CHEAP BEDROOM MAKEOVER

Remember the movie, Purple Rain? Well, I love Prince and the movie so much,
 I painted my room purple. 

I enjoyed it while it lasted, but the room appeared smaller that it actually was. The easiest and cheapest solution to begin a makeover is with paint. I purchased a gallon of primer and a gallon of Colorplace semi-gloss antique white paint from Walmart, both for under $30 and got to work.

Let me tell you, it took a couple of coats. That stubborn purple was just peeking through everywhere.

I got these mirrors from Ikea, a while ago, and painting around them was a task in itself!

And oh yeah, I chose the hottest day to paint. I was sweating like a banshee. What was I thinking?

Well, after a week of priming/painting, here is the finished product. My daughter's friend, Hope, gifted me a robin's egg blue candle and from there the color theme began. I purchased the white owl from T.J. Maxx for $9.99. The beautifully crafted wooden apple was an incredible find from Unique for only $2.49. I purchased the white sheets from Walmart for about $18.00 and the white down comforter was a steal from Target for $24.99. These beautiful pink Gerber daisies purchased from Gray's Florist added the right pop of color.

Purchased the Life is Beautiful pillow from T.J. Maxx for $12.99. Using the colors from that pillow, I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased fabrics to make these chevron and paisley throw pillows for less than $8.00 a half yard.

tutorial coming soon

         I picked up this white linen/metal basket from Unique for $2.49 and used it as a plant holder. 

Cateracterum Palm from Home Depot

  I already had purchased this area rug from Target and it added a bold graphic print to the all white room.

 This heirloom cherry blanket rack retails for $45, but I lucked up and got this one from Unique for $5.99. 

*updated w/fresh yellow flowers*

Added all up, this makeover was under $120.

But looks like a million bucks!

(at least to me it does!)

DIY VALENTINO ROCKSTUD LEATHER CLUTCH

Remember when I made the DIY leopard clutch in this post? Well, I'm back at it, this time with leather and studs. Valentino's clutch is available at Neiman Marcus retailing for $1,345 and is on back order. But mine is less than $15 and will be available as soon as I make it.

I purchased 1/2 yard of faux leather at Hobby Lobby for $5.99. Bought 200 12mm studs from largedepot on Ebay for $4.19 and the lining will be from a pair of silken pants that ripped.

I bought these "hard to find in the stores" 14 inch gold teeth zippers from ZipperShop on Etsy for $6.50. 

I cut (2) 14 x 9 1/2 inches of the leather and (2) 14 x 10 inches of the fabric.

Next, I used a ruler and penciled a mark every 1/2 inch for stud placement.

Then I just pushed down each stud, flipped it over and used small pliers to fold over the prongs.

I pinned the zipper to the leather and lining. When sewing, line the sewing foot close the zipper teeth.

Repeat on other side.

Flip it over and bunch up the lining, because it will be sewn apart from the leather.

 Pin and sew

After you're finished sewing, cut off the corners, because when you turn it right side out, the corners will be more defined.

Turn it right side out and pull out the lining. You can either hand sew this or on the machine. I used the machine.

Here's the finished product.

Adding a graphic lining adds a professional finished look.

Rockin' my clutch @ work!

THINK PINK!

I'm loving this hot pink color right now! This pop of color takes an outfit to the next level. So vibrant. So bright. I've been on the hunt for a skirt this color. I've gone to my usual thrift shops and my favorite store Target, but to no avail.  So, guess what? You already know, I'm gonna make one.

Rach from Pink Peonies

Priscilla from Prissysavvy

I stopped by my new favorite craft store, Hobby Lobby, and purchased a yard of this pink stretchy fabric, which was $9.99 a yard, but with 40% coupon, only $5.99.

I folded the material in half with the open sides facing me. I used an old pencil skirt as a pattern and cut about a 1 1/2 inch allowance for the seam. (note to self: cut fabric on the fold, so you only have one seam to sew)

As it turned out, I measured incorrectly and the panels were too small, so I cut a third panel and I sewed all three pieces together.

I sewed the last seam in the back. 

Next, I pinned and ironed the hem before sewing, so it will have a nice crisp line.

Added an elastic waist band.

A little tailor's secret, iron down your seams for a more smooth professional look.

Here's my finished product.

Not bad huh?

DIY LEOPARD CLUTCH

Italian designer Valentino has a studded leopard clutch to die for!  It's made of calf hair and leather with a canvas lining and the infamous gold pyramid studs. Retailing over $1600, one can only admire from afar.

JLo

Sannam and Style 

Are you thinking what I'm thinking Pinky? Take over the world? No, let's DIY our own Valentino.

We need supplies. Hobby Lobby here I come.  I bought a yard of leopard faux fur fabric and a yard of interfacing (interfacing provides added stiffness to flimsy fabric). The original clutch has a canvas lining, but I'm going to line mine with a silk lining that I removed from a shirt.

I cut (2) 14 X 9 pieces of the fabric and the interfacing and (2) 14 1/2 X 10 pieces of the silk. The lining will not be sewn with the fabric, because it will be loose inside the clutch.

I pinned the interfacing and fabrics together. 

Flipped it over and inserted and pinned the zipper.

Sew close to the teeth of the zipper. If the zipper pull is in the way, just pull it down.

Before sewing the interfacing and faux fur, pull the silk lining away. 

After I sewed the body of the clutch, I used a clip and tucked it inside, so I can sew the silk lining by itself.

Make sure you take the clip off before sewing all the sides of the lining.

                            
                          I forgot to and had to take a seam ripper and reach in and take it off.

                         ( I could have made it easier on myself by turning the clutch right side out and

                                   reached in and pulled out the lining and hand sewn it.)

Lastly, turn the clutch right side out. Notice how the lining gives it a professional polished look.

Maybe I'll add the gold pyramid studs later.

Thanks to Brandhyze from Frugal-nomics for the inspiration.