May 11, 2013 | DIY
Mother’s Day 2013 is almost upon us…how are you doing for finding that perfect thing for that special woman in your life? Flowers, chocolate, a handmade card expressing love, even a thoughtful gesture can go a long way in showing her how much she’s appreciated! If you’re looking for something to give, here at the very, very last minute, are some Mother’s Day Gift ideas to DIY for that lovely lady:
DIY Vintage Photo Throw Pillow with Freezer Paper
Try using a treasured photo of Mom’s, family photos, or a snap of you + Mom together, for an extra-special way to preserve memories.
DIY Paper Gardenia Bouquet
Real flowers wilt and die…a bouquet of these will last forever! Love the Scrabble tiles anchoring the bouquet, adding a personalized touch.
DIY Geometric Paperweights
These are super-chic and can totally be customized for Mom with a coat or two of paint, glitter, or tape.
DIY Geometric Triangle Art
Or how about this pretty piece of Washi Tape Triangle Art for Mom? The end result is amazing and all you need is a little tape.
Pleated Tote Tutorial
This tote could be made in Mom’s favorite fabric (or even in fabric printed with family photos – see #1). Of course there are a ton of DIY Bag and Tote tutorials out there on the internet if you’re looking for a different style…this site offers a great roundup.
DIY Perfume Locket
Making perfume is surprisingly easy…and a solid perfume locket allows the wearer to carry it around all day, refreshing as needed. You can get all your supplies at your local natural foods store, and fill a locket…or a necklace vial…or a ring…or a compact case…the possibilities go on and on!
DIY Chevron Patterned Party Tray
Find a pretty fabric – and glue it to a tray for a whole new look. (You could even decoupage it with Mod Podge instead of using an acrylic sheet to make it permanent!)
(Hint: If you’re looking for a low- or no-cost alternative gift, Moms also really appreciate a meal made for the family by their partner, kids taken care of and put to bed, and a long, uninterrupted bubble bath all their own…without any little floaty toys or random kidparts and splashes in it. Just sayin.’ 😉
Do you have any favorite Mother’s Day projects to share? Add them in the comments section!
Hope you and all the mothers in your life enjoy a wonderful and relaxing Mother’s Day!
xo
Carly
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Feb 8, 2013 | DIY
I love taking little scraps of things – whether they be paper, lace, or fabrics – and turning them into pretty accessories. Plus I also have an obsession with teeny, tiny things…like mini-books, which can hold all your secrets and ideas, stored away on your person. And what better way to create a personalized gift for a loved one this February? I dreamed up this DIY for Valentine’s Day – which will use up a very tiny amount of little bits of fabric, leather (or pleather, vinyl, or other fabrics), and cardstock you may have lying around. Here’s how:
You Need: (more…)
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Jun 12, 2012 | Fashion
1. Vosges Exotic Truffle Collection, $40 / 2. Man Candles, $14 each / 3. Star Wars Breakfast Beverages Set, $29.99
4. Race Day Cufflinks, $24.99 /5. The Homebrew Handbook, $19.95 / 6. Lomographic Holga Starter Kit
, $54
7. BANG! Caffeinated Ice Cream Set, $21.99 / 8. Space Intruder Mini-Tool, $24 / 9. Road Mice Race Mouse, $34.99 -$49.99
10. Dodocase iPad Case, $59.95 / 11. 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave Carry-On Set, $50
Dads (and men in general) tend to be super-hard to shop for…my hubby, for instance, prefers gifts that are ultimately practical and utilitarian rather than romantic, decorative, or handmade. (Another Men are from Mars moment I suppose…) So each year I do my best to find something that I think he will use and appreciate (though sometimes I just give in and buy his favorite edibles when nothing else will do!;-)
For all the Dads in your life…and Granddads, and Dads-to-be…here’s a few items that might prove useful, or even (hopefully!) greeted with a truly heartfelt exclamation of “Ohmygosh that’s just what I wanted!” From something for the techie to the gourmet connoisseur, from the old-school gamer to the would-be DIY-er…this list may just be able to spark a few gift ideas for your favorite dude.
Happy [early] Father’s Day to everyone!
xoxox
Carly
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May 4, 2012 | DIY, Fashion
1. Butter London Nail Polish in Yummy Mummy, $14
2. Diane von Furstenberg Alana Vintage-Inspired Cat’s-Eye Sunglasses
, $150
3. Grow Your Own Mushrooms Kit, $22.95
4. Celeste Stein Missoni Tights, $19.95
5. Arancia Dolce Sweet Orange Replenishing Bath Foam by Palatium $45 marked down to $27…PSST! Get 40% OFF with code ChicEmpress here, valid until May 13, 2012!
6. Crafting with Cat Hair Book, $15.95
7. Knitted Dove Eyelet Elly Jacket, $88
8. DIY Decorated Basket Handbag
9. Cherry Tangerine Arrangement by Floral Art, $85 (delivery to L.A. area only…or take inspiration from the arrangement and DIY your own!)
10. Cupcake Bath Bombs, $32…or just DIY your own with this how-to: DIY Cupcake Bath Bomb
11. Carol Hochman Rosewalk Garden Bermuda Pajama Set, $59
12. Morning Dew Earrings by JooJooLand, $45
13. Dolce Vita Women’s Nels Flat
, $149
14. ASOS Leather Bright Laptop Case
, $63.60
15. DIY Flowered Hair Clip
Mother’s Day is just around the corner…are you still looking for the perfect gift for Mom? I love that this holiday happens to coincide with, so I always match my gift to the lovely, flowery season. Above is a small collection of ideas for great gifts for the woman close to your heart: from handbags to accessories, bathtime indulgences and clothing, the Mom with a great sense of humor or avid gardener…it’s all there. Plus, a couple of these ideas are DIY-able…so I’ve just linked to the tutorials.
And for some more DIY home decor inspiration, check this video out for some items that would be great (and easy!) to make for Mom.
Happy Mother’s Day!
xoxox
Carly
~If you liked this post, please share it with anyone looking for Mother’s Day Gift ideas!~
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Dec 20, 2011 | DIY
Every year I’ll do a DIY gift guide for my blog, but this year, I may just not get around to it. However, crafty sharing community Cut Out + Keep has got a leg up on me with their NINE fabulous guides for DIY gifts for everyone in your life. From Grandma to your kids (and even your cat!) Check out their great ideas for making it a Handmade Holiday:
I’m feeling so inspired just browsing – and now wish I had seen these before I sent all my Xmas packages out! (But of course all these gifts could just as easily be made for another event…Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthday, anniversary…)
xoxox
Carly
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