Recycled Gems

This past week was a very tumultuous week in my life and I had a lot of time to think about, well, what I want to do moving forward. You'd be amazed with how people can shape your life and for some reason a couple close friends have really put my feet back in front of me. On top of everything Dan left for China (for two weeks) and I am an emotional mess - but I have released some stress making some craft projects and posting some products on etsy.com (check it out here >>>Stellar Polka Dotted bag). The two bags I have posted are mostly made out of recycled material (I didn't reuse the zippers or lining). But something that I was taught growing up and have been very passionate about in school is reducing our footprint on the planet. The weather, the state of our planet, and the recent natural disasters have really made me think about what a negative change we have made on Earth. I mean ask Alyssa, we won the recycled art contest at school every year they had it! So, my small small small effort to create art through recycled materials is my own personal rebuilding of things I believe in. I know, now I sound like I had a nervous breakdown - but sometimes you just need everything to go wrong to finally make a change for right.

Below I have posted the projects I have been making (and my works in progress):

1. My other bag... Gold Gold Glam

 This glitzy bag definitely borders Miss USA or Florida grandma, but I think with the right outfit could absolutely set. it. off. If any of you want to try out this bag yourself (click here). The tutorial is very simply explained and she posts plenty of pictures so you know exactly what to do. My first bag (the one on etsy) came out much much better than I had expected so for anyone out there who wants to give it a try GO FOR IT! ^^! 

My next little ditties are my driftwood projects:::

2. The red drift wood.

As a back story, I went collecting driftwood this weekend because a friend had mentioned it at a dinner. She was talking about how she wanted to make furniture with drift wood as a home decor. I was immediately drawn to this idea. However, I have no skills in furniture making, or have the room to practice, or any place to put my practice models. So, I have started much much smaller in jewelry. The two examples I have for you are necklaces, but I have ideas for bracelets and earrings.

This first piece is obviously pretty simplistic but that's what I think I want to appreciate with using drift wood to begin with. I cannot wait to wear this and I think it's really gonna be a cool piece - I just need to figure out when to wear it!

3. Painted Necklace >>>

This lil bugger had my hands all cramped and I was crooked over and you know... I'm not that pleased with what it looks like. Like any project though, you are never sure what it is going to look like until the end. Just looking at all the colors mixed together gives me a really natural vibe and maybe it's just too much.

Anyway, this blog is my place for inspiration and just trying more and more, so I am certain I'll hit a few hiccups along the way.

I am really happy that I had a little detox session this weekend and then will head back to work tomorrow. Everyone just needs a little break every once in a while.

And with that... I hope you all have a chance to reinvent yourselves at least once in your lifetime. Because gosh, sometimes it hurts getting stuck.

This one is for your mom and dad!

Glitz Glitz Glitz...

Lately I have been in love with everything glitter. I even have been taking my own stabs at crafting some glitter projects (among other projects as well). And as snow is f-f-f-finally on the ground in VT, I think it is due time for glitter to be a staple of my wardrobe. Below is a short list of some of my favorite glitterized items that are appropriate for my Vermont life.

1. Toms Glitters in black

http://www.toms.com/womens/glitters/black-glitters-shoes

Toms is an awesome foundation for those who have not already heard about it that for every pair of shoes you purchase another is donated to a child in need. The line "Glitters" comes in 7 different color choices, but personally for me I think black is the most wearable - but whatever floats your boat.

I think that these slip-ons can look great with a pair of jeans, cigarette leggings, or tights. They are very versatile and very comfortable. Not only will you feel relaxed in these fashion forward slips but you will be feeling the good vibes of karma running through your soles.

2. Glitter Nails

http://www.lovemaegan.com/2011/12/silver-gold-glitter-manicure-nails-for.html

I am a big following of any simple simple online craft site. www.craftgawker.com being one of my favorites - get the mobile app and be ready to wastes time scrolling through craft pictures on your smarty phone. But there are tutorials, inspiration photos, and just people sharing their projects with the cyber world. I found this nail tutorial through craftgawker and have not yet tried it because until now loath painting my nails. However this inspiration may be just what I need to jump back on the bandwagon.


3. My attempt at making a glitter clutch...

My try at making a Modge-Podge glitzy clutch

I have been on a rampage looking for intermediate level crafts. (I feel like I just keep saying crafts) And found this Check This Out!! <3<3<3 how-to online and new that it was just the project to test my skills. I will say, there are plenty of things that I will do differently next time - but think that it came out pretty glamorous. My only suggestion would be to be ready to have glitter everywhere.

I think that this clutch can look great with a LBD or with basic denim. As you are revamping an old clutch, you can of course make a small strap if it didn't already have one. The purse I used had a small chain-link strap. I will be sure to show my second attempt when I make it!


4. Glitter Eye Makeup...

This glitter makeup tutorial is great for those "red carpet" evenings. Although I can say that never, I really mean never, happens in Vermont, I definitely want to try this even if I only head down to Ake's Place @AkesPlace, it will definitely be a night to shine - I know very very bad pun. But wherever you wear this I am sure you will have people turning their heads.


5. Blue Glitter Fascinator

This awesome hair piece can be found at Jenine Basil's etsy site. Her creativity astounds me! Check out this specific item here: Super Cool Hair Piece. Of all her pieces I find this one being one of the least outrageous. The fascinator takes a spin on the headband and Ms. Basil's attention to the shape of the fascinator is what really makes it a statement piece. She really pays attention to accentuating the cartoon characteristics of everyday life.



That finishes my glitter take-over, but encase you weren't motivated to get your glitz on, here are a few songs to help you put one foot in front of the other to get to the closet.

Gorillaz - Glitter Freeze

Marina & The Diamonds - I'm Not A Robot

And so it goes...