Jun 20, 2012 | DIY
Hello there, creative DIY’ers! I’ve been busy with
my new internship, Lil Tot’s school ending and Summer Camp beginning, and some much-needed house-cleaning (uhhh my office is a royal M-E-S-S!!!) So here I am doing 2 weeks into 1 again, of DIY and great ideas across the Internet.
Feeling a little like a throwback to the 80’s this Summer? Try out the tutorial on
Jen Ell’s Revenge for a
DIY Fringe Beaded Tank that will get you feeling all nostalgic again.;-)
Have some pretty fabric laying around? Make a printed fabric
Party Clutch with a DIY tutorial from
Harts Fabric Blog and make it just your own! (And incidentally, they have
some great fabrics on their site to choose from…I think the
Cucumber Slices fabric would be perfect for something fresh and summery (literally, right?) and the
Black Safety Pin print would be great for something more edgy.)
Make something Celtic and nautical-inspired with
Clones n Clowns‘
Celtic Knot Necklace. I lvoe how it’s almost – but not quite – a perfect heart.
StyleMint has just launched a ‘To Dye For” contest: through June 30th upload a photo of your tie-dyed DIY creation to the
StyleMint Facebook Fan Page, and be eligible to win 6 months of StyleMint for free! (2 winners; 1 selected by StyleMint founders Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen; the other selected through community votes)
Make a cute
3-in-1 Tankini Swimsuit from
Cotton and Curls (totally covetable even if you’re not in need of a maternity version right now – though it might be an idea to put a pin for if you’re ever in need!)
Chic as always, Chictopians L
ipglossandblack made some
DIY Scarf Shorts that would look excellent at any Summer soiree. Plus the perfect re-use for a printed silk scarf!!
So simple and elegant, this
DIY Twisted Ball Chain Necklace from
Dismount Creative is made from supplies from the hardware store. Did you know they sold ball chain? Now I know who I’m going to hit up this weekend!
If your project was featured above, feel free to grab a button and share the DIY!
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If you have a DIY how-to or tutorial that you’d like to see featured on Chic Steals, please email me at carlyjcais at chic-steals dot com – and I’ll try to squeeze it in to one of my Links of the Week posts! (Tutorials/how-to’s with steps and photos included please! So everyone can share in the DIY goodness:-)
xoxox
Carly
-all photos copyright their respective authors; photo array by me-
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Jun 7, 2012 | DIY
Yup, it’s Thursday again, and here I am with last weeks DIY weekly roundup! I’ve been super-slammed this week (and have some really awesome personal news that I can’t wait to share with all of you!) but first – let’s see some creativity!
I’m so excited to have found Trash to Couture, who’s done some incredibly awesome DIY tutorials on her blog. Love her Zipper Tee Tutorial – such a great way to add a little bit of edge to a basic tee.
Take any old, oversized blouse and make it cute and cropped with the help of Chictopians Lipglossandblack. Just a little shape update is all that’s needed to make it more 2012 – and a major staple in your Summer wardrobe!
NEW DIY community alert! From the folks at Burdastyle, Kollabora is a Pinterest-style inspirational community, chock-full of resources, projects – AND the materials for said projects, instantly available to buy. DIY + E-Commerce? Awesome! (And this week they’re requesting people to upload a photo holding, wearing, or using a handmade project (either made by you, or made for you) to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #kollabora, and every day starting June 11 they’ll choose 3 of their favorites to score great prizes from Wool and the Gang, Colette Patterns, Mood Fabrics, and more!)
I had no idea that Karmaloop was sharing DIYs on their blog! So far, it’s been DIYs that have already been trending in the blogosphere, but they’re definitely a blog to add to your DIY reading list! (And try out their DIY Wrapped Curb Link Bracelet for a quick and easy summer project!)
Speaking of bracelets, Cheap Chic Obsession shared a tutorial for a DIY Drop Chain Bracelet, which is a little twist on the standard chain bracelet. Add a pendant, and you have a dainty pendant bracelet – which can also double as a necklace!
Update an old clutch by painting a chevron pattern on it and sealing it with Mod Podge, with the help of Short of Something. LOVE how fun and summery the result is!
I’ve also come across another blog that posts DIY’s from time to time…DARK-WINGS-CITY, the blog of designer Pedro Korshi. He offers up a number of tutorials (where the steps aren’t usually photographed, but are detailed out nonetheless), and his aesthetic is pure and minimalist. Try out his White Sandals with Clear Straps idea – not hard to follow at all, and a fabulous update for Havaianas for warm weather!
And yet another DIY blog to add to my reading list: Crimenes de la Moda, which is an amazing Spanish style and DIY blog! You can check out all her fashionable DIYs here, as well as try out her DIY Neon Chain Handbag project. Wrap that chain and stick it on a bag for an edgy pop of color!
If your project was featured above, feel free to grab a button and share the DIY!
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If you have a DIY how-to or tutorial that you’d like to see featured on Chic Steals, please email me at carlyjcais at chic-steals dot com – and I’ll try to squeeze it in to one of my Links of the Week posts! (Tutorials/how-to’s with steps and photos included please! So everyone can share in the DIY goodness:-)
xoxox
Carly
-all photos copyright their respective authors; photo array by me-
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May 31, 2012 | DIY
2 weeks into 1, posted on Thursday, playing catchup as always. It finally feels like Summer here (most days that is) and school years are winding down and I’m gearing up with Summer DIY projects by the dozen. What’s everybody else been up to??
Got 10 minutes? How about making 5 bracelets? Matter of Style posted this Build Your Arm Party awesomeness.
This may be from awhile ago, but it’s just perfect for Summer! Passions for Fashion’s DIY Guide – Draped Skirt is super-easy, non-destructive to your materials, and looks super-elegant!
Virginie Peny‘s DIY Veiled Cap is an excellent take on the omnipresent Jil Sander DIY Net Veil Beanie that’s been making it’s way around the blogosphere. Sporty + chic = instant love!
Found another DIY blog! Trinkets in Bloom has a number of great DIY tutorials to peruse…and I think I love her Striped Leather Purse DIY best. What an amazing transformation!
Cocorosa shared a pair of easy DIY Flower Heels…made with the addition of clip-on barrettes from H&M. (I made a similar pair of flower heels awhile ago, by creating clip-on corsages from flowers from the craft store that I liked. Either way, a little bit of floral prettiness on your feet goes a long way!!)
Just when I was thinking of making a camera strap to replace my DSLR’s ugly CANON-emblazoned one, Chictopians LIPGLOSSANDBLACK come up with an edgy spiked DIY Designer Camera Strap. Gorgeous!
Reware Vintage posted an ingenious tutorial for re-using the metal brackets that come in a picture frame…and fashioning them into a DIY Chevron Necklace. How incredibly cool is that?!
More awesome repurposing: How to Make a Belt from a Scarf from Scarves.net (incidentally written by my DIY blogger friend Stacie from Stars for Streetlights). It may take a bit of sewing, but the pop of pattern and color at the waist can’t be beat!
If your project was featured above, feel free to grab a button and share the DIY!
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If you have a DIY how-to or tutorial that you’d like to see featured on Chic Steals, please email me at carlyjcais at chic-steals dot com – and I’ll try to squeeze it in to one of my Links of the Week posts! (Tutorials/how-to’s with steps and photos included please! So everyone can share in the DIY goodness:-)
xoxox
Carly
-all photos copyright their respective authors; photo array by me-
~If you liked this post, please share it!~
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May 16, 2012 | DIY
I’m still getting over the jetlag from my recent trip to Tokyo, getting back into the daily routine, and getting used to it being light until like 9:00 at night here. Summer’s right around the corner, it’s been amazing weather here, and I’m in the mood to air out my wardrobe, upcycle stuff that’s been sitting around, and tackle all those projects that have been on my to-do list for ages! On my radar recently:
Refashion Files is a new daily refashion inspiration blog started by Jen of Tatertots and Jello and Amy of Mod Podge Rocks. It’s a great source of refashioned projects from around the internet. If you’ve done some crafty upcycling, why not submit your own refashioned project as well?
Speaking of refashioning, I’ve come across another amazingly creative blog! Mostly focused on sewing, upcycling, and refashioning, Cotton and Curls has some great tutorials for breathing new life into your old clothes. Try her beautiful draped Stand & Deliver Skirt to get your started!
Make your own shoes? Sure, why not! I CAN Make Shoes offers an easy-to-use downloadable guide to Making Your Own Sandals, for 6.98 pounds. Also available: their guide to making your own Baby Shoes, soles, and insoles for the Make Your Own Sandals Guide ( a mere 2.98 pounds a pair). And if you’re in the U.K.’s Hackney Downs area, you can also sign up for workshops on shoe-making (ballet flats, shoe designing, and shoe upcycling are also offered).
Mega-brand Gap has partnered with the online community Threadless to introduce T-It-Yourself (T.I.Y.) on their Facebook page – encouraging people to upcycle their old tees into fashionable items! The first project in the series involves covering some boring old sandal straps with strips cut from a colorful old tee. Just lovely!
Check out the beautiful Whitney and her recent creative project on her blog Freshly Given: a Greek Style Top refashioned from a maxi-skirt. Just perfect for the summer days ahead!
This is absolutely amaaaaahzing: DIY Spiked Loafers by Chictopians Lipgloss and Black. A whole lotta work – but just droolworthy results. Kudos to those brave enough to attempt it!!
RunwayDIY posted a great DIY of those wavy-hem Stella McCartney MVP Shorts. Sexy and classy at the same time – and I love her choice of appliques!
I have a fun and easy summer dress tutorial/upcycle in the works…and while researching how to do it I came across this video on sewing a Tulle Tutu from Youtube user Gristolin. Beautiful, girly, froufy – and just perfect!!
If your project was featured above, feel free to grab a button and share the DIY!
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If you have a DIY how-to or tutorial that you’d like to see featured on Chic Steals, please email me at carlyjcais at chic-steals dot com – and I’ll try to squeeze it in to one of my Links of the Week posts! (Tutorials/how-to’s with steps and photos included please! So everyone can share in the DIY goodness:-)
xoxox
Carly
-all photos copyright their respective authors; photo array by me-
~If you liked this post, please share it!~
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May 9, 2012 | DIY
I think I haven’t posted a Links of the Week roundup in over a month!! Can it be? I’ve been so busy while in Tokyo taking care of my Mom, trying to keep up with classwork for the two online classes I’m taking this semester, and not often able to connect to the internet, that surfing online to find some great DIY has been pushed to the back-burner. But now I’m finally home again and am gladly catching up on all my DIY reading! Like:
Ever wanted a pair of jeans that were uniquely you? Well now you can get them, by DIY’ing your own custom jeans with GetWear. Choose from a variety of washes and shapes to design your perfect pair, including rise, buttons, embroidery, pocket style, and thread color.
Though I normally restrict my roundups to fashion, jewelry, and accessory items, I couldn’t resist including this amazing DIY Faux-Woodgrain Laptop Cover made from Con-Tact paper, by Fine & Feathered. Retro cool in the best way! (And you could definitely re-appropriate this idea for any hard-sided clutch you have!!)
Speaking of Con-Tact paper, Soccer Mom Style has come up with another great project using it: DIY Heels with Metallic Detail. So chic and elegant – and the possibilities for what to add this metallic paper to are endless!
I always love discovering a new DIY blog; Creme de la Craft has made my week. Every week, she posts a new tutorial utilizing everyday objects. Her DIY Neon Pyramid Necklace (using straws!) is a great project to start with!
Whimseybox is a craft-of-the-month club that every month sends you a goody box full of crafting supplies for just $15! They also share some great projects on the blog to give you some ideas for what to make with your box full ‘o craft goodies. Check out these Washi Tape Slap Bracelets that use pretty tape to makeover that old 80’s staple.
Summer’s almost here and it’s time to break out the fun sunnies to complete your outfits. How about customizing your own pair, with some Mod Podge, paper, and Madigan Made’s how-to post on Mod Podge Rocks?
Natalie’s Creations posted this great video tutorial for how to make a Dolce & Gabbana-inspired lace dress…from a t-shirt and a curtain panel! Creativity at its best!!
Add an oversized corsage to your look, with Stripes & Sequin‘s DIY Ban.do-Inspired Bloom Pin. This would make a lovely and chic addition to any outfit.
If your project was featured above, feel free to grab a button and share the DIY!
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If you have a DIY how-to or tutorial that you’d like to see featured on Chic Steals, please email me at carlyjcais at chic-steals dot com – and I’ll try to squeeze it in to one of my Links of the Week posts! (Tutorials/how-to’s with steps and photos included please! So everyone can share in the DIY goodness:-)
xoxox
Carly
-all photos copyright their respective authors; photo array by me-
~If you liked this post, please share it!~
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