Now that it’s finally reading week, I’ve had time to indulge in activities other than studying! After my last midterm on Friday, I travelled back home and haven’t cracked open a textbook since. I was rummaging in the back of my closet and found a pair of old, slightly grubby shoes from Wal-Mart so I decided to spice them up a bit! My family just booked our tickets for Hawaii in the spring so I’ve been in the Tropical mood of late. : ) I put on some Jack Johnson and doodled away. This craft was easy and relaxing and I love how they turned out! I was tempted to stick with the black and white but ended up adding some colour anyway. Just imagine long boarding with these, jean shorts, a baggy tank and a topknot! If only I knew how to long board!
I am so excited to share with you this DIY leather clutch that Adri and I made. I love anything crafty; crocheting, card making, sparkles and glue, I didn’t realize just how much fun leather-crafting can be. Everything from creating your design, punching holes, hand-stitching, the entire process is fantastic and its a rewarding one. I made this video to show you the main steps, but here are some tips that simply can’t be shown on camera:
1. Find a local leather shop like http://www.tandyleatherfactory.ca/ You will need these tools:
needles
awl
pricking wheel (not necessary but spaces stitching nicely)
ruler
exacto knife or rotary cutting tool
leather
waxed thread
2. Plan your design, we went for a simple envelope design with stitching up either side. Our measurements were 25 cm width by (30 cm + 13cm length) +13 is for the fold over!
3. Make your measurements on the leather and carefully cut along your lines using the ruler as a straight edge.
4. Next apply contact cement along both sides you will be stitching. This helps keep the holes aligned while stitching.
5. Using the pricking wheel trace along each side, marking the path your stitch will follow.
6. Measure out about 3 1/2 times the distance needed to stitch.
7. Thread the needle as shown in video. Basically you pull the thread through the eye of the needle and then split the thread with the needle pulling it all the way down the shaft of the needle.
8.The hand stitch is basically a figure eight motion each needle goes through each hole. You always want to begin the stitch from the same side. Once you get to the end make sure to double back two holes. This diagram is really helpful!
9. You may need a little extra arm strength to hammer in the fastener, so make sure to ask for help! (or just use a screw on one like on our brown clutch)
10. When drilling your hole the second time around increase the drill bit size so it is able to fit over the fastener (this is also why we created the slits)
Good Luck! xx
Note** If you need anymore tips or advice make sure to leave them in the comments section and we will try our best to answer them! Also, if you do visit a leather shop, some may have kits with all the tools you need to start leather-work!
It’s never too early to start planning out Christmas gifts for friends and family. One of my favorite gifts to receive is a homemade card. I find them so meaningful, especially when they are personalized just for you. Lately I have been loving the look of a black sharpie on white paper, its so easy! There are so many beautiful quotes to live by, you really can make someones day with an inspiring message:)
Here are a few of my favorite quotes that would be nice on a card for any occasion:
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” – Dr. Seuss
“Not all those who wander are lost” – J R R Tolken
“All you need is tea & warm socks”
“Every oak tree started as an acorn”
“Storms make trees take deeper roots” -Dolly Parton
Excitement fills my heart as summer comes to an end and the leaves begin to transform into beautiful bursts of colour. This time of year reminds me so much of my childhood: embarking on a new school year while holding onto the last sweet memories of summer. We have just prepared our cottage for winter and said our “good-byes” until next year. The last few days required the constant maintenance of logs on the fire to stay warm, cozying up in a blanket and a pair of Grandma’s handmade socks with a cup of warm Ovaltine; pure comfort . Once I returned home I took inspiration from the many changes around me, the muted yellows and the deep rustic reds on the trees. So keeping with the “warm and cozy” theme, I decided to pick up my old knitting needles and attempt to make a scarf. I cast on an easy 22 rows to get me started. The lyrics of Joni Mitchell in the background: “I want to have fun, I want to shine like the sun, I want to be the one that you want to see, I want to knit you a sweater, I want to write you a love letter, I want to make you feel free.” made for a successful beginning to my autumn scarf.
I saw an idea for an inspiration board on pinterest so I made one for myself! If you have old magazines, pictures, and random things that inspire you lying around, try putting them together on a bulletin board! I tied some twine around mine and hung little items with mini clothes pins. Having an inspiration board is a great way to get creative juices flowing and inspire new ideas. It takes no time at all to throw together a little display to brighten your workspace!
I found these adorable products at Wal-Mart when I was scrapbook shopping! They were reasonably priced and I couldn’t resist them! I had never heard of K&COMPANY before but they make all sorts of wonderful, creative products and I think I’m a little obsessed! I bought a “do-it-yourself” calendar, two smash-books, and a package of “pockets.” The smash-books are basically like scrapbooks. They come in cute, bound notebooks with several random pages with pictures, quotes, and a marker. Pockets can be filled and “smashed” into the books! I love the ingenious idea behind their products…they make it so easy to be creative!
I saw these cute earring holders in Urban Outfitters and I couldn’t wait to try making one myself! It’s a brilliant way to store your earrings and still have them on display!
Instructions:
1. Find an old frame and cut mosquito screen material to fit inside.
2. Hot glue the edge of the screen to the inside of the frame and let dry. Use plenty of glue so the screen is secure!
Turn it around and decorate it with your earrings!
Michaela and I decided to try making our own personal espresso cups for a short video we will be posting! We found the idea here. After doodling on the cup with a sharpie, simply bake it for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. The personalized message adds to the great atmosphere of coffee drinking!
