Chains Away!

Oversized necklaces have been ALL the rage! In my book anything bigger is better, so I was one of the first to fall head over heals in love with this trend. (sorry boyfriend, i've been cheating on you with Dries Van Noten, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, and Doo Ri) While I lust over gorgeous creations I can't afford, I schemed up a cute and economical way to get the "look". 

Felting is such an easy way to create things, and you virtually can NOT mess up, it turns out great every time! I'm going to detail out how to make your very own oversized felted chain necklace.

Materials Needed:

Wool (any color(s))

soap and water

tennis ball

bubble wrap

1. Dip the tennis ball in soap
2. Wrap fine layer of wool around the tennis ball. Wet this with soapy water to hold in place.
3. Lay on tiny wisps of wool horizontally in the opposite direction of the wrapped wool. Wet this with soapy water.
4. Repeat step 2, wrapping the wool on top of the 2 layers already created. Try to keep the width uniform all the way around the ball to get the chain look. If you want a more organic shape, have some areas wider than others on the ball.
5. Repeat step 3
6. Repeat step 2
7. Now comes to the felting part. Take the tennis ball and start rolling it back and forth on the bubble wrap. Alternate this with massaging wool with hands. 
8. As the link felts, it will become smaller and tighter.
9. When the link is fully felted and you have achieved the desired look, slip the wool ring off the tennis ball.
10. Gently pull and stretch the felted ring to make an oval shape.
11. Re-dip the tennis ball in soap. Take the ring you have just created, and hold against the tennis ball.
12. Now, Repeat steps 2-10 working around the first felted ring, and making sure that you do not "felt" the 2 together.
13. Continue this process until you have the desired length of chain felted.
14. Once the felting process of the chain is complete, rinse the chain off in water and set to dry.
15. Now, you and your haute craftoured self can go walk the catwalk with your designer felted chain necklace!

Rockin Chucks

Whats the difference between these two shoes? I'll tell you, one was crafted for around $30.00, the other retails at free people for $168.00. So, Im gonna show you how I made these shoes to look like the expensive designer converse all-stars. It's so easy, and you'll be rockin' out in no time.

First, here is a list of materials you will need for this project:

1. A pair of old converse high tops, or a new pair. Payless has a great cheap alternative for $19.99
2. Buy either silver or gold pyramid studs. You can find them at your local craft store, or at kitkraft.biz

Take your shoes, and starting at the bottom, start piercing the studs through the fabric. It should go in relatively easy. Using tweezers or a thimble, bend the prongs in to eachother to secure the stud to the shoe. Continue this process until you have made one line of studs, and continue building on top of each row completed until you have achieved the desired look. I didn't want to completely cover my shoes, so I decided to make somewhat of a brick pattern, and stopped the rows randomly. You really can't go wrong in this, and afterwards you will have totally kick-ass shoes that you will get TONS of compliments on!

If you totally dig the rocker star studded look as much as I do, here's some links to more items found on Etsy that you might enjoy!

1. Pyramid Stud Earrings by michellechangjewelry
2. Leather Cuff by greenbelts
3. Silver Purse with Chunky pyramid studs by peppermintdesigns
4. Chic Gold Pyramid Stud belt by sexandthecityluva
5. Neon Knuckle Ring by MelissaLoschy
6. Rock Star Cuff by KatieQ033

Play Betty Homemaker

I have recently seen a huge surge in baking, cooking, AND wearing aprons! These aren't your grandmothers apron, these are cute and chic. I've even been seeing people wear them out on the street over jeans, skirts, and dresses. Here is a link to show you how to make your own! The book A is for Apron by Nathalie Mornu a great book full of inspirational ideas for making your own aprons, and has clear and concise instructions so that even the novice crafter can get involved!

Marc By Marc Jacobs Runway Look

Here is a hot look straight of the spring 09 runway brought to us by none other than the fabulous Marc Jacobs. This is a look from his Marc by Marc runway show. There's no question this is an easy going look perfect for the warm weather soon to come. I'm sure you know that this would also make a "knot" so easy dent in your wallet. So be a recessionista, and follow my lead. Here is how to get the look, and craft your own accessories to pull it together.

Dress

Shoes

Sweater

How to make the accessories seen (multi strand necklace and headband)

1. Gather silk and nylon cording. Here is a good website to find what you need:
2. Start of by tying knots into the multiple strands of cording. Here is a great tutorial showing you how to tie different knots to achieve the look you want:
3. If you don't want to craft your own, or you want some inspiration, take a look at Etsy seller jenkahn who has a great multi knotted strand necklace.
4. Knitting a large headband as seen is easy! All you need is some worsted yarn and knitting needles. Here is a link that shows you an easy step by step way: