30 Days of DIY: Day 29 ~ Satin Striped Canvas Bag

For $4, I have a cute new striped tote for spring!  I used a satin ribbon belt with a flower attached, and a tote from Joann's for $4, along with some Liquid Stitch, and I have an awesome tote!  I've been wanting to try out Liquid Stitch for a while now, and I'm really pleased with the results. 

My supplies.  I first detached the flower from the belt.

And laid out the ribbon.  One side of it was a matte finish and one side had a shiny finish.  I decided to do two stripes matte and one shiny.  I put the glue on the ribbon, and pressed it firmly down.  When I went all the way around, I snipped the excess and put extra Liquid Stitch on the end.

Almost halfway done!  

I really like the noticeable difference in the matte/shiny stripes.  I also glued the flower below one handle, I thought it made the perfect finishing touch.  This took about 10 minutes, plus the recommended 24 hours to dry thoroughly, and is so rad!  What do you think my ladies?

xxooxoxo

Lia

30 Days of DIY: Day 7 ~ Fun n Funky Statement Necklaces

Wow, I'm at Day 7 already!  This is so fun!  Well I had initially made the chiffon and wooden beaded Anthropologie Incredible Orbs inspired necklace for today, but the super rad Maegan from ...love, Maegan  made it too and I totally could never steal her thunder!!  So, I quickly raided my craft closet and made another statement necklace to wear with it, or on it's own.

For the Anthro inspired necklace, you will need some chiffon fabric, some wooden beads, scissors, and a paperclip.

For the other necklace, there are two parts.  First, you will need some thick satin cream colored ribbon, scissors, and I got this package of napkin rings from the dollar store.  For the larger, skinnier rings, you will need plastic shower curtain rings (dollar store) and some chartreuse satin ribbon (dollar store) as well as your glue gun and extra glue sticks.

Make a cut in the chiffon about 3 inches from the edge.  Remove the scissors, and rip the material.  It will rip straight and evenly.

So you will have this.

Take a paperclip, place it underneath the edge of the chiffon.

Use this to thread your bead onto the fabric.  Remove the paperclip and pull the bead onto the chiffon, into about the middle.

Make a knot on either side of the bead.  I used 7 beads, and then alternated sides that I threaded the beads onto.

Tie the ends into a bow and voila!  So pretty and easy breezy for the summer!

Now to make the green necklace, wrap the chartreuse ribbon onto the shower curtain ring, securing with hot glue as you go along.  I made a total of 7.  Then thread the rings onto the ribbon, alternating dark green with light green.  Tie the ends in a bow, and you are done!  Super easy, and such major impact! 

The alternating shades of green are so perfect for spring, over a white tee shirt!

It's hard to believe that this is made of napkin rings and shower curtain rings!  I think that's what I love most about DIY.  It challenges you to think outside the box, and use unconventional materials to make something that is all your own.  Using inexpensive objects, combined with materials on hand, you can have an original, one of a kind item that seriously cost you less than $5 to make!

I really love how the turquoise really makes the colors pop!  I think these would look great over a turquoise maxi dress with some strappy sandals.

And there you have it!  Another Anthropologie inspired necklace, and a Lia Original :)  I hope you love these, I can't wait to rock them!

xxooxoxo

Lia

DIY: Ribbon, Pearl and Chain Necklace

I had a vision of a necklace, and am so stoked that I was able to achieve this.  It actually was extremely easy, and I had all of the materials on hand, so it cost me nothing!

Materials:

• Large link chain, about a foot long
• Ribbon, make sure it's *about* the width of the inside of the chain link, I used about a yard
• Large jump rings, small jump rings
• Clasp
• Bead string, crimp beads
• Pearl beads
• Jewelry pliers
• Glue or needle and matching thread (not pictured)
• Lighter (not pictured)

 Take a large jump ring and attach it to the end of the chain.  Repeat on other end.

Take one end of the ribbon and thread it through a link at about 3/4 of the length of the chain.  Weave the ribbon through the links, ending at the large jump ring.

Turn the chain over and apply some glue (I used E6000) to the end of the ribbon.  Then fold the ribbon over the link/jump ring connection and press firmly.  Cut the ribbon (there should be about a foot's length on this short end altogether), leaving plenty of excess to tie a bow in the middle.  Repeat on other end and let dry.  You could also sew it instead if you have matching thread.

Here is what you should have now.  Take the lighter and lightly burn the ends of the ribbon to prevent fraying. Tie the excess ribbon into a pretty bow. I would recommend sewing it secure because it comes undone easily.

Cut a piece of beading string about a foot long, which leaves enough excess. On one end, thread a crimp bead and small jump ring, then take the end of the string over the jump ring and back through the crimp bead.  Crimp the bead securely using your pliers. 

String 15 pearl beads onto the thread, then repeat the crimp bead/jump ring procedure as above.  Trim the excess thread and push through the top bead.  Repeat for a second strand.  *Note: I bought a huge strand of faux pearls at Forever 21 for $2 a while back.  I actually bought three.  Sooooo much cheaper than buying the beads at Joanns!

Now this should be what you have.

Attach one end of the small jump ring to one end of the large jump rings.  Repeat on other side.  Almost done!  Just attach each end of your clasp to a small jump ring and voila!

I think it came out pretty cute!  I really love the mixture of different vibes from the different materials. 
xxooxoxo
Lia