FabSugar

She's Crafty: New Buttons, New Jacket

FabSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:00:22 PST

What to do when you have an old jacket that is still Fab, but has gone drab? No need to be dramatic and rid of it, just take another look and see how it can be revived. This was what I did with a 5-year-old DKNY olive green jacket. When I first got it, I wore it to death. Ever since, it has just sat in my closet, with old memories to keep it company. The reason I loved it so was because I realized an olive green jacket pretty much goes with everything. It can be utilitarian, sporty, chic, or just plain casual. The neutral hue works for both Summer and Winter, and it doesn't go out of style.

I knew my old faithful could be revived. What I love most about this jacket is these complex seams along the back and shoulders - I would never tire of those. So I started with the sleeves, and simply rolled them up, for a more distressed style. What really stood out as an eye sore was the drab buttons; these pale green medium sized buttons just camouflaged with the fabric. I thought if I simply changed the buttons - something even I know how to do - the jacket would be refreshed.

To see the process, and to read the rest of my jacket salvation story,

The jacket has a slight safari feel, so I immediately thought tortoise buttons would be perfect. I adore the marbleized design of tortoise, and, like the jacket, I find it goes with a lot of colors and styles. This decision was made even before I got to the fabric store.
Britex Fabrics in San Francisco is awesome. They had oodles of tortoise buttons to choose from; it was not an easy choice. I ended up choosing a nice flat tortoise button. The grand total ended up being less than $10. But I was sure to bring the jacket with me, so the salesperson could see what size button I was looking for and so I could imagine the new look. Also, the jacket has four buttons, but I bought one extra in case my sewing skills ever fail me.

Thread. I needed an olive green that would match the jacket. After a quick visit to my parents house - my mom used to sew so she has like every color - I found the perfect little spool of olive green. I was almost ready to take on my project.
Tools. The only tools I needed were a needle and a seam ripper. If you don't already have a seam ripper, I suggest you get one. They come in handy for projects like this, sewing mishaps, and opening closed pockets.
Labor. One evening I went to work and surprisingly the jacket button switcharoo only took a half hour. It was easy to align the new buttons because there were already holes in place. I just started at the top, removed the old button and any residual thread, and sewed on the new button. You can really see the difference the button makeover made! New buttons, new jacket.

In times of a fashion recession, and with the holidays right around the corner, I know the financial bind many of you are in. By simply rejuvenating something you once loved, you can have a (semi) new piece of clothing. Never underestimate the big power of the little button.

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Elaena's Fairy-Tale Princess and the Pea Pajama Party

Lisa Horten — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:32:26 PDT

While scoping out this incredibly imaginative and whimsical little girl's birthday party based upon the story The Princess and the Pea, "budget" is the last word that comes to mind. But crafty mom Beca, who blogs and sells her printable papers at My Paper Lily, says that she did it all on her own - right down to sewing pillows and sleep masks for the little guests.

Click through and enjoy the whimsy and fun of Elaena's supersweet second birthday celebration!

Source: My Paper Lily

An Eloise-Inspired Hotel Birthday Bonanza

Lisa Horten — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:53:07 PDT

When True requested a hotel stay for her sixth birthday, mom Rubyellen was more than happy to oblige. "This idea of hers was inspired by her favorite book character, Eloise, who is six and lives at the Plaza Hotel," the crafty mama said. The mastermind behind Cakies, a gorgeous blog focused on DIY projects, family happenings, and incredible photographs, Rubyellen was sure to make the family outing extraspecial.

"We also asked her if she wanted a party and she said, 'Yes, just the six of us.' Other requests she had were swimming, watching My Little Pony in the room, and a vegetable cake. You shake up all the little requests she had in a box and this is what we came up with," Rubyellen said. Click through and enjoy the offbeat, bright birthday bash!

A Playroom Fit For Two Fairy Princesses

LilSugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:39:34 PDT

When Maegan, the crafty mom behind Confessions of a Scrapaholic, decided it was time to revamp her little girls' "Pixie Hollow" playroom, she pulled out all the stops. Painter Ann Gates Fiser specializes in wall murals, and in an even more perfect twist of fate, fantasy art and fairies are her genre of choice. See how the artist and the mom transformed an under-the-staircase playroom into a fairy-decorated haven for two lil girls!

A Studio and House Tour With Pouf Maker and Fiber Artist Cara Corey

Elka Karl — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:00:58 PST

I recently popped by Cara Corey's charming home in Richmond, CA, to chat with her about her life in California, her pouf-making business, and her future crafty and home plans. Cara is a fairly recent Midwest transplant and loves her newly chosen home, which she shares with her hubby and two pups. While Cara has worked as a reporter and editor in the past - as well as a yoga teacher - her biggest love has always been crafting, specifically, knitting and crocheting.

Cara's Etsy shop, Mary Marie Knits, is chock-full of modern pieces that most CasaSugar readers will adore, from giant knitted rope rugs to cool poufs. Keep clicking to tour Cara's home and studio and to learn more about her business.

A Whole Lotta Lil in This Week's Links

Nancy Einhart — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 09:28:10 PST

Talk turkey with these crafty cute Thanksgiving finds from Etsy.
Gobble up 10 tasty Thanksgiving sweet treats.
Baby can celebrate Thanksgiving too with holiday-themed purees.
Real mom gift guide: Debra Messing tells us what she really wants this holiday season.
Planning to catch the new Muppets movie next weekend? First shop these Muppet-inspired styles for kids!
Gwen Stefani talks about her kids' style choices and her fashion line.
Go over the moon for this Goodnight Moon-themed baby shower.
A perfect pumpkin pie for tots with allergies.
Too cool for school: a gift guide for baby hipsters.
Victoria Beckham wasn't lying when she said she'd dress Harper in traditional (and adorable) clothes.

Rachel Roy Is a Low-Key Beauty

Annie Tomlin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:39:12 PDT

When it comes to famous people, it's rare that I fall into the "we'd totally be friends" delusion. But designer Rachel Roy seems so down-to-earth that it's easy to imagine listening to The xx with her. Don't take my word for it, though. We just got word of her summery beauty favorites, and they're charmingly low-key. Instead of wearing makeup to the beach, she sports strawberry Lip Smacker and Clarins spray SPF 50. And rather than spend an hour with a manicurist, she uses Sally Hansen Salon Effects (like us!). Plus, she's crafty: she blends Jo Malone Red Roses and Chanel No.5 lotions together for a customized scent. "I usually wear my hair down with little maintenance or pull it back in a pony," she writes, adding that she's "obsessed" with KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum. (Me too.) See what I mean? We'd totally be buddies in an alternate world. For now, though, I'm content to peruse her Rachel Rachel Roy lookbook, which - as usual - contains tons of fun dresses at not-exorbitant prices, which is exactly what you'd expect from someone who seems as level-headed as she is cool.

Little Martha Stewart Celebrates Halloween

Anna Monette Roberts — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:30:45 PDT

Calling all crafty kids! Martha & Friends, the animated series for kids featuring projects and recipes by Martha Stewart, is airing its "Halloween Horror Show" episode this Friday, Oct. 28, on the Hallmark Channel at noon.

Little Martha is a 10-year-old girl who works on crafts and plans themed parties with her three friends and two playful puppies. She and her friends dress as "Glampires" for Halloween and throw a spooky Halloween party in a barn, complete with cobwebs, orange and black banners, balloons, lanterns, and creepy Halloween snacks.

Kids are encouraged to visit the Martha & Friends website to copy any of the crafts, costumes, or recipes that they see on Martha & Friends. The website also features interactive games and fun facts about the characters on the show.

Be sure to record the show for your little ones, and check the website for fun DIY Halloween costumes and kid-friendly Halloween party snacks. Perhaps there will be recipes for those adorable spider cupcakes and that delicious-looking pumpkin punch!

Take Your Baby Shower to the Great Outdoors With a Rustic, Camping-Themed Party

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:31:02 PDT

Take your shower outdoors this Spring – we mean your baby shower, of course! When a mama-to-be has a thing for camping and she's got some crafty and creative friends, a beautiful, rustic shower can be thrown for the guest of honor. Jesi Haack did just that when she planned a shower for her expectant friend. Filled with thoughtful lil details (see the pinecone garland and camping-themed sandwich picks) and fun activities (the make-your-own onesie station was too cute), guests are sure to remember this party well after the lil one's arrival. Check it out!

Source: Jesi Haack Design

Here's Why You Shouldn't Give Your Friends Designer Gifts

Emily Co — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:10:53 PST

If you think you're doing your friend a big favor by buying a really expensive item that she's been lusting over, there might be one drawback that you probably didn't know about. It's called the "aesthetic incongruity resolution" and it gives people the urge to buy things to match up with the nicer item, according to the Boston Globe.

For example, if your closet has no designer pickings, getting a brand-new Balenciaga from your pal might upset the balance. You might use it as an excuse to get a pair of expensive Manolos to "even things out" in your wardrobe.

There are plenty of gifts that won't cause this designer distortion in your friend's life. If you want to gift your friend with something meaningful, consider experience gifts such as tickets to the theater or crafty presents like scrapbooks or framed pictures.