Faux Real: An Attempt at Snow Globe Postcards

Remember the snow globe postcard DIY I posted a couple of days ago? Well I thought I'd give it a try. So, inspired by those Anthro snow globes that so many of you love, I attempted to recreate one in paper form. I'll label it a valiant (late night, hungry) effort as I had limited supplies at hand, so I can't promise craft genius. The one big thing I'd change? I love the glitter on the original project and wish I had that, but alas, my snow was simply computer paper!

Plus, I swear my camera grew legs so all I had to capture the project with was my iPhone. Fail? Let's hope not!

The original project from Giddy Giddy:

And my attempt:

Faux Real: Amanda's diy Belt is a Cinch...For Pence!

I have to admit, I have been unwillingly dragged into an outdoor store many times in my life thanks to my uber-athletic brother. Had I been a little more coordinated, I might have had a need for the gear, too—but when your workout is limited to the treadmill and yoga mat, the call for snowboard goggles is slim. Needless to say, when I visited these outdoor sport meccas, my attention was drawn to the bright-as-jewels accessories. In particular: accessory cord. Ever since I first laid eyes on the rainbow selection, I have been trying to find a use. Now, thanks to J.Crew's always clever styling, it's finally in my cart! And at around 30 cents per foot (around £1 per meter for those of you in the UK), this project is wallet friendly. What more could you ask for?

All you need to recreate J.Crew's accessory cord belt (as seen in December 2009's Holiday in Chile catalog) is colorful accessory cord and a lighter.

You will need:
*Accessory cord (suggested thickness of 5-6 millimeters. When you use cord thicker than this, it's less pliable.
*Lighter

Steps:
1. Decide where you want your belt to sit and cut twice the desired length of cord.
2. Using a lighter, carefully single the ends of the cord so it doesn't unravel.
3. After letting the ends cool, fold the cord in half creating a loop.


4. Place the cord around your waist with the looped side on the left hip and singed ends on the right hip.
5. Pull the singed ends of the cord through the looped end and tighten.
6. Pull the ends downward, then circle them back around and under the singed end side of the belt on your right hip.
7. Thread the ends through the middle of the loop you have just created. Voila!

Alternatives: square knot, braid, and two-corded square knot

Want to take the project a step further? Experiment with different kinds of knots and braids. My pick? The easy and stylish square knot. See a how-to video at Boys' Life mag's site. Once you knot the cord, secure it to your waist with a pretty bow in the back.

Tip: Use two pieces of accessory cord for a bigger, more dramatic square knot.

Where to find the cord:
England: Cotswold Outdoor and Active.
USA: Rei.com offers BlueWater or PMI brand cord.

J.Crew Inspired diy on Monday!

If you liked what guest blogger Amanda had to offer last time, then you will adore what she's making for Monday! And just because I can't wait to show, here's a little preview.

Photograph from J.Crew.

See you Monday!

Guest Blogger Debuts Monday!

Starting Monday, Amanda will be joining us to weigh in on her brilliant design tips and tricks. First up is a DIY I know many of you need to read. Her credentials? Besides being an amazing friend and unfailingly fabulous fashionista, she has also written for a Southern shelter mag and is beginning another guest blogging journey over at my girl Lady Gray's site. I know I'm excited and once you see what's in store for Monday, I guarantee you'll be begging for more Amanda posts! Till then, here's her beautiful face (and not the creeping one in the background) to keep you going.

 
Amanda & Nicole

Web Roundup: Stocking Solutions

Stockings might just be the most fun thing to dive into on Christmas morning. So don't ditch them if you're sans fireplace. Instead, make one of these easy and stylish alternatives a weekend craft to-do.

 Photographs courtesy of magazines' websites

Clockwise from top left:

*Use pretty ribbon scraps to hang mugs to your staircase. Worried they'll fall? Just use floral wire to secure. Photograph from Living Etc.

*Suspend a found branch by the tree. Bonus? This one is perfect for small spaces. Photograph from Living Etc.

*You won't even have to leave bed on Christmas morning! Photograph from Country Living.

*Monogram socks using puffy paint and finish off with fun pom-poms and ribbon for a kid-friendly craft. Photograph from Martha Stewart Living.

*Take advantage of your piano's "mantle." Photograph from Country Living.

Faux Real: Handmade Hanukkah Garland

DIY blog Prudent Baby kicked off their Handmade Hanukkah series with this garland that's just so sweet. Can't wait to try it myself! Click here for the complete how to.

Mazel Tov!

Photograph courtesy of www.prudentbaby.blogspot.com

Faux Real: Luxe Snow Globes

How amazing is this styling by Anthropologie?! Although I don't think I would be OK with submerging expensive jewellery, antique stores or flea markets often yield inexpensive yet interesting pieces that would be perfect for a DIY like this. You could even use Christmas ornaments, but be sure to use a sealant if your dec is prone to rust.

Photographs & jewellery courtesy of www.anthropologie.com

You will need:

All can be found at a craft or haberdashery store.

*A jar of your choice (with a lid)

*Figurines or jewellery

*Anti-rust sealant for metal pieces

*Clear-drying epoxy 

*Distilled water

*Dash of glycerin

*Large silver or white glitter (smaller versions will float at the top)

Steps:

1. Use clear-drying epoxy to adhere your piece to the inside of the lid. Let dry per  instructions.

2. After the epoxy dries completely, fill your jar with distilled or boiled water (at room temperature, of course).

3. Add just a dash of glycerin so the "snow" falls slowly.

4. Add as much glitter as you like. If you don't like the look of glitter, you can usually find faux snow at craft and haberdashery stores.

5. Screw your lid on tightly and enjoy your snow globe!

Faux Real: White Christmas

Now that many of us are living off of Thanksgiving leftovers (my Mom could probably feed a small army with turkey sandwiches this week) I feel like I'm officially allowed to talk holiday decorations. I have always been more of a white Christmas kinda gal and used to love making paper snowflakes. So here are two Martha DIYs to get the look of those magical flecks of frozen agua. For step-by-steps on the paper snowflakes, click here, and for the doily directions, click here.