"Free" Garland

My apartment is made up of white walls. While my walls have been steadily filling up, there just seemed to be one thing missing - color. I use a lot a natural materials in my decor which without saying includes a lot of neutral tones. So for this particular DIY project, I decided to add a little color.

Materials:

1. Fabric - you can use one kind or multiple. I used two different kinds of fabric in this particular project. I also decided to recycle the fabric from my (million and one) Free People bags

2. Cardboard shapes - I drew the module by hand and then traced and cut them out (see how to do this in this previous tutorial)

3. Clothespins 

4. Twine - about a foot and 1/2 depending on how long your word is 

5. Black paint

6. Paintbrush

7. Glue

First, take one of your shapes and apply glue. Be sure to pay special attention to the sides of the shape.

Place the fabric over the cardboard leaving a little bit of room around it so make it easier for you to cut.

Turn the fabric over so you can see where you're cutting and cut around the shape...

Once you've cut out your shapes, you're ready to paint. I used dry watercolor paint so it took a few coats to get the letters dark enough.

Once you've finished painting your letters you're ready to make it into a garland. 

Take your twine and hang it from the wall. I just used push pins to suspend it from the wall. 

Final step - attach your finished shapes using the clothespins!

Free to be.

I hope you guys have been enjoying these DIY posts! It would be awesome to get some feedback from you guys! 

Winter Blues

All this crazy winter weather has me lusting for warmer weather. I'm very prone to the winter blues and this year was no exception. I'm the type of girl who needs the sun to stay sane. I'm sure this is true for most people, but I promise that I'm just a little more dependent on this warm star than most. 

The fact that we have some pretty amazing spring product in store right now, doesn't help in the slightest. I treated myself to this cute little "brami" yesterday, telling myself -  

"Hey, in a few weeks you'll be basking in the sun in St. John's. You need this little guy!" 

Until then, you'll find me wearing this with pants/maxi skirts and cardigans. 

DIY Arrowhead Wallhanging

When I moved in to my apartment last September, I knew that I wanted all of my decor to be unique and interesting. But decorating can get pretty expensive, I knew that I was going to have to make a lot of things myself. But sometimes, even DIY projects can get expensive. 

This arrowhead wallhanging was less than $5 to make! 

Here is a list of the materials you will need:

1. String

2. Craft paint

3. Paintbrush (any size)

4. Something to draw with

5. Scissors

6. Lightweight cardboard 

7. A stick

The only materials that you may have to buy (unless you're big into crafting like me) are craft paint and string. These are relatively cheap items depending on where you get them. I strongly recommend Michael's craft store. 

I'm big on reusing and recycling materials. The cardboard that I used to make these arrowheads actually came from some empty veggie burger boxes! Also using sticks, gives branches a new life after falling off a tree.

Let's get started!

1. Start by drawing a few arrowheads on the white side of the cardboard. It took me a couple tries to get it right the first time. I ended up drawing one free-hand and using that as a module for my other ones.

2. Cut out your arrowhead shapes.

3. Paint your arrowhead! The box I used for this project used a lot of bright colors on the front so I had to do a few layers of craft paint in order to cover it up. 

4. After the paint has dried. You'll have to punch holes in your arrowhead shapes. I used a three-hole punch to get my holes. You can also use a single hole punch or even (if you have a steady hand) use scissors to cut a hole. 

5. Once the holes have been punch you'll need to tie some string to the shapes. Weave the string through the hole and tie a knot right where the tail of the arrow branches off.

Try to cut the string different lengths to add some depth to your wallhanging. 

6. Next you will have to tie your arrowheads to your stick. Also the shapes will hang best if the string is knotted underneath the stick.

7. The final step is to tie another piece of string to your project so that it can hang. I just doubled up on my string, you can also use thicker string if you have it.

Voila! You have finished your arrowhead wallhanging!

Over the Knee

(Jacket, sweater, and boots from Free People)

I've always been a boot person. I love everything about them, from the look of them to the way they feel on my feet (and sometimes legs.)  There is just something so easy about a good pair of boots. These ones in particular were quite the investment, but so far they've been well worth it. These boots are everything that I look for in a pair of over the knee boots. They're slouchy, the leather is incredibly soft, and I can wear them with a variety of different things. I know I will have them for years to come. 

Through Frosted Windows

During the cold months we retreat. We take comfort in thick layers and steaming cups of hot liquid. We hide behind frosted windows and watch the world go on outside. We draw faces and shapes in the condensation, our heads in a warmer place, where legs and arms are bare and frees. "Just a couple more months" we remind ourselves. Winter is only a temporary state.

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas was probably the best I've had in a long time. The holidays are always hard for me, especially when my Dad's off to sea. It can be a bit lonely sometimes, but it is so important to remind myself that I'm not alone. I'm surrounded by some truly wonderful people. This Christmas was a great reminder of that. I am so blessed to have them all in my life.

Christmas Party 2014

It has been three years since we graduated high school, and we still manage to get together every year for our annual Christmas party. Some things never change.