CWTS reveal - the book clutch + how-to. Did you see this week’s Crafting with the Stars?
We got third place- and we’re moving on to round 2! Yikes! My project was the book clutch…this is the post:A little vintage book… upon further review is actually a clever clutch. This upcycled clutch is sure to be a conversation starter wherever you go. Made from a vintage book and old bag found at the thrift store melded together to create this little gem of a purse. Pair it with a ruffley blouse and some skinny jeans and you’re rockin’ the librarian chic look. (Plus you’re husband won’t feel too awkward when you ask him to hold it!) Smart and fashionable. Did you vote for us? How to make a book clutch:Scour every thrift store for purses with metal frames and a books about the same size.
Gut your book: (This is where I stopped taking pictures, sorry!) Now it’s off to make the project for round 2: Decoupage. DIY: Cork Stamps. I have a story.
(I always have a story.) When I was in Junior High art class we were given the project of making our own rubber stamp to stamp out our own greeting cards (hmm, come to think of it, maybe it was my calling). The nerd that I am, I was so excited to finish the project that I rushed through the end of it and cut myself REALLY badly with the craft knife. So badly that I was removed from ballet class one day because my cut opened up and I was bleeding all over the dance floor. (I'm still in therapy over it - HA!)
Anyway, since that day I have a bit of an aversion to craft knives. I want to share with you all how easy and fun it is. You will need: A bunch of corks. Start off by drawing your design on with the Sharpie I started off with a heart because it's easy. Cut around your shape by sticking the knife in about 1/4 inch down. (Of course you will do this in the correct direction. Now you slowly chip away the excess with your knife. A Year of Handmade and Favorite Gifts From 2011. Here we go.
I’m a little overwhelmed at my commitment to make all my gifts handmade this year. I believe strong goals make us stronger. Putting a serious challenge in front of you enables you to actually rise to meet it. A handmade gift is literally constructed with intention and presence and meaning. There is no other way to make something.
I’ve been busy thinking about what all to make everyone, which gets me a little crazy with lists and to-dos. As with the 24 days of girly glam, this button below will be in the right hand column of my blog that will take you to the “a year of handmade” page. What’s better than that, I invite you to join me! I had two birthday gifts to make in January, which are now complete and coming soon. The poppy bracelet for Allie: A knit market bag I made as a hostess gift this summer: An easter garland for my family: and, of course, the twisted pearl necklace for Allie: 10 Doily Projects That Are Pretty, and Pretty Amazing.
Delicate, intricate and just plain beautiful, doilies are the perfect fodder for holidays and weddings.
But don't merely set them on tables, as these aesthetic and functional objects have long been used. Rethink them. Use antique doilies — found at most flea markets and thrift stores — or paper doilies as launching points for other amazing crafts, like this doily-imprinted clay plate. Check out Sodapop Design for full instructions on the clay plate. (Warning: They're in German! Cupcake Wrappers If you've jumped on board the cupcake bandwagon and plan to have the tiny cakes at your wedding or fete, add a touch of DIY with these intricate-looking wrappers.
Beautiful Lace Lamp Start scouring antique stores for fabric doilies — this piece of decor is one bright idea you'll want to recreate. Find the full how-to on Dos Family. DIY Wedding Garland This find from a vintage country-themed wedding made us swoon. Statement-Making Bangles Screen Print the Design Lee L on Two Peas in a Bucket Easy Artwork. Swellmayde.