DIY Sequin Sweater

04.26.13

Sequin Sweater

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.

Sequin Sweater

You’ll need:

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

Sequin Sweater 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.

Sequin Sweater 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.

Sequin Sweater 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.

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

Sequin Sweater Sequin Sweater And you’re done!

DIY Bead Bracelet Tutorial

04.25.13

Delicate Bead Bracelet

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.

Delicate Bead Bracelet

You’ll need:

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

Delicate Bead Bracelet 21. 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.

Delicate Bead Bracelet 33. Wrap the wire around the tip of the pliers leaving some room at the end.

Delicate Bead Bracelet 44. 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.

Delicate Bead Bracelet 55. 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.

Delicate Bead Bracelet 66. 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.

Delicate Bead Bracelet 7Delicate Bead Bracelet 9Wear it alone or layer it with other bracelets.

 

Homemade Bagels: New York Style

04.24.13

Homemade Bagel

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!

Homemade Bagels Homemade Bagel Homemade Bagel Homemade Bagel

Magazine Stacks

04.22.13

Pippa

I currently have monthly subscriptions to 6 different magazines. (They are the Christmas gift that keeps on giving.) So naturally, I have a growing stack of magazines, read and unread. I usually think stacks of magazines look sloppy but these images prove otherwise. I love the idea of turning a stack of magazines into a table or stand for decor, such as flowers or picture frames. Or, in extreme cases of magazine hoarding, using them to fill an inactive fireplace. Time to get stacking!

Converted Schoolhouse Magazines Magazine StacksHouse of Hackney Magazine Stacksimages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Full Skirt

04.16.13

I love the full skirt trend that has been popping back up in the fashion world! The length is modest and reminiscent of the 50s, but packs a punch in a bright, bold color. I want to try and recreate the look with a striped fabric, and maybe some pockets. When I wear full skirts I feel comfortable yet put together. For this time of year, the long cut of a faille full skirt serves as the perfect transition piece from winter to spring!

Tibi Full SkirtFull Skirtfull skirtTibi Full Skirtimages: here, here, here, here and here