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.

$10 BATHROOM MAKEOVER

My old vanity set has been through the ringer. It's not real wood, it's pressed board, also known as particle board and over the years, the laminated veneer that resembles wood has peeled off.  I considered replacing the set and then it dawned on me to just paint it.  Before I began painting, I spackled the worn spot on the bottom of the mirror and vanity and buffed the peeling veneer with sand paper for a smooth surface.

I went to my local Home Depot and purchased a quart of Rust-Oleum paint in flat black for only $8.46.

    It took no time painting the vanity.

After about 10 minutes, I put on a second coat.

  I covered the mirror and painted the frame.

(note to self: next time use painter's tape. The paper got stuck under the mirror frame)

I took down that speaker that was on the left and added a framed picture that I already had.

Here's the finished product.

Not bad for under $10!

DO YOU TUTU? I DO!

If you wore a tutu, as a little girl, it was probably because you were either in ballet or played princess. Why would you want to wear one as an adult? Because you watched Sex and the City and saw Carrie Bradshaw wearing a tutu in the streets of Paris and New York.

And we can't forget the incomparable Marilyn Monroe in this ballerina photo. Classic!

Well, let's make one. All you need is 2-3 spools of Tulle available at Walmart, ribbon or elastic.

Carrie wore green and white, but mine will be black.

Take your measurements and add about 12 inches when cutting the ribbon, so you can tie a bow.
(so if your waist is 30 inches, cut the ribbon at 42 inches, you'll have six inches on each side.)

If you use elastic, subtract 3-4 inches from your measurement.
(so if your waist is 30 inches, cut the elastic at about 26 inches because it will stretch)

Next place the tulle at your waistline and see how long you want it. I cut my tulle 36 inches long so when I fold it in half, it will be 18 inches long, right above my knee.

I was able to cut 24 strips from one spool of tulle. I ended up using 2 1/2 spools, so that's about 60 strips of tulle.

I tied the ribbon around my home office chair (find something wide and sturdy) and folded the tulle in half and slipped it under the ribbon.

Created a loop with one hand, while holding the ends.

Grabbed the ends with the same hand and pulled through the loop.

Pulled the ends to tighten the knot.

Repeated this process all around.

Here's the finished product.

I ended up taking all the strips off the ribbon and remade it using 3/8 inch elastic.

Elastic was better, because I didn't have to worry about keeping the knot tight.