under Sixes and I thought you might be able to see it better if it wasn’t hiding beneath a parka and two infinity scarf layers.

I was inspired by Suzanne at Style Files to pull out some stripes this week after she shared them as one of her top 10 wardrobe essentials.  I’m also thinking this Marion polish from Julep should be a wardrobe essential.  What do you think?

(Are you a Julep maven?  You can sign up today and use the code FREEBOX to get your first box free. )

Shirt & Jeans: Target; Cardi: Banana Republic, gifted (i.e. Hand-Me-Down); Earrings: Wisconsin Gift Shop; Necklace: Under Sixes; Leather Cuff: Made by Me; Nail Polish: Julep

I put the how-to for making this leather cuff on the blog last week, but just in case you’d rather win one than make one, I’m giving one away in my awesome sponsor giveaway.  Which you should totally check out.  And enter.

So, who’s ready for spring?

~julee~

 

I post my outfits here to show off my thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, I like cute clothes. I link up each week with What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy, Whatever Whenever Wednesday, Not Dead Yet Style, Real Girl Style, Dress for the Day, Lily Among Thorns and Casual Friday. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments – I would love to come check out your blog!

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Make It: Leather Cuff

Know what’s fun? When someone compliments you on something you’re wearing and you blurt out, “I made it!!”. Making your own pretty little leather cuff arm candy is a breeze and only takes a few supplies. Are you ready to be complimented?

DIY Leather Cuff Tutorial

1) You’ll need: Leather or vinyl, sew in snaps with thread and needle (or a snap kit if your leather is thick), strong glue (tacky glue, super glue, hot glue, or fabric glue), and a pattern piece. 2) Make a pattern from paper by measuring the length around your wrist, and approximately 2-inches wide (or wider if you like). Cut the leather from this pattern. 3) Pattern pieces: One wrist cuff and one 2inx1/3in piece. 4) Find the middle of the wrist strap and pinch it into a fold. You may add a couple small dots of glue between the folds on the underside. 5) Wrap your small piece tightly around the folds. 6) Glue the small piece tightly on the underside.  Snip off any excess. 7) Add your snaps. My leather was soft and thin, so I could easily use sew in snaps. 8) Finish both sides of your snaps.  9)  Wear it out and brag on your awesomeness.



Tips:  You can purchase leather and vinyl at fabric stores, but you may have an old leather item laying around that can be repurposed for this project.  My leather came from a torn leather skirt found at the thrift store.

Do you enjoy making your own accessories?  If you’ve made any lately, share a link to your blog in the comments – I’d love to come check it out!

Happy making, DIY’ers!

~julee~

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D.I.Y. Kids: Shrinky Dink Necklace

I’m a child of the 80’s, so whenever my daughter wants to pull out the Shrinky Dinks, I probably get a little too excited.  Surely I’m not the only one?

There are so many cute things you can make with Shrinky Dinks, but I pulled out a few supplies I had on hand and we settled on these cute and easy heart and butterfly necklaces.

Paper punches cut right through the Shrinky Dink plastic and give you a perfect shape, which is perfectly awesome.  Color your plastic with colored pencils or sharpies, and then if you want to hang your shapes, cut a hole with a hole punch *before* you put in the oven.  Follow the directions on the package for baking.

Ta-da!  An easy kids DIY craft for a cold weekend afternoon!

Have you ever made Shrinky Dink crafts?  I’ve seen more “grown up” jewelry on Pinterest I’d like to try my hand at making.

Happy DIY’ing!

~julee~

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Wear It: Hand-Knit Cowl

This is not so much an outfit post as it is a Hey!  Look at the new hand-knit cowl I got for Christmas! post.  Purchased by my friend Kim at a local art & craft show, but there was no tag or card so I can’t give credit to the artist.  Sad.  It adds the perfect amount of warmth without too much bulk which is really nice.  Sometimes you just don’t want that suffocated feeling, you know?  I’m always jealous of those that can knit or crochet.  I’d love to have one of these bad boys in about 20 different colors.

My coat is old from Target and my earrings were also handmade, by Kiki(verde).  Love.

I hope you guys are keeping warm this week.  It’s currently spitting sleet and snow outside and my daughter is doing the Snow Day Dance as I type this.  Perhaps I should join her; I wouldn’t mind a snow day myself.

~julee~

 

I post my outfits here to show off my thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, I like cute clothes. I link up each week with What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy, Whatever Whenever Wednesday, Not Dead Yet Style, Real Girl Style and Casual Friday. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments – I would love to come check out your blog!

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