Thursday, July 07, 2011

A Shopping anddd Crafting Tip All in One

So I'm sure many of you shop at H&M (how could you not?!) but there's something about this store a notice many people don't pick up on.





Every single season for quite some time now, H&M releases a FREE (yes, FREE) magazine available in all their stores. Even if you don't plan on using it as a shopping guide it also makes the perfect magazine for collages! Orrrr you could read it and then chop it up like I do- best of both worlds!

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

3 Websites: 3 Wants




24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil


**Eiffel Tower**  Nail Decals Nailz*by*Me 

Sweet Deals This Week!

Just a few great deals from shopping around!
Portfolio at Dollarama! $2

Bra from LaSenza Express- a shocking $5!!!

Ethnic Print Tee from Joe- $8

Rag rug from Dollarama- $1.25

I hate lipstick, I love lipstain.

Suuuuch a big difference. I can't stand that icky feel of lipstick on my lips, but lipstain on the other hand has no feel! So awesome! So what do I recommend?
Covergirl's OUTLAST Lipstain is the bomb!
looooooves it

I got mine in I believe "perfectly plum"? Its #425

The results?

You decide :) (p.s. that's my mama with me on the right in Las Vegas!)
And don't forget to add lip gloss- I used a clear Rimmel one because their's arent sticky or sparkley

Possibly the simplest DIY ever. No sewing, no glueing.

So I found this little globe on my trip to Hobby Lobby (aka heaven) for only $3 and couldn't resist! I love globes, especially this one for its interesting colouring!



So what did I do with it you ask?












....


Tada!
I bought a $2 glass candle holder from Dollarama and just sat it on top
Pretty sweet for only $5 and basically 0 effort!




Happy Crafting! -Darby

A Must Buy Inspires a DIY

Okay so I of course had to pick up a copy of Erica Domesek's "P.S.- I made this..." because her blog is amazing (check my side links for her blog- I got my copy at Chapter's, also available on Amazon!)



And low and behold I was right away inspired to DIY something, but its not what you'd think... While yes, I LOVE the book and the tutorials it inspired me to do something else not listed in the book.....








...





It inspired me to make my own book of crafts!
I took an old blue binder and decoupaged the front (first with half and half white glue and water, then a top coat of Mod Podge to seal it). Ah, I love a good collage. I also industrial strength glued (E600 is the best) on a black grosgrain clasp and sewed/glued some velcro, covering the messiness with those two purple rhinestones!

Then I rhinesoned the spine and printed out a label with my basic word program (you'd be surprised how pretty you can make a label out of "basic shapes" and some pretty background fill)


I then crafted a title page- I actually photocopied a collage I had previously done because I just couldn't part with the original, then hole-punched it :)

I then filled the front half with tutorials I had previously found and favourited. I condensed them down on my word program to save paper! (This tutorial found here: DIY Minaudiere)
Finally, I made a second section with only my own projects, for now just pictures and titles, but its a work in progress!
P.s. don't you love the birdy paper? Got it last week on sale for 30 cents at Hobby Lobby- score!)
And yet again it never sceices to amaze me what pretty labels can be made on word!

Happy Crafting! -Darby 

DIY Tutorial #2- Shoe Upcycle!

So shoe redecorating has become this huge craze lately, especially with things like "shoe embelishment clips" being sold now!
But i decided to do my own spin on it!
And this is it!
These t-strap shoes used to be so tacky, with not-quite-right ruffles running down the center...I hate them, but they were on sale for $7 at Old Navy, how could I resist right?

So i stitchripped the ruffles off and hand sewed this trim (found at Len's Mill Stores for approx. $3) down the front of it. Not big on sewing? No worries, I'm not either, I just kind of went for it and made sure they were secure.

I know this DIY is more specific to these shoes, but maybe this will inspire you to upcycle your own shoes with trim!

Happy Crafting! -Darby

My first DIY tutorial! Black and White Collaged Shelf

So unfortunately I have like no before pictures of my tutorials (yeah im still a newb lol) but I must say, this shelf was soooo ugly before- sage with gold accents. Bleck.


Step 1) Spraypaint shelf colour of choice, consider painting knobs an accent colour (i.e. mine are black).      Allow drying time!

Step 2) Get picture hunting in magazines! It's best to stick to a colour palette to keep a more uniform look

Step 3) Experiement with the layout of your images, take a picture to reference if you can- saves a lot of time, also consider which pictures must be layed down first

Step 4) Mix half and half white school glue and water in a cup and lay images on- putting mixture below and on top with a cheap paintbrush! 

Step 5) Let dry, then hang!

Happy crafting! -Darby

A MUST Read

One of the best DIY roundups everrrrr ah! Go go go ladies!
Design*Sponge DIY: Best of Shelving

Tutorials I Love Right Now





DIY Rope Necklace 8       












Silk Flower Necklace DIY -on leopard print