Bird Nest Necklace

This is my one and only jewelry project! I've always wanted to be one of those girls who makes all her beautifulllll jewelry that everyone loves but this is my only pride and joy. I made these nest necklaces for my mom and sister in laws for Christmas and just now made one for myself...(mom and sister yours are on the way!) and I love them!

Even though this is a DIY tutorial, it's so easy you don't even need detailed instructions- trust me!
All you need are some beads or pearls or whatever you want to use for the eggs, gold wire, a chain and lobster clasps (unless you are just making the charm for an existing necklace) and wire cutters. First I put each bead on one at a time and wrapped the wire around each one individually, then added as many as I wanted, doing the same with them. Once your beads are on and positioned how you want start wrapping the wire around, over, up and down and all over the dang thing to make the nest. Seriously so easy right? Once your little bird nest is the perfect size, loop the wire on the top for the chain/ clasp/ necklace to slide through and that's it! Wear that baby with the pride becayse you made it and it doesn't look like a comb sheath from day camp.... Am I right? ( also that was a Modern Family reference, there isn't anything wrong with making a comb sheath!) But I'm just saying...

Stamp & Tie it

Look at that cute boy! My baby brother graciously modeled his new bow tie for me and it looks so handsome on him! This is the perfect DIY for father's day especially if your papa is a snazzy dresser (yes I said snazzy). The step by steps don't really have any explanation because it's seriously that easy! I just used the end of an eraser and a stamp pad to make some polka dots and then folded that up and bow tie it is. This project would be perfect with any patterned or bright colored material too. What are you giving/making for dad's big day?

Pinspiration

Pinterest me crazy is what I've always said! Well I've said it at least a couple times so don't worry about it. The other day I got my craft on and it felt so good to just hang out, catch up on my TV shows, ( I heard the season finale of Grey's Anatomy was torturous and I don't know if I can handle watching it tonight) and get some ideas of apartment re-vamping from the Internet- I'm ready for something new! So here it is... my pinspiration from pinterest. Re-designs and pictures coming up!

images via my pinterest

DIY Bow Necklace

Isn't this necklace adorable?  It makes me feel nerdy and sophisticated.  I tried to put the project step by step with pictures, but it went so fast I forgot to document some of the steps.  Let me know if you need help.  And if you don't have a chain (I used one from a necklace I NEVER wore) you can always use a ribbon!  Happy Crafting!

An Easy Re-vamp

I bought this cute swimming suit at Ross for a whopping $13 (HOLLA!) last week.  I love the vintage look of it, plus it's really slimming.  It's not high cut and it's so comfortable.  The only thing I wasn't excited about were the buttons, so I decided to put on new ones.  I was surprised how much it changed the look of the swimming suit... plus the buttons were only a buck!

 

Now I just need the weather to cooperate so I can get my tan on in this cute suit!

Finally, a Method to the Madness

Accessories.  They're a girls best friend, but if you're like me... they're a mess.  I have a sea of necklaces tangled together and intertwined with rings and bracelets.  I can never find the match to my earrings, and I can never get the knots out of my necklaces.  I (finally) decided to fix my problem while also creating an art piece for my bathroom.


First I wrapped lace around a frame (I used a 11x14 frame) and stapled it on the back.  I used my husbands heavy duty staple gun.  He was pretty nervous watching me use it...so be careful, they're powerful.  After your lace is secured, use a hammer to pound in all the staples to ensure they're flat so your frame will hang nicely on the wall.

Next, trim the excess lace around the back of the frame.  Use the edge of your frame as a guide to get a good, straight cut.

Finally, add three hooks on each side of the frame (for bracelets) and 6 hooks on the bottom for necklaces.  (Don't' mind me, I was just hanging out in my yard soaking up the sun while I was doing this part!)

Then, hang it up on the wall and add your accessories!  I was so happy with how easy this was! 

*Make sure to use a frame that will allow your accessory collection to grow.  I've still got a lot of room to add more earrings and necklaces to my frame.  This way, whenever I go shopping for new pieces, I'll have a place to put them right away!

Scooter Gang

Last summer, with some of our tax return money, both Nadia and I bought scooters.  With gas prices going up (and with no end in sight) we couldn't be happier cruising around town at 92 mpg.


Nadia's scooter, Ruby, is a little bigger than mine, but she's a beauty.  I love standing on my porch watching Bryce and Nadia pull up on Ruby.


My scooter, Dreamy, used to not be so dreamy.  When my husband surprised me with the scoot it was cream and blue with chinese symbols markings on it.  I've got nothing against the design...but I LOVE the color orange... so Shane spray painted it for me.  It was quite the process, sanding, painting, drying, sanding and painting some more.  Good thing I married a patient person, because it turned out so good!  

Now, its our dream to have a scooter gang someday.  Just cruising the streets on our mopeds looking fly.