side projects: Lace, fringe, and lots of sewing

A lot of readers ask me if I make projects specifically just for s&p. The answer is both yes and no - I'm constantly making and creating things, and have been for as long as I can remember. I'd still be doing all of this if it wasn't for s&p, but running this blog simply gives me more chances and opportunities to do so. If anything, it's definitely pushed my creative boundaries (which I love).

I thought it'd be fun to periodically share some of my side projects, outside of this blog. My sewing/crafting/creating definitely isn't limited to s&p, so hopefully you'll get some ideas and inspiration from these posts!

Remember the Scarf Vest from a while back? You can easily use a large piece of fabric to recreate the same look. I used polyester lace from Fabric.com, although the fabric I used doesn't seem to be available anymore. You can use any kind of lace, though!

I absolutely love this - so simple, but such a statement piece. I wore it a lot this past summer and I'm hoping to layer it for this fall.

I've had this plain vintage clutch for a while. I bought it at one of the small thrift stores in my college town during one of my post-grad visits last year - it cost me an entire $1. I felt like it needed a makeover before I could regularly start using it.

Thankfully, there were metal loops at either end. I attached sturdy, thick brass chain - transforming it into a cross body purse. I glued on a huge agate stone pendant that I've had for a while, as an accent piece. It's too big for a necklace...but perfect for the bag. So glad I kept it around!

Newest dream catcher addition to my bright turquoise wall. Made from lace scraps, an embroidery hoop, leather cord and peacock feathers.

I went a little crazy making turban headbands yesterday. The solid colored headbands are made from old t-shirts& tank tops. The black & white headband was made from the graphic of a t-shirt, of my friends' band. I have duplicates of the shirt so I wanted to do something fun with the image.

The pink/orange/paisley headband is actually from a leg of a pair of tights that I purchased in a store at Penn Station (NYC). I bought it years ago, decided to cut off the feet to make them footless, then instantly regretted it. So glad I was able to salvage it by making a headband, because I LOVE the print! The yellow and red floral headband was made from the leftovers of these two projects (Gathered Dress and Bra to Bustier).

One of my favorite thrifted purchases from my college years. This tunic was $1.99 at Salvation Army, and it was definitely one of those lucky finds. Unfortunately, it fit a bit weirdly - or at least it did on me - thanks to the elastic around the waist. I've also had some black fringe for a while, so I decided to combine the two to make a fringed crop top.

   

I forgot to take a "before" picture of this one, but the original was a lot like the tunic before this. Elastic around the waist, and fairly long. Except, this was MUCH bigger and even more awkward to wear. This was from a consignment store - also from my college town. It's actually by Rue 21, and I bought it for $8. I knew it was too big for me, but I loved the print and color (turquoise is my favorite, if you couldn't tell).

#1 Rule of Thrifting: Don't buy it if it doesn't fit! Thankfully, my old thrifting weakness was remedied years later (ie. yesterday) when I made it to a fringe crop top.

I happened to have JUST enough black fringe (from M&J Trimming, obviously!) for two shirts. It worked out perfectly.

This doesn't fall under the "side project" category - but I had to share these candles. The large Pumpkin Nutmeg Pie is from Rite Aid, but I hauled quite a few from Bath & Body Works today. I'M IN LOVE! I'm burning Hot Buttered Rum in this picture, but I also bought mini candles in Homemade Cookie, Gingerbread, Caramel Apple, Marshmallow Fireside, Frosted Cupcake. I also got a medium sized candle in Autumn.

I think I need to go back and stock up. I'm that obsessed with fall and candles, let alone fall scented ones.


xo!