No Sew Boho Clutch DIY

It's almost summer and you're going to need a few little handbags to jazz up your favorite outfits! These little boho gems are PERFECT and you can make them in any color combo you want.  Grab some trim and a base fabric (I used vinyl but you could use heavy canvas) and get gluing! It's that easy.  A little velcro and you have a cute, safe place to keep your phone and some cash.  Add a strap and you're ready for a night out.  Kick up your style this summer my sweet friends and don't forget to

Make Your Mark!

Jazz trio!

Perfect for a cell phone and some cash!

Watch how to make them here!

Happy summer!

3 Step Kimono DIY

Danielle has been bugging me to make a kimono video and we finally got around to it.  This one is made with two faux pashmina scarves that I bought for $5 dollars each.  Check stores like Marshall's and Kohl's for these kinds of scarves which are always on sale for not very much.  The more pattern the scarves have, the better your kimono will look!

Have fun and big hugs,  Mark

Danielle showing off her new Kimono in our magic garden 

This is a great way to add a little boho chic to a plain outfit

Watch the short video tutorial here!

 YOU'LL NEED

2 long "pashmina" scarves

Sewing machine

Matching thread

E-6000 Fray Lock

Scissors

Straight pins

Measuring tape

Lay the scarves face to face matching the design

Mark the 1/2 way point on one side of the scarves

Pin the scarves together up to 5" before the 1/2 way point

Stitch them together using 1/2" seam allowance

*This is your center back seam

Fold one scarf in half lengthwise (right sides together)

Measure up 19" on the open side (the side you didn't stitch)

Measure 9" across the bottom

Connect these two points with pins in a curve as shown with the little black dots

Stitch along the pins and cut out leaving 1/2" seam allowance 

*This will create your sleeve and side seam

Now repeat on the other scarf: 

Fold the other scarf in half right sides together

Place the cut pieces from the first side on top for a guide

Cut along the shape and pin together

Stitch using 1/2" seam allowance

 Keep the cut edges from fraying with E-6000 Fray Lock

Thrift Store Blazer Makeover

Thrift Store Blazers are just one of my obsessions.  I love making them over for myself and friends and have been doing it since I learned how to sew.  During my entire career as a fashion designer I have loved the work of Christian Lacroix.  The moment I saw his bubble skirt I was hooked!  For this project I married two of my favorite obsessions, thrift store blazers and Christian Lacroix.  The best thing about this project is that it's NO SEW and can be done without threading a single needle!

Danielle rocking her new 80's Christian Lacroix inspired blazer

Just a dab of his opulent work

See the video tutorial here

You'll Need

Gold lace and trims

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Gems

Scissors

*If you don't have gold lace, paint white lace with DecoArt Dazzling Metallics

 Figure out your lace and gem placement

Pin it in place if you have to so that it doesn't move around

*I like to photograph it with my phone while I experiment

Glue it in place with E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Glue trim around the edges and make sure to add some to the shoulder area

If you don't have gold lace or have a hard time finding it, paint regular white lace with

DecoArt Dazzling Metallics in a gold tone 

that you like

Thurs-DIY

Thurs-DIY......My favorite day of the week.  See what my talented friends have been up to.  Just hop around (say hello) and get inspired for the weekend, OK!  This week we have a great selection of fashion and home decor projects that are sure to please.

 

Cathy Attix makes a gorgeous Cobalt and White Tie Dyed Skirt here:  http://ilovetocreateblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/cobalt-and-white-tie-dyed-skirt.html

Feel like a SEW EASY project?  Make this party dress from a few yards of fabric and a fitted black t-shirt!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U52fqVYZRGY

I'm obsessed with weathering and aging objects these days.  Make this weathered antique trunk from a basic storage trunk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fQLu7Dcrrg&list=UUt4zycubX8BJZ8pZhZ4w8ow

Cathie and Steve create a summer handbag and matching necklace with burlap and beads:  http://youtu.be/9GeKS6R8EaY  

My friend Robert Mahar shows you how to make a perfect desk set here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jeC7dDhqaI&list=PLia4t30u0xsi1vavObcvOTvNGXjGnhXa1

Elegant table decor from pulp pots by Heather Mann:  http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2014/06/make-elegant-table-decor-from-pulp-pots/

Party Dress DIY

I've been getting tons of requests for sewing tutorials so I whipped up this party dress with just a few yards of fabric and a basic black t-shirt. I sewed the bottom half of the dress and the top half I put together with E-6000 Fabri-Fuse!  The skirt is elastic waist and it's covered with a ribbon belt.  I think you'll be surprised at how easy this is!

 Danielle rocking her new dress!

See the video tutorial here!

YOU'LL NEED

2 yards of lace or embellished fabric

2 yards lining

1 yard elastic

1 fitted black t-shirt

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Sewing machine

Black thread

Scissors and straight pins

Cut two panels of lining that are 20" wide by 2 yards long

Pin and stitch them together using 1/2" seam allowance 

so that you have a 20" wide by 4 yard long panel

Hem one edge of the panel by turning and turning 1/4" 

Cut two 21" by 2 yard long panels of fabric using the edge of the fabric as the edge of each panel

(You will have a strip left over in the middle to use later)

Pin and stitch them together so that you have a 21" by 4 yard long panel of fabric

Use 1/2" seam allowance

Pin the lining to the wrong side of the lace and stitch the raw edges together with 1/4" seam allowance

Along that same stitch line you are going to bunch the fabric under the presser foot and gather the 4 yard panel together 

 Cut elastic so that it fits comfortably around your waist

Mark the elastic in 4 equal parts

Pin the elastic evenly along the gathered fabric

Sew the elastic to the gathered fabric by stretching the elastic as you sew using 1/2" seam allowance

 With right sides together, pin all 4 layers together and stitch down the side seam from the elastic to the hem.

Cut out pieces from your lace and the decorative edge of your lace (if you have some left over)

Insert cardboard in the t-shirt 

Figure out your lace placement and apply the lace and edging with E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Let it dry overnight and you're done! 

Simple No-Sew Bow Cardigan DIY

You don't always have to know how to sew to UP-style your garments!  Today I'm taking a basic black cardigan and embellishing it with bows without a single stitch.  I'm using washable 

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse and simple mini Ribbon Bows.  It's so easy.......Or should I say no-sew easy?  

  Danielle wearing a bow embellished cardigan

 Here's a simple video tutorial

A Rockettes row of E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

 YOU'LL NEED

Ribbon bows

E-6000 Fabri-Fuse

Cardigan or t-shirt

1.  Add a dab of E-6000 Fabri-Fuse to the cardigan

 2.  Gently place the ribbon bow on the cardigan.

 3.  Figure out your pattern and continue.

4.  Mirror on both sides

 5.  Place bows halfway down each sleeve on the front.

6.  Turn over the sweater and continue on the back.

You're done!