DIY Fun

You may laugh, but Ive spent a chunk of time browsing the Martha Stewart website and there is just so many cute little crafty things Im wanting to do! The Craft Of The Day feature is so sweet! Well, to me anyways.

I finally got around to doing a little DIY project Ive been meaning to do for aages that both Gala Darling and Martha Stewart have done...

I am a collector of images- I have magazine clippings and photos and postcards spilling everywhere, so this is just perfect because if I get sick of it, all I need to do is replace the picture! Yay! I just used those adhesive hook things, but the removable ones so its no mess!

I am definately going to try the following simple ideas from M. Stewart too:

Brooch Into Bracelet
The brooch had its (most recent) big moment a few years ago, but why not welcome it back as the centerpiece of a romantic ribbon bracelet (above)? The cuff is simply a cubic zirconia-encrusted leaf pinned to some lavender velvet ribbon. The only tricky part is tying it on your wrist-you'll need an extra pair of hands to help you there. Pick out a thickish ribbon, like velvet or double-faced satin, that will support the brooch's weight.

Earrings Into Pins
As for those glitzy earrings that see action only at weddings, cluster a few together to give holiday outfits a pop of sparkle (above). The upper two crystal blossoms are clip-ons clamped onto the neckline the bottom one is a stud pierced through the fabric.

Necklace Into Shoulder Strap
A chiffon top with a sweet jewel-encrusted touch proves it's more than okay to have a few chips on your shoulder. This silver-and-stone necklace hides a spaghetti strap underneath, but you can also try this idea with a strapless top. You'll need two French safety pins (the kind that don't have bottom coils) and a choker or short necklace with consistent width (avoid necklaces that graduate in size). With the non-clasp end positioned at the front of the top, tuck the pin underneath the top, push it through the material, and hook the end of the necklace to secure. Repeat on the back. Or, if you prefer, you can make the look semipermanent with a few hand stitches.

Bracelet Into Belt
This waist-defining stunner -- perfect for holiday parties -- was created by looping satin ribbon through a hole in the filigree at each end of a bracelet. To make your own, choose a bracelet with ring clasps or openwork through which you can easily thread a strap (satin or grosgrain work well). The bracelet should also have a bit of heft, so you won't risk breaking it every time you laugh. Take it with you to the fabric store when selecting ribbon so you can gauge the right thickness and color.

This is a good idea too, I have so many printed silk scarves!

Appreciation Bubble:
My home. The fact that I have a home. Out for dinner last night in Surry Hills I ended up chatting to a girl who seemed to be my age while having a cigarette outside. And yes, she was homeless, living in a shelter. There are too many people who have no where to live, and it really disgusts me that the common attitude is to assume homelessness is due to alcohol or drug problems. People are people, we all need somewhere safe to sleep.