Tag: DIY

Gift guide: DIY

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 2 Comments

Let’s be honest, if you’re reading this blog you’re probably pretty darn crafty and you’re thinking about making some of your gifts yourself. Here are a few great ideas and tutorials to get you started!

First up: for your dad, uncle, brother or husband, a tie is always a great choice. But why not put a little extra love into this standard gift by making it yourself? Easy instructions are available at the Purl bee blog.

I’ve been spending some time at Higher Fire, a local ceramics studio, throwing mugs and bowls of all sizes. Most towns have a studio that offers this type of thing—or classes if you’re just starting out. If you’re not feeling ambitious or clay isn’t your thing, check out your local paint your own pottery place.

A few years ago, my sisters bought me a necklace pretty similar to the one above. Now, the Bayside Bride blog offers easy instructions for how to make it!

Christmas 101: Shabby Chic Décor

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 4 Comments

Marked by time-tested furniture and feminine details, shabby chic holiday décor can be worked into a home that’s full of country charm or girly glitz—or as an unexpected addition to any home, from modern to traditional! With this much lace and frill, I prefer to keep things neutral in terms of color palatte… so here are my top picks!

Since I’m in an apartment this year, I’m not sure I’ll have a real tree (or even a plastic one), but I might make this lovely tulle number myself! Easy instructions are available here.

Fabric-wrapped ornaments are a welcome addition to any tree and I love the neutral tones and varying textures in these by Alice’s Looking Glass.

Perfect for when the whole family gathers around your table, this whimsical table runner by Emendee is made from vintage doilies that recall idyllic snowflakes.

A great addition to your tree or running down a staircase or across your mantel, these ruffled garlands are a lovely mix of sheer and soft with rugged and rustic. Easy tutorial here!

One more easy DIY idea courtesy of Annaboo’s House blog, these lovely votives can be tailored to your individual taste, whether you prefer simple glass cylinders or antique mason jars, delicate lace, vintage trim or twine simply wrapped around the container. They look even better when the votives inside are lit!

Easy DIY Ribbon Necklace

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 2 Comments

Last May, we featured a great ribbon-and-chain necklace in a BRAVA fashion shoot. While everyone from the models to our fashion coordinator coveted the lovely piece, I sat back and thought, “I could make that.” As with most things on that list, it took me months to get there, but finally, I have that perfect mix of hard and soft embodied in a piece of jewelry!

The project was so easy to make, I thought I’d share the super quick instructions with you!

Supplies:
•60″ length of 1.5″ wide satin ribbon
•ubiquitous tacky chain necklace from the ’80s (I’d venture to guess you could substitute a light chain from the hardware store instead!)

Step 1: Lay the necklace flat, making sure the links fall as you’ll want to wear it. Thread the ribbon through the first link. Leaving about 20″ of ribbon at the end, tie a knot.

Step 2: Weave the ribbon through the rest of the links, making sure not to flip any so the necklace will hang nicely around your neck.

Step 3: Keeping the necklace flat, tie a knot at the other end of the necklace to ensure the  chain doesn’t slip down the ribbon.

Step 4: Tie the necklace around your neck so it hangs at a length you like and voila!