DIY - Some of my favorites

I've spent the last few days getting things ready for our big wedding DIY weekend. I realized late last night that I didn't have a blog post for today.  Instead of not posting, I decided to give you all a post showing you some of my personal favorite DIY projects. 

Chain Detail Jacket - I love that just some craft store chain can elevate a jacket.  It was one of my early DIY projects and one of my favorites. I wear this jacket often.

Duck Tape Clutch - The reason I love this DIY is because you can use any color or style of duct tape you like.  You can make it your own.

Rock Lyric Tee - Inexpensive t-shirt, stick on letters, spray paint, and your favorite rock lyric are all you need to create this t-shirt. It's a fun and cool addition to your casual wardrobe.

Silver Oxfords - If you have a pair of old oxfords or can grab a pair at the thrift store, you can create these shoes in just a few hours. I used silver but you could use any color you like. Neon pink would be fantastic.

Minty Shades - Nail polish as paint? Yes! The mint green polish elevated these shades from boring to wow and this entire project was finished in about an hour.

Safety Pin Necklace - I love DIY because I can create a designer style necklace for $900 less than the original.  Maybe it's my life long love of punk rock looks but safety pins as jewelry are fantastic.

Metallic Skull - Home decor DIYs are the best.  I get bored easily and love changing up the accents in our home.  A $1 plastic Halloween skull becomes a cool home accent with a little spray paint.

I hope these favorites of mine inspire you to get creative.  I'd love to hear about any projects you create.

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Balmain (Studded and Punk)

I lived through the original punk revolution of the 80's.  I definitely wasn't a punk but I've always loved the fashion and the rebelliousness of the culture.  When I happened upon a fashion spread on Balmain in this month's W magazine, I was in awe. The magazine keeps calling me back to look at the clothes. Maybe it's because they are by no means practical for my daily life. I can't imagine walking into a government building dressed in that jacket or t-shirt. Especially the agency that I work with. It's the complete opposite of the punk ideal.

A few of my favorites from the collection...

Studded Leather Jacket with Strass - $12, 565

I would definitely need supermodel legs to wear this skirt.

Leather Studded Skirt with Paint

Destroyed T-Shirt with Pins

The beauty of dreaming and obsessing is that you can dream up a big bank account. 

DIY - Safety Pin Necklace

I was inspired to make my own version of the Tom Binns Safety Pin Necklace.  The original is no longer available but similar versions of his necklaces sell for over $900. The original looks like this...

Tom Binns Safety Pin Necklace

Instead of using rhinestone strands I decided to make the safety pins sparkle.

Supply List

1. large safety pins
2. jump rings
3. chain of different sizes and types of metal (if desired)
4. glitter glue
5. pliers

I started by coating the head of each pin with glitter glue. I coated one side, let it dry completely and coated the other side.

While the pins were drying I determined the length of my necklace. Then using pliers I created length of chain for my necklace. Some lengths of chain were shorter. Using small jump rings attached to each end of the safety pin, I joined two lengths of chain on several strands.  I used a safety pin as the necklace closure.

• safety pins - from my sewing kit
• glitter glue - $3 (plenty left for a future project)
• chain -  $10 (with left over chain) + some left from my DIY - Chain Detail Jacket
• jump rings - from my jewelry supplies (you can get them for a few dollars at the craft store)

FINAL COST  - $13
SAVINGS - $900+

DIY Inspiration

I find DIY inspration in all sorts of places. My latest are...

Knifty Knitter

I've tried several times to learn how to knit. I could never get the hang of it and mostly I think it was my lack of patience that kept me from mastering the art. I've been saved by the Knifty Knitter. My first project was a cowl, made using the large yellow loom, in one afternoon!

Tom Binns safety pin necklace

I'm creating my own version of this cool necklace. It's edgy and pretty all at once.

Pleated Maxi Skirts

The lady like style of a pleated skirt is timeless. If I purchase pleated fabric, this should be an easy DIY. Geneva of A Pair and a Spare, has a great post about making her own version. My mom is visiting soon and I'm sure this will be on our project list.