Well, one week and a few coffee filters later, my chandelier is finally finished! Here are the supplies that I used for the construction:

Early progress…

Read More

Martha Stewart really knows how to make some beautiful crafts with a coffee filter. I recently saw a dying technique that she uses with none other than regular old food coloring.

I also saw an amazing video tutorial for fabric chandeliers from the folks at 100 Layer Cake and decided that I would try to combine Martha’s dyed coffee filters with their chandelier idea.

Behold the beginnings of this (moderately) daunting task.

Here are a few tips for the beginning of the process:

Read More

Happy Easter, everyone! A few weeks ago I painted a chalkboard wall in my apartment, and have half a can of paint left. I have been racking my brain about how to use the rest of it, and decided to try something a little bit different this year - chalkboard eggs!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A few eggs (room temperature)
• Cardboard or sturdy surface to dry your eggs on
• Straight pins or push pins (to pierce the eggs)
• Paintbrush or foam brush
• Chalkboard paint (I used Rust-Oleum brand, which also comes in a spray!)
• Chalk - duh

1. First thing’s first, you have to make these eggs last forever by blowing out all of the yolk and whites. If you’re not sure how, here’s a tutorial.

2. Make sure you rinse the eggs out after you’re finished, and let them dry completely. Afterwards, nuke them in the microwave for 30 seconds - this hardens the egg shell and can help prevent chips and breaks. They’ll be very warm to the touch after you take them out, so be careful (…I wish I had known this, trust me.)

3. Get your drying system ready. This was the biggest challenge for me, and it took a few tries to find a system that worked. I found that cardboard worked best.

4. Paint half of your egg lengthwise, and lay it flat on the cardboard to dry. You can stick some pushpins in the cardboard to keep them from rolling around. Once the first side is dry, paint the second.

5. BOOM, you have a pretty wicked Easter egg.

P.S. You can also slip a little message into one of the holes at either end of the egg to make an Easter fortune egg!

As I mentioned last week, I was asked to participate in a blog crawl by a good friend of Vagrant Isle, Annika Martins. Her new website is about to launch, and she wanted to get her favorite blogs together to post on a loaded topic, “What do you need to celebrate?” Well folks, here you have it…

Read More

April is upon us here in New York City, and that means there are going to be quite a few rainy days. Now that I have not one, but two desks in my apartment, I thought it would be an opportune time to do some crafting! What else is there for me to do on a rainy day with all of that space?

Tied in with all of these crafts, I have been asked by lady entrepreneur extraordinaire Annika Martins (who you may remember from our Birthday Bands series), to participate in a blog crawl all about the things we celebrate. 

I’m going to be a busy girl, so keep your eyes peeled! In the meantime, I’m going to go and find a hot glue gun and will try very hard to avoid using puffy paint.

x

Let me start this post by saying that I have the worst luck with plants. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered the air plant, which I have now successfully kept alive for several weeks (go me)!

These nearly death-proof plants make great gifts for your friends (and yourself). Here are a few that I found along with a few other species for those who are less plant impaired… 

Read More

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m a real sucker for fancy awards show fashion. I was really excited to see that Viola Davis wore a beautiful shade of green to the Oscars! Hence, our first “Get Green” post is on none other than playing dress up in green…

Viola Davis looking very glamorous in green!

The first little green dress I found is from Asos and 20’s inspired. I love a drop waist, and girls, if you can pull it off - lucky you! Pair it with:

• A classic black t-strap pump or some fun striped heels from Asos (you know, to save on shipping!)
• This wonderful vintage beaded clutch by Julius Garfinckel & Co.
• An ecote print bag from Urban Outfitters.

Drop-waisted and full of character!

My second find, also from Asos, has a really great lace print! Lucky for you, it comes with the little belt! I like the idea of pairing this dress with an oxford shoe. 

• If you want to go lighter, I liked these Stuart Weitzmans with cute cut outs.
• These tobacco oxfords from the Vintage Shoe Company are awesome!

Sweet lace and oxfords.

This Rag & Bone nightingale dress has a really cool Art Deco style and is perfect if you want to show a little leg! I really liked that they styled it with black tights - it would look great with some sandals too, like these whistleback sandals by Madewell. 

• Pair it with a cool cuff.
• A woven fedora to keep the sun out of your peepers (or to hide those humidity-assaulted bangs!)
• Doll it up with a turban headband!

Deco-chic.

HURRY! ONLY ONE UNIT OF THIS ADORABLE 50’S INSPIRED DRESS IS LEFT! (But don’t worry, Modcloth will let you know if it’s restocked!)

Cute overload.

Here are a few more of my favorite green ideas:

• Green tones inspired by the Elie Saab Spring 2012 RTW line. (Sparkles! Flow-ey!)
• The totally fly Gucci tux jacket that every one’s favorite funny lady, Emma Stone, wore to the People’s Choice Awards.
• Crazy prints like this one by print master Diane von Furstenberg.
• A perfectly pleated dress that’s great for a night out.
• Really sick green scarves.

So my little loves, get out and don some green! Maybe Spring will come just a little faster…

x

With the warm-ish Winter weather here in NYC, I’ve been feeling like getting a head start on Spring. For the next two weeks, we’ll be posting about all things green! Keep an eye out… and get ready to shed those Winter blues!

x

Do you have that friend who emulates all things cute and crafty? I know I do!

Jess Ziegler is a craft goddess and has a radar that allows her to find some wicked vintage pieces. To boot, she is a wonderous photographer (someday I will post her Etsy store, but I have to wait for her to give me the thumbs up). This gal also happens to have a kick-ass taste in music, so I had to get her in on the birthday bands posts.

Kids, I think we’ve got a serious birthday party on our hands.

Here’s Jess with a cowboy boot - I hope you bought them.

Read More

When dreaming up the idea for this theme set, the first person I asked was my best friend, who I’ve known since we were wee lasses. We grew up loving the same jams, the same movie stars and in our early 20’s, the same bearded musicians. 

Aside from her passion for travel and all things digital (she works with Morgans Hotel Group, one of the coolest hotel chains around) Meredith is an avid lover of the sea. There are very few people who I think could have a successful career as a beautiful mermaid, and she is one of them. I was very excited to see that her birthday band pick was right along with all of the things that she loves so dearly!

So batten down the hatches, find your best striped shirt and grab all of your hot sailor friends. We’re going to sea!

Read More