Paint A Pretty Picture

Hello All, 
Humber College North Campus had a fun idea the other day. De-Stress Day on Campus. The Humber Student Federation put together a few activities near the cafeteria inspired to calm the mind. One of which was painting. I haven't painted in a long time and it was really fun to pick up a paint brush and go nuts lol. I encourage everyone to paint a portrait. Whether it be splashing colours on a canvas or creating a scenic view. Somehow, focusing on brush strokes and mixing colours really does wonders for the soul. 

Stud Bracelets

These bracelets are a really easy way to design a unique statement accessory. I used a simple "watch strap" style bracelet band from Michael's Craft Store and chose a few complimentary beads. I chose to decorate the silver band with sparkly silver spikes and a miniature love pendant. My second bracelet has turquoise flowers on blue band. Each bead was sewn onto the band with needle and thread. This style is fun and easy. Its a great personalized accessory.

Wire Wrap Ring

It's been a long time coming but here is the wire ring tutorial. I purchased jewelry wire from the craft store Michaels, and miniature needle nose pliers and clippers. All you need to do it cut about 30cm of wire and string your bead through. Make sure the bead is sitting in the center of your wire. Place the bead about one size bigger than your actual ring size on your ring mandrel. If your like me and you don't have a mandrel, you can use a lipstick or lip balm cylinder. wrap both ends of the wire around the mandrel once, so that both ends face toward you. Now you have created your ring shape. Wrap each end of the exposed wire around the bead in a clock like motion. Your bead should look like it is now sitting in a wire "nest". Lastly, curve each wire end around the the ring shape to tighten the form and close off the design. I posted a short video that I hope helps but I will try to upload additional videos that may help. Clip the ends of the wire that you no longer need and be sure to flatten the blunt ends so you wont scratch yourself while wearing your ring.

Poster Collage

I made a poster collage inspired by Naomi Cambell. This is a great way to create unique artwork for home decor. Be sure to use pictures with  a lot of pixels so you can get the best resolution when you print it out. Choosing a frame that compliments your images will enhance the look. Using family pictures or even travel photos personalizes the portrait. Have fun with this idea!

Tear Away Scarf

The weather is getting warmer and Spring is well on it's way. I've ditched my thick wool winter scarves and made myself a jersey knit tear away scarf. It's very simple, versatile and fashionable. I chose a black and white striped print for my fabric, but any print will do. That's part of the beauty of this style, it is personal and unique. I measured about one meter of fabric and cut the excess. This scarf mimics the infinity scarf, but be sure not to sew the ends together. You will need to install snaps to your scarf where the seem would be so you can separate the scarf in order to wear it in different styles. The easiest way to install the snaps is to find ribbon with pre-applied snaps. Then all you have to do is sew the ribbon to the fabric. You can manipulate this scarf and wear as a shawl, vest, wrap, and even hoodie. Cut, Sew, Viola! A uniquely yours tear away scarf. 

Roses Candles and Stones, Oh My!

Hello All!
Today I wanted to share a fun and easy project to decorate your home. Using glass bowls and/or vase you can create a unique statement for any room in your home. I am a sentimental person, so I chose to use dried roses from a bouquet of flowers I had received from my boyfriend on our first date. I cut away the stems of the roses so I could use the heads in my decoration. Then I simply chose a glass bowl that I felt displayed my flowers the best, and placed the heads of the roses in the bowl. I like the simplicity of this look, but you can adapt this project to suite your personality. In my second glass bowl I chose to use a mix of river stones and a candle with the same colour scheme. The great thing about this project is that you can literally come up with so many designs and use just about anything. You can find glass bowls at Walmart or even the dollar store. Have fun with this project and try different size bowls or vase.

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Beaded Bracelets!

I was inspired to make my beaded bracelets (or bangles) after browsing through "The Sassy Bead" in Ottawa. I love sifting through craft stores! There are so many options, I just want to purchase everything and see what I can come up with when I get home. But on this particular day I did have a specific project in mind. I wanted to create a wide bracelet made up of seed beads. I was undecided on colour, but lucky for me the store had little jars of matching beads that I could choose from. So here's how I made my bracelets!...

Supplies: Needle Nose Tweezers, Beads, Pins, Elastic String, Super Glue

1) String each pin with your beads leaving a couple millimeters at the top of the pin bare. 

2)Use your needle nose tweezers to bend the end of the pin into a complete right angle. Grasp the tip of the bent pin with your tweezers and roll the right angle backwards so that it forms a circle, which will seal the beads on the pin and allow you to string the elastic through that circle later.

3)Once each pin is complete, string them all together with the elastic string. 

4) Make sure to measure how many pins you need and how much elastic to use so that it fits your wrist without being too tight or too loose. 

5) Tie the ends of the elastic and apply a small drop of super glue (or clear nail polish) to make sure your knot doesn't slip out.