Remember the vintage buttons I found at the Sunbury Antiques Market? Well, I finally made the simple necklace I had envisioned and it's already one of my favorite go-to's.
The great thing about making long length necklaces is that you can simply tie the chain in a knot and not deal with clasps and jump rings (the little round connector pieces). This was such a quick and easy DIY, I'll definitely be shopping for more vintage buttons!
I finally got crafty with a vintage bowtie I bought at Camden Market a few months ago. I was sifting through vintage neckties and thinking of what I could make with them when this simple black bowtie popped right out and told me what to do.
Surely you can tie a bow out of anything to make a belt but I love the fullness, weight, and perfection of a mens bowtie. Especially when paired with a pretty ribbon.
I'm really happy with the way that it turned out but for the next round I think I'll try a few modifications: use a more stretch-friendly ribbon (so woven threads don't break) and find a way to make it fully adjustable to wear either on my waist or hips. A girl needs options, right?
Let me know if you make your own or get inspired to create something else with a mens bowtie...there are so many possibilities!
I've visited Camden Lock twice now and I must say that going on a weekday is the way to do it if you can swing it. Without the crazy crowds blocking everything in sight you can fully soak in what this hub of markets has to offer: independent designers and shops, antiques, quality street food from around the world, and a unique setting.
While the majority of non-craft stalls are reminiscent of cheapy Venice Beach and Melrose Avenue merchandise, there are some gems to be found if you wind your way through The Stables. I loved seeing a leather accessories maker pounding away at his craft, finding a great little rug made in India, and of course, coming upon the antique underground hall with its selective group of vendors. Prices weren't as marked up as you'd expect for a tourist destination but the downside is that most antique stalls only open on the weekends.
During my last visit I was tempted to dig through racks of vintage clothing but ultimately felt that I didn't have the patience for it like I used to. It was a sad moment of realization but I perked up when I came across a great bin of old photos that kept me entertained for ten minutes.
I ended up taking 15 or so vintage landscape photos home with me along with a bar of natural homemade soap, and a bow tie that I have DIY plans for. Should that project turn out well you'll see a proud and glittery post about it. Should it fail...well, it may get an honorable mention somewhere. Also, I'll be sure to go back to Berty and Gerty for boots come fall (pictured above). They have an incredible selection that is very easy to comb through. Actually, no combing is necessary :)
For more photos click here!
Since I couldn't be with the two moms that I love the most for Mother's Day (my mama and sister), I thought I'd send them something from the heart.
Taking inspiration from this DIY post by Creature Comforts, I decided to play with decorative masking tapes for the first time. For the goods I went to Paper Chase - the craft store in London. It was love at first sight as I walked around the aisles imagining all of the fun to be had.
Once home I got straight to business taping, cutting, and pasting away. The project was super fast and easy and a great way to get my crafting fingers back to work.
With a hand-written note on the back, these little cards were a perfectly simple way to say "Happy Mother's Day" and of course, "I Love You".
Any other crafters out there make something for Mother's Day?
xoxo
Taking out all of my Anamu accessories for the moving sale really made me crave being crafty. And since I'd been meaning to make hair clips for my nieces this was the perfect opportunity to go for it! I bought some clips from the drug store and used scarf scraps to make the "bows" (or fabric blobs if we're being honest). One of them was even given a little extra pizazz with a small vintage button from my collection.
The clips are a bit funky but my sister and I love how they turned out. Can't wait to see little Juliana and Isabella wearing them!
Taking out all of my Anamu accessories for the moving sale really made me crave being crafty. And since I'd been meaning to make hair clips for my nieces this was the perfect opportunity to go for it! I bought some clips from the drug store and used scarf scraps to make the "bows" (or fabric blobs if we're being honest). One of them was even given a little extra pizazz with a small vintage button from my collection.
The clips are a bit funky but my sister and I love how they turned out. Can't wait to see little Juliana and Isabella wearing them!
After attending Unique LA and Renegade Craft Fair this weekend I was inspired to make my own wrapping paper for this year's Christmas presents.
I used a roll of white butcher paper that I keep on hand for product photography and metallic paints and stencils from a craft bin that has gone unused for ages.
The end result was so satisfying...I now vow to make mini-craft sessions a regular part of my life. Hold me to it!
