Bauble Bar inspired Jeweled Link Bracelet

I'm always browsing websites with the eye of a DIY-er. Now don't get me wrong, I love to shop and do it often. But there is something about the challenge of trying it myself (not to mention saving a little money) that always draws me in.


When I saw this bracelet on the Bauble Bar site I knew I had a project!

Source: Bauble Bar

Probably a year ago or so, my mom gave me a huge box of jewelry pieces. Lots of single earrings, broken necklaces, etc. I had no idea what I was going to do with them but it just goes to show there is something to be said for being a bit of a hoarder. I figured there had to be something in there that could work for the project. I pulled out a couple round filigree pieces that could have worked but then I hit the jackpot. I found almost the exact rhinestone link design as the original.

DIY Chalkboard

My family came for a visit over the weekend. I'm always so excited when they come to see me! We went out to eat then hit up World Market and, of course, Michael's.

While at World Market, my oldest niece, Katy, showed me a chalkboard sign that she liked. I told her I could make her one and she got really excited. At Michael's I had her and her sister, Karleigh, pick out their favorite laser-cut wood piece and the paint colors they wanted. Then I picked up a bottle of chalkboard paint and some sponge brushes.

I used masking tape to tape off the laser-cut (fancy) section of the board then painted on my first layer of chalkboard paint with a sponge brush. The instructions said to paint a layer using strokes all in one direction, let dry at least an hour, then paint a second layer using strokes going the opposite direction. The paint covered really well and was easy to apply.

After letting the paint dry overnight, I taped off the chalkboard section so I could paint the fancy part the colors of choice. Katy went with a soft, Springy pink and Karleigh chose a bright, neon pink. I love how their choices reflect their personalities!!!

One Kings Lane Inspired Bluebirds

When I was browsing through Michael's I came across these adorable little wooden birds. I didn't really have a plan for them but I knew I needed them. Then, as I was browsing through the One Kings Lane website I came across these bird figurines. BINGO!!!

This simple project only required a few materials:

Wooden Birds // Sponge Paint Brush // Acrylic Paint // Masking Tape

Anthropologie Inspired Tassel Necklace

One of my favorite time-killers is to browse websites like Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, and One Kings Lane looking for pieces that inspire me. I love the challenge of trying to re-create my favorites.

I found this Anthropologie necklace and loved it. I had just read a refresher tutorial on making tassels so I really wanted to try my hand at it. 

Off to Michael's I went!!!!

Materials: Necklace Chain // Embroidery Thread //Cardboard Template // O-rings //Scissors

I was in the mood for fun Springy colors so I chose these primary brights.

DIY Burlap Initial

I have never considered myself creative. I am re-creative! I've gotten pretty good at taking a project or object and recreating it with my own spin.

Today is my friend, Corrie's, birthday!! I wanted to make her something special to celebrate the day. When I saw this project from At the Picket Fence I knew I wanted to try it for her.

As usual, I hit up Michael's for my materials:

1. Wooden Initial

2. Grosgrain Ribbon

3. Burlap Panel

4. Wrapping Paper

5. Craft Glue

DIY Cascading Bottle Bud Vases

I got the inspiration for these cascading vases from a photo posted by a boutique I follow on Facebook. They were buying them from a trade show as decor for their shop but I knew I could make it myself.

I was going to try find some old bottles for the project but when I ran across these bottles at Michael's they were too perfect to pass up.

Aren't these colors gorgeous? I'm re-doing my balcony decor and I'm going with these bright colors as the theme.

Pink Slate Boutique - I'm a Winner!!

 

Do you ever enter blogger giveaways? I do occasionally and guess what... I won!! What did I win you ask? A gorgeous scarf and $15 credit.

Here's the story: My New Favorite Outfit blog (one of my favs) featured Charming Lucy blog (also one of my favs) who was hosting a giveaway for Pink Slate Boutique.

I was able to choose any scarf from their site. I ended up choosing the one that Susan was wearing in her photos because I just loved it.



With my credit I ended up buying a beautiful navy and matte gold necklace and earring set.

(How do you like my vampire pale look??!!)

 

 

My experience with Pink Slate Boutique was phenomenal. They were quick to contact me after I won and, after ordering, I received my pieces very quickly. The pieces are great quality and gorgeous!! So much so that I have already ordered another necklace set.

 

 

So go visit their website today! Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so you're in the know when they have a sale.

DIY Floating Wall-Hanging

 

Today's post is inspired by this photo I found on Pinterest:

Source

I loved the look of the floating words in the frame. (Not to mention the wall color...) So off to Michael's I went and what did I find? A whole NEW section devoted to wood frames, cut-outs, shapes, letters, and words. I hit the jackpot!!

It was hard to choose just a few pieces from the fantastic collection. I knew I wanted to hang them in my living room so I tried to match the basic style and decor that I already have.

Materials:

I have mentioned I like easy projects, right? Well this one definitely qualifies!

Valentine's Day Display

The big reveal is here! I had a lot of fun creating all the pieces to this display. 

I guess you can see there is an obvious LOVE theme going on here. I like the way everything came together.

1. DIY Button Heart Collage 

2. Etched Bird Mason Jar (gift)

3. Pottery Barn Inspired Love Sign

4. DIY Valentine Garland

5. Conversation Heart Votive

6. Peony Love Photo via Raising Mavericks

7. DIY Love Birds

8. DIY Valentine Hair Clips

9. Twine-Wrapped Bottles

10. Twine-Wrapped Wired Love 

I liked some of these pieces so much that they will become a part of my everyday decor. Do you have any favorites?

 

Linking up for:

 

 

Easy Valentine Decorations

I'm getting close to the big reveal of my Valentine's Day Vignette. Today I'm sharing the "filler" pieces. These are not major projects I did but are just as important.

Love Birds
 

These started out as 2 ordinary Dollar Tree knick-knacks. I was needing something small to tie in with the white frame and buttons in the DIY Button Heart Collage; and the white in the DIY Love Sign so I decided to spray paint the birds white. Since there were so many nooks and crannies it took several coats (and a lot of patience) but I finally got them evenly covered.

Conversation Heart Votive

Can this even really be considered a project??!! I'm going to say yes. There are all levels of them right? I simply filled a large votive holder from Michael's with fun conversation heart candy to add some whimsy and color.



Gold-framed Peony Photo
 

This piece is pretty special!!! My friend, Jacki, gave me this gorgeous photo for Christmas. I love the quote and the romantic, ethereal quality it has. She is super-talented so make sure you stop by her shop on Etsy, Raising Mavericks, and stop by her Facebook page to say hi.

For the frame, I again pulled out the spray paint from Michael's (the same I used on the DIY Love Sign letters).



Pottery Barn Inspired Love Sign

Browsing through the Pottery Barn Teen site I came across this bedroom setup. 

source: Pottery Barn Teen

I really liked the love sign. I decided to try to make a smaller version that would be included in my Valentine vignette. So I went to Michael's and picked up the following supplies:

• Blank Canvas
• Wooden Letters
• Gold Spray Paint
• Craft Glue

DIY Valentine Garland

 

I think I have mentioned before that I love quick and easy projects. If you do too then this DIY Valentine Garland is for you!!

I made my weekly trip to Michael's to get the supplies:

 (Bonus -  everything was 50% off!!)

Steps:

1. Measure the area where garland will be hung and cut twine to fit

2. Determine layout and pattern of materials

3. Attach stick-on letters to tags

4. Hang tags and doilies on the twine using mini-clips. 

Helpful Hint: When attaching the materials, determine what piece will be the middle and attach first. Then attach the outermost end pieces and work your way in to keep everything even.

 

I love how this turned out. I'm a step closer to having my vignette completed!!