DIY

Creative styling ideas

May 22, 2014 by Angela

Whether it’s for a blog, shop, or instagram, it seems like every photo out there has an extra dose of creativity lately. I love seeing clever styling when it comes to fashion, products, DIYs, and decor… especially when it has that aerial view on a crisp background. I remember reading a few times that Pinterest has made people push themselves more in terms of creativity because everyone wants to be able to take that gorgeous photo. Here are some styles I’m loving and ideas for doing them yourself:

The Pink Diary is a blog full of perfectly styled outfit ideas. Tip: Fold clothes so everything fits in the frame, and add little details like polish.

Free People‘s blog is one of those few brands that’s actually a go-to for inspiration. This packing list keeps it simple on a blank backdrop.

I’ve always loved when Etsy sellers style each product according to a specific brand and aesthetic. Factory1974 does just that on a neutral wood-grain background. With products, it’s important to keep your branding functional–people should be able to see what they’ll get. This one’s a definite success.

Another shop on Etsy, Smile Mercantile, has a shop fully stocked with perfectly curated supplies and vintage goods. Valerie seems to get EVERYTHING right here, and each picture looks different–and worthy of sharing! Now that I think of it, I feel a shop feature coming on…

Coffee table and workspace styling is huge right now, so if you have a cute table, you better be photographing it! This photo by Rebecca Dale of a space/styling on WithLoveFromKat (including a print by MadeByGirl) couldn’t be better designed. Tip: Fresh flowers can only make your photo better.

Charity styled this 80s party dress on our shop’s instagram and pretty much doubled our followers instantly (hey, we’re getting there!). So, the tip here is: Get creative and you can’t go wrong. Oh, and add a pineapple. Always add a pineapple.

Are you into this styling trend? Which one is your favorite?

Crochet spring shawl

April 15, 2014 by Angela

Things are getting back to normal after a bad migraine spell that made me useless all last week. I’m looking a little sickly in these photos because of it but I was really excited about a new crochet design I finished this month. This actually isn’t my favorite yarn to work with (though taupe is definitely my favorite neutral) but I have a soft wool in mind that will work well too.

I had been wanting to make either a shawl or poncho forever but wasn’t sure how to create the drape and texture I wanted. Then when I finally gave up and was going to just crochet whatever, I accidentally formed what I was looking for… Don’t you just love when things go your way?

This shawl works surprisingly well for warmer weather, despite the thick yarn. It’s the perfect solution for chilly arms and unattractive spaghetti straps. It would probably work well draped over a skirt, too, as a little cover up.

Whenever I recover from a bad headache or cold, I feel 1000x more appreciative of my good health than I did before. Even the days that aren’t so great mentally… I’m just happy to feel well and be able to be active and just go about my day… so here’s to that!

What have you created lately?

Easy crochet coasters

April 8, 2014 by Angela

I’m absolutely in love with coral for spring (I know, who isn’t?) and recently instagrammed this amazing cotton yarn I picked up at the craft store. I don’t usually use this type of yarn but there is no color like it in any other brand. So these coasters were born. The best part is that they go nicely with my aqua Anthropologie coasters… I love this color combo!

Another DIY tissue paper garland

March 19, 2014 by Angela

I loved how easy it was to make our pink, white, and gold tissue paper garland for the E. Magnolia photo shoot, so I made my own mini version for the bedroom. I used a pretty similar method to Studio DIY’s mini tassel garland, including cute washi tape for securing the fringe. So, if you’re looking for simple, inexpensive, and super cute party decor or a backdrop, here’s how it’s done:

Gather your supplies–scissors, tissue paper (one sheet = one tassel), cute washi tape, and string.

Starting with an individual sheet, fold the paper width-wise, and keep folding until it looks similar to original packaging. The more you fold it, the quicker you’ll have your strips of paper. Insert scissors into each side and cut up the length to eliminate extra folds. Then, cut it into about 4-5 strips; unfold the strips individually; set aside.

I wanted each tassel to look the same with alternating colors, so I cut ALL strips before starting, then pieced them back together after. It’s an extra step, so if you don’t want to, you can just make the tassels as you go.

Stack the strips on top of each other and fold over the string. Twist the top a bit to make it fuller, so it doesn’t stay so flat. Then secure it with a strip of tape.

Repeat until you have a desired length, and hang! Mine only had 8 tassels so it’s pretty small.

By the way, have you ever had “cheap” washi tape? I was thrilled to find an EIGHT pack for $4 at TJ Maxx (my secret place to get craft supplies) and used it for this project. Some of them started peeling off right away, which is when I discovered—not all washi tapes are created equal. I’ll continue to buy on Etsy from now on.

Have you made a tassel garland before? What was your method?

DIY map printed book covers

March 19, 2014 by Angela

I recently rearranged my bookshelf and noticed a turquoise-y theme… Funny how no matter how you try to emulate a certain style your own personal aesthetic comes out in some way or another. I thrifted a vintage atlas a few weeks ago and got to making book covers for the less pretty of my collected books. Just fold the paper over each flap, leaving enough room to fold a little pocket for the book to slip over, and cut to size!

DIY floral bookmarks

March 12, 2014 by Angela

My personal style changes with the seasons. In the fall, I’m all about earth tones, plaids, chunky knits, and slouchy sweaters. But when it comes to spring, it’s nothing but flowers. Anyone with me? My latest DIY on Bright, Bold & Beautiful is all about making use of those faux flowers I bought the other day–remember my hair accessories? As it turns out, my crafting style is all all pretty + floral, too. A few dollars goes a long way! See how to make these DIY bookmarks here.