Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts

Saturday, 22 March 2014

Super Quick Chunky Scarf

I have an on again, off again love affair with crochet. I always pick it up with the best intentions to do a project but get sidetracked half way through and never finish. That was until I made this scarf. As a beginner it was super simple, all you need to know is how to chain and how to half double crochet. There is no real pattern as I just made it up as I went along but I'll try my best to explain it if you would like to make one too. 

The movie is a key aspect...obviously

Materials
2-3 skeins chunky yarn (I only found two in my colour preference, I used the Passoknit Scandy Extremely Chunky yarn from Spotlight)

1 Large crochet hook, I used a 15mm hook which I believe is about a P/Q size

Your favourite movie

Directions

Step 1: Put on your favourite movie, by the end of it you should have finished this scarf 

Step 2: Make a slip knot and chain until you have a long enough chain to make a circle that you can wrap around your neck 2-3 times. As I said I never counted my chains or anything so just play it by sight.

Step 3: Making sure you haven't twisted your chain, single crochet to join your chain.

Step 4: Half double crochet around and around until you either run out of yarn or have a scarf width you are happy with.

Step 5: When you finish your last loop single crochet one loop to attach your ends so it doesn't look like the chain suddenly stops.

Step 6: Tie off your end and weave excess yarn into the scarf.

Super simple, and super warm
Ta-da, see it's so simple and easy!

I do love a good vintage filter, hides the lack of makeup

I hope those instructions were easy enough to follow, let me know how your scarf turns out if you decide to make one too!

x Stacey

Sunday, 16 February 2014

DIY: Painted Jars

If you have spent any time on pinterest ever you will definitely have noticed the massive trend of mason jars for every imaginable purpose. I love the look of jars (my cousin had them everywhere at her wedding and it was oh so romantic) however the price tag of mason jars here in Australia is not so loveable. 

While cleaning out my wardrobe I found a stack of empty candle jars (because apparently I'm a huge hoarder) and decided to put one of them to use for my very own jar project. May I present my very new bedside bouquet in an old yankee candle jar

Instagram makes everything pretty

If you would like to create your own I have included instructions below.



Firstly you will need to gather your supplies.

  • Old jar (I used a yankee candle jar because I like the unique shape they have, but I'm sure anything from a pasta sauce jar to an actual mason jar would work)
  • Acrylic Paint (I used 'Antique White' by Semco)
  • Glitter (super fine is best)
  • Glue (I used Martha Stewarts Glittering Glue)
  • Sponge brushes
  • Faux Flowers (Mine are peonies from the ever fabulous Ikea)



If you used a candle jar you will need to get the excess wax out before you start. I took photos of all the steps but to make this post less picture intensive you can find instructions HERE.


Once your wax is removed you can get onto painting the jars. I know some people paint the outside of their jars but I love the glossy look of the paint inside the jars, and I kid you not it is the simplest thing ever!

Sorry about the busy newspaper underneath
Pour/squirt some paint into the bottom of the jar




Begin to twirl it so it covers the entire bottom of the jar, then begin to swirl it around the sides. You may have to add more paint into the jar as you go (for this reason paint in a tube is easier to use). If needed squirt new paint onto the inner sides of the jar.




Continue swirling, adding paint, and swirling again until all of the jar is covered with paint. Leave it to dry on newspaper. Initially upside down, however after a few hours/when the paint is almost set turn the jar right side up to allow the jar to completely dry.




Using a sponge brush add a thin layer of glue around the top rim of the jar.




Sprinkle glitter onto the glue and leave to dry.



All dry and ready for flowers

Once the jar is dry you can begin to arrange your flowers in it. Side note: I found my flowers were scratching the paint off the jar because they had rough wire stems once I cut them down. To combat this I filled the jar with cotton balls (cotton stuffing would work too) and cut the flowers very short.



Place arrangement where you will see it and admire your work daily.


Well there you have it, how to create your very own arrangement of cuteness.

If you create your own I'd love to know so let me know in the comments below.

x Stacey