Cuff Collection

Sometimes, I find plain bangles from the Dollar Store. While they are cute as they are, I usually itch for a blah to TADA! make-over. 

Here are some pegs on how to give them a face lift:

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(1), (2), (3) Graphic Elements - use a permanent marker to draw some artwork or fancy them up with alphabet/numeral stickers.

(4) Neon Lace - cover the bangle with lace for texture and dimension. Create a lace "body suit"; slip it on the bangle and stitch ends to close.

(5) Decoupaged Design - glue on some paper cut-outs to the face of a bangle and coat with several layers of Mod Podge. Allow to dry before use.

Wrist Candy

The same way interior designers assemble vision boards when developing looks for the home, I like to put together images for my blah to TADA! crafting.

Today, I'm thinking of ways to use up some embroidery floss from this project. Here are more ways to turn the humble thread into fashion accessories:

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(1) A bevy of beads - string some beads on several strands of thread, while making knots in between each bead. Finish off with a tassel and a favorite charm.

(2) Bangle Fest - give plain bangles a new look by covering them in different colors of thread and securing the edges in place with a glue gun.

(3) Braided Cord - braid or crochet long strands of thread to create this piece that can be used as a necklace or bracelet. Decorate the ends with tassels or small pendants.

(4) One Word Affirmations - find a charm of your favorite word {rescue this from an old necklace} and string this on thread in your favorite shade. Wear this daily and believe in its power. 

(5) Color Collection - Braid different hues of thread into a long necklace or multi-strand bracelet, and hook on a few charms. A warning -- your friends might drool with envy when seeing this!

Black Patent Clutches

I love me a little black clutch. They are so versatile for a casual or dressy night out. I've made a few here, here and here.

But let's say you had a blah patent clutch in great need for a make-over. Here are several ideas we can use to make it TADA!:

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Add some polka-dots or fun sketches with a permanent marker in white or silver!

More inspiration boards tomorrow... until then, have a spectacular day!

Pretty Pillows

Hi there everyone! I hope you had a nice weekend. This week, I'm making a few inspiration boards for future gifting projects.

Today's theme is "throw pillows". They add color, comfort, and coziness to a couch or bed. Where I live, they can be quite pricey, so maybe I'll try my hand at making a few to give as wedding gifts or hostess presents.

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Here's how I'd make these my own:

1. Special Words - use a fabric pen and alphabet stencil {with the aid of a ruler} to write a favorite verse, family motto, or even wedding vows to a plain pillow cover.  
2. Print on print - add a hand-stamped image using craft stamps and fabric paint or silk-screen an image onto a printed cushion case. 
3. Black and white with a little bit of color - find a fabric with whimsical black and white images that will be sewed as a pillow cover. Color some areas of the images with fabric paint; allow to dry.
4. A favorite word in felt - choose a favorite word {like "love" or "joy" or "smile"}. Write this on felt and make a cut-out with precision scissors. Sew this onto a bright-colored pillow case.
5. Heart-y Party - add some color to a blah cushion cover by sewing on some felt or fabric cut-outs to make it TADA!

Friendly Felt

A final photo inspiration before we jump 

into the weekend:

Don't these greeting cards crack you up? They are characters made of felt that can be turned into magnets once the card is read. Blah to TADA!, if I should say so myself. Plus each one has a witty name: Umbrella Ella, Wesley Whip, Cup-Katie and Tequila Terry.

I would love to make these little toys with fabric remnants or felt scraps, embroidery thread, and stuffing from an old pillow or dryer lint. Hot glue a magnet at the back, or sew on a safety pin for a cute brooch for a little lady. The matching card can be recycled from an old gift box -- crafting and recycling at the same time!

Wishing you a very inspiring weekend!

Glue, Cut, Sketch

They say, you can find inspiration anywhere. It's really true and this week, I'm gathering creative cues from the greeting card aisle.

Here's one for a couple expecting a baby:

I love how this can be made using plain card stock and freehand cut-outs of clouds. The words are hand-written with a black pen and the innocent sketch can be be filled in with watercolor. The best part of this card is the pompom trim, secured around the card with hot glue.

Have a blissful Thursday!

Cuteness Overload

When time allows it, I like making my own birthday cards. I send them to a select number of friends every year. And every year, I am rewarded with grateful texts or e-mails all because of a simple gesture.

A walk down the card aisle has given me lots of inspiration for the birthday cards I'll soon be making. Here are more pictures:

How lovable are these animals/creatures bearing gifts? I especially love the googley eyes! Maybe I'll incorporate some of these eyes in a card for a goddaughter's birthday or for a little fella turning a year older.

These cupcakes can't be eaten but they last without refrigeration! Let's make our own with jewel stickers, glitter paper, and micro-beads glued on cardboard. Just what you need for a birthday -- sweetness and sparkle!