Blog - Page 34 of 43 - Why Don't You Make Me?

Clear Clutch

04.30.13

Lately, I’ve been obsessing over the clear clutch trend. On-one-hand, they’re fun, sleek and go with everything. On the other, they’re intrusive. It reminds me of the see-through backbacks people would carry in school. You could see everything! I usually never carry more than my wallet, phone and keys, so it wouldn’t be a big deal. It’s all about personal preference. There are different variations on the clear/transparent handbag trend. For example, the Christopher Kane Jelly Clutch that offers color and opacity. My personal favorite is the lucite clutch. You could easily change out the inner pouch for different looks, all while maintaining a sense of privacy.

images: 1, 2, 3, 4

DIY Embroidered Necklace

04.29.13

A few weeks ago I made a post about embroidered collars by the talented Lorena Marañón. Her work is incredibly intricate and colorful. She also makes beautiful pieces of jewelry which inspired me to try my hand at making an embroidered necklace. While nowhere close to the amazing work of Miss Marañón, I loved the way it turned out! Keep reading for the tutorial and see more of Marañón’s work here!

You’ll Need:

– Stiffened Felt
– Embroidery Thread
– Pen
– Scissors
– Large Needle
– Ruler
– Jump Rings
– Pliers
– Gold Chain

DIY Sequin Sweater

04.26.13

Ever since I saw this sequin sweater by Alice + Olivia, I knew I had to have it. However, it is not in my price range. Then a friend suggested it was DIYable (yes, I make up words). I was up to the challenge so I bought a gray sweater and some black sequin trim. Thankfully, the design is pretty straightforward, so this project wasn’t as difficult or as time-consuming as I originally imagined.

You’ll need:

– 5 Yards Sequin Trim
– Sweater
– Craft Glue
– Tie Pattern
– Fabric Pen
– Scissor
– Needle & Thread

1. Print out your pattern at full scale (or draw your own). Cut out the pattern and position it at the top center of your sweater. Trace the outline of the tie with a fabric pen.

2. Add a thin line of glue along the outline of the tie. (My sweater was pretty thin so I had to place a piece of newspaper in between sweater layers.) Lay the sequin over the glue and gently pat it down. Continue in this fashion a few inches at a time.

3. Glue the sequin along the entire outline. Continue to follow the shape of the tie, slowly working your way in. Keep going until you have filled in the entire thing. Add individual sequins wherever there is an open space.

4. Using a needle and matching thread, stitch sections of the sequin for extra reinforcement from the backside.

And you’re done!

DIY Bead Bracelet Tutorial

04.25.13

If you’ve been following my blog you may have realized bracelets are one of my favorite pieces of jewelry to make. Check out my past bracelet tutorials here, here and here. I’m usually drawn to simple pieces so I decided on a delicate bead bracelet.

You’ll need:

– Small beads
– Chain
– Wire
– Jump Rings
– Jewelry Finding
– Wire Cutter
-Needle-nose Pliers

1. Start by measuring your chain against your wrist to determine how long to cut the chain. Mine was about 6″ long.
2. Cut a piece of wire approximately 4″ – we will need a longer length to have extra room to work with.

3. Wrap the wire around the tip of the pliers leaving some room at the end.

4. Slightly open the loop and attach one end of the chain. To secure the loop, twist the extra piece of wire around the base. Cut any excess wire.

5. Add your beads to the wire. I added on 10, but you can add as many or as little as you like. Repeat Step 4 on the open end of the wire.

6. Cut your chain in the center opposite the string of beads. Add a jump ring to one end, and a jump ring with finding to the other.

Wear it alone or layer it with other bracelets.

Homemade Bagels: New York Style

04.24.13

Today I’m sharing an amazing recipe for homemade bagels. This particular recipe mimics New York style bagels. The first time I had a New York bagel I bought a half dozen at a time. I didn’t try one until I was on the bus home, and immediately regretted not buying more. At that moment I understood why New York holds the crown for best bagels. The outside is crispy, while the center remains soft and chewy. Though the recipe doesn’t call for a lot of ingredients, these bagels were very flavorful. They take some time, but in the end are worth the effort!