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Tuesday 29 May 2012

DIY: Ball Chain Stackable Rings



I've always thought ball chain would make for a pretty sweet ring, and it's been a bit of a trend lately, so I thought I'd finally give it a go- with quite cool results!


This is a mini DIY, really- it's so simple, I almost wouldn't even call it that! Ball chain can be found in almost any household- mine came from a few tags off recent purchases. Otherwise, it can easily be found on sites like eBay and Etsy.


Want to make your own ball chain rings? Instructions after the jump!


Friday 25 May 2012

Show & Tell: Fun With The Soldering Iron



Lately, I’ve been playing around with soldering irons. I’ll admit, this was a technique I learnt at school (thanks Product Design teacher!), but seriously, the things you can do with this little tool are amazing! If you don’t already know, soldering is a technique where solder and flux are used to connect things together. Metal is the most commonly soldered, but with a bit of copper tape, almost anything will work! This is also a technique used to create things like stained glass windows (lead lights), jewelry, and metal models.





So, as I was saying, I’ve been playing around and with a bit of time and planning I’ve managed to turn out a few quite cool things. Show and tell time? Yes please! Here are some of my latest creations:






Wednesday 23 May 2012

DIY: Embellished Straight Edge Sunglasses




Lately, I've been noticing the new trend in sunglasses- Ray- Ban shaped lenses, but with a straight top edge. It's quite futuristic, and is favoured by the likes of Lady Gaga-



I actually think these vintage Versaces are quite cool- they're extreme, but not so much that you couldn't get away with it! I've had a pair of old sunnies lying around for ages- a massive Nicole Ritchie- type cut from the 90s, printed in yellow and green- yum! I wore them as part of a costume a few times, but I was convinced I could turn them into something wearable. Finally, I've figured it out- why not turn them into something Gaga- worthy?

So without further ado, here's how I did it:


Friday 18 May 2012

DIY: Detachable Peter Pan Collars


One thing I've been obsessed with lately is Peter Pan collars. I've been looking to buy a dress with one attached, but I've found that I can't find one that I like for both the collar AND dress cut. So I deciced to take things into my own hands, and make my own! As this is my first attempt, I've gone for the plain white look, but because I've got a pattern now I can recreate it in any colour or cut I want!

Keep reading to see how you can make your own collar:


Tuesday 15 May 2012

Show & Tell: My Portrait Entry...

Hi guys! I thought I'd share some of my artwork with you for a change. Here's a portrait I painted of my sister, for a local portrait competition that's run every year:



I actually ended up winnning the Junior Popular Choice Prize, which was nice. I worked off a photo I'd taken of her on the trampoline one sunny day last year.

Saturday 12 May 2012

DIY: Jeweled Chain Headbands





The other day, I was looking through a magazine and I saw a picture of Dianna Agron wearing this headband:





I must confess, I'm a little bit in love with it! So I decided to make a similar one. It's not a cut- paste replica, but I definately got the inspiration from it. Dianna's headband is made from raw gemstones floating on beds of gold leaves, so I imagine hers cost her a pretty penny, but mine was made from a few simple materials most DIYers will already possess!



Friday 11 May 2012

DIY: Scrabble Tile Necklace Pendants

I think Scrabble tiles are waaay underrated when it comes to DIY jewelry. The possibilities are endless- Rings, charms, earrings… I have a feeling they’ll be making guest appearances in posts to come!
I’ve been wanting to make a Scrabble necklace pendant for a long time, but I haven’t really known how to go about it. After a bit of tinkering around, though, I’ve figured out a pretty fool- proof method.

Tuesday 8 May 2012

DIY: 5- Minute Hex Nut Earrings


These really are the most simple earrings I've made yet! They're perfect for a night out, or to just refresh an old outfit. If you'd like to make some yourself, here's how:


Thursday 3 May 2012

DIY: Galaxy Printed Photo Frames


I think galaxy prints are rad for two reasons- 1) They look awesome, and 2) it's a painting technique you can replicate in a matter of minutes.

This photo frame was one I'd (badly) painted when I was about 10, but I'd kept it all this time because I knew one day I'd figure it out how to make it great.