Mar 1, 2014 | Life
Hello everyone! Can you believe it’s March already??! (I always feel like that with February – that it just whooshes by.) Whooooooooosh! Did you hear that? That was last month!
I just wanted to re-share some of my favorite bits of content from last month:
To start off the month, I shared a round-up of 15 DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts for Everyone. Even though V-Day is long gone, many of these would still make wonderful DIY gifts to a special someone. That tissue-paper art in your living room? Sharpie mugs on your kitchen shelves? Pretty pillows in the bedroom? Certainly not limited to Valentine’s Day!! Plus you can also do many romantic things at home for your sweetie like this infographic shows (again, not limited to February 14!!).
I did a number of DIY’s, this month finally sharing my secret fetish (DIY Japanese-style deko sweets, which I’ve been making for some time but haven’t yet shared on this blog). I made some Pastel Clay French Macarons, and for Valentine’s Day, a little Macaron Stack Memo Card holder.
I also did a DIY Faux Stingray Box Clutch with Tulip Neon, an Evil Eye Ring for WeHeartThis, and a Skirt with Sleeves Tied in Front from a Sweatshirt. I’ve been wearing my sweatshirt skirt nonstop -it’s so cozy!
Daisy-print is the next new thing! Check out some fun Daisy-Print inspiration here.
I also shared a fun feature on Cut Out + Keep on how to DIY the Look: Tilda Swinton (all linked to doable tutorials). To think that such a unique high fashion look is totally DIY’able!!
My friend Little Warrior shared her February Playlist all about love- you have to listen to it if you haven’t already – it’s soooooo good!!
I’ve done a lot of traveling this February with a week-long trip to Hawaii for my brother-in-law’s wedding, and now to Japan to take care of my mother who was hospitalized early this month.
And the best thing ever: being able to share my promotional video collaboration for Modify Watches (been working on that 2 months!!) plus a look-by-look breakdown of all the fashion on-screen.
Can’t wait to see what this month brings! (Spring, budding flowers, new collaborative projects…and maybe some cool DIY’s??!)
Thanks so much for reading this past month, and stay tuned for more!
xo
Carly
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Feb 1, 2014 | DIY
We have just about 2 weeks until the big V-Day and it’s getting time to figure out how to celebrate it. Will you celebrate with a kind gesture towards your loved one, whip up a favorite dish, splurge at a pricey store, or go anti-V-Day? If you are actually celebrating it with your sweetie, why not make something personalized that is uniquely representative of you two as a couple? Here are some great DIY ideas to get you started: (more…)
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Dec 4, 2013 | DIY
The holiday season is upon us! (Was that FAST or what??!) I’ve been trying to stick to a budget this year, and make what I can for those near and dear to me. There’s nothing that’s more personal or heartfelt than something you’ve made yourself, and here are 17 ideas of lovely gifts to make and give to your friends and family:
DIY Dry Baking Mixes are always great, and travel well. There’s so many to pick from, too! Hot cocoa mix, cookie mix, or muffin mix are some great choices. (This is a great roundup of ideas for jarred mixes!)
Last year I made tons of my DIY Holiday Chocolate Bark, and my family begged me for more. (I wouldn’t share the white chocolate macadamia flavor leftovers, though!) Anyone who likes chocolate will love this, plus it packs and keeps really well (good for boxes being sent through the post!)
These DIY Stamped Cookies are also divine. (I’m thinking you might be able to directly color on the stamp with food-grade coloring pens rather than dealing with a stamp pad? Shall have to try.)
Home-made candles are really lovely, and you can mimic that high-end Diptyque look by using pretty jars (and maybe adding printedwater decals or stickers with fantastic images or typography?) Check out this DIY tutorial for candles in tumblers.
For the avid sewist in your life, a DIY Tomato Pincushion is a must. Or you could go old school and sew up a DIY Sewing Needle Book to hold needles.
Decorative objects can be great choice for homeowners and renters alike. Some lovely pieces include: DIY Kelly Wearstler Kaleidoscope Starburst, DIY Dinosaur Planters, DIY Starburst Mirror
DIY Office Supplies are a welcome present to anyone who has an office space, whether at home or at work. Paint rocks with magnetic paint and glue together to make this paperclip holder or make a No-Sew Pencil Roll to help tame clutter.
Body lotion, scrubs, bath bombs, soap: beauty products that can be made at home and shared are a wonderful indulgence for a favorite someone. Love this DIY Coconut Rose Lip Balm! (And yes, this works for guys too; just use more “manly” fragrances and additives into soap bars or DIY Shaving Soap!)
Since it’s the holidays, why not gift some DIY ornaments to a special someone? Some of my favorites include these Colorful Geometric Ornaments, Sprinkles Ornaments, Pinned Sequin Ornaments.
Need more ideas for gifts? Check out my list of 30 Great DIY Hostess Gifts for some more inspiration!
Happy Holidays and Happy DIY’ing!
xo
Carly
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Nov 21, 2013 | DIY
So next week is the big turkey day – and if you’re spending it at someone else’s home sometimes you want to bring along something to thank your hosts. Since you’ll be saving all that time not having to make the dinner itself, why not create a lovely gift that shows both your creativity and your appreciation for the holiday? Here are some ideas for some great DIY gifts to bring with you to the Thanksgiving dinner:
DIY DECORATED STORAGE BOXES
Everyone could always use more storage, and beautifully-decorated boxes show your thoughtfulness. Left to right, clockwise: Decorative Boxes, Fabric-Covered Boxes, Faux Malachite Boxes
DIY SUCCULENTS AND PLANTERS
Succulents are a low-maintenance plant that look adorable presented in groups. Left to right, clockwise: Tiny Pinch Pots for Kids, DIY Terrarium, Gold Succulents in Origami Geometric Planters
DIY MINI CANDLES
Candles are a welcome addition to any home, especially ones that smell delicious or look beautiful. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Mini Pumpkin Candles, Modern DIY Candle Votives, DIY Satsuma Candle
DIY TABLE LINENS
Handmade table linens are a unique representation of one’s unique style – and you can use a variety of objects as stamps. Left to right, clockwise: Potato Stamped Napkins, Stamped Table Runner, Apple Stamped Napkins
DIY DRINK COASTERS
To add to a festive table, you could make some coasters – adding paint or decoupaged photographs for a personal touch. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Photo Coasters, Personalized Coasters, DIY Leather & Cork Coasters
DIY SERVING TRAYS
For a perfect presentation, a serving tray is just the ticket. Touches of gold or punched cork make these look especially chic. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Painted Tray, Punched Cork Serving Tray, DIY Metallic Gold Leaf Tray
DIY DRY BAKING MIXES
Any cook would love a starter mix for some favorite recipes, and these are all fabulous ideas to add to a well-stocked kitchen. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Whole Food Dry Mix Recipes, DIY Spice Mixes, DIY Hot Cocoa Mix and Homemade Marshmallows
DIY PAINTED UTENSILS
Painting plain wooden utensils and bowls is so hot right now – and it adds a pop of pretty color to the table and kitchen. Left to right, clockwise: Painted Neon Utensils, Neon Spoons, Dipped Bowls
DIY FLAVORED ALCOHOL
If your hosts enjoy a little drink from time to time, it might be superb to gift them with a delicious flavor of homemade spirits. Left to right, clockwise: DIY Rhubarb Liqueur, Infused Vodkas, DIY Coffee Liqueur
DIY WINE BAGS
To present your thoughtful bottle of homemade alcohol (or high-end wine!) to your hosts, package it in your own homemade wine bag. Left to right: No Sew Felt Wine Bag Tutorial, Recycled Jean Wine Bag, C Wonder DIY Kit
Also! Use the many lovely labels from Lia Griffith for your packaging and tagging for all your gifts – and watch your hostesses’ faces light up with joy upon receiving your gifts!
Do you have any go-to hostess gifts that you always give during the holidays? Please share in the comments below!
xo
Carly
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Sep 13, 2013 | DIY
image source
Sorry I just can’t help bursting into giggles each time I look at this photo and the model’s expression. *snort! LOLOLOLOL* There I go again!! 😉
Wow! Can you believe it’s mid-way through September already??? And Friday the 13th, to boot! Where did Summer go? The last 3 weeks have been a blur for me of family visiting, finishing up Summer projects, and school starting. Finally I’m getting back into the rhythm of the school-year…though my body is still adjusting to early wake-ups and long hours in the car, shuttling Lil Tot back and forth to school. Here are some neat things I found recently:
Dream It: Inspiration & Creativity
7 Amazing Art Deco Quilts. Taking an heirloom project into industrial design territory, mixed with a little bit of craftiness and a lot of ingenuity. Awesome! (Craftsy.com)
Learn about The Real Neuroscience of Creativity. (ScientificAmerican.com)
7 Ways to Get Out of a Creative Rut. I have a feeling I’ve linked to this before, but these tips are so useful! (PsychCentral.com)
Buy It: Shopping Picks
Okay, Old Navy‘s sweaters are so adorable this year!! How perfect is this pretty owl? Or this fabulous doggie?
In dream world, this would be my go-to carryall. And at 40% off it’s a steal! Yes, 3.1 Phillip Lim, come to momma. (And the Nude color is also 30% off…)
These sandals are fabulous with their shield-like metal plates and super-affordable price tag. Leave it to ASOS to always offer up the best pieces at the best prices!
Make It: DIY
These DIY Diorama Bookends from Sea of Shoes would be a wonderful addition to any home. (Plus a great gift for a loved one!)
Even though Summer may technically be over these DIY Hair Accessories look easy to make, and can work year-round. (Elle.com)
Whimseybox rolled out a new look to their site – and I’m loving this version! Finding projects has never been easier, and it’s so simple to navigate. (One amazing project that caught my eye recently was these cute DIY Wordy Hairpins.) My friend Alicia has been so hard at work on her venture, and it truly shows! Way to go, Alicia!
Live It: Lifestyle
EVERY girl needs to know this. Video: How to Highlight & Contour like a Pro (MaskCara.com)
I’ve started a Pinterest board for Fall DIY’s that are right at home in your…well, home. Wreaths, pumpkins, and DIY, oh my! Check it out and gather some ideas for your own abode ASAP. (And if you’d not following me on Pinterest yet, please do! I’d love to connect with you there:-)
Did you know? Women will RULE in the future of work. Sounds about time to me!! (Forbes.com)
Get your FILL every Friday!
xo
Carly
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