DIY Burlap Bucket

A bucket, you say? Now wait, it is MUCH cooler than you’re thinking. 🙂

If you’re like me, you always need places to PUT things. You need to get more organized. You don’t want to spend a lot of money but you want whatever it is that’s doing the organizing, to look good. And you’d be thrilled to do it yourself – if you just knew how.

So take a look at this absolutely terrific burlap “bucket” – container – catchall – magazine holder – tote – you name it:

DIY Burlap Bucket - PDF instructions from Designsmayamade on Etsy
DIY Burlap Bucket or Tote – PDF Instructions from Designsmayamde on Etsy

No this is not my idea – this is a wonderful tutorial available for only $9.00 from Designsmayamade on Etsy

Think how many ways you could use this. In every room – in colors made to coordinate and look good with what you’ve already got. You can do it yourself. You could use all kind of great recycled fabrics!

And she offers online help if you need it!

May 25th, 2010 | Tags: | Category: DIY, Eco friendly | Comments are closed

Beautiful Simplicity in Decorating – Definitely DYI!

Please take a look at these pics. And tell me if you agree with me – I bet you will – that they are beautiful, and refreshing, and soul-calming.

Beautiful rooms in Filicudi Italy - as seen in style-files.com
Beautiful rooms in Filicudi Italy – as seen in style-files.com.

It makes me feel good just to look at the pics. And it inspires me. Yes, these rooms are in an exotic (to me) island halfway around the world. But the ideas here are absolutely universal.

USE LESS STUFF. Clear out the clutter. Have a wonderful color. Let the light in.

Let me be sure to give credit where it’s due – I found these wonderful pictures, and more you will love, over at style-files.com. Totally inspirational!

This is completely do it yourself. GET RID OF SOME STUFF. Let the bones of the room show. Add some light. Take away some of the crap.

Do I seem to be stuck on that idea? Well, yeah, I am. Use less – and love what you have, MORE.

PS You may have noticed that I included this post in the category “Going Green”, and I haven’t mentioned recycling once (till now). But I have mentioned “using less” – and that is a very important green idea!

May 23rd, 2010 | Tags: | Category: DIY, Eco friendly, Home Decor, Indie / Design | Comments are closed

Costuming a la Project Runway (sort of!) Shosuro Jim-en by Kankywompous

Now you know how I love seeing artistic creativity, especially when it’s original work, and especially when it’s budget-friendly. This is fabric creativity, not paper, but it’s right up my alley all the same.

The artist is Kankywompous – see her work here. Her project – that reminds me of Project Runway – was to create a Japanese kimono outfit (kimono, obi and haori) for a small contest on the following Saturday. To find the fabrics, do the cutting and sewing of all the pieces from Wednesday to Friday (night) – and oh yeah, there was a “real” job during that time too – I’m applauding!

And check out the result!

Shoshuro Jim costume and Shoshuro Jim with Mask

See the detail:
Costume - Lining Detail et extravagant!

And they won first place! The artist mentioned, “I started cutting and sewing about 11am Wed and stopped at about 10pm that night with both the Kimono and Obi finished at that point.

The Haori I had less time to work with, as I had work in the morning, so after I got back on Thurs, I started the cutting and sewing of the jacket. The Haori is lined with the same print as the outer layer, but in a brighter color to add a nice pop.

At the event, which is part of a two day CCG Event for Legend of the Five rings, it placed 1st in the costume contest (out of four placings).”

You have to admire that kind of creative rush (and can I add, I absolutely love that lining!)

May 22nd, 2010 | Tags: | Category: DIY, Indie / Design, More Good Stuff, shopping | Comments are closed