BEAUTY IS A LIFESTYLE THING

Fashion is about style. Fashion changes often, but each time fashion changes they don't invent a new wheel; fashion just evolves and is embellished upon what came before it. For this post i'm taking my decent but outdated denim jean jacket and I'll be updating it by decontructing it. I've owned this jean jacket quite a long time and I'm gauaranteeing that I have worn it only once. Hopefully once done with this project, I'll love to wear this jacket with every outfit. This is an easy craft to do, especially since there is no sewing involved. Denim that is 100% cotton frays like a dream. If you are thrifting an item, try to make sure to look for 100% cotton so that your deconstruction project will be easy. I decided that once I saw these particular designer denim jackets with similar styling (i.e. two pockets on chest, that I could "match" them). I was also astonished at the prices for these deconstructed jean jackets were going for! (see my pho...

I don't know how many times I have ruined a shirt or other clothing item as I did housework,cleaning, painting or even gardening. I know I can't be the only who thought, "let me just get this really quick", "there's no sense changing and viola! Stain! I have been wearing this tank top for several years to do the housework and my art in, because as you might've guessed it, I ruined this using a bleach-style cleaner on my kids tub one time. So the stain was just enough and right in the front to never wear this out again. Isn't it ironic, however, that the bleach that ruined this tank will become the reason to make it useable again? This craft is great to do outside if you can, but do this on a day that it is not windy, or indoors in a garage that has the outside/overhead door open for ventillation. It is also great if it is a sunny day as well. I feel like this craft is ultra sucessful as the sunshine helps hasten the process. I feel like this i...

  One Finished Upcycle necklace My motto is is "When at first you don't see, just make it!" When I was a little girl I was an up-cycler and didn't know it. Who hasn't made Barbie clothes from other Barbie clothes, or used a mug for a small plant or given a gift that was a received gift with "enhancements" added. I also love to embellish things. Today, feeling in the doldrums because it's too hot to be outside, I decided to up-cycle a couple necklaces. I love it when I make something and I'm out somewhere and someone approaches and says wow, where did you get that necklace? Most likely I have up-cycled onto it or used parts of other jewelry to make this one-of-a-kind piece. I get to say, "I made this!". That feeling is exhilarating. (I think this is how most mom entrepreneurs start.) At any rate, if I am making a piece of jewelry for someone I might sketch the idea on paper, or if I am making something for someone special I may go and bu...

I love decorating for the 4th of July. Usually, I'd have people over either the 3rd of July or on the 4th itself. This year is different, because of Covid19, the celebrations will be on the down-low. I still love to have decor with the red white and blue and the American flags everywhere as well as something on the front door to be seen from the street. But again, this year is different. I'll put up what is still useable from years past, but adding in new things without buying anything is the ultimate upcycle move, and I saw something on another blog and I thought I can make that! If I could remember who that was I'd credit that blogger. (my memory is so short these days)  Enter the twig star.   This craft is so super easy and involves only what you may have on-hand, and thank goodness for the big thunderstorm we just had because my yard is riddled with sticks and twigs. I went around and assembled a large pile of twigs. From those, I'll pick out enough to make some sta...

MaryCaliendoPhoto2019 May Day is a celebration that welcomes Spring! May Day was an old tradition that was celebrated during the 19th-20th centuries, especially for children and sweethearts. It celebrates happy times and all that's new and blooming. It was often celebrated with song and dance and involved the crowning of a May Queen. The dancing was performed around a decorated "maypole" in which ornate or colorful long ribbons or streamers were suspended. This dance centered around fertility and was often based steeped in folk or ancient traditions and clothing. Pinterest.com The dance often culminated in an intricate woven or braided decoration. The maypole was often located in a town square or park and left for all to see. Finally, a little basket filled with treats and little flowers would be left on a doorstep or on the doorknob of others anonymously, or with an attention-getting knock and "runaway" leaving the recipient with smiles. Who says w...