FAVORITE FALL DIYS: WEEK TWO

And welcome back for round two. Even though midnight is fast approaching and in a few minutes it will technically be Monday instead of Sunday - I'm still going to try and make it for our weekly Sunday 'Favorite Fall DIYS'! 

Let's do this. 

NO-SEW PEPLUM SKIRT

Yeah, I bet you got intimidated by the picture. I did too - but I had no idea exactly how easy it could be until I checked out these easy to follow instructions via Tashadelrae.com. I (like many others) lack a certain sewing finesse, but hot dang' can I glue the crap out of stuff. So put away those sewing machines girls and get glueing. 

SCARF SHIRT

Alright, so... maybe bust those sewing machines back out? But I promise, this sewing project isn't nearly as complicated as it may look. Plus you can alter the design in so many ways it leaves a lot of room for personalization! Play with different scarf prints, cut outs or button ups. This adorable design comes to us from Gypsie Sister via inspiration from Free People Bandana Button Down.

BOOT SHAPERS USING WATER BOTTLES

Last, but not least we have these fall fashion chic (and practical!) boot shapers to keep everyone's favorite fall footwear in crisp, stiff shape. I know you've grown accustom to filling those favorite boots of yours with old issues of Vogue to keep them from getting those awkward 'slouchy leather creases' but why would you want to continue with that nonsense when you could whip up a few quick pairs of these? Via craft-sensation Love Meagan

DIY: MALENE BIRGER INSPIRED DRESS BY TICK TOCK VINTAGE

DIY MALENE BIRGER INSPIRED DRESS

I recently ran across this post on Pinterest by Tick Tock Vintage and now I'm obsessed with giving it a try. How cute is this? Really though. This is the perfect all occasion dress.

Find the tutorial here: Tick Tock Vintage // Malene Birger Inspired Dress

TUESDAY DIY INSPIRATION

I really can't stop falling for the washed out denim and dip dyed ombre looks of this spring and summer season. They permeate the runways, street style blogs and magazines and have successfully infiltrated store fronts nation wide. My question to you is: Why buy it when you can make it?

Have any interesting tips or pictures of your finished bleached / ombre / dip dye projects? Send them in! 

Credit: Unknown - if you're familiar with the source,  or if this image belongs to you, please contact me

EASY DIY DIP DYE PROJECTS

If you're looking for a cheap and easy way to rejuvenate your worn out wardrobe - think pink! I wasn't until recently a pink fan, but with the advent of spring, I though it a color worth trying.  Dip dying has definitely been my favorite project as of late. If it's dye-able, I'll dye it. But really, who wouldn't with a price tag of under $3? 

You can find my easy to follow tutorial HERE. 

DIY: OMBRE TIGHTS

I'm fairly obsessed with dip dying and the whole ombre look, especially on interesting fabrics and styles. This sweet look hasn't given up yet and persisted on this year's spring runway, in stores and of course DIY projects in droves.  


Case + point: These amazing dip dyed tights from Bzr. They are colorful, drool worthy and reasonably priced ($45) You can find Bzr's etsy store HERE.

Now, I'm kind of a cheap skate when it comes to buying things that I could otherwise make, so I immediately set out to recreate my own version of these sassy stockings. I found an old pair of white sheer hose that I'd had laying around, and decided to give it a shot with something a little more sheer as opposed to the opaque white tights Bzr used. Mostly for practicality - it's about to get hot! So without any more of my blathering, here is my DIY tutorial on making your own dip dye style ombre tights.

Supplies:

1.Rit dye of your choice (I used royal blue)

2. A pair of hose, sheer or opaque depending on the look you're going for. 

3. A bucket, gloves, a trash bag (optional)

Instructions:

1. I used a trash bag to line my bucket so it didn't stain and would be easy to clean up.

2. Prepare your dye by following the provided instructions on the back of the Rit bottle. The basic instructions require you to boil the water, or at least get the water as hot as possible - this helps the dying process. You can also add a pinch of salt to improve your results. 

3. Pour the hot water and the dye into the bucket. I used half the bottle to make sure I got a good, dark shade. 

4. Drape or hang the hose over the side of the bucket and submerge as much or as little fabric as you'd like to get your desired level of ombre. 

5. To make sure that the dye stuck to the fabric correctly, I left the hose in the dye over night. This is completely optional, but I do recommend that you at least leave them in for 5 - 7 hours to allow the dye to penetrate the fabric. 

6. Remove your hose from the dye and ring them out in the sink ( I recommend using gloves, as this process will totally stain your hands if you aren't careful. ) I washed all of the dye out by hand in the sink, but I suppose you could throw them in the washer - but make sure you don't throw them in with anything else. 

7. Allow them to hand dry by hanging them on a pants hanger. 

8. Now they're all yours! Wear them with shorts, a flirty black skirt, or even a white one! The options are limitless. 

DIY MIRRORED MOTH PIN BOW TIE

This is a great DIY for Spring! Most importantly, this happy little addition to your wardrobe was easy as pie to make. Get excited. 

MATERIALS:

1. X-Acto Knife

2. Silver poster board or thick crafting paper

3. Pin Backs 1 1/2"

4. Glue + Hot Glue Gun

Find a hard surface that is safe to cut on.  I used a thick magazine as a cutting board. 

Trace out whatever shape you'd like! I made a moth, but I think a triangle, diamond or bird would be cute too. Just saying.

After tracing out my moth shape on the non-shiny side (back) of the paper, I went around it slowly with the X-Acto knife. Make sure you push all the way through the paper! After you've achieved the shape you'd like, just pop it out. 

I added a few little cuts in mine to add character to the wings. 

Glue your pin back to the non-shiny side of the paper, wait for it to dry and then enjoy! 

 

DIY: BRAIDED TURQUOISE BRACELET

I've seen braided bracelets a plenty this season and I've been enjoying watching the trend evolve. Each crafter puts a different spin on it and I must admit I've seen some hardcore amazingly talented ladies create some serious bracelets. You can't scroll through Pinterest without seeing at least eight versions of this craft. 


I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona so Turquoise is a constant staple in my wardrobe. Those from my sunny home state I'm sure can relate. I decided to incorporate my favorite stone with my favorite DIY to create this little piece. So, add some flare to your arm party with this fun DIY.

TIME: 

30 MINUTES

MATERIALS:

Turquoise stones or Turquoise colored beads

Sturdy bracelet wire

"S" Clasp or other type of lock closure

Embroidery thread in various colors

(The picture doesn't do the color justice, but I chose a Salmon Color Pink, a Baby Pink and two shades of blue) 

1. String together your bracelet, being careful to measure it to fit appropriately. 

2. Attach the clasp and clasp ring.

3. Cut several layers of string and tie them together at the end to keep them from unraveling. 

4. From there, braid the string normally + then attach it to your finished project.  I cut off the ends to give it a little short fringe look. 

Now wasn't that easy? If you have a free 30 minutes, this is a great project! 

FINISHED PROJECT:

DIY NEON COLOR BLOCK PURSE AS FEATURED ON POLYVORE!

I was featured by polyvore-editorial this morning for my DIY Neon Color Block Bag! The original post is HERE and you can find my POLYVORE mention HERE.

Thanks for the support you guys! 

DIY NO SEW CRYSTAL LOCK CLOSURE PILLOW CASE LAPTOP BAG

I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely in love with this Ikat print. I was lucky enough to find this beauty at a local thrift store, a lonely pillow case in need of some love. Or some DIY love anyway. 

I was feeling crafty, but too lazy to drag out all of my sewing equipment so I created this NO - SEW laptop bag. Useful and fabulous.

Below are the instructions but feel free to alter the design to your liking - if you added a thick lining to the bag, it could easily become a clutch! 

CLICK READ MORE FOR DIY TUTORIAL:

DIY NEON COLOR BLOCK BAG

This purse cost me a whole two dollars. I love finds like this! It was cute enough as it was - just a simple off white leather purse. But I'm not always one for minimalism - mostly, but not always. This shines through when I'm DIY-ing, that's for sure. 

I was inspired by several of this year's neon runway looks and felt I needed to translate it into a useful everyday piece. 

Anyone can make a bag like this for themselves, it's easy to find one, easy to do and will have all your girlfriends asking you: WHERE DID YOU GET THAT!?

MATERIALS:

1. You guessed it. Neon spray paint.

2. A leather or faux leather purse 

3. Painter's tape

4. Newspaper 

Section off the areas you don't want to spray using your painter's tape or newspaper. 

Be careful to cover up the hardware!

Spray an even coat over the entirety of the area you want to cover. You may want to do more than one coat, depending on the fabric of your bag. I only used one, but two would have probably made it more vivid.

Allow your bag plenty of time to dry in a warm safe place. Maybe a few days, depending on how many layers you choose to paint. 

Leather is a little porous so it may take a while to dry.

After the bag has dried, you can remove the tape and rock that thang'. 

OH YEAH.

DIY DIP DYE BUTTON UP

This was one of my favorite DIY projects. I 

can wear it with anything! 

My favorite way to wear this adorable dip dyed blouse is to tie it up 80's style and pair it with high waisted jeans or my favorite American Apparel Disco Pants. 


 The best part about this DIY is that you can do this with just about anything. You could also try reverse dip dying a white maxi-dress, a cardigan or a cute pair of knee high socks.  The only problem you'll have now, is keeping your boyfriend from stealing it. 

MATERIALS: 

1. A pair of gloves

2. Royal Blue Rit Dye (or any color, of course!)

3. A button up shirt 

4. A trash can and a large trash bag

5. Pants hanger to hang shirt upside down

DIY:

Line the trash can with a trash bag. I would pick a large sized trash can that is tall and wide enough for your shirt.  Follow the instructions on the back of the Rit bottle (instructions differ dependent on what type of fabric you've chosen)

Fill the trash can bag up with hot water, include the dye and salt if needed (check bottle)

I hung my shirt from a skirt/pants hanger so that I could dip it in the bin upside down without getting the sleeves entirely soaked. I folded it up like so: 

Be careful when getting your shirt into the bin so you don't splatter the dye. Put on your gloves and adjust your shirt, making sure the parts you wanted to be dyed are submerged. Hang the shirt upside down and let it sit for a few hours. Once you've reached your desired color, just rinse the shirt out with cold water in the sink, throw it in the washer by itself for a quick wash. Dry it, and there you have it. 

 

DIY NEON NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD HEELS

Ever since I saw these Nicholas Kirkwood for Roksanda Ilincic S/S 2012 neon heels on a pair & a spare, one of my favorite and frequently stalked DIY blogs, I was instantly obsessed with creating a DIY version myself.  This was quite possibly one of the easiest DIY projects I've done, although it does take a few days to complete if you want the paint to dry perfectly. 

I'd definitely like to thank Geneva for the creative inspiration, and also for including me on her blog, HERE. 

MATERIALS:

1. Neon Spray Paint 

2. Painter's Tape

3. White or Nude Spray Paint

4. Newspaper to work on

If the shoe is already white or nude colored, you won't need to spray the body a base color.

Use painter's tape to section off the body of the shoe so that it doesn't get sprayed.  

After sectioning off the heel with tape, spray a light coat of white or grey spray paint to use as a base. 

Allow this coat to dry over night, or for a day or two depending on the material of the heel. 

After the first coat is dry, spray an even coat of Neon spray paint in your color choice over the whole of the heel. You may want to repeat this process again for a deeper, more thorough coating. 

When the paint has dried, just remove the tape!