DIYS

DIY This No Sew Clutch In 8 SIMPLE STEPS

by Irene Fucci 

 Irene is a graphic designer and portrait photographer currently living in Turin, Italy. In 2013 she co-founded One O, where she shares DIYs, home decor inspiration and travel pictures. When she's not working on a new post, she can be found screen printing textiles for her Etsy. Shop, sipping a cappuccino or trying new braided hairstyles. Find Irene Fucci at http://www.irenefucci.it/.       

The undisputed trend this season is leather. Whether we’re talking about skater skirts, trench coats, a pair of rad boots or a minimal bag, there’s no such thing as a perfect fall wardrobe without a leather item. But since leather accessories (even vegan leather ones) can be expensive, we decided to experiment with the faux variety to add a bit of edge to our wardrobe with a carry-anywhere clutch. Besides being budget-friendly, this DIY bag is a no-sew project — all you need to hold the bag together is fabric glue! Just follow our tutorial to learn how to recreate this soon-to-be wardrobe staple in eight super easy steps (no sewing machine needed!).
 Materials:

- two 11 x 8-in faux leather rectangles
– black zipper
– dark thread

Tools:
- leather or fabric glue
– needle
– scissors

Instructions:

1. Take your zipper and squeeze a plentiful amount of leather glue along the edge. Now wait a couple of minutes until your glue becomes completely transparent and fasten your first faux leather rectangle on top. Then repeat on the other side.

2. Now it’s time to glue the sides together. Take your leather glue and “draw” three lines along the left, bottom and right edges and let your glue dry for a while.

3. Open up your zipper.

4. Fold your upper part onto your bottom one and press firmly.

5. Just to be sure that everything will stay in place, hand stitch where the zipper meets the two leather pieces.

6. Cut the corners.

7. Turn your pouch inside out and voila, you’re done.

8. (optional) Complete the look with a pendant of your choice.

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Your zipper will act as the anchor for this entire project, so when we say squeeze a plentiful amount of glue along the edges of it, we mean it. Once the glue becomes transparent, fasten your cut faux leather panels to each side. Then, glue the sides together. Be sure to let the glue fully dry before you open up the zipper and place once piece on top of each other, wrong sides out. To make the bag even more durable, hand stitch a seam where the zipper meets your leather pieces. Then snip off the corners at an
  angle and turn your pouch inside out. Done.

 This simple yet elegant pouch will become your every-occasion purse no matter if you are going out on the town or need to store small things (like makeup) when traveling. Just toss on a coat and off you go!

Heart Thumbprint Charm Necklaces & DIY Gift Wrap

Reposted from Cheryl Spangenberg at thatswhatchesaid.net/2013

DIY Heart Thumbprint Charm Necklaces!  Or Keychains…options are endless however the gift is priceless! I saw this super cute idea for a thumbprint charm from my sweet, sweet friend Meredith at Wait ‘Till Your Father Gets Home.  When I opened up an awesome package of Martha Stewart Crafts supplies from Plaid Crafts, and discovered that I received metallic paint, I knew exactly what I was going to do!  My version of Meredith’s charm, a heart thumbprint charm necklace.
 

After all, I need a charm with two little thumbprints!  The heart worked out perfectly!  These will be a perfect project for all the special mothers in your life.  Moms, Grandmas, Great Grandmas, even Aunts or just special friends!  With these awesome supplies, it’s no wonder this project is so easy!

Supplies Needed For the Heart Thumbprint Charm Necklaces:

• Oven Bake Clay
• Small rolling pin (I used my kids’ play dough one!)
• Heart Cookie Cutter
• Bobby Pin
• Martha Stewart Paints
• Martha Stewart Paint Brushes
• Chains or necklace twine
• Jump rings
• Bobby pin
• Cute kids who have cute thumbs :)

For the Pillow box Gift Box (shown below)

• Martha Stewart Paints
• Martha Stewart Silkscreens
• Martha Stewart Daubers
• Kraft pillow boxes
• Kraft cardstock
• Scissors

I started out by cutting a chunk off the oven bake clay block and I rolled it flat.  I used my boys’ play dough roller!  It worked perfectly!  :)
 



Next I had each of the littles come over and I pressed their thumbs into the clay into a V shape!

Well that worked in my favor today because one of those sets just became my “clay set”!  The smallest heart cookie cutter was perfect to cut the thumbs out.







 



After I cut the thumbprints out I carefully peeled away the excess clay around the cutter.  You want to keep the heart shape in tact as much as possible.

 
 Remove the cookie cutter and you are left with a perfect little thumbprint heart!  {you can see the cute little prints better here}
 
 Next I used a bobby pin to make a small hole I the heart for a jump ring to go through and I baked according to the package: 275 degrees F for 15 min per 1/4” of clay.  {I baked for 15 minutes because these were so thin}  Then I got to painting!
 
 I chose the sterling metallic, the gold metallic and a shimmery pink pearl paint for these guys!  I used the Martha Stewart Brushes that were sent to pain the front and back.
 
 Once dry I was able to attach a jump ring and then a chain. For the gold, I opted to add a black twine necklace straight to the pendant. I love the way they turned out! They also have a metallic paint that resembles the popular Rose Gold!
 
 I love the paints…like A LOT!  I always have!  They cover so well and they can practically be used on anything!  So versatile.  The metallic look just like metal and the pink pearl has this rock star shimmer.  Not glittery, but shimmery…just how I like it! {wink}
To take it to another notch, I just used the awesome silk screen stencils they sent and some more of the paint and decorated some pillow boxes to put the necklaces in!  So you have a gift and gift wrap all with the same supplies from Martha Stewart Crafts!  You all know my feelings on multi-tasking!  {it’s pretty much a necessity in this house!}  I seriously love these products!
 
 Use the Sponge applicators and dab on the paint the the silkscreen and wipe across to remove the excess.

 

The great thing about the silk screens is that they have a tiny mesh in the open areas that keeps the paint right where you need it.  Ever try to fill a open stencil and you brush on your paint and the you are left with a stencil with a giant glob of paint stroked uneven paint inside?  Yea me too!  These silkscreens keep the open areas full of paint!

LATEST DECOR CRAZE

Make Your Own Terrarium! - Do It, Gurl

Terrariums are currently a very big trend in design. These easy, miniature gardens are a great way to bring the outdoors. With terrariums, all you need are a few sprays per week to keep your plants happy.

DIY Mid-Century Planter   AS SEEN ON A BEAUTIFUL MESS http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2016/09/diy-mid-century-planter.html     For full instructions see our video below! I used Osmocote Plant Food to complete this project. One application contains 11 essential nutrients and feeds up to 6 months. Works with virtually all plant varieties and growing conditions. Each granule is coated with a unique resin that controls nutritional release. Supply Links:-wood beads -air dry clay -Osmocote Outdoor & Indoor Plant Food -for the flowers I used Zinnias

As Seen On

 http://www.acharmingproject.com/blog/2015/1/26/plants-and-coffee-lets-make-a-coffee-pot-terrarium

Plants and Coffee // Let's make a coffee pot Terrarium! 

Supplies:

1. Mini coffee pot
2. Mini air plants ( I used Ionantha Fuego and a green Tilandsia)
3. White sand
4. Moss (bright works best)
5. River rocks/aquarium rocks
6. Decorations (gemstones, shells, or miniatures - it's up to you!)

Here's how I made it:

Fill your container with about an inch of sand. Then scatter some river rocks over the sand (I piled them on heavier in the back for added height). I then placed the moss over the rocks in the back and worked from back to front. I wanted my plants to have the best view so I placed them both in front, with the gemstones between them.

 

Airplant care: In general it's recommended misting these plants every day, preferably in the morning. You could also dunk them in water 2-3 times a week. They are happiest in a nice bright room and not in a hot window with direct sunlight. 

Debi Lilly Design - DIY Ribbon Corset

Debi Lilly

As Seen On

PAPER & STITCH

Good Vibes: How to Add Instant Character to a Basic Clutch in 5 Minutes

http://www.papernstitchblog.com/2015/10/01/good-vibes-how-to-add-instant-character-to-a-basic-clutch-in-5-minutes/

One of the things that has me the most excited about fall at the moment, aside from the slight drop in temperature, is the wardrobe change. Maybe it’s from our time living in Seattle that has me all nostalgic, but cozy sweaters and layering have me doing all kinds of cartwheels right now.
And don’t get me started on the accessories. You know I’m always up for a new hat or a good bag. Which actually brings me to today’s DIY. The folks over at Painters (an Elmer’s product) sent me an amazing stash of paint markers to try out on different surfaces (they work on metal, wood, leather, fabric, glass, etc without rubbing off) and so naturally, I decided to play around with something involving a bag…well, a clutch, really (but close enough, right?). And as a result, have a super easy project idea for dressing up a wallet, clutch, bag, or backpack with a hand lettered message.
If you’re not terribly skilled in the lettering / calligraphy department, don’t worry, this project is still totally doable for you. I promise! These paint markers are so, so easy to work with, it’s like writing on a piece of paper with a regular pen or pencil. And everyone can do that!
So, let’s get to it. Here’s what you’ll need to hand letter your own leather accessories. Hint: You’ll only need 2 items!

Materials:
– Painters (there are TONS of colors and various thicknesses for the tips too)
– leather clutch or other accessory of your choosing (mine is from Madewell)
How to:
1. Decide on a phrase or word for your clutch. We went with ‘good vibes’ but also liked bonjour, super duper, je t’aime, ¡Hola!, killing it…I could go on and on.
2. Next, cut a sheet of paper the same size as the item that you are lettering. So you can practice and get the size of the letters and the placement just right.
3. When you’re ready, simply write your word directly on the clutch, in cursive. Try to keep a loose, even flow and don’t pick up the paint marker from the surface until the first word is complete. Then, finish the rest of your phrase the same way. Give the paint a few minutes to dry before moving on to the next step.
4. Now it’s time to thicken up some areas to create more of a bold (and easy to read) statement. Any down strokes (parts of a letter that your marker moves downward on) draw a parallel line. See image for reference. *At this point, you can choose to very the width of the lines or keep them all the same width, based on your preference. Again, give the paint a few minutes to dry before moving on to the next step.
5. Once step 4 is complete and the paint is dry to the touch, fill in between each set of lines that you drew in step 4. And touch up any areas as needed. Wait for the paint to dry and  it’s ready to use! So simple. Right?

In the Clutch: How to Sew a Canvas Print Clutch Using your Own Artwork

http://www.papernstitchblog.com/2015/11/11/how-to-sew-a-canvas-print-clutch-using-your-own-artwork/

Every year, I get further and further behind on DIY holiday gifts and decor ideas I hope to make. So, this year I am vowing to change that and get started early. Which means, it’s full speed ahead to Christmas town now that it’s November. Don’t worry, I have some Thanksgiving content planned too.
So, I partnered with FedEx Office to create a completely customizable holiday gift idea, perfect for family and friends, just in case you’re planning your DIY gift list early this year. The gift is this DIY canvas clutch, made from your own artwork / design in the colors and patterns your friends will love.
The full sewing tutorial (and video!!) for this DIY clutch idea is over on the FedEx Office Out of Office blog, but I couldn’t resist sharing a few photos here too. 
This was such a fun project to put together. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Concept and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff

Make Your Own Canvas Print Clutch with a Little Help from FedEx Office

http://outofoffice.van.fedex.com/2015/11/11/make-your-own-canvas-print-clutch-with-a-little-help-from-fedex-offie/ 

FedEx Office

Creating personalized gifts for family and friends is almost always at the top of my to-do list when the holidays roll around. I’ve tackled so many fun, DIY gift ideas in the past I wanted to keep the fun going by creating something super unique, very personal and easy-to-execute this year. The DIY Clutch is a great gift that allows you to interject your personality or customize to your friends’ aesthesis. It’s also incredibly easy to create during the often very busy holiday season.

The “fabric” I used for the clutch is actually a canvas print from FedEx Office. I began the project by creating my own design by painting an abstract image on a large piece of paper. Once my painting was finished, I photographed it from above, uploaded the photograph to my computer and then uploaded the photo file to fedex.com/office to have it printed on canvas. I then used the printed canvas as my fabric for the clutch. I liked

using the canvas as fabric for the clutch because it’s a perfectly-durable material and the colors really popped with such a high-quality print.

Here’s how to make your own DIY canvas clutch for the holidays:

First, you’ll need to assemble your materials which I’ve listed below.

Materials:

• Large printed canvas (16”x20”)
• Tissue paper
• Chalk or disappearing ink pen
• Zipper
• Scissors
• Thread
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Your chosen image or graphic (high-res .jpg or .jpeg file)

Instructions:

1. Create a painting, collage, or photograph that you’d like to use as the design for your canvas. Or select a photo, pattern, or design you already have. If you’re creating your design, make sure to take a high-res photo of it. The higher resolution of the image, the better the print will be. I recommend at least 1400 x 1120 pixels.
2. Go to fedex.com/photo and start your project by selecting a 16×20 inch canvas print and uploading your photo. Order and print and then pick up at a FedEx Office location near you.

3. Once you have your canvas, you’re ready to get started. Using the tissue paper, create a template for your clutch. You’ll do that by laying the zipper onto the tissue paper and then tracing a half circle from each side of the zipper down and around to the other side. Make sure the top edge of the template is the same length as the teeth of your zipper. Cut the template out.

4. Using chalk or disappearing ink pen, trace the template onto the wrong side of the canvas. Then, draw the shape again – this time with a 1/2″ seam allowance.  
5. Using this larger shape, cut out the canvas. Repeat this step one more time so that you have two identically-shaped pieces of canvas.
6. Now that you have the front and back pieces of the canvas clutch, you’ll want to sew the zipper on.
   Align the fabric edge of the zipper (right sides together) to the top edge of the clutch so the design and the zipper pull are on the same side. Pin together the zipper and the canvas using straight pins. Using your sewing machine, sew them together. Back-tack (stitch backwards for a few stitches to anchor the stitch) at the beginning and end to prevent unraveling. Repeat this for the opposite zipper edge and the other piece of canvas.

7. Open the zipper halfway. This part is very important because if the clutch is sewn with the zipper shut, it will be very difficult to turn it right side out at the end.

8. Pin the clutch with the right sides together. Sew the clutch along the shape that you initially traced (which will give you a 1/2″ seam allowance). Back-tack at both the beginning and end to prevent unraveling.

9. Cut small vents along the sewn edge of the clutch, especially at curves and corners. The spacing between the cut vents will depend on the size of your clutch. I cut vents about every half inch for this size clutch. Be careful to not cut through the sewn line.

10. Now turn the clutch right side out and it’s ready to use.

You now have a completely customized (and handmade) gift for friends and family!

The clutch could also be used as a unique form of gift wrap by adding something small inside like a jewelry dish or necklace. Want to send this to someone who lives far away? Then head to FedEx Office and have a packing specialist get everything ready to go to make sure your package gets to the recipient safely and on time.

Happy crafting and happy holidays!

Photography by Amelia Tatnall and Rachel Brewer

Concept and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff