bypolliani bags

I was first introduced to Janka Polliani by my other half who worked with her in Norway... since then I have been totally hooked on her blog! I am completely obsessed with her handmade leather bags. Created by the husband and wife duo, BYPOLLIANI is their brand. From my understanding the iPhone cases will be released tomorrow, June 1st and the bags to follow! My only problem now is that I love them all so much I cannot decide which one I want!!! The white fringe bag is definitely a front runner for me, but as far as the iPhone bags go I am totally torn. Maybe I need them all to coordinate with my outfits?! You can buy them here: WWW.POLLIANI.COM 

diy bleach out !

Have old t-shirts laying around? Here is a really simple way to give it a fresh new look. First find a t-shirt you want to destroy. I didn't have any rubber bands laying around, so I decided to use twine. [which turned out to be a blessing in disguise] Next wrap your shirt in different size knots. I went crazy! After you make your knots take the twine and wrap it around the entire shirt in different places. After you are happy with your wrapped up tee, grab yourself a bowl and some bleach. I wanted to make sure my shirt got completely bleached out so I filled up about half of my bowl with bleach, then added warm water to the rim. I let my shirt soak overnight and in the morning I hung it for a couple of hours. Throw it in the wash machine and presto! You have yourself a new shirt!!! You can't really mess up, so have fun destroying your clothes and let me know how your bleach out goes!!! xxx

Sew L.A.

Today I took a class at Sew L.A. and I loved every minute of it! Our sewing instructor Shaerie was amazing and extremely  hilarious! I haven't touched a sewing machine in a while so it was a really great refresher. I made a super cute little bag and feel confident now to move onto the next class! If you live in the L.A. area and are looking for something fun and creative, I highly recommend Sew L.A. ! 

diy coasters

Here is my first batch of handmade coasters, what do you think?! I have so many more ideas for the next set, I cannot wait to make more! I love seeing my art around the house, and I really love the fact that my husband will stop ruining my favorite wooden trunk with his water rings! These will be available for purchase on etsy as soon as I have a few more sets made! So excited. xxx

bohemian punk

 

There is something about this whole bohemian - emo - punk rocker mix that really has me falling in love... xxx

Get the Look:

Gold Bangles ---- H&M

Friendship Bracelets ---- Urban Outfitters

Diamond Bracelet ---- gifted to me, but here is something similar on Amazon

Spike Friendship Bracelet --- One of my DIY projects... want one? 

message or e-mail me: dana.calabrese@hotmail.com

fiona's [lovely] trinkets!

I have been meaning to post pics of my bag of goodies from fromfitoyou.com ... so here they are! I ordered the pick-a-mix :mittens, mushrooms, gingerbread men, candy canes and one of your choice! They come packaged very nicely so they would make a great gift! Who doesn't love little handmade trinkets?!

Thanks Fiona, you did an amazing job and my house thanks you for making it a tad bit cuter! xxx

from fi to you.com : handmade decor

My Irish turned Norwegian friend Fiona launched her very own site today!!! It's full of trinkets and treats for everyone! She is one of the most creative people I know and really inspires me!

Check it out: from fi to you.com

ps... make sure you have your credit card ready you will want to use it!

Organically Romantic!

These custom bridal shower invites were inspired by the color palate and whimsical theme of my friends wedding. I wanted to give it a very organic yet romantic feel. I paired cardstock prints ( 5x7) with recycled paper backs and recycled brown paper envelopes. I wrapped each one (x50) individually with twine and added an olive green feather for a hint of romance. I threw in a couple silver flowers and topped it off with a silver heart sticker to seal the deal. I really enjoyed hand making these. It is always fun to watch a photoshop creation turn into something tangible! If you have the time and patience it really adds a personal touch to your event... and if you don't, then you can always hire me!