Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Metallic Painted Pillow DIY

Metallics are HUGE in home decor right now!  Everything from pillows to wall coverings look like they've been fashioned from gold or silver.  I wanted a touch of it in my home so I decided to create some throw pillows with Dazzling Metallics Paints from DecoArt.  I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of pigment in the paints and how easily they covered even black fabric in one coat!  These paints are a must have.  Now for this project I used plain old masking tape, bit if you're a fan of stencils, I say GO FOR IT!  


The how-to video

Metallics are popping up everywhere!
You'll need:
Sewing machine with matching thread
1 yard black fabric
Dazzling Metallics from DecoArt
18"x18" pillow form (or stuffing)
Ruler
Paintbrush
Masking tape
Cut two pieces of fabric 19" x 19"
Draw a line 1 1/2" from the edge all the way around one square of fabric
Place masking tape all the way around the outside of the line you just traced
Draw a line 1 1/2" inside of the masking tape square
Now tape on the INSIDE of the lines you just drew being careful to keep the corners at a 90˚ angle. 
 Keep repeating this process until you get to the center
Fill in between the tape with Dazzling Metallics from DecoArt. I used Venetian Gold
Move the brush away from the tape as you paint.
 When the paint is dry, carefully remove it from the fabric
Pin the other square on top of your painted fabric and pin all the way around
Stitch the squares together using 1/2" seam allowance and on one side leave an 8" long hole
Clip the corners so that they're crisp when you turn your pillow right side out
Turn your pillow right side out
Stuff your pillow form inside
Pin the opening closed
Hand stitch the opening together and you're done!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Dior Inspired Cluster Necklace

I've been seeing this beautiful Dior Cluster Necklace in every fashion magazine this spring.  It's only custom order AND it's priced at $4,500!  I made a version of it for $5 and I have to say, I'm pretty happy with the result.  I used pearl trim which is inexpensive and comes in an endless array of colors!  It's just like Mardi Gras beads, but much smaller and on a roll.  Check at JoAnn Fabric and Craft stores or on Amazon.com for a nice variety.  Make sure to stock up on E-6000 glue, too because that's all you'll need to put this fantastic necklace together!

My gorgeous niece, Ani
Watch the video!
You'll Need:
Scissors
Plastic hair band
Pearl trim
Transparent tape
Add some E-6000 to the end of the headband.
Tape the end of the pearl trim in place and start wrapping the headband.
Add more glue and keep wrapping until you reach the other end.
Cut about 100 pieces of pearl trim in various lengths (from 3" to 6") 
Add about 2" of E-6000 glue along the end of the now beaded headband.
Place your longer strands on top of the glue, one strand next to the other like fringe.
Shorter strands toward the back of the choker.
Flip the choker over and repeat the process to create fullness.
Let the necklace dry for at least an hour.

This is the original Dior Necklace and my inspiration.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Alice in Wonderland Dishes DIY

I've always been a fan of mix and match dishes.  I think it makes a table more fun and less formal.  Lately, I've been on an Alice in Wonderland binge and have found tons of inspiration from the MacKenzie Childs line of furniture and dishes.  You should check them out for inspiration.  The best thing about these dishes is that they are dishwasher safe and you can eat and drink from them because they are painted on the underside with Americana Gloss Enamels from DecoArt.  Head to the thrift store for a wide selection of dishes you can paint!
Wouldn't these make a terrific gift?
I can't wait to have a dinner with these!
Here's the video to see exactly how it's done
You'll need:
Americana Gloss Enamels (dishwasher safe when baked on)
Krylon Metallic Gold Shortcuts Pen
Fine tip permanent marker
Brushes
Ruler
Glass plates
Wine glasses
 Clean your glass with alcohol
Carefully edge the plate with the gold Krylon paint pen
Add gold to the center part of the plate also
 Draw a 1/2" square grid on the FRONT of the plate 
Fill in the squares on the back of the plate with white Americana Gloss Enamel
Next paint in the black squares with your black Americana Gloss Enamel
Add polkadots around the outer rim of the plate (try using several different colors)
Paint stripes on the base of the wine glass
Paint the stem of the glass in another color.  I chose yellow
Paint on some polkadots
Add more gold accents with the pen to finish up
Place the dishes in the oven and bake at 325˚ for 30 minutes
Let cool and repeat for another 30 minutes
Have a tea party and invite the Mad Hatter!

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Seven Wonderful Weekend Projects!

Hello friends! 
Today I have seven lovely projects to inspire you this weekend. Hop around and take a peek at what these amazing DIY'ers have created.

The awesome Margot Potter makes TASSEL AND STAMPED CHARM BRACELETS!

Cathie Filian celebrates St. Patrick's Day with SHAMROCK JEWELS!

Organize your jewelry or serve up some champagne with this SPARKLY RHINESTONE TRAY!

Heather Mann features Katie from Punk Projects TOY ANIMAL PHOTO HOLDERS!

Cathy Attix makes a GORGEOUS STRIPED SKIRT with hearts.

Debi Beard shows you how to DECOUPAGE A DRESSER with a poster.

I show you how to make an ALICE IN WONDERLAND CHAIR from a $5 thrift store find.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Alice in Wonderland Chair DIY

If you follow my blogs then you know I love thrifting and roadside finds.  I grabbed this chair for $5 bucks the other day and had a blast giving it an Alice in Wonderland makeover.  Now, just so you know I can be a bit lazy so I like using paints that don't require tons of sanding or prep so for this project I used Americana Multi Surface Satin paints in all kinds of different colors.  You could also use Americana Decor Chalky Finish paints, too if you don't like to sand, prime or prep! 
Getting ready for tea in the back yard
Close up of the back
Here's the how-to video
You'll need
Staple gun
Ruler
Screwdriver
Paintbrushes
1 yard white cotton fabric
1 yard floral fabric 
 Draw a 3/4" x 3/4 grid on your white fabric





With the black Americana Multi Surface Satin paint, fill in the squares to create checkerboard fabric
 Remove the seat cushion
Draw lines ever 1" or so across the top of the chair
Draw a harlequin pattern along the side supports
Start filling in with paint
I used black and white for the stripes and blue and white for the diamonds
 Paint the back red
Finish painting the diamonds in the harlequin pattern
Add polkadots to the red
Make more of the harlequin pattern in different colors on the leg
With newspaper, make a pattern for the center support of your chair
Cut out that pattern in fabric
Decoupage the fabric to the back of the chair with a paintbrush and Minwax Polycrylic 
Add metallic gold highlights with a metallic gold Krylon Shortcut paint pen
Staple the fabric around the cushion of the chair
Screw the cushion back in place and you're done!




Thursday, March 6, 2014

7 Gorgeous Weekend Projects!

It's Thurs-DIY and today there are seven terrific projects to inspire you this weekend! Hop around and say hi to these awesome people! 

Margot Potter springs forward with beautiful washi-tape stamped jewelry!

Kathy Cano-Murillo decorates wood bangles with an artistic flair!

Cathie Filian makes some fantastic spring accessories!

Cathy Attix makes a beautiful leather clutch with heat transfers!

Debi Beard makes a beautiful lace sugar skull tee!

Heather Mann makes an award winning bottle stopper with a vintage trophy piece. Awesome! 

*Finally, take a peek at my Red Carpet Crystal Clutch diy!

Have a terrific, DIY filled weekend!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Red Carpet Crystal Clutch DIY

Everyone needs a statement accessory to spruce up an outfit, right?!  Why not whip up this Red Carpet Crystal Box Clutch with some rhinestones and a few jewelry pieces?  All you need is some 
E-6000 glue and you're 1/2 way done.  Oh, and the best thing about it is that when you're not carrying it down the red carpet, you can use it as a glamorous jewelry box for your dresser.  How neat is that!
My friend Julia rocking it with her holographic nail polish.
  
Watch the how-to video here
YOU'LL NEED
2 small brass hinges
Rhinestones, brooches, crystals
Rhinestone chain
Stick on rhinestones
Transparent tape
Wire cutters (optional)
Remove the cardboard from the frames
Tape them together, mouth to mouth, at each corner
Center your hinges over the boxes where they meet and glue them on with E-6000
Tape them in place while they dry
Flip the boxes over, glue and tape the latch closure where the boxes meet. 
Figure out your rhinestone placement
Carefully glue each one in place
Add stick-on rhinestone trim around the edges
Remove the tape after about 45 minutes and you're done! 
My friend Julia carrying the clutch in her boutique.  She owns Gogosha Optique which is an amazing eyeglass store.  That's where I buy my glasses!