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

march madness!

belt american vintage//shoes minnetonka//bag street vendor

Living so close to Mexico has some major advantages! Like this awesome purse I found Downtown for a steal! I loved it so much I bought one for all of my sisters, and my niece! It is definitely the inspiration for my next DIY project. I'm currently shopping for a good sewing machine and once that is in my possession there will be no stopping me! I also found this shredded up crop top, vintage belt [needs a buckle] and Minnetonka moccasins! I am so excited for March, not only will it be getting warmer but I have some really cool projects coming up! Let the madness of March begin!!! 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. ! 

d.i.y felt soap

D.I.Y. Felt Soap Tutorial! 

Starring the lovely Kat O'Neill and yours truly. 

#1. What you will need : Soap, Roving, Felting Needles, Scissors, Nylon, and a Large Bowl 

Cost: About $15 - $20

I purchased 365 Chamomile, Lavender and Aloe natural glycerine soap from Whole Foods for $1.99 per soap. *Crafter Tip: Kat said it is very important to buy a good soap because during the massaging process your hands will dry out if you don't! I purchased the roving rolls and needles from Michaels Craft Stores. The Roving Rolls were $4.99 per bag (you can create about 3 soaps roughly per bag) and the needles were about $3.99. I cut up a pair of old nylon stockings, I am sure you can grab a cheap pair just about anywhere if you don't have any lying around! Once you have all of that all you will need to do is grab yourself a large bowl,  a pair of scissors and you are ready to go! (You may want to have a towel or some napkins handy because it can get a bit soapy!) 

#2. Set the Mood with some Good Tunes! We were jammin' to The Devil Makes Three... Kat's choice, and I must say it was a mighty good one!  #3. Prep your supplies and get ready to have some serious crafting fun! Don't forget to take a photo using the roving as eyes, you will regret it!!!

#4. Ok, Lets Get Started! Wrap the roving around your soap. You can wrap it however your little heart desires as long as there is no soap exposed when you are done. The next step is to choose the color for your design. Hearts, polka dots, stripes, letters...etc.! Break apart a few small pieces and begin to layer. Use the needle to help shape your design and also to keep the roving in place. When you're finished with your design gently pierce the soap with the needle tying down any loose edges. I over jabbed mine a bit, it's a pretty good anger release! haha....

#5. Gently insert your soap into the nylon. Make sure you tie it really tightly so the soap inside cannot move around. #6. Fill a large bowl with some hot H2O. #7. Dunk your soap into the hot water. 

#8. Massage your soap (pretend you are washing your hands) for atleast 15 minutes. You will be able to feel when your felt is starting to latch onto the soap. (it won't be as puffy!) #9. Rinse your soap creation under cold water. (while still in the nylon) #10. Unwrap Soap and let dry!!! 

The entire process takes about 1 hour from start to finish (not including the drying) I would wait about 24 hours before you, as Kat would say: "Wash yo' Self"! After the soap runs out inside, you are left with a super cute homemade body scrubber! But, I didn't dare use mine. I think they are way too cute! Instead I have them filling up and old crate in my bathroom! They make really cute gifts as well. This was my first time so my soap wasn't exactly perfect, but it looks handmade and smells really yummy so I am happy! I can't wait to make more of these cute little creations and play around with the designs! Thanks Kat for showing me how to make this and can't wait for the next d.i.y. craft night! 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

you pretty lil' [thang]

While out treasure hunting I found this adorable vintage floral dress. It was so cheap it feels like stealing! [$5-] Shhh!!! Head over to the Silver Lake Flea Market on Saturdays, they have a ton of really cute vintage dresses... make sure you have cash you will get a better deal, plus those ATM fees are a rip off!

Oh and don't forget about the Silver Lake Art Craft & Vintage market, the 2nd Saturday of every month! See ya there! :)

oh so [foxy] !

I found some really cool stuff this weekend, not to mention everything was on SALE! Well except one item, can you guess which one?!

I got most of this stuff at the Urban Outfitters Fall Sale. The hat is by Element, and the AMAZING pink studded shoes [fox tick] I purchased from Jeffery Campbell [of course]! xxx

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same" : Coco Chanel

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for the [love] of chalk!

Chalkboard walls are a simple and cost efficient ways to spunk up your home! From my kitchen to my bedroom, I have adorned my walls with this lovely black chalkboard paint. It is so simple, yet so fun! Draw images, write reminders, or play hang man with your friends! For under $10 you can give your home a facelift!

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!