Jan 16, 2014 | DIY
Hello again, friends! I just couldn’t wait to share this chic and easy bangle bracelet project with all of you.
I am always drawn to rough, organic crystals and gemstones rather than perfectly-faceted pieces, and much of the jewelry available at Free People satisfies that sparkle-lust. I fell in love with this Crystal Flame Cuff by Vega Jewelry, but the $258 price tag was much more than I could afford. I realized I could easily make the same kind of look for a steal – hence this project. (And it’s so, so quick to whip up!!) Here’s how I made my newest FAVORITE bracelet:
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Jun 23, 2013 | DIY
Whether you call them head chains, headbands, circlets, fairy head adornments, or hippie bands, these beautiful head adornments can be seen all throughout the Summer: at music festivals, on the beach, and at weddings. Growing up, I never saw them at all – the high school I went to was super-preppy, and I never knew anyone who rocked these. Then, at some point I started making them (mostly for this blog), and found that I loved them! I normally don’t dress very boho, but when I do, I feel these head adornments are a must for dressing up what usually feels like a very dressed-down ensemble to me. For me, the more jewelry the merrier! And I love the Medieval/Grecian princess vibe they add as well (Game of Thrones cosplay, anyone? ;-). There are so many DIY versions out there done with chain, but I wanted to take it to the next level with some pretty stampings instead. And it’s so easy to do! Here’s how:
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Oct 24, 2011 | DIY
The organic quality to much of Pamela Love’s work captivates me. I love the metals mixed with gemstones; the rough shapes coupled with geometry. Trending this Fall are her fabulous pieces for Spring: rough-hewn, almost spiritual works. This crescent-shaped necklace studded with gemstone points is surprisingly easy to make – and satisfyingly chic.
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Apr 18, 2011 | Fashion
Odds are, if you’ve been living anywhere except under a rock you will have noticed Chan Luu‘s beautiful beaded wrap bracelets, which have been making the rounds everywhere from the Internet to the wrists of celebs since at least last year.
A little bit boho, a little bit dressy, these bracelets come in turquoise, jade, silver, and a whole variety of semiprecious stones and metals, woven onto leather cords, to add a bit of color and flash to your wrists.
Amazing DIY’er and beader Ruby Mines shared her tutorial last year for making your own (that won Fan Favorite in The Ultimate DIY Competition on Cut Out + Keep!)…and I have to say, I just couldn’t tell the different between the original and her version!! (I think she’s taken down her tutorial since I can’t find it any more…sorry!)
(Edit 4/19: In the comments a reader mentioned a video tutorial for this bracelet done by SewPetiteGal. Check it out if you’re looking to make your own version. Thanks for the heads-up!)
Now Alloy.com has come out with the exact same style of bracelet…except for $14.90. (And using glass, plastic, and wood beads and polyester cording.)
Which would you buy? Pay homage to the designer who came up with the original…or be frugal and snap up the cheaper version? Does the Chan Luu version deserve its $170 pricetag…and is it more ethical as a consumer to buy it?
Discuss!;-)
xoxox
Carly
images from the respective websites above; photo array by me.
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Sep 14, 2010 | DIY
Another project -this time a bag project- I submitted for Style Sample Magazine and New York Design Shop’s Create Couture Challenge back in early August. It’s a little bohemian and a whole lotta fun!
Materials:
*Rust Suedette Fringe
*Gold Circle Studs
*Leather Flower Appliques
Additional Tools/Materials:
*faux suede handbag
*scissors
*pliers
*leather glue
*awl (optional)
[prep: remove embellishments on bag…I also cut the shoulder strap off and braided it, reattaching it to the bag]
How-to:
1. Cut Suedette Fringe in half.
2. Apply leather glue to underside of fringe, and place just under the top edge of the bag.
3. Allow to dry.
4. Lift fringe up, and glue second layer of fringe underneath so the top fringe just barely overlaps it.
5. Push a Circle Stud through the center of each Leather Flower.
6. Apply flowers to bag, pushing the prongs of the studs through the bag, and using pliers to fold the prongs over on the inside. If the material of the bag is very thick, an awl can be helpful to poke hole first.
7. If you prefer more security, add a thin layer of glue between the leather flowers and the bag in order to glue them down.
Let the 70’s come alive again!
Happy DIY’ing!
xoxox
Carly
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